Everything went exactly as she had expected. After years of absence and wandering, while everyone thought her survival in World 999 was impossible, she returned alive and well. Every step she took was deliberate and precise.

Whispers spread through the hall, each word like a thorn in her mind:

“She’s terrifying…”

“How did she survive…”

“Did she come back for the throne… or is she seeking revenge on her father…”

Suddenly, a cold voice from a young man cut through the murmurs, and the hall fell into an eerie silence. All eyes turned to him, and for a moment, everything seemed frozen. He was colder than her, a presence like a mountain of ice that made everyone uneasy. But she stayed completely calm; her heart beat a little faster, but her expression didn’t reveal anything.

He walked slowly, his red eyes fixed on her without blinking. His gaze was sharp and intimidating, even frightening those around him. Yet somehow, beneath that fear, there was a strange, undeniable magnetism that made the scene almost dreamlike.

His luxurious, noble attire showed he was someone both admired and feared. Every movement exuded calm and absolute confidence, as if he controlled the entire room.

Finally, he spoke, his voice cold and icy:

“Princess, you’ve returned at just the right time… though I don’t think anyone’s eager to welcome you.”

The hall fell completely under his control; even the whispers stopped. His silence, authority, and charisma drew every gaze toward him. Those who feared her return now felt small and powerless in front of him.

For her, his harsh, calculating behavior was no surprise—she could understand why he hated her after everything she had done—but what truly unsettled her were the looks on her father’s and brother’s faces. It was as if they were seeing a ghost. Why weren’t they speaking? Why did their faces only show doubt? Did they really not recognize her, or were they holding back, waiting to ask something she hadn’t done yet?