Chapter 4
The butler stepped aside as the doors closed silently behind them.
Silence filled the suite.
Saeroyx wandered farther inside without the slightest hesitation.
“So this is where we’re staying.”
He ran a hand across the polished table before stepping onto the wide balcony.
The view stole even his words.
Far below, Tyrus stretched endlessly beneath the evening sky. Countless towers shimmered with pale silver light, their reflections dancing across crystal canals that wound through the city like rivers of glass. Floating vehicles glided silently between districts, while bridges of white stone linked buildings that seemed to float among the clouds.
“It really is beautiful…”
Behind him, Kyrth quietly set his belongings beside the entrance.
“This suite is protected by multiple security barriers.”
Saeroyx looked back.
“You noticed that before the view?”
Kyrth pulled a thin metallic tablet from the shelf.
Kyrth activated the metallic tablet.
A soft blue light spread across its surface as elegant silver letters appeared.
Royal Residence Regulations for Registered Starcrossers
Saeroyx leaned over his shoulder.
“Let’s see how many rules I’m about to break.”
Kyrth ignored him and began reading.
Rule One
Registered partners shall reside together in the suite assigned by the Royal Palace. Changing rooms or partners is strictly prohibited.
Saeroyx smiled.
“So we’re officially roommates.”
“…Unfortunately.”
Rule Two
Partners must remain within reasonable distance of one another while inside the Royal District unless official permission has been granted.
Saeroyx looked delighted.
“You can’t get rid of me.”
“I was hoping I could.”
Rule Three
Every partner is responsible for the safety of the other. Deliberately abandoning a teammate is considered a serious violation.
Saeroyx folded his arms.
“So you really do have to keep me alive.”
“I regret agreeing already.”
Rule Four
All official ceremonies, meetings, and royal summons must be attended together. A registered partnership is recognized as a single representative unit within Tyrus.
Saeroyx nodded.
“I like that one.”
“I’m not surprised.”
Rule Five
Conflicts between partners must remain private. Public disputes that disrupt the order of Tyrus are forbidden.
Saeroyx looked at Kyrth.
“So we can’t argue?”
“We can.”
“We just can’t embarrass ourselves.”
“I believe only one of us is capable of that.”
Rule Six
Partners shall not conceal information that may endanger one another during their stay in Tyrus. Mutual trust is considered an obligation, not a choice.
For the first time…
Neither of them spoke.
The words lingered between them.
Trust.
Neither possessed any reason to trust the other.
Yet the rule demanded it.
Rule Seven
During your residence within Tyrus, registered partners are regarded as a bonded pair. In all formal settings, they shall be treated as one household and afforded the privileges and responsibilities attached to that status.
Saeroyx slowly looked up.
A grin spread across his face.
“So…”
“We’re basically a married couple.”
Kyrth closed the tablet.
“No.”
“The rule literally says—”
“It does not.”
“It practically does.”
“It doesn’t.”
Saeroyx laughed.
“I think these rules were made specifically to annoy you.”
“…No.”
“They’re just doing an excellent job.”
For the first time that evening…
Kyrth found himself wondering whether eight days would be enough.
Or far too many.
A gentle knock echoed through the suite.
Three measured taps.
Kyrth walked to the door and opened it.
The butler stood outside, carrying two long rectangular cases crafted from polished white wood.
He bowed respectfully.
“His Majesty requests the presence of all Starcrossers at tonight’s welcoming banquet.”
“The banquet will begin in one hour.”
With practiced care, he stepped inside and placed the cases upon a marble table.
“As honored guests of Tyrus, you have each been provided with ceremonial attire.”
He opened the first case.
Nestled within was a pristine white robe woven from fabric so fine it shimmered beneath the light like flowing silk. Intricate silver embroidery traced elegant constellations along the sleeves and hem.
Resting over it was a long ceremonial coat.
Its high collar stood neatly against the neck, while silver fastenings ran diagonally across the chest. The coat extended nearly to the ankles, the back split to allow effortless movement, giving it both the dignity of royal attire and the practicality of a military uniform.
The second case held an identical design, though its silver embroidery formed a different pattern, ensuring each garment remained unique.
Saeroyx lifted one of the long coats.
The fabric felt surprisingly light.
“This is impressive.”
“It was tailored for your measurements the moment your partnership was registered,” the butler replied.
Saeroyx blinked.
“…That quickly?”
“The Palace Tailoring System rarely requires more than a few minutes.”
He smiled politely before continuing.
“Partners attending official functions are expected to wear their ceremonial attire.”
“They are also expected to arrive together.”
Saeroyx glanced sideways at Kyrth, a mischievous smile already forming.
“Did you hear that?”
“We have a dress code.”
Kyrth remained expressionless.
“I heard.”
“And we have to arrive together.”
“I also heard that.”
Saeroyx draped the long coat over his shoulder.
“Looks like I’ll have to wait for you.”
“You’ll wait because leaving without your partner violates palace protocol.”
Saeroyx laughed.
“I like your explanation better than mine.”
The butler gave another courteous bow.
“If you require anything further, simply ring the bell beside the entrance.”
He quietly left the suite, closing the door behind him.
Silence settled over the room once more.
Saeroyx held the ceremonial coat against himself and admired his reflection in the window.
“I think white suits me.”
Kyrth picked up his own attire with a thoughtful glance.
“…It does.”
Saeroyx turned immediately.
“Was that a compliment?”
“It was an observation.”
“I’ll accept it anyway.”
Kyrth sighed almost imperceptibly.
This banquet…
Hadn’t even begun.
And Saeroyx was already exhausting him.
One hour later…
The doors of the suite opened.
Saeroyx stepped out first.
The white ceremonial coat flowed behind him as he walked, the silver patterns along the fabric catching the light. The attire gave him a more refined appearance, yet his relaxed expression remained unchanged.
He looked down at himself.
“Not bad.”
Behind him, Kyrth stepped out.
Unlike Saeroyx, he wore the same clothing with a quiet elegance. His long coat rested perfectly over his frame, his silver embroidery forming a sharp contrast against his dark hair and calm expression.
Saeroyx glanced back.
“You look like you were born wearing that.”
Kyrth adjusted his sleeve.
“It is clothing.”
“Exactly. Most people wear clothes. You somehow look like you’re attending your own coronation.”
Kyrth ignored the comment.
“Are you finished?”
“Not yet.”
Saeroyx smiled.
“You actually look impressive.”
A brief silence followed.
“…Thank you.”
Saeroyx stopped.
For a moment, he looked surprised.
Then he smiled.
“I didn’t expect you to accept a compliment.”
“I don’t reject every statement.”
“You reject most of mine.”
“Because most of yours require correction.”
Saeroyx laughed as they began walking.
Together, they followed the palace attendants through the endless corridors of Tyrus.
The banquet hall was already filled with people.
A massive chamber of white marble and crystal, illuminated by floating lights that resembled tiny stars.
Long tables stretched across the room, covered with elegant dishes from countless worlds. Nobles of Tyrus, royal officials, and Starcrossers gathered together beneath the grand ceiling.
As Saeroyx and Kyrth entered, several eyes turned toward them.
Not because they were Starcrossers.
But because they were the pair the palace system had already marked as unusual.
Saeroyx noticed the attention.
“Are we famous already?”
“No.”
“Then why are they staring?”
“Because you’re different.”
Saeroyx smiled.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Kyrth sighed.
“You would.”
Before their conversation continued—
A deep announcement echoed through the hall.
“His Majesty, the King of Tyrus.”
The doors at the far end opened.
The King entered alongside the Queen and the Crown Prince.
Everyone stood.
The King took his place at the head of the hall.
“You may begin.”
The banquet started.
Music filled the chamber.
Conversations slowly returned.
For a while, Saeroyx simply observed.
The food.
The people.
The unfamiliar culture surrounding him.
Everything about Tyrus felt like a world separated from the rest of existence.
Then—
A presence approached.
Saeroyx looked up.
The Second Prince stood before him.
Unlike the distant and formal Crown Prince, the Second Prince carried a more approachable aura. His expression held a calm confidence, and his eyes studied Saeroyx with clear interest.
Before anyone could react, the prince stepped closer.
“Interesting.”
Saeroyx tilted his head.
“Something interesting?”
The Second Prince glanced at Kyrth for a moment, then back to Saeroyx.
“Out of all the Starcrossers who arrived in Tyrus…”
“You’re the one everyone is talking about.”
Saeroyx smiled.
“That sounds like trouble.”
The prince gave a faint smile.
“Perhaps.”
He looked around the banquet hall.
“Or perhaps…”
“You are exactly what Tyrus has been waiting for.”
The banquet hall glittered beneath the countless crystal lights hanging from the ceiling. Nobles from all twelve planets watched the gathering quietly, measuring every movement, every word.
Saeroyx stood beside the second prince, his expression calm and unreadable. His orange hair reflected the golden light of the hall, making him stand out among the crowd, yet his eyes carried the same carefree indifference as always.
The second prince leaned slightly closer, a playful smile appearing on his face.
“You know,” he whispered, “most people would be nervous standing beside a prince.”
Saeroyx glanced at him. “Should I be?”
The prince laughed softly. “Interesting. Usually people try very hard to impress me.”
“That sounds tiring,” Saeroyx replied.
The prince studied him with curiosity. Everyone else in the hall treated royalty like untouchable stars, but this person acted as if he was just another guest.
“You are either extremely confident,” the prince said, “or you have no idea who you are speaking with.”
Saeroyx looked around the banquet hall.
“Does it matter?”
The second prince’s smile widened.
“It does to everyone else.”
“Then everyone else can worry about it.”
For a moment, the prince was silent. Then he leaned closer again.
“Careful. You might make me interested.”
Saeroyx raised an eyebrow. “Interested in what?”
“In finding out who you really are.”
The prince’s tone was teasing, but his eyes were serious.
Saeroyx only smiled faintly and looked away.
“Good luck.”
The answer surprised the prince. Not because it was arrogant, but because Saeroyx genuinely seemed to believe that discovering him would be impossible.
And he was right.
No one in the hall knew his true identity.
No one knew about the paths beyond the stars.
No one knew about the Star Doors.
To them, Saeroyx was simply an unknown guest with strange confidence, standing beside a prince as if he belonged there.
The second prince watched him quietly.
For the first time in a long while, someone had entered his world without trying to gain anything from him.
And that alone made Saeroyx unforgettable.
Across the banquet hall, Kyrth stood among the other guests, his black hair falling neatly over his face as he watched the room with quiet attention.
Unlike Saeroyx, Kyrth never appeared careless.
Every movement, every conversation, every glance exchanged between nobles was recorded in his mind.
And he noticed.
The second prince was interested in Saeroyx.
A small smile appeared on Kyrth’s face.
“That was fast,” one of the companions beside him muttered.
Kyrth looked toward him. “What was?”
“The prince. He usually ignores everyone.”
Kyrth remained silent.
Because he knew something they didn’t.
Saeroyx was not someone who could be easily understood.
The more someone tried to discover him, the deeper the mystery became.
At that moment, the second prince returned with Saeroyx beside him.
“I hope you are enjoying the banquet,” the prince said.
Saeroyx looked at the endless tables of rare dishes and decorations.
“It’s impressive.”
The prince smiled. “Only impressive?”
Saeroyx thought for a moment.
“Too many people. Too many rules. Too much pretending.”
A few nearby nobles froze.
Speaking so casually about a royal banquet was almost unheard of.
But the second prince only laughed.
“You really don’t fear anything, do you?”
Saeroyx looked at him.
“Fear is useful. But wasting it on unnecessary things is not.”
The prince stared at him, fascinated.
Before he could reply, Kyrth walked over.
“Saeroyx.”
His voice was calm, but Saeroyx immediately understood the meaning behind it.
Kyrth was warning him.
Saeroyx turned slightly.
“What?”
Kyrth glanced at the second prince.
“The banquet is not the place to reveal too much.”
Saeroyx smiled.
“I haven’t revealed anything.”
Kyrth looked at him.
“Exactly.”
The second prince watched their exchange carefully.
Interesting.
The two were different from everyone else in the hall.
Saeroyx carried himself like someone who had nothing to lose.
Kyrth carried himself like someone who knew exactly what everything was worth.
“Your companion is protective of you,” the prince said.
Kyrth answered before Saeroyx could.
“He is reckless.”
Saeroyx laughed quietly.
“And he worries too much.”
For a brief moment, the three of them stood together.
A prince searching for answer.
None of the nobles understood what they were witnessing.
They only saw a strange guest who had caught the attention of the second prince.
They did not know that the person standing before them was connected to mysteries beyond their entire galaxy.
They did not know that the Star Doors had already opened a path toward their world.
