Imperial Funeral Knights

The Kingdom of Inspection stood proudly atop a high hill, its magnificent castle surrounded by thousands of imperial flags waving beneath the morning wind.

The kingdom was well known for its luxury, peculiar royal policies, and an alarming habit of turning the king's personal inconveniences into national priorities.

Inside the royal hall, King Kunggyu lounged comfortably upon his golden throne, enjoying his favorite dessert—Lemonade Choco Brownies, a national initiative dedicated to protecting His Majesty's teeth.

Humming along with the music, the king took another satisfied bite just as a royal advisor approached him with careful steps, a thin layer of nervous sweat visible on his forehead.

"Your Majesty," the advisor said quietly while bowing his head, "the nobles have arrived. They have gathered for the first national auction of Lemonade Choco Brownies."

King Kunggyu nodded with obvious approval while reaching for another piece.

"Excellent," he replied. "Lemonade Choco Brownies represent the pride of our kingdom."

Privately, however, the king's thoughts were far more practical.

Finally... my dental care has sponsors.

After offering another respectful bow, the advisor stepped away from the throne.

Soon the royal hall filled with nobles from across the kingdom, all gathering around long tables that displayed rows of luxurious glass boxes.

Each box was decorated with a magnificent peacock sculpted from emerald, its tiny eyes glittering with ruby gemstones, while inside every box rested a single Lemonade Choco Brownie.

Opening the box required a particular form of aristocratic elegance: the peacock's tail had to be rotated slowly and carefully.

As a result, the nobles attempted to open them with great dignity, doing their best to maintain perfect composure while delicately turning the emerald tails.

Then, without warning, the grand doors of the hall slowly opened.

A man whose beauty could be considered a public hazard stepped inside.

Lord Mansan.

The lively hall fell silent almost instantly.

Conversations stopped, fans slipped from the nobles' hands, some noble ladies froze in place, while others smiled foolishly, daydreamed, and nearly fainted.

Mansan was impossibly handsome, and the cold sweep of his gaze moved across the hall like winter wind cutting through the room.

One noble lady suddenly clutched her chest as if that gaze had pierced her lungs.

"W-woooosh—!"

Her body trembled dramatically.

"M-My Lord..." she gasped weakly, her voice shaking. "Even if I cannot survive your stare... breathing the same air as you is already enough..."

Lord Mansan paused briefly before offering a faint smile that remained calm and strangely indifferent.

"My apologies," he said quietly. "It appears I failed to finish you with a single glance."

The noble lady gazed at him with complete devotion.

"That is perfectly fine... my lord," she whispered. "Please strike me again with your cold gaze... so that I may rest in peace."

From his throne, King Kunggyu watched the entire scene with mild disappointment before releasing a quiet sigh.

"He is the kingdom's funeral asset," the king announced calmly.

The hall fell completely silent.

"Anyone planning to stare at Lord Mansan," he continued, "should prepare their funeral arrangements first."

Lord Mansan exhaled softly, clearly accustomed to such situations.

Then he lifted his hand and snapped his fingers.

Snap.

In the next moment, rows of soldiers appeared behind him—the Imperial Funeral Knights.

Trumpets were raised, drums were lifted, and within seconds a full funeral marching band began playing a sorrowful tune.

Meanwhile, the noble lady slowly closed her eyes in peaceful surrender.

King Kunggyu then signaled Mansan and whispered calmly, "Lord Mansan, kindly evacuate these noble ladies through the window. The auction must go on."

That day, however, Lord Mansan was not summoned merely to entertain noble ladies.

—————————

— End of Episode 1 —