Frostborne Returns: Invincible Snow Lord

Chapter 6: A King's Rest

As they stepped out of the plaza, Aaron glanced at Kael and smirked. “Well, now that you're all dressed up, where exactly are you staying?”

Kael, who had been admiring the bustling streets of the modern city, frowned slightly. “I have yet to decide on that matter.”

Aaron raised an eyebrow. “You mean you don’t have a place yet?” He chuckled. “Well, since you clearly prefer the finer things in life, there’s only one place that suits you—The Imperial Hotel.”

Kael turned his gaze toward Aaron, silently asking for an explanation.

Aaron continued, “It’s the most luxurious hotel in the city. Owned by the Lancaster family. If you want a place that matches your… unique presence, that’s the one.”

Kael gave a slight nod. “Then let us proceed.”

With that, they hailed a cab, and within minutes, they arrived at the towering Imperial Hotel. The building exuded wealth and power, its pristine glass exterior reflecting the city’s skyline. The golden insignia of the Lancaster family shone prominently at the entrance.

As they stepped out of the cab, Aaron turned to Kael with a small smile. "Well, this is where we part ways. If you ever need anything, give me a call." He pulled out a sleek black card and handed it to Kael. "My number’s on it."

Kael accepted the card, glancing at the unfamiliar digits. A number? A call? He remained silent, slipping the card into his pocket without a word. Unaware of what it truly meant, he simply made a note to ask the system later.

Stepping through the grand doors, his presence commanded attention. Guests, dressed in tailored suits and elegant gowns, turned to glance at him—his regal aura, coupled with his sharp new attire, made him stand out effortlessly.

Kael approached the reception counter, his voice steady. “I require your finest suite.”

The receptionist, a young woman with perfectly styled hair, blinked before quickly regaining her composure. “O-Of course, sir. Our most exclusive suite is the Imperial Sky Suite. It’s $80,000 per night.”

Before Kael could respond, a mocking voice interrupted.

“Hah! I’ll take that room instead.”

Turning his head, Kael saw a sharply dressed young man walking over, a woman clinging to his arm. The man exuded arrogance, his expensive watch and designer suit making his status evident.

The woman hesitated as she glanced at Kael. “Sir, would you mind taking a different room? We really need the Imperial Suite…” she said sweetly.

Kael’s gaze remained cold. “No.”

The young man sneered. “Do you even know who I am? I’m Michael Langford, heir to the Langford Group. This entire hotel practically rolls out the red carpet for me.” He smirked. “No offense, but you don’t look like someone who can afford it.”

Kael remained unfazed. “Then you are blind.”

Michael’s smirk faltered. “Tch, arrogant bastard.” He turned to the receptionist. “Tell him the room’s taken.”

Before she could respond, a calm yet authoritative voice cut in.

“That won’t be necessary.”

A woman in a sleek, tailored dress approached. Her striking features and commanding presence made her identity clear—Evelyn Lancaster,CEO of the Imperial hotel and heir to the Lancaster family fortune.

Michael’s demeanor instantly shifted. “Miss Evelyn! What a pleasure to see you. I must say, I have always admired—”

Kael interrupted him. “I want the room. Now.”

Evelyn’s gaze shifted to Kael, her brows raising slightly at his boldness. Unlike the others, she didn’t immediately dismiss him. There was something… different about him. The way he carried himself, his unwavering confidence—it wasn’t arrogance, but something far deeper.

She gave a slight nod. “Understood. Please proceed with the payment, sir.”

Michael’s face twisted in disbelief. “W-What? Evelyn, you’re actually—”

Evelyn didn’t spare him a glance. “Mr. Langford, the suite is already reserved. Please choose another.”

Grinding his teeth, Michael cursed under his breath. “Fine! Let’s go.” He stormed off, dragging his hesitant girlfriend with him.

Kael reached into his pocket, manifesting his black card with ease before handing it to the receptionist. 'The payment,' he said, recalling how the staff at the boutique had phrased it.

The woman hesitated, eyeing the sleek black card with a mix of curiosity and doubt. It was unlike anything she had ever seen—no bank name, no visible chip, just a seamless, matte finish that exuded an air of exclusivity.

“Sir… what kind of card is this?” she asked cautiously.

Kael met her gaze, his expression impassive. “Swipe it.”

There was a moment of hesitation before she nodded and did as instructed. The machine beeped softly as it processed the transaction.

[Payment Successful: $80,000]

Silence.

The air in the lobby seemed to shift. The receptionist’s breath hitched as her eyes darted to the numbers on the screen. The entire desk staff exchanged quick glances, struggling to mask their astonishment. Even Evelyn, who had seen her fair share of wealth, arched a delicate brow.

‘That card… Just who is this man?’

Yet, she maintained her composure. With a professional smile, she inclined her head slightly. “Enjoy your stay, Mr…?”

Kael took his card back smoothly, his fingers brushing against the polished surface as he slid it into his pocket. His gaze met Evelyn’s, calm yet unreadable.

"Everfrost."

Evelyn’s lips curled into a subtle smirk, intrigue flickering in her emerald eyes. “Enjoy your stay, Mr. Everfrost.”

As she spoke the name, her mind instinctively sifted through the countless influential families she knew—but Everfrost was unfamiliar. No dynasty, no conglomerate, no old money lineage matched the name.

‘Strange… With that presence and wealth, I should’ve at least heard of him before.’

Yet, instead of questioning further, she simply stored the thought away. There would be time to learn more.

Just as Evelyn’s words settled, a well-dressed staff member approached with a respectful bow. “Sir, I will escort you to your suite.”

Kael nodded, following him toward the elevator. As the golden doors slid shut, Evelyn’s gaze lingered on the mysterious man who had just stepped into her world.

—

Kael entered the Imperial Sky Suite, and for the first time, he allowed himself to take in his surroundings. The suite was grand, with towering windows that overlooked the entire city, chandeliers crafted from crystal, and furniture fit for a monarch.

He walked toward the sofa and sat down, his gaze settling as he opened the system interface.

"System, I want to claim my rewards now."

Three unconfirmed missions appeared before him.

His eyes narrowed. “Three? Weren’t there only two?”

As if anticipating his question, the system responded.

[The third was a hidden mission. You have completed it. You will be rewarded generously.]

Kael’s fingers tapped against the armrest.

“Interesting.”