On the day of the highly anticipated Soul Plate Awakening Ceremony, Evan's entourage of servants meticulously helped him dress up in regal black clothes, from his black leather boots with silver buckles to his fur-lined black hat adorned with a single sapphire. His cuffs were indeed lined with golden threads, and a matching gold brooch adorned his black satin cravat. Despite the opulent display of wealth, Evan managed to exude an air of effortless masculinity, with no more than two tastefully simple rings adorning his fingers, the dark spatial stones inlaid with a hint of silver, a subtle reminder of his powerful lineage.
He was a sight to behold; Seraphine, Lily, and Rose couldn't help but marvel at how dashing Evan looked, admiring the way the clothes accentuated his broad shoulders and strong jawline.
"Your Highness, you look absolutely stunning in those regal black clothes," Seraphine exclaimed, her eyes glistening with admiration, but Evan knew she didn't mean it. He could sense the fakeness in her voice from miles away.
"I couldn't agree more, Your Highness! The golden cuffs and the Frost Clan symbol on the back of your robe only enhance your natural charm," Lily chimed in, her cheeks turning rosy.
Despite the charming smile and flattering words from Lily, Evan could sense a hint of insincerity in her praise. Her words lacked the genuine warmth of admiration, and a discerning eye would have noticed the half-heartedness in her tone.
A single usage of his inspection skill made it clear to Evan that her compliments were merely a ploy to win his favor and gain better access to his private affairs rather than a true expression of admiration or affection.
'She is really a good actor,' Evan thought after he saw through her.
"You're going to turn heads at the ceremony today, my lord! You look so handsome I can't even look straight at you." Rose couldn't help but blush when she saw the well-dressed Evan, redness suffusing her cheeks.
Evan could tell by Rose's tone and the way she spoke that she was being genuine. He could see the admiration and respect in her eyes, and he knew that she wasn't just saying those words to flatter him.
Evan let out a hearty laugh, "Ah, well, what can I say? It's not easy being so devastatingly handsome," he said, flashing a grin. "I suppose I'll just have to endure all the attention I'll be getting today."
With his entourage by his side, Evan made his way towards the Frozen Lake Shrine, nestled at the foot of the towering mountain range.
The air was thin and crisp, and the frozen lake was a sight to behold, its crystal-clear waters frozen solid like a massive mirror reflecting the clear blue sky above. The trees surrounding the lake were covered in a thick blanket of snow and frost, their branches glistening in the sunlight.
The shrine itself was an intricate masterpiece made entirely out of ice, with mysterious carvings and runes etched into its surface. It was in the center of the lake, and it seemed to emanate an otherworldly light, casting shadows on the snowy landscape around it.
Despite the cold, there was a sense of peace and tranquility in the air, as if the frozen lake and shrine were a sacred place, imbued with ancient, powerful magic.
As they arrived at the Frozen Lake Shrine, Evan couldn't help but be in awe of the beauty surrounding him.
"The Frozen Lake Shrine is even more breathtaking than I remember," Evan said, his eyes widening in admiration. He had visited this place when he was three years old to get a baptism that strengthened his immune system.
A lot of people were gathered there.
Someone noticed Evan's arrival and exclaimed, "The crown prince is here!"
His voice rippled through the crowd like a distant rumble before a storm.
Heads turned, necks craned, and all eyes were fixed on the young prince.
Men and women alike gazed at him with unabashed admiration, their eyes tracing every inch of his figure.
Immediately, Evan became the center of attention.
"Wow, have you ever seen someone so handsome?"
"And his outfit is so stylish; I wish I could dress like that."
"I heard he defeated two of the ten youngest generation prodigies yesterday; imagine being both good-looking and powerful."
Whispers and murmurs filled the air as people exchanged excited comments about the young prince's impeccable fashion sense and striking good looks.
Some even went so far as to gasp in awe, their eyes wide with wonder at the sight of him.
Evan was receiving overwhelming attention, but he maintained a calm and collected demeanor, exuding an air of confidence and self-assuredness that only seemed to enhance his natural charm. It was as if he was born to be the center of attention, and the crowd couldn't help but be drawn to him like moths to a flame.
"He is already old enough to marry. I wonder who will be lucky enough to become his bride," a frostweaver mused, her frosty breath visible in the cold air of her surroundings.
"It's obviously going to be our ice princess Annika," Ylva interjected with unwavering confidence, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Annika's face immediately turned crimson, caught off guard by Ylva's remark. She fidgeted with the hem of her dress, feeling embarrassed and vulnerable like a maiden in distress.
pαndα`noνɐ1--сoМ Jack, who had known Annika since childhood, strongly disagreed with Ylva's assumption in his heart. He believed that Annika was too pure and indifferent to be tied down to a mortal man and tainted by the red dust of the world.
"Ylva, you are making her feel uneasy with your ridiculous claim," Jack said firmly.
"I'm not being ridiculous," Ylva retorted.
"Annika deserves better than to be tied down to a man," Jack spoke.
Annika glared at Jack, feeling offended by his comment. The one thing she wanted was to get together with High Highness Evan. Unfortunately, her wish hadn't been fulfilled because of the interference of the minor families and the clan elders, and now even a junior was daring to speak in her disfavor.
"Keep your opinion to yourself, Jack," she said coldly.
Jack was taken aback by Annika's sudden hostility and apologized profusely,
"I'm sorry, Annika. I didn't mean to offend you," he said, his voice filled with regret.
"It's good that you know." Annika nodded, satisfied with Jack's capitulation. "Never interfere in my matters again."
She left a warning behind before she turned and strode away, her head held high like a peacock and her back straight.
Jack watched her go, feeling a mixture of admiration and fear. He knew that Annika was not someone to cross lightly. After all, she had an entire household of extremely powerful cultivators backing her.
While following Annika, Ylva turned around and stuck his tongue out at Jack to add insult to injury. Who was he to decide what she should and shouldn't do?
Jack's eyes twitched in response.
"Annika, you are the most beautiful and talented woman in our clan. Trust me, you would make a perfect match for the crown prince." Ylva said while walking side by side with Annika.
Annika sighed, "The Frostweavers and their associates won't let it happen."
"Maybe after today, they will be forced to let it happen," Ylva said with a smile.
Vikhilk, who was standing in the crowd, also noticed his idol's arrival, and a thoughtful look appeared on his face.
"Now that the crown prince is here, the wait is finally going to come to an end," Vikhilk said under his breath.
After a few moments, a woman with blue eyes that sparkled like diamonds, a plump and gentle face, and red lips emerged from the shrine.
All eyes were drawn towards her.
Her lush curves were accentuated by the simple white robe that draped over her body, highlighting her alluring silhouette. It was impossible for a man not to notice the way her hips swayed as she walked with confidence and grace, but it was not just her physical appearance that commanded attention.
As the High Priestess of the Frost Clan, Lady Rosaline radiated an air of holy elegance that filled the air around her. Her presence alone seemed to bring a sense of peace and tranquility to those around her as if they were in the presence of a divine being.
As she approached, her eyes met those of the gathered crowd, and a warm smile spread across her lips, making the crowd feel dazzled.
"Welcome to the Soul Plate Awakening Ceremony, Youngsters of my Clan," Lady Rosaline declared, her voice booming with authority. "As some of you might already know, the ceremony is divided into two parts - Talent Assessment & Awakening Ritual. In the first part of the ceremony, the soul revelation ball will be used to check the number of soul pockets in your body. Your talent will be determined based on the number of your soul pockets. In the second part of the ceremony, a ritual will be held to help you awaken your soul plates."
The atmosphere was tense, and Lady Rosaline's words only added to the anticipation. She snapped her fingers, and a table with a mysterious black crystal appeared before her.
"When I say your name, come up on stage and place your hand on the soul revelation ball. Do you understand?" Lady Rosaline said, her voice stern.
"Yes, Lady Rosaline!"
Excitement and anxiety coursed through the crowd, and they nodded their heads in agreement.
"Great!" Lady Rosaline exclaimed, a dazzling smile spreading across her lips. "Let's commence the ceremony!"
