Chapter 283: Reward Ceremony

Apart from Nova, Asia, and Rieka, Celine Varkhess and Liam Everhart were the other two winners of the Empire’s Grand Youth Tournament. They were also among the junior candidates who would be entering the Secret Realm in ten days.

Soon, Nova’s carriage reached the Imperial Castle. After Fred brought it to a stop, Nova, Asia, and Rieka stepped outside and gazed at the magnificent structure before them.

The Imperial Castle was truly a sight to behold.

Constructed from pristine white stone, its enormous walls and towering structures radiated an air of grandeur and authority.

Intricate golden carvings adorned the exterior, decorating the pillars, archways, and edges of the walls with elaborate patterns.

The golden details gleamed brilliantly under the sunlight, complementing the castle’s immaculate white surface and giving the entire structure an almost divine appearance.

Towering spires rose toward the sky, while massive walls surrounded the sprawling complex. Every part of the castle seemed carefully designed to display the wealth, power, and prestige of the family that ruled the Human Continent.

Its sheer scale was enough to make even the grandest mansions in Everhart City seem insignificant by comparison.

Golden flags bearing the symbol of the Everhart family—the Golden Heart—fluttered proudly throughout the castle grounds. Their presence was impossible to miss, appearing atop towers, along the walls, and beside the grand entrances.

The Golden Heart represented more than just a family crest. It was a symbol of the Everhart family’s authority, legacy, and supremacy over the Human Continent.

This was the residence of the Human Emperor Caelan Everhart, the head of the strongest family on the entire Human Continent.

And the castle was every bit as magnificent as one would expect from such a family.

As Nova observed his surroundings, he noticed numerous Imperial Guards, stationed throughout the grounds.

Their powerful auras made it clear that they were no ordinary guards. Many were Emperors, standing at their posts with unwavering discipline.

Several guards were positioned at the entrance, where they welcomed arriving guests after verifying their identities.

Every guest was accompanied by a butler or another designated attendant, ensuring that the Imperial Castle’s security protocols were followed without exception.

"Let’s go inside, Lord Nova," Fred said, leading the way toward the entrance.

Nova followed him with Asia and Rieka at his side. A broad staircase led up to the first entrance, beyond which stood an even larger set of magnificent doors.

The entrance was wide enough to accommodate numerous guests at once, yet its imposing architecture made everyone approaching it feel as though they were entering a place far beyond ordinary reach.

Only distinguished nobles, influential figures, and powerful individuals could be seen entering and leaving the castle.

As Nova walked inside, he noticed something else that caught his attention.

Even the maids serving within the castle possessed considerable strength. Every one of them he observed was at least a Grandmaster.

It seemed the Imperial Family didn’t employ weak servants, even for ordinary household duties.

Nova couldn’t help but admire the sheer scale of the Everhart family’s resources. Maintaining such a powerful force of guards was one thing, but ensuring that even their servants possessed strength far beyond that of ordinary people was another matter entirely.

As expected of the Everhart family, the family of Caelan Everhart, the Human Emperor.

The grandeur of the Imperial Castle offered a glimpse into the immense power and influence held by the strongest family on the Human Continent.

The Imperial Guards noticed Nova and his group approaching and immediately recognized them. After all, Fred was no ordinary butler.

He was a powerful individual entrusted with escorting only distinguished guests, and the guards were well aware of the significance of his presence.

Naturally, they also recognized Nova, Asia, and Rieka as the winners of the Empire’s Grand Youth Tournament.

The guards straightened their backs and greeted them in unison.

"WE WELCOME CHAMPION NOVA VALENCREST, WINNER ASIA FROST, AND WINNER RIEKA VARGIRTH!"

Nova and the two women nodded in acknowledgment.

Receiving such a courteous welcome from Emperor Realm powerhouses was no small matter, even if they were simply carrying out their duties.

It was another reminder of just how significant winning the tournament was in this world. Regardless of one’s background, becoming a champion of the Empire’s Grand Youth Tournament was an achievement worthy of recognition.

Although Nova understood this in principle, he often forgot just how extraordinary such accomplishments were.

After all, his own existence was anything but ordinary, making it difficult for him to judge things from the perspective of normal people.

His wives had also grown accustomed to their husband’s habit of defying common sense. Having spent so much time with him, they were gradually becoming anomalies themselves.

Of course, how could the wives of the Slaughter Monarch remain ordinary?Neither Asia nor Rieka complained about the increasingly unusual circumstances surrounding them.

After all, who wouldn’t want to become stronger? And if their relationship with Nova brought them opportunities that others could only dream of, they certainly weren’t going to waste them.

Luck was a form of power, too.

Fred led them deeper into the Imperial Castle. The interior was just as magnificent as its exterior, with enormous halls, exquisitely decorated walls, and elaborate architectural details that reflected the Everhart family’s immense wealth and influence.

As they walked, Nova and his wives occasionally asked Fred questions about the castle, and he patiently explained a few things about its layout and important areas.

Soon, they arrived at the hall where the tournament winners were supposed to gather before the reward ceremony.

"Please, Lord Nova. You may all enter and wait here. You’ll be called shortly, once the reward ceremony begins in the Throne Hall," Fred explained. "I’ll inform the others of your arrival so that we can begin the ceremony."

"Hmm, all right," Nova replied.

With that, Nova, Asia, and Rieka entered the hall, while Fred turned around and hurried off to inform the relevant officials of Nova Valencrest’s arrival.

As the butler responsible for escorting him, it was his duty to ensure everything proceeded smoothly. Once inside, the trio noticed that two individuals were already present.

Both turned toward the newcomers.

They were none other than Princess Celine Varkhess and Liam Everhart. The moment Celine recognized the familiar faces, her eyes lit up with delight. Without wasting any time, she approached them to offer her greetings.

"It’s been a long time, Lord Nova, Lady Asia, and Lady Rieka," Celine greeted them with proper courtesy.

She was wearing an elegant black dress that complemented her figure and gave her a graceful, sophisticated appearance. Celine looked truly beautiful.

Although her beauty wasn’t quite on the same level as Asia’s or Rieka’s, she was by no means inferior. Had Rieka not possessed the unique charm of a Foxkin, Celine might have been able to rival her in beauty.

Her well-proportioned figure further enhanced her appearance, making her a captivating sight in her own right.

Nova, Rieka, and Asia smiled as they returned her greeting.

"It’s been a long time," Nova said before adding with a smile, "You’re as beautiful as ever." The moment those words reached Celine’s ears, her cheeks immediately turned red.

**

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