Ryo still couldn't believe his eyes. The ancient Arabian cityscape stretching beyond the airport felt like something straight out of a history book. Towering sandstone structures, bustling markets, and flowing silk banners painted an image of a time long past, yet strangely modern in its vibrance.
Shahira elegantly gestured toward another lavish-looking limousine waiting for them.
Ryo let out an awkward chuckle. "Another one, huh..."
Shahira smirked teasingly. "What are you waiting for, Ryo? I'll leave you behind."
As she stepped toward the limo, Ryo took a quick glance back at the airport. It seemed eerily isolated, with no sign of any living traveler.
"It's so quiet," he muttered.
Shahira, arms crossed, nodded. "Like I said, no one's allowed to leave the country—not until that cursed artifact is recovered."
Ryo hummed in thought but said nothing as he followed her into the limo.
As they drove through the city, Ryo continues to find himself entranced. The streets were lined with grand, ancient architecture—golden domes, towering minarets, and intricate mosaics that shimmered in the warm sunlight. The city pulsed with life, blending the old with the new in a seamless harmony.
Shahira, noticing his mesmerized expression, smirked. "Amazed by the view?"
Ryo, eyes still glued to the passing scenery, nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah..."
Then curiosity struck him. "Ma'am, how long has this kingdom been around?"
Shahira responded with a surprising piece of information. "Since the 5th century."
Ryo's jaw nearly dropped. "Huh!? That's ancient!"
He continued, "Then why has it always been hidden? Most of the world doesn't even know this place exists."
Shahira gave him a knowing look. "Didn't I already show you why back in your office with my little magic trick?"
Ryo blinked. "Oh… that public stunt."
She pointed out the window. "Look closely."
Ryo did as she said, and what he saw made his stomach flip.
People—ordinary citizens—were casually walking around carrying weapons. Swords, daggers, spears, and strange, ornate blades he'd never seen before. But that wasn't the shocking part. Some of them were glowing.
"Wait, hold up... are those people... using magic??"
Sure enough, right before his eyes, a man unsheathed his sword, and fire erupted from its blade. Another person twirled a dagger, and a whirlwind spun around them. Someone else tapped their staff on the ground, sending sparks of electricity into the air.
Ryo's face went pale. "W-WHAT THE HELL AM I LOOKING AT?!"
Shahira burst into laughter. "Your shocked faces are entertaining to watch, Detective."
She continued, "This is why we keep our country a secret. If the world knew we could wield magic, it would turn into chaos. That's why only a handful of the world's wealthiest people know about us. And even they had to sign strict agreements to keep quiet. If they break them… well..."
She trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air.
Ryo gulped. "Punished, huh... Should I be signing something like that too?"
Shahira leaned in with an eerie smirk. "Should I make your punishment… harsher?"
Ryo immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Oh please, have mercy on me, ma'am!"
Shahira pouted. "Stop calling me 'ma'am' all the time. It makes me feel old. How about we keep things casual? Call me by my name."
Ryo shrugged and boldly said, "I'll just call you 'Sha' then."
Shahira blinked in surprise. "Sha?"
"Yeah," Ryo replied casually. "Your full name's kinda…unique, and, no offense, but Arabian names are a mouthful."
For a moment, there was silence. Then—
"PFFFT—HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Shahira smacked him on the back, laughing so hard she almost teared up. "Oh, Ryo, you're amazing! No one has been this casual with me in years!"
As she wiped away her laughter, she added with a soft smile, "But… 'Sha' does have a nice ring to it…"
The mood shifted slightly, almost feeling… personal.
To shake it off, Ryo quickly asked, "So, uh, where exactly are we going?"
Shahira's playful smirk returned. "To the Sultan's grand palace."
Ryo's brow furrowed. "Sultan? Grand palace?"
Then, without hesitation, Shahira revealed the bombshell.
"The Sultan is the King of this kingdom. He rules over Al-Munira, and he resides in that palace."
She then leaned in slightly, her golden eyes glinting.
"And I... am his second child. Princess Shahira Al-Munir."
The weight of her words hit Ryo like a ton of bricks.
His brain short-circuited.
"*...Wait."
"W-WAIT."
Sweat poured down his forehead.
Then, in sheer panic, he immediately bowed down inside the limo. "I AM SO SORRY, PRINCESS SHAHIRA AL-MUNIR!! PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR THE CRINGY NICKNAME!!"
Shahira's face fell into a deadpan expression. "Hey."*
She crossed her arms. "Why is it that NOW you can pronounce my full name perfectly, but before, you acted like it was too hard?!"
Ryo, still bowing, peeked up nervously. "Uhh… w-well, you never told me you were a PRINCESS before!!"
Shahira let out a dramatic sigh and plopped back against her seat. "Jeez, what a reaction…"
Then, with a small smirk, she added softly, "But… still, I like it when you call me 'Sha.' It feels like a breath of fresh air."
Ryo groaned, running a hand down his face. "Man… what a reveal. First, I'm in this Arabian Nights-style fantasy kingdom… and now my client is the freaking princess of this place. And her dad is the king?!"
He exhaled heavily. "Give me a break…"
Shahira giggled. "Hahahaha! You're so funny, Mr. Detective."
While Shahira went on with her endless teasing, Ryo slumped back in his seat, utterly drained.
After what felt like an eternity of playful torment, their limousine finally rolled to a smooth stop.
The moment the doors opened, Shahira stepped out gracefully, stretching her arms as she took in the sight of home.
Ryo, however, dragged himself out like a man who had just survived a battlefield. His hair was slightly ruffled, his shoulders slumped, and his face was the very picture of exhaustion.
"Sha…" he groaned, barely mustering the energy to look at her. "You really went too far with your teasing…"
Shahira simply giggled, looking more satisfied than ever. "Oh, Ryo, you're just so fun to mess with!"
Before Ryo could grumble in protest, two professional-looking attendants approached with perfect posture and stern expressions. Without a word, they swiftly took his bags from his hands.
"Wha—?!" Ryo jolted in surprise. "Hey! At least give me a warning before snatching my stuff—"
"Your belongings will be taken to your reserved quarters," one of the attendants stated firmly.
And just like that, they turned and walked off, carrying his things with the utmost efficiency.
Ryo blinked. "Man, this place has top-tier customer service…"
But before he could process anything further, Shahira clapped her hands. "Alright, Ryo! First things first, let's meet my father in the throne hall."
Ryo crossed his arms, tilting his head with exaggerated sarcasm. "Oh yeah, sure, because that sounds like a super fun, low-stress experience…"
Shahira smirked, ignoring his dramatics as she led him through the palace entrance.
From the very first step inside, Ryo knew he was way out of his element.
The sheer luxury of the palace was overwhelming. Towering columns stretched high into the ceiling, where massive crystal chandeliers bathed the hall in a golden glow. The walls were decorated with intricate patterns of gold and lapis lazuli, telling the history of Al-Munira's royal lineage. Softly woven carpets covered the polished marble floors, their designs so detailed they looked more like paintings than rugs.
And then there were the people.
Royal guards stood at attention, dressed in regal uniforms that blended tradition with modern refinement. Maids and attendants moved gracefully, their expressions professional yet subtly curious as they glanced at the unfamiliar outsider walking beside the princess.
Ryo could feel their stares.
He leaned toward Shahira and whispered, "I swear, if one more person looks at me like I don't belong here, I'm gonna start posing like a statue to fit in."
Shahira stifled a laugh but kept walking.
Finally, they arrived at two massive gilded doors, engraved with Arabic calligraphy and celestial motifs. As they swung open, Ryo felt a shift in the atmosphere—like stepping into the center of power itself.
The throne hall was grand. No, beyond grand.
At the very end of the chamber, seated upon a magnificent golden throne, was him.
The Sultan.
And his royal guards standing on each side of a ridiculously wide central carpet.
The king who commanded respect without needing to raise his voice. His presence alone was enough. Draped in regal crimson and gold, he sat with the effortless authority of a ruler who had seen both prosperity and war. His neatly groomed beard framed a face that was both wise and unwavering. Though his expression was calm, his dark eyes carried a sharpness that could cut through deception with a single glance.
As Shahira and Ryo stepped forward, his gaze landed on them.
"I am glad you have returned home, my daughter, it has been 4 long months." His voice was deep, steady—like a king who spoke only when necessary.
Then his eyes shifted to Ryo.
"And this… is the man who will aid us in recovering the lost artifact?"
Shahira stepped forward with confidence, bowing slightly. "Yes, father. This is him."
She then nudged Ryo. "Go on, step forward!"
Ryo, feeling the intense pressure of standing before a king, gulped and took a step forward.
He did a formal bow. "It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."
The Sultan slowly rose from his throne.
"I am Malik Al-Munir, Sultan of Al-Munira." His gaze remained locked onto Ryo. "And you are?"
Ryo straightened himself, still slightly sweating. "My name is Ryo Kuroda. I am a private detective from Japan, and I have come to assist your daughter in recovering the lost Celestial Compass."
The King studied him for a long moment. Then, his brows furrowed slightly.
"Hmmm…"
The weight of that single hmm nearly made Ryo break into a cold sweat.
The Sultan then turned to his daughter. "Shahira, are you certain about this man?"
Shahira raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, father?"
"I was expecting someone…" the King gestured vaguely toward Ryo, "of higher status. Someone with a stronger reputation. This gentleman looks rather… plain."
Ryo nearly choked. "P-Plain?!"
Shahira sighed, clearly unimpressed. "Father!"
Crossing her arms, she continued, "No one else was willing to help us. Ryo is the only one who stepped forward. He's a detective, and he is more than capable."
The Sultan let out a deep sigh, though he said nothing more.
Ryo, still feeling like an unqualified extra in some royal drama, muttered, "Urgh… ummm…"
Just then, a presence from the side caught his attention.
A woman stepped forward, moving with quiet confidence.
She was around Shahira's height, but there was something distinctly captivating about her.
Her chestnut brown hair cascaded in soft waves, her warm, sun-kissed skin glowing under the hall's light. Her deep, almond-shaped eyes carried an unreadable gaze—one that studied Ryo with interest. Her lips curled into a subtle, knowing smile as she approached. She wore flowing robes in rich, earthy tones, embroidered with intricate floral patterns. A delicate silver pendant rested at her collarbone, adding a hint of mystique.
She stopped just in front of him, arms crossed, eyes scanning him up and down.
Ryo blinked. "Uhh… Lady…?" He shifted uncomfortably. "Is there something on me?"
The woman smirked. "You're an interesting-looking guy. I was just curious."
Then, with an amused chuckle, she added, "Apologies if it seemed like I was checking you out… like you were a hot girl."
Ryo's brain malfunctioned.
"Checking me out... like I'm a hot girl…?" His expression twisted in pure confusion.
Meanwhile, Shahira's face lit up. "Amina!" She rushed forward and hugged the woman tightly. "It's been so long! How have you been?"
Amina grinned playfully. "Oh, I've missed you sooo much, Shahira! 4 months of waiting felt like forever!"
Ryo, still processing what just happened, pointed between them. "So, you two are close with each other?"
Shahira beamed. "Yes! We've known each other since we were little!"
Amina turned to Ryo, smirking. "Apologies for my late introduction. My name is Amina Al-Samar. I am one of King Malik's royal attendants."
Ryo sighed. "Great. First a princess, now her childhood friend is a royal attendant. What's next, a talking camel?"
Just as the tension in the throne hall began to settle, the massive doors swung open with a thunderous BANG!
A voice, dripping with self-importance, rang through the chamber.
"Hahahaha! Prince Jamil has finally returned!"
Striding into the room like he owned the very ground he walked on was none other than Prince Jamil Al-Munir.
His dark, wavy hair framed his sharp, handsome features, and his deep, expressive eyes gleamed with mischief. Draped in luxurious velvet robes of royal gold, his outfit shimmered under the hall's light, decorated with intricate patterns that screamed extravagance. A jeweled belt wrapped around his waist, and on his feet were the finest pointed shoes, soft as silk.
Jamil looked every bit the prince.
And yet, Ryo, standing there, staring at the prince, looking unimpressed, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"Cool… The all-high-and-mighty prince is here…"
The Sultan, already looking exasperated, let out a deep sigh. "Son, I assume you've been off on another one of your desert trips with your friends?"
Jamil grinned, waving a dismissive hand. "Oh, come now, father! What's the harm? I was just enjoying myself. Actually…" His face lit up with excitement. "Wouldn't it be great to add a game room to the palace? That way, I can bring my friends over instead of always going out!"
Shahira's patience snapped. Stepping forward, she crossed her arms and glared at him. "Big brother Jamil Al-Munir! That is completely inappropriate! Show some respect to father… and our guest!"
Jamil flinched slightly. "Oh no, you used my full name… that means you're not gonna play nice, huh?"
Then something clicked in his head.
His grin vanished, and his brows furrowed. "Wait… did you just say 'guest'?"
His gaze flickered across the room until it landed on Ryo.
And then, like a predator spotting a weak prey, a wicked grin stretched across his face.
Jamil casually walked up to Ryo, towering over him with an air of superiority. His eyes scanned him like he was inspecting an unworthy servant.
Then—he burst into laughter.
"Sis! Are you serious? This dull-looking punk is the guy who's supposed to help us find the compass?"
His laughter rang through the hall as he leaned in, his face just inches from Ryo's. His voice dropped to a condescending whisper.
"Hey, foreigner…" Jamil sneered. "Do yourself a favor—pack your bags and leave. You don't belong here."
He chuckled cruelly before stepping back. "Finding the lost compass? Please."
He then scoffed, eyes gleaming with mockery. "Listen, fool—I don't sense a single ounce of magic in you. Not even a flicker. What makes you think you can handle anything in this kingdom?Your little detective games?Useless!"
His words dripped with arrogance, each syllable designed to wound.
The air grew heavy.
The King remained silent—his expression unreadable, though a hint of agreement flickered in his eyes.
Shahira, on the other hand, clenched her fists. "Such mockery….. take that back!"
Jamil simply smirked. "Oh, sister, you sure have bad taste in picking your helpers."
Amina, usually playful, stood frozen. As a mere attendant, she didn't have the authority to challenge the prince.
Ryo, however…
He slowly lifted his head, his lips curling into an eerie smile.
And then, he spoke.
"So, Prince…" Ryo's voice turned silky smooth, almost playful. "Had fun with the ladies lately?"
Jamil's grin vanished. His entire body went rigid.
"W-What?!" His voice cracked. "What are you talking about, you foolish foreigner?!"
Silence.
The air in the throne hall grew thick with anticipation.
Ryo's expression darkened, and the aura around him changed.
He wasn't just some random outsider anymore.
He was a detective.
A professional.
And now? He was about to tear Jamil apart.
Ryo took a slow step forward. "Let's see…"
His eyes flickered over Jamil like a hunter analyzing its prey.
"Your clothes—" he gestured toward Jamil's typically pristine velvet robes, "a little untidy. Not what I'd expect from someone who just returned from the desert. But more importantly…"
His gaze sharpened.
Ryo then pulls up Jamil's sleeves "That mark on your arm, hidden just under your sleeve? A lipstick stain. Light pink. Probably from someone who wears expensive cosmetics. I'd say a noblewoman."
Jamil flinched. "T-That's just—"
"And here's something really interesting—" Ryo's eyes flickered to Jamil's neck. "A faint hickey, barely hidden by your collar. Didn't do a good job covering that one up, did you?"
Jamil took a step back, his face losing color. "Y-You—"
"Oh, but we're not done!" Ryo inhaled dramatically, stepping closer. "The scent on you…" He took another exaggerated sniff and smirked. "A strong, floral perfume. Definitely not the scent of the desert, but rather… the scent of a woman."
The room was dead silent.
Ryo whistled, shaking his head. "Man… you must've had one hell of a night. But I gotta say, you should've at least tried to wash off the evidence before swaggering in here."
Jamil stood frozen. His face shifted from pale white to deep crimson.
The King's jaw had dropped.
Amina covered her mouth, stunned.
Shahira stared at Ryo, her eyes wide with admiration.
The king's royal guards?...….completely speechless.
Jamil's hands curled into fists, his entire body trembling. Then, in a final act of desperation, he spun on his heel and bolted toward the doors.
"S-Shut up, you foreigner! You'll pay for this!"
And with that, he fled, his furious screams echoing through the palace.
Shahira and Amina smirked, exchanging glances.
"Wow, Mr. Detective." Shahira grinned, folding her arms. "You really didn't hold back. I'm impressed."
Amina nodded, laughing softly. "Yeah… you definitely picked the right guy, Shahira."
Ryo let out a huge sigh of relief. "Oh, stop it. I didn't even do much…"
The King, still recovering from shock, cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"Ryo Kuroda…" His voice was lower now—respectful. "I apologize for underestimating you. Your skills are… remarkable. I will entrust the investigation of the Celestial Compass to you."
Ryo bowed slightly. "It will be an honor, Your Majesty."
But just as the atmosphere began to relax—
Something shifted in the room.
From somewhere in the throne hall…
Something was watching.
Staring.
A presence thick with hatred—a darkness that coiled like a serpent in the shadows.
It fixated on Ryo, its unseen eyes filled with bloodlust.
Then, in a voice that slithered through the air—distorted, neither male nor female, neither human nor beast—
It whispered with venomous intent:
"Ryo Kuroda…"
"YOU MUST DIE."