My Xianxia Harem Life

The old man nodded approvingly, though there was a flicker of concern in his eyes.

”You have the right spirit, Princess. Just be wary. Elsa may seem like a lady, but beneath that facade, she’s still Kaido through and through. Don’t let her sweetness fool you. The Kaido have always been willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want, even if it means betrayal.”

Anya’s gaze hardened as she turned her focus back to Elsa’s group, who were now riding in a tighter formation, their faces impassive.

Despite the unease bubbling within her, Anya couldn’t afford to let it show. This was a time for diplomacy, for making connections—even with the Kaido, even with Elsa.

”Thank you, Uncle. I’ll keep your words in mind,” she said, her voice steady.

”But I can’t afford to let fear or suspicion control my actions. I’ll stay vigilant, but I will not let this journey be marred by old enmities.”

The old man gave her a long, appraising look before his lips curled into a small, approving smile.

”That’s the way, Princess. But remember, when it comes to people like Elsa, it’s not always the obvious dangers that are the most deadly.”

Anya nodded, her determination unwavering. The road ahead would be filled with challenges—old enemies, shifting alliances, and new risks.

But with Saint Riley’s blessing, and her own resolve, Anya was ready to face whatever came her way.

The group of nearly a hundred people continued their slow but steady journey, their footsteps echoing in unison as they made their way through the winding roads.

After a week of travel, they finally arrived at a vast mansion, standing proudly on the horizon. It was no ordinary structure but a grand and imposing estate, and it was none other than Saint Riley’s current refuge.

The mansion was nestled at the heart of a bustling area, where business seemed to thrive at every corner.

Merchants peddled their goods, workers hurried about their tasks, and travelers moved through the streets, some pausing to take in the sights and others rushing to fulfill their own agendas.

The roads were crowded, filled with life and energy. This was only natural, for Riley, the very figurehead of the empire, resided here, and his presence drew countless people to this place.

As they arrived, it was clear that this was not just any normal town or estate. This was a place of power, a sanctuary where no one dared to stir trouble.

It was perhaps the safest place in the entire empire—such was Riley’s influence.

The mere thought of disturbing the peace here was absurd, for anyone who dared would face the wrath of not just Riley, but his loyal followers who would defend this haven without question.

After an hour of waiting, the time had come for Princess Anya and Princess Elsa’s group to be granted an audience with the man they had all come to see.

The grand hall was silent as the doors slowly creaked open. The moment Saint Riley entered, all eyes in the room were drawn to him.

His entrance was like the arrival of a storm—a quiet storm, but one whose presence filled the entire room. His aura was nothing short of majestic.

It emanated from him like an invisible force, filling every corner of the hall with an undeniable weight. His every step was deliberate, his movements graceful yet full of authority.

It wasn’t just his appearance, though—it was the very atmosphere that seemed to bend around him, an air of power that commanded respect without a word spoken.

Anya’s heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of him. She had heard tales of his strength, his wisdom, his unshakable presence, but seeing it in person was a different experience entirely.

She quickly composed herself, bowing respectfully as she stepped forward.

”Princess Anya greets you, Saint Riley,” she said, her voice steady but carrying a trace of reverence.

Her posture was perfect, her head slightly bowed as a sign of respect, yet her eyes remained filled with quiet admiration.

The moment she spoke, the room fell into a brief silence, as if all the gathered guests were collectively holding their breath in awe of the man who stood before them.

Anya, despite her royal upbringing and training, could not help but feel the weight of his presence pressing down on her, reminding her of the vast distance between them.

Beside her, Princess Elsa, who had been watching Riley with a gaze that seemed unblinking and calculating, took a step forward as well. Her stance was poised, but there was a certain calculated sharpness in her movements.

Her eyes never wavered from Riley as she spoke, her tone measured, smooth, and formal, but there was an underlying ambition in her words that could not be ignored.

”Princess Elsa of the Kaido Empire requests a private audience with you, Saint Riley,” Elsa said, her voice smooth as silk, but carrying a hint of something more—something that suggested she was here not merely to pay respects, but to make a claim, to seek something deeper.

The contrast between the two princesses could not have been more apparent.

Princess Anya stood with grace and humility, her respect for Saint Riley obvious in her every word and movement.

She sought nothing more than to fulfill her duty and meet the man who held the future of the empire in his hands. Her tone was warm, but tempered by reverence.

Princess Elsa, however, stood tall and unyielding, her posture straight as a rod. Her gaze was unwavering, eyes locked on Riley with an intensity that spoke of ambition and desire.

Where Anya’s presence was calm and respectful, Elsa’s was sharp and commanding.

While Anya’s bow had been a gesture of respect, Elsa’s was more of an assertion—she wasn’t merely here to honor Riley; she was here to take her place beside him, to seek something more than just an audience.

The difference between the two princesses was as stark as night and day. Where Anya’s approach was humble and sincere, Elsa’s carried an air of calculated strategy, as if she already knew exactly what she wanted from this meeting and was determined to get it.

The dynamics between the two women couldn’t have been more telling, and the tension between them was palpable, though neither spoke it aloud.

The room seemed to hold its breath as Riley regarded them both, his gaze shifting from one princess to the other.

The air in the hall was thick with anticipation, as if even the walls themselves were eager to see how the powerful man before them would respond.