"Father if anyone should be in shame, shouldn’t it be you?" my voice came out soft, yet polite, and the entire hall went into deep silence. They were shaken, stunned by my brave words.

Thyrian’s eyes remained cold, but when they landed on me, he blushed softly.

"She’s a little too bold," Thyrian said, but he gently patted my head, he was actually coaxing me to say more. And then the king struck his trident on the ground. Everywhere shook, and the students all stared at the floor, knowing he was beyond angry.

"Sorry to come along unannounced. I knew it was such a hurry, but I managed to bring this gift!" I went straight to the point, and the King frowned.

"You might be a noble on land, but here, my father the king rules," Thyrian’s younger brother said in a cocky and cold voice that laced through the air, and just like that the commoners accepted the words. I felt my lips twitch, but I flashed a smile at him.

"What’s your name, prince?" I said softly, and the hall went silent. I was being too calm. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"What should I tell you that?" he snapped, and my eyes darkened. "Seth, I’m also royalty. I came from the Duke’s palace," I said, and everyone gasped. They had thought I had a simple background, and they could walk all over me and Thyrian but....

Their gaze shifted into warmth....they almost seemed proud and stared at Thyrian with great respect, but his brother...

"Wow, How do you know my name, sister-in-law? Have you been interested in my business?" He sounded polite, but he was clearly hinting that I fancied him, trying to belittle Thyrian and I chuckled.

"I wanted to find out the second behind Thyrian," I said, and watched as his eyes widened at the word second. Even his gaze darkened, full of anger and hatred. I wiped my lips clean.

"Father, as I was saying, the gifts I prepared at such a late time..I hope you appreciat—"

"Oh, so you are the rumored mad tyrant. I heard you actually once bullied Thyrian. What right do you have to show up here, acting all powerful and mighty?" he slammed his fist into his chair. My lips twitched, but then Thyrian beat me to it.

"Show respect, Seth. She’s your sister-in-law," he paused and gently placed me beside him. "Don’t slander her," he said protectively. I felt my eyes spark at his words, but then Seth gritted his teeth in anger.

"You actually protect a woman who—"

"Enough!" the king struck his staff, and Seth went silent. He stared at his father and dared not voice another word.

I gently loosened the rope around Thyrian’s waist and placed the gifts on the floor. "I hope you like them," I said and opened them up. The gems and crystals shimmered... the king’s eyes widened, even the queen’s.

"Is that really a—"

The queen moved from her seat and swam forward, taking one gemstone and placing it near her head. It shimmered brightly, making me close my eyes slightly, but everyone couldn’t help but stare, amazed.

"It’s truly a gemstone that heals the sick," she said. Everyone gasped, staring at me.

"She actually is capable!"

"Wow, I can’t believe it. Thyrian, he was usually soft, how did he find such a strong female?" they murmured.

The queen moved toward me, ignoring the whispers, and looked at me.

"Welcome home," she said to Thyrian, then turned to me. I flashed a smile at her and she smiled back, but from her face, she was clearly surprised, almost expecting disappointment from Thyrian. Seeing that made my eyes darken slightly.

"I and my lady would head back now," Thyrian said and swam away with me. I stared behind, watching Seth’s angry eyes locked onto mine.

"Why did you let him come home?" he snapped at his parents, and the king laughed bitterly.

"To your room," he said, and Seth gritted his teeth in anger. But the queen gazed at them occasionally, looking away like she had seen this same scene replay a thousand times in her head.

As we left, I placed my hand on Thyrian’s shoulder and he paused.

"What’s wrong?" he asked, and I moved closer.

"Are you okay? Seeing your parents and not being welcomed... it must feel—"

"I’m fine, Raven," he paused and inhaled sharply. "Seeing them, I no longer feel like a weakling or a burden. I finally showed my face and let them know I’ve changed," he said, staring into my eyes. Those words made something in my heart beat happily.

[Congratulations: Hidden First Quest has been accomplished.]

Staring at it, I froze.

Huh? What mission? I thought, and the hologram lit up again.

You achieved a hidden mission. It was meant to be presented later, but you cleared it early. Not only did you visit his home, you made others respect him, and Thyrian’s affection level increased.

Affection level: 40%]

Seeing this, I couldn’t help but smile.

"Let me show you to your room." he said.

******************

The room was made of transparent glass structures spread beautifully across the ocean, glowing faintly with magical light. As I stepped inside, my breath ceased

"Wow..." I whispered, my eyes widening as I looked around. The room looked like a floating palace carved into the sea itself. Soft glowing corals lined the walls, and flowing water lanterns drifted gently above like stars trapped underwater. The floor shimmered like liquid crystal, and every movement sent ripples of light across the room.

I slowly walked forward, pressing my hand against the glass wall. Outside, schools of glowing fish passed by like drifting constellations. It felt unreal... like I had stepped inside a dream.

"System..." I whispered softly. "What is my reward for completing the quest?"

[Reward processing...]

The hologram flickered gently above me.

[Host has been granted: Ocean Blessing Token + Emotional Bond Enhancement + Temporary Underwater Adaptation Upgrade.]

My eyes widened instantly.

"Huh...? So I can actually stay here longer now?" I asked softly, staring at the glowing room around me, my heart beating strangely warm.

It felt like the ocean itself was welcoming me.