Lucy couldn't hide her astonishment when she finally beheld the Summer Palace. The estate stretched before her like something lifted from a dream—an immense, elegant structure shaped by Verdenshav's coastal architecture yet infused with the refinement of distant lands. It carried an almost otherworldly glow, as though it had been built at the meeting point of different worlds and traditions. Sunlight caught its pale stone and golden accents in a way that made the entire palace seem alive. Even the air felt different here.

Lucy sat forward slightly as the carriage rolled closer, unable to tear her gaze away. This was nothing like the enclosed, controlled life she knew. This was a realm she had only ever imagined through stories—where travelers crossed seas, where cultures blended, where the world felt vast and open.

At last, the carriage came to a stop before the grand entrance. Servants and attendants lined the pathway as the doors opened, and Lucy stepped down beside her father. Waiting for them was the prime minister, Lahar.

"Ah, Sultan Jude," he said smoothly, bowing with practiced grace. "I thank you immensely for accepting my invitation."

"And I thank you for inviting us," Jude replied formally.

The grand castle doors swung open, and Gray descended the stairs to greet the monarchy of Lazan City. His gaze fell upon the princess first, and he couldn't help but admire her stunning beauty. She wore an exotic jade-green djellaba, her hair elegantly wrapped in silken scarves and adorned with exquisite jewelry. Her posture exuded respect and pride, a testament to her upbringing in the traditions of royalty and nobility.

"Allow me to present His Royal Highness, Prince Gray of the Verdenshav Kingdom," Lahar announced.

Gray bowed deeply before the sultan and his daughter.

"Welcome to my humble home," he said politely.

"Prince Gray, it is an honor to finally meet you," Jude replied. "Allow me to present my daughter—Princess Lucy."

Lucy stepped forward slightly and gave a graceful nod.

"A pleasure to meet you, Prince Gray," she said.

"Likewise," he answered.

"He is quite handsome," Lucy thought. "And there's a hint of humility about him—rare for someone of his status, I must say."

From behind the palace doors, Juvia watched with a mix of fear and excitement. She was anxious to see her rival for the prince's affection, yet eager to finally lay eyes on her, especially after hearing the servants' praise. They described the princess as beautiful, talented, and intelligent—perfect for Gray. That was precisely what filled Juvia with dread.

Eventually, her curiosity overcame her apprehension, and she stepped cautiously from behind the doors, descending the steps to catch a glimpse of the princess. To her shock, she realized that the princess was none other than Lucy. So startled was she that she lost her balance and tumbled down the stairs.

"Oh good lord!" Gray was at her side instantly, catching her before she could fully fall. His hands steadied her shoulders as he checked her quickly, concern flashing in his eyes. "Are you alright? Are you hurt? Anything broken?"

Juvia shook her head rapidly, cheeks burning crimson as she nodded.

"You must be careful, my dear," Lahar said from above with mild disapproval. "These old steps can be quite hazardous."

Gray kept a steadying hand on her as she regained her footing.

"Who is this?" the sultan asked, observing her.

"She's another guest staying at the palace," Gray explained calmly. "A survivor of a shipwreck. She has no home and no one to care for her. Until further notice, she is as welcome here as you and your daughter are."

Lucy watched quietly as Juvia straightened herself. Because Juvia's hair was dry and neatly groomed rather than tangled and dripping, and because she was dressed elegantly with legs instead of a tail, Lucy did not recognize her. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something familiar about the girl before her.

"What's her name?" Lucy asked.

"We don't know," Gray replied. "She can't tell us. She's unable to speak. We believe she may have lost her voice in the wreck."

"How awful," Lucy said softly, turning her gaze back to Juvia. "It must have been traumatic."

Juvia lowered her eyes immediately, staring at the floor as if it were the safest place in the world. She couldn't meet Lucy's gaze. If Lucy looked too closely she may recognized her and expose her as something that wasn't a real human being. Then
Gray would never love her.

"Well, I'm sure you're all exhausted from your journey," Lahar said, stepping forward smoothly. "We'll escort you to your rooms. Your luggage will be taken care of by the staff. We've also arranged a dinner and a concert in your honor this evening."

"How considerate," Jude replied. "We are pleased."

With formal courtesies exchanged, Lahar and Gray led the way into the palace. Lucy walked beside her father, but her attention kept drifting—again and again—to the silent girl at Gray's side. Convinced that she recognized her from somewhere, though she struggled to piece it together in her mind. Juvia sensed Lucy's gaze upon her and glanced back nervously.

"Why do you stare at that girl so strangely?" Jude asked Lucy as they walked.

"Oh!" Lucy startled slightly, quickly turning her attention away from Juvia. "Forgive me. I didn't mean to stare. My eyes were just wandering. I meant no offense."

Juvia gave a small, polite nod, brushing it off as best she could.

"Think nothing of it," Gray said with a light chuckle. "I wouldn't blame anyone for looking at her twice. She is very lovely, isn't she?"

Juvia immediately blushed at his words, her gaze dropping again.

"Yes, she certainly is," Zash added, looking at her with lust in his eyes.

Something in the advisor's tone and stare unsettled Juvia. Gray noticed instantly. Without hesitation, he stepped slightly in front of Juvia, placing a protective arm in a subtle barrier between her and Zash.

"Zash, right?" Gray said coolly. "I believe your quarters are down that hall. Very comfortable accommodations, I'm sure."

Zash's smile didn't falter. "Why, thank you, my liege."

He bowed first to the sultan, then to Lucy.

"Until tonight," he added smoothly, "my glorious sultan and most radiant princess."

Lucy shot a glare at the advisor as he left, and once he was gone, she was escorted to her own suite while her father was taken to his. They spent the next few hours resting from their journey while the servants unpacked their luggage. Later, they were led into the banquet hall for dinner, where Lucy and Gray were seated next to each other—an effort by Jude and Lahar to encourage them to get to know one another. Unfortunately, the conversation turned out to be quite awkward.

"So... um..." Gray hesitated, then tried again. "What do you like to do in your spare time, Lucy?"

"Well, I've always had a passion for art," she said. "Painting is my favorite pastime. The way colors come alive on a canvas... it's incredible. Do you paint?"

"Not exactly," Gray admitted. "I don't really have an eye for art."

Lucy smiled faintly. "Then what do you do for leisure?"

"I prefer sailing," he said. "Or going down to the beach. You could say my passion is the ocean."

"I can see why," Lucy replied softly. "It's beautiful. Before this trip, I'd never seen it before. You're lucky—you get to travel so often. Do you ever dream about exploring the world?"

Gray gave a small shrug. "I am a seafarer. I do explore the world."

"Really?" she asked, intrigued.

"Yeah," he said after a moment. "But to be honest, the best part isn't the destinations. It's just being out there. Sailing over open water. A warm place to rest when the journey's done." He paused briefly, then added more quietly, "And maybe... someone to share it with."

"So you actually want to get married?"

"Yeah. You wouldn't think it, but... I've gotten a little lonely over the years."

"Oh, I can understand that perfectly well," Lucy said with a small, knowing chuckle.

"But if you want to marry, why have you turned down so many brides? I was told you rejected at least twenty women before me."

"That's because I don't want to just marry anyone," Gray said honestly. "I want to marry for love—like my parents did. Not a title, not a pretty face. A friend I can truly open up to. Don't you feel the same?"

"Yes," she admitted. "I do, but I'm in no hurry to be wed. There are still so many things I want to do. I want to follow the wind, discover what's beyond every horizon, sleep under the open sky. I've spent my whole life behind palace walls. I've never really seen anything."

"That sounds frustrating," Gray said quietly.

"It is," she replied.

Juvia couldn't eat a single bite during dinner; her focus was entirely on Gray and Lucy as they conversed. Though she couldn't hear their words, she thought they looked like a beautiful couple. Lucy seemed to be a much better match for him than Juvia could ever hope to be.

"Oh, why did it have to be Lucy?" Juvia thought, her heart heavy with despair. "She's the epitome of perfection—a princess in every sense. Any man would fall in love with her at first glance. Gray will likely propose by the end of the week, if not sooner."

After dinner, elegantly dressed female servants stepped forward in silk garments and began to sing for the assembled guests. Their voices filled the hall—smooth, practiced, and polished by years of training. Gray clapped politely along with the others, smiling in appreciation. For all his lack of musical talent, he had always possessed a good ear for it. However this filled Juvia with great sorrow, for she knew how much more beautifully she could sing in the past. Never before had she regretted giving up her voice so deeply.

"What's wrong?" Gray asked, noticing the sorrow etched on her face. But one glance into her eyes revealed everything he needed to know. "Oh... Well who needs words or singing anyway? A smile says just as much."

Indeed, it did. In that moment, as Juvia smiled, Gray could see the joy radiating from her heart in response to his words.

"You want to know something funny?" he added after a moment.

Juvia nodded.

"I'm the prince of a kingdom that lives for music and I can't sing."

At that, the sultan let out a hearty laugh from across the table.

"Oh, I don't believe that!" he said. "I've heard countless stories about your parents—both said to have such fine voices. Surely you must have inherited their talent."

Gray shifted uncomfortably. "I assure you, I didn't."

"Oh, don't be modest," the sultan insisted. "Come now—why not entertain us? Just a short song."

Gray's face went pale.

"With all due respect," he said carefully, "I'd rather not."

"But I've longed to hear your mother's voice," the sultan continued. "Tragically, her passing denied me that honor. Surely you, her son, must carry that same gift. Please—grant us the pleasure."

"Father, I don't think—" Lucy began.

"Hush, Lucy," Jude murmured under his breath. "I'm trying to make a good impression on your future husband."

Gray continued to protest, but Jude would not relent, and one by one, the guests joined in—encouraging, insisting, pressuring—until the request no longer felt like a request at all. Most of them were outsiders to Verdenshav, unaware of Gray's condition. To them, he was simply a prince of a music-loving kingdom. Surely he must sing beautifully. In the end, Gray had no choice but to comply.

Reluctantly, he pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. The hall quieted as he walked to the center of the room. The orchestra began to play a simple accompaniment. Gray stood still for a long moment. His hands tightened slightly at his sides. Then, with visible hesitation, he opened his mouth, and the sound that came from him was not music.

It was a harsh, cracked, strained noise that tore through the air like something breaking rather than being sung. It startled the entire hall so completely that even the orchestra cut off mid-note. Silence crashed down instantly. For a brief moment, no one moved. No one spoke.

Then laughter erupted. Jude laughed. Zash laughed. The visiting servants laughed. The singers laughed. Even the orchestra, recovering from their shock, joined in.

"Please stop!" Lahar said sharply, stepping forward. "That is enough—please do not laugh at him!"

Ur raised her voice beside him. "Please! Stop this!"

But their words were swallowed by the noise. Poor Gray hung his head in shame and backed into the nearest corner, feeling the sting of humiliation. He just wanted to run off and hide, pretend that he didn't exist.

Juvia couldn't bear to see him in pain. A surge of determination washed over her, and she felt desperate to deflect the mockery aimed at him. Leaping from her seat, she rushed to the center of the room and began to dance, hoping to shift the focus away from Gray.

As mentioned earlier, Juvia had no experience with dancing. She had never taken lessons and barely understood what it entailed. So, she simply jumped and kicked, flailing her arms and legs in a chaotic display. Lost in the moment, she moved without thinking, only to trip and fall in the center of the floor. In an instant, the laughter that had been directed at Gray turned to her. While she had anticipated some laughter as part of her plan, she hadn't expected the name-calling and insults that followed.

"What a stupid girl!" one guest laughed.

"Disgraceful!" another added.

"Just look at those knobbly knees!"

"And that sickly pale skin!"

"What gutter did the prince fish her out of?"

"The question, my dear," someone sneered, "is why didn't he throw her back?"

Each word landed like a blow. For a moment, it felt like Juvia wasn't in the palace at all. It felt like the ocean again—voices circling her, laughter twisting through the water like blades. The same kind of mockery. The same kind of cruelty. She had hoped that the surface world would be different.

Her hands slowly rose, trembling, covering her face as she sank inward. Silent tears slipped through her fingers. She couldn't look up. Couldn't bear to see Gray's face in that moment, not if he was laughing too. But he wasn't.

"Alright. That's enough!" Gray's voice cut through the hall like a struck blade. You can laugh at me all you want, but I draw the line at insulting my guests. None of you will ever speak about her like that again. Is that clear?"

No one answered immediately but they understood and room went quiet. He turned away from them immediately and walked straight to Juvia. She was still on the floor, shaking slightly, trying to hide herself.

"Hey..." he said more softly now, kneeling beside her. "Are you alright?"

Juvia nodded quickly, though her hands didn't move from her face.

"Good," he said gently. "Come on. Let's get some air."

Taking her hands in his, he led her out onto the balcony, where Juvia would experience one of the most thrilling moments of her life.