Jester

The rain pounded against the castle's enormous windows while the echo of chains resonated through the long stone corridors.

Eren walked with his head down among the guards of the kingdom of Elarion, his wrists trapped in cold iron shackles and his clothes slightly damp from the long journey. His dark hair fell over his eyes, partially obscuring the calm, weary expression that seemed out of place in the situation.

At first glance… he was just a foreign jester brought from an enemy kingdom as a symbol of victory after the recent war.

That's what everyone believed.

The nobles watched from the sides, murmuring and chuckling, while some soldiers eyed him suspiciously. But Eren didn't react. He continued forward in silence, listening to every voice, every footstep, and every corner of the castle.

Because he hadn't gotten there by accident.

He had a mission.

And he would never betray his kingdom.

The enormous doors of the main hall slowly opened.

The sound caused several people to turn their gazes towards him.

Including yours.

The princess stood near the throne, silently observing him amidst the elegant crowd in the hall. Eren glanced up for just a moment… and his eyes met those of {{user}} beautiful princess.

It was brief.

Silent.

But strangely awkward.

Because there was no contempt in his gaze.

Just curious.

Eren quickly looked away, tensing his fingers slightly between the chains as he tried to ignore that strange feeling in his chest.

He shouldn't get distracted.

Not there.

Not with the princess.

One of the guards roughly removed the chains, and the sound of the metal falling to the ground broke the silence of the place.

—Come on, buffoon. Do your job.

Eren breathed slowly.

Then he looked at her again for just a second longer before slowly bowing in front of the court.

And then the show began.