REBORN IN A WORLD OF MAGIC AND TALENT, I AWAKENED THE HB SS

Grand Entrance

"Hahaha!"

My laughter erupted without warning, echoing through the corridor like a beast breaking free from its chains. My blood boiled violently, and a crimson aura slowly seeped from my body, crawling across the air like living fire. My eyes narrowed into slits, carrying the gaze of an untamed monster that had finally decided to stop pretending.

Both minotaurs immediately dropped to one knee. Their massive bodies trembled uncontrollably as sweat dripped from their powerful jaws onto the polished obsidian floor. Despite their immense strength, neither dared to meet my gaze.

"Chloe."

I called her name sharply.

"Yes, Your Highness."

She lowered her head respectfully.

"Tell the announcer that the Royal Prince, Richard Alucard, has arrived."

My eyes remained fixed on the two trembling minotaurs.

"And if I'm not properly introduced..." My smile widened slightly. "I'm going to have his head mounted on a spike."

The order left my mouth without hesitation. After all, I was far beyond the level of a mere Realm King. Even if that king happened to be my father.

"No... You cannot do that, my prince."

The minotaur on my left spoke with surprising courage. His eyes held genuine concern and pity.

It irritated me.

"Silence!"

My voice exploded through the hallway. The pathway shook slightly as dust rained from the ceiling above.

"I'm doing as I please from now on, friends."

The coldness in my tone made both warriors lower their heads even further. Slowly, they rose back to their feet and bowed once more.

"Your Highness has grown."

The blue-eyed minotaur spoke quietly, his gaze never leaving the floor.

The massive doors ahead began to open. Their ancient hinges groaned like a dying dragon. Chloe returned to my side as I marched forward without slowing down.

"The Royal Prince, Richard Alucard, has arrived!"

The announcer's voice thundered across the chamber. Silence followed. Every eye in the hall turned toward me. Some faces displayed shock. Others remained expressionless. A few carried unmistakable killing intent.

Regardless, I continued walking as though none of them existed. Rows upon rows of nobles occupied the grand hall. Powerful auras saturated the atmosphere. 

Archdukes. Prime Ministers. Warlords. Commanders of the Realm Army. Clan Representatives. Royal Messengers. The strongest and most influential individuals in the kingdom were gathered beneath one roof.

At the very end of the chamber stood an enormous throne forged from the bones of ancient black dragons. Upon it sat King Alucard Bonefire. 

Even in his humanoid form, he appeared colossal. Charred black scales covered portions of his neck and arms, while his golden eyes resembled twin burning stars. Richard's father. My father. Even while seated, his presence dominated the entire hall. Powerful. Very powerful. At least S-Rank. Possibly far beyond that.

Seated beside him were three equally imposing women. To his right sat Sarabi, the First Queen. Her pale eyes radiated cold authority, while her slender scaled frame concealed terrifying strength. Beside her sat Brienna, the King's second wife. Her dark skin possessed a beauty of its own, and her muscular frame commanded immediate respect. To the King's left sat my mother. As always, she was impossible to ignore.

I deliberately slowed my pace. My head remained high. My smile remained wide. The soft music that once filled the hall had long since stopped. I felt every stare. Every emotion attached to them. Hatred. Anger. Joy. Confusion. Shock. Murderous intent. They pierced into my very soul. And just like I had done countless times in my previous life, I devoured every bit of it.

Chloe followed closely behind me, her head lowered throughout the walk. The closer I got to the throne, the more murderous Sarabi's glare became. If eyes alone could kill, I would have become a corpse years ago. And if hatred possessed the power to reduce someone to dust, then Brienna and her daughter Olivia would have erased me from existence the day I was born.

My mother, however, watched me with visible shock. Confusion. Disbelief. And beneath it all... Happiness.

"Father, forgive me for my lateness."

I stopped several feet before the throne and bowed slightly, pressing my right hand against my chest.

He stayed silent, not even a common stare, yet his presence was incredible — anyone below the higher nobility would certainly die, if they got close to him.

Then loud steps suddenly marched forward.....

Clap. Clap. Clap.

"The half-breed has finally made his grand entrance."

A familiar voice echoed through the hall. Lily. She approached from my left. Her dark gown was decorated with countless golden gemstones that sparkled beneath the chamber's light.

"You're looking more energetic today, Lily."

I observed with a pleasant smile.

"Don't address me, Richard."

Her crimson eyes narrowed. "You're as much of an eyesore as ever."

Her long black hair flowed behind her, nearly reaching the curve of her waist. I continued smiling. Once upon a time, those words would've hurt. Now? They meant absolutely nothing.

"Thank you, dear sister."

I offered a slight nod before turning toward my seat.

"Your Grace. Great nobles of the realm."

Lily's voice echoed across the chamber. "The half-breed possessed the audacity to arrive late to this gathering." She slowly paced across the floor. "He knew the King and Queens had already arrived, yet he still chose to make his entrance whenever he pleased."

I paused only inches from my seat. Nobody spoke. Not even Father. Lily continued walking, her diamond heels clicking sharply against the obsidian tiles. Each step felt increasingly annoying.

"He has violated one of our sacred laws." Her voice grew louder. "And in doing so, he has further defiled the purity of the Dragon Bloodline." She turned sharply and pointed directly at me. "His only repentance now..." A cruel smile appeared on her face. "...is death."

Crack. 

The reinforced armrest of my mother's stone chair shattered beneath her grip. Though her expression remained calm, I could feel the murderous intent raging beneath the surface. She was barely holding herself back.

"Look at the fool." 

"He's too shocked to even sit down." 

"Finally." 

"The impure blood will be cleansed from our kingdom." 

"Something about him feels different."

"She's right."

"Death, is the only way out."

Whispers spread throughout the hall. The room remained quiet. But it wasn't truly silent. Ignoring every single one of them, I turned from my seat facing the throne, and walked toward my right to a servant carrying royal red wine. I picked up a glass and emptied it in one gulp. 

The hall watched. I picked up a second glass. Then a third. Then a fourth. Every drop disappeared down my throat.

The atmosphere immediately became hotter. Their blood was boiling. I could practically feel it. The nobles could only watch from the sidelines. This had surpassed their authority. This was a royal family conflict. Only the highest powers present could interfere now.

"Half-breed!"

Lily finally snapped. "You should be begging for mercy!" Her fists clenched tightly. "Instead, you're standing there drinking the royal wine when the King himself hasn't even taken a sip of water!"

Veins bulged across her forehead. I chuckled softly. Then I glanced toward Father. He hadn't moved. Not even slightly. His eyes appeared distant. Detached. It almost felt as though he wasn't truly present despite sitting directly before us.

Without saying a word, I grabbed another glass and drained it. Mostly because the wine was exceptionally good. And because it had been a very long time since I had tasted anything remotely this enjoyable. Occasionally, I shared a glance with Mother. Judging by her expression, she wanted a drink as well. Unfortunately, her position didn't allow such luxuries.

Meanwhile, Lily's mana continued leaking into the surroundings. If I kept this up much longer... She was going to explode.

And that would make for a fine royal gathering finale.

"Enough with the attitude, Richard."

A familiar voice sounded without warning from behind.