Finn nodded, allowing himself to be led into the bathroom. Warm water had already been prepared in a large bath, its surface decorated with rose petals. The air was filled with the soothing scent of lavender and roses, prompting a small smile to form on his lips.
He stepped into the bath and sank into the warmth.
One servant joined him, gently scrubbing his body. Another carefully washed his hair, her fingers massaging his scalp, while a third fed him grapes.
"Hmmm… I guess being a King Consort isn't so bad after all," Finn thought inwardly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I suffered all my life on Earth… and now I'm here. I should enjoy this, right?"
Then his expression softened slightly.
"What about Orion, though?" he wondered silently, thinking of his best friend.
"What looked like a zombie virus back on Earth… isn't the same here. The rotten humans might look like zombies, but the system calls them monsters…"
"Is Orion in this world too… just like me? Did he also survive the same way I did?" Finn wondered, heaving a heavy sigh.
"It's time to help you get dressed, my lord," one of the female servants said, pulling Finn out of his whirlpool of thoughts.
He nodded in response, rising from the bath before moving into his room, where the maids immediately began dressing him.
They carefully caressed his body with fragrant oil while another gently styled his hair. Soon, he was dressed in a silk shirt along with a silk skirt instead of trousers but that didn't bother Finn in the slightest. This is a new world, after all, and he didn't expect their lifestyle to be anything like Earth's.
His hair was adorned with golden accessories, and a delicate golden crown was placed upon his head. Matching ornaments were worn around his neck and wrists, and when he finally stepped into his shoes, he noticed the embroidery made of gold thread.
"We're done, my lord. It's time to meet the King Mother," one of the servants said with a warm smile.
Since I already know everything the King Mother wants to tell me… what's the point of going there again? Finn thought inwardly, letting out a quiet sigh. But I can't disobey her, right? I don't want to die not when I've already decided to accept this world.
With that, Finn followed the servants out of his room.
The moment he stepped outside, he couldn't help but cover his mouth in surprise, his gaze darting in every direction. Everything… was made of gold.
He continued walking with them through countless hallways and corridors until they finally arrived in front of a massive door. The maids pushed it open, allowing Finn to step inside before shutting it firmly behind him.
"Huh? You're not coming with me?" Finn muttered under his breath as he turned and tried to open the door but it wouldn't budge.
Fuck. I hope this King Mother isn't one of those villains.
"You're finally here."
The voice came from behind him, causing Finn to turn toward its source.
Only then did he truly take in the room....it practically screamed luxury. His eyes soon settled on a young, beautiful woman dressed in silk, golden jewelry adorning her hair, neck, and wrists. Her red hair cascaded down her shoulders, and a pair of horns rested atop her head.
She doesn't look old… just like I imagined, Finn thought.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Finn said with a slight bow as he stepped closer. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Have a seat," the King Mother replied with a warm smile.
Finn obeyed, taking a seat as he let out a soft breath.
"You were brought back safely to the palace with the king. I hope you're feeling better now?" she asked, leaning slightly closer as her eyes examined his features....his eyes, his lips, his nose.
"I am, Your Highness. Being rescued and brought to the palace… I'm truly grateful," Finn replied, maintaining a polite smile.
Oh, perfect, she thought.
She turned her gaze to one of the servants standing nearby. "What about his body?"
"He's perfect, Your Highness," the maid replied with a pleased smile. "Well-proportioned, firm physique, broad chest, and a beautiful face. I believe he will be able to captivate His Majesty."
The King Mother nodded in satisfaction before turning back to Finn.
She doesn't look like a villain, Finn thought inwardly. But then again… no one has 'villain' written on their forehead. And this is a palace.....a place where one can die just by speaking, eating, or even existing too boldly.
This isn't like those ancient Chinese palace dramas I've read… but I still need to be smart if I want to survive here.
"And what type of beast are you?" the King Mother asked, curiosity lacing her tone.
"Beast?" Finn blinked in confusion. "I'm not a beast, Your Highness. I'm just a normal human."
"Oh i see." she mused.
"I don't think we need to wait for the royal marriage," the King Mother suddenly said as she rose to her feet, excitement evident in her voice. "We can handle that later after completing the main task."
"Huh?" Finn frowned slightly. "What main task, Your Highness?"
Instead of answering him directly, she turned to the servants standing nearby with their heads bowed.
"Take him to the king's chamber and let them spend the night together," she commanded calmly. "The king refuses to see anyone, but that ends today. He will continue being intimate with those who have potential until we succeed."
Her words sent a wave of shock and cold dread down Finn's spine.
She's not talking about me… right?
Before he could react, a sack was suddenly thrown over his head from behind.
"Wait!"
But it was too late.
He was lifted off the ground effortlessly and thrown over someone's shoulder.
"Make sure you serve the king properly. Everything had been set for you. You only need to satisfy him." The king mother voiced out as Finn was being carried out.