Restart:Untalented Man



The carriage carrying Audrey and her assistant departed from The Golden Crown Inn, gliding smoothly through the streets of the city.

As it made its way towards the palace, the carriage crossed the Thyrate River. Its sparkling waters reflect the sun's golden rays.

The number of buildings gradually decreased along the way. The scenery transformed from a bustling atmosphere to the tranquil beauty of nature.

Approaching the grand entrance of the palace, the carriage came to a halt. The gates loomed ahead, guarded by stern-faced men dressed in resplendent uniforms.

One of the guards signalled for the carriage to stop and approached the door with an authoritative demeanour. He rapped on the door, the sound echoing through the carriage.

Audrey's assistant opens the window.

The guard, with a sharp gaze, commanded with an authoritative tone, "State your identity, purposes and present your credentials."

Maintaining her composure, Audrey's assistant replied confidently, "We have been invited to the palace by Prince Baldwin. Here is our invitation." She extended the letter towards the guard, ensuring he could read the royal seal.

The guard took the letter and examined it closely, his gaze shifting from the assistant to the seal. After a brief pause, he nodded and handed the letter back.

"Very well," he said with a hint of formality. "You may proceed."

With a sense of relief, Audrey's assistant nodded gratefully. The carriage rumbled forward, passing through the gate of the palace.

They traversed the path towards the front door and the scenery transformed into a grand display of opulence and magnificence. Immaculately manicured gardens with vibrant blooms lined the pathway, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air.

The carriage came to a halt in front of the grand entrance. Audrey and her assistant stepped out of the carriage, their eyes drawn to the imposing facade of the palace.

In front of the entrance, Harford Harper, the butler, stood waiting. His distinguished appearance and aura of authority were evident as he greeted them with a courteous bow.

"Guest from Ryntum, welcome to the Blueriver Palace," Harford Harper said, his voice carrying a hint of formality. "The prince is looking forward to meeting with you."

With a graceful gesture, Harford Harper led Audrey and her assistant through the grand entrance of the palace.

The interior of the Blueriver Palace mirrored the elegance and splendour of the exterior. Intricate marble floors, adorned with exquisite patterns, glistened under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. Elaborate tapestries depicting scenes of history and myth graced the walls, their rich colours adding a touch of vibrancy to the surroundings.

Harford Harper guided them to a beautifully decorated waiting room, furnished with plush velvet sofas and polished wooden tables.

The room exuded a sense of comfort and refinement, with large windows offering panoramic views of the palace gardens. Soft music played in the background, adding a touch of serenity to the ambience.

"Please make yourselves comfortable," Harford Harper said with a courteous bow. "I will call you when the prince is ready."

Audrey shook her head, offering a polite smile. "Thank you. We will wait here."

Harford nodded respectfully and exited the room, leaving Audrey and her assistant in the elegant room. The door closed behind him, enveloping them in a sense of privacy and anticipation.

After a short while, the door was knocked and a maid entered the room, gracefully carrying a tray with a selection of drinks and refreshments.

She placed it on a nearby table and greeted them with a warm smile.

"Good morning, guests from Ryntum. My name is Dorothy, and I'll be serving you today," she said, her voice gentle and welcoming. "Please feel free to indulge in the offerings provided."

Audrey's curiosity was piqued as she heard the name Dorothy. It was the same name that had been mentioned to her just before her departure.

She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is there anyone else named Dorothy here?"

Dorothy paused for a moment, contemplating the question. "As far as I know, I'm the only one named Dorothy among the staff," she replied with a warm smile.

Dorothy's warm smile remained, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes as she met Audrey's gaze. The two of them locked gaze with each other for some time.

It was as if they were engaged in a silent conversation, each understanding the unspoken words passing between them.

Audrey's suspicions grew stronger, fueling her belief that Dorothy was not who she seemed to be but a spy planted by her own king to monitor the people in this palace. 

"I see," Audrey nodded and leaned back in her seat.

She doesn't press the topic any further and turned her attention to the tray of drinks and refreshments that Dorothy had brought.

The array of options was enticing, with delicate pastries, fresh fruits, and an assortment of beverages.

They observed as Dorothy expertly poured a sparkling, golden-hued beverage into crystal glasses. The effervescent liquid danced within the glasses, releasing tantalizing aromas of citrus and herbs.

"This is a signature blend of sparkling elderflower and mint," Dorothy explained, her eyes gleaming with pride. "It's a refreshing choice, often enjoyed by esteemed guests."

Audrey and her assistant accepted the glasses, their hands embracing the coolness of the crystal. They raised the glasses to their lips, savouring the crisp and invigorating flavours that tingled their taste buds.

The drink offered a delightful balance of sweetness and herbal freshness, rejuvenating their senses.

"This is good," Audrey remarked, her voice laced with genuine appreciation.

Dorothy's eyes sparkled with delight as she heard Audrey's compliment. She nodded gracefully, her smile growing wider. "I'm glad that you like it. It helps calm your nerves and prepares you for the important meeting that lay ahead."

"You're right. The meeting would be very important to both nations. Thousands of lives are at stake," Audrey stated, intentionally sharing the purpose of the meeting with a maid. "Though Ryntum is currently on the winning side."

"Is that so?" Dorothy maintained her smile, her demeanour unfazed. "Honestly, I don't concern myself with the intricacies of politics or the outcome of battles."

She continued, "Many of Barlia's top officers were captured by us too."

Dorothy's smile remained unchanged as if she wasn't interested.