A Clueless Genius Wolf (BL)

Later on the day, the second longboat arrived just past noon. It seems like the Lady of Bear Island is willing to meet us. The weather around our location held steady—brisk winds, mild clouds, and calm waters, as if the very sea were holding its breath. The ramp extended once more, the glowing blue runes shifting to a softer hue, signifying peace and hospitality.

Lady Maege Mormont stepped off the boat with the gait of someone who had marched through blizzards and battlefields without flinching. She was flanked by two warriors in fur-lined leather and chainmail, axes at their backs, eyes alert. Her broad shoulders and square jaw exuded the power of a warrior-matron. But her sharp green eyes? Those held curiosity.

I descended the ramp with Kyle at my side and Zackary Clawsmith behind me. Our formal delegation waited at the bottom, with ceremonial armor polished and banners fluttering—Dusklight sigils catching the wind, glowing slightly with enchantments.

"Lady Mormont," I greeted with a nod and a soft smile, offering no bow but plenty of respect. "Welcome aboard the Royal Horizon. I am King Damon Wolfstein."

Her eyes scanned me head to toe.

"You're... younger than I expected."

"I get that a lot."

She let out a dry chuckle. "And this... ship? Fortress? Palace?"

"Home away from home," I said. "Allow me to give you a tour."

And a big tour I gave.

We began with the public decks. The cafés and restaurants are filled with civilians—some reading books, others sipping tea or chatting with friends. Beast-kin families mingled with humans, the gentle clinking of plates and the low hum of background music creating a cozy, surreal atmosphere.

"You've brought your citizens on this expedition?" she asked.

"Yes, but not all," I answered. "We're here to learn and connect, not just conquer or scout. Everyone aboard volunteered." In volunteered, I mean, paid for their tickets for this cruise.

She raised an eyebrow as we passed the indoor pool, where children splashed and laughed, under the watchful eyes of lifeguards. The training halls showed soldiers and royal knights practicing martial forms in clean formations. In the gym, Beast-kin and humans alike trained their bodies, some practicing with rune-based weights that can be adjusted to how heavy they are.

"This is… more like a floating city than a ship," she muttered.

We passed shops, medical wings, even a botanical garden dome—where artificial sunlight nurtured foreign plants and fresh vegetables.

Finally, we reached the command room, a sweeping space of crystal panels and floating magical displays. Charts of the Sunset Sea, magical readouts, communication mirrors, and arcane pulse detectors pulsed gently across the room.

Lady Mormont's voice was low. "You command all this?"

I nodded. "With help. I never pretend to do it alone." I don't know how to sail a ship or navigate open waters out at sea.

We ended the tour in the huge mess hall, where polished tables were already set for a private meal. Lady Mormont's warriors lingered near the walls but stayed silent, watching everything.

I gestured toward the long table lined with covered trays and chests. Kyle stepped forward, lifting the lids.

"These are our gifts to you and your people," I said. "Medicinal salves, herbs, anti-infection medicine, and trauma-aid tonics. All proven in Dusklight Magic Healers, Doctors, and My Kingdom's Board of Medicine."

Next, we revealed neatly packaged goods—dried fruits, smoked meats, and enchanted flour that resisted spoilage. Sweet jams, crystal-glazed roots, and spice blends harvested from the Wildward Vale. Also, some new alcohol they had never seen before.

Lady Mormont eyed the offerings with growing curiosity. "And you just give this away?"

"We're not buying favor," I said calmly. "We're showing trust." 

The feast was hearty. No loud music, no fanfare—just warm food, good drink, and a table shared in tense but civil quiet. Lady Mormont said little, but her eyes never stopped moving—studying every bite, every laugh between crewmen, every soft touch between human and beast-kin couples.

After the plates were cleared, I led her and her guards to the command meeting room, a long, polished table with magical maps floating above it. A fire crackled in the corner hearth.

She finally broke the silence.

"You've shown me your strength, your wealth, your people. But I still don't know what you are."

I folded my hands on the table. "I am a mage as well as a king, sixth-tier in defensive and support magic, trained since youth. My people call me King Damon, but I am also just a boy. One who dreamed of a better world."

"You're not from this world."

"Not this part of it, no. The Kingdom of Dusklight lies far beyond the Sunset Sea. Hidden, thriving. We came not to conquer, but to see what lies beyond our shores. To learn, share, trade… and perhaps help where we can."

Lady Mormont narrowed her eyes. "And what if we decide we don't want your help?"

"Then we'll sail away."

She looked at me for a long moment. Then finally—finally—she nodded once.

"You may dock your ships at our outer port. You'll remain aboard your vessels while you're there. My people will monitor your activity."

"Acceptable," I said.

She crossed her arms. "I've sent word to Lord Eddard Stark. He, his son, and guards are already en route. You'll have your audience, King Damon. But if anything goes awry—"

"It won't," I said firmly.

Another pause. Then a satisfied grunt.

"Then welcome, strangers of the Sunset Sea… to Bear Island."