A Clueless Genius Wolf (BL)

The next morning arrived in a soft hush of dawnlight, though the kingdom was anything but quiet. Today was the departure day of the next great chapter for my Kingdom. It is not a distraction or excuse for me to take a vacation.

I rose early, long before the sun had crested the far-off hills. Kyle was already up too, practically vibrating with excitement as we dressed in our travel attire. My attire was royal—but practical: a deep navy-blue coat embroidered with silver runes that tain me, blue vest, white button-up shirt, and navy blue dress-up pants with a black belt. My clothes were lined with protective wards, and a silver circlet rested in my hair and on my forehead. I left my crown at home and wore the silver circlet as a replacement.

A royal carriage awaited at the castle's main gates. As the doors opened and I stepped out onto the grand steps, a cheer erupted.

The courtyard and surrounding avenues were packed with citizens. Streamers fluttered. Music played from a royal band ensemble. Children waved Dusklight flags, and flower petals rained from the balconies. It was a grand farewell ceremony—one last celebration before the unknown journey ahead.

Banners reading "Glory to Dusklight – Fortune to the Horizon" danced in the morning breeze. My white wof ears twitch in delight on top of my head.

I waved from the carriage as it made its slow, regal procession toward the central station. It took some time to pass through the adoring crowd. Kyle was practically glued to the window, awestruck. My guards flanked the vehicle—Zackarey, Arin, Seraphine, and others—keeping pace on foot in full uniform and armor.

Eventually, we arrived at the Royal Dusklight Bullet Train Station.

We boarded quickly, escorted through a side entrance. I was guided to the royal cabin—lavishly outfitted with velvet seats, rune-inscribed tables, and a panoramic glass dome ceiling that displayed the sky shifting from pastel to gold. Kyle sat beside me, fidgeting with nervous energy. My guards took their positions silently.

With a smooth hiss, the bullet train launched forward. In mere minutes, we arrived at our destination: Seaside Port Town.

The transition from regal city to small port town was dramatic. Where Dusklight thrived on stone roads and glowing spires, Seaside Town was humble and grounded. Wooden docks stretched out into the sea. Rice paddies lined the inland slopes. Fishermen hauled nets and barrels. But even here, the people had turned out for the occasion.

The smell of salt and seaweed was thick in the air.

And there, rising like a myth from the waves, was The Royal Horizon.

The massive cruise ship—now reborn as a flagship for just this expedition—towered above the docks, her white-and-gold exterior gleaming in the sunlight. Flanking her sides were the two navy vessels, Duskwind and Ironwake, both bristling with cannons and reinforced hulls inscribed with glowing rune work.

The docks were a frenzy of motion.

Navy and army personnel moved in organized formations, loading final supplies and securing last-minute cargo. Magic Division officers checked bags, spellbooks, potions, and artifacts. Civilians who had paid passage on the Royal Horizon queued for inspection—each one going through magical security checks and bag screenings from stationed guards.

I was met by the three captains at the port gates:

Captain Halren, a human man and a grizzled veteran of the sea who now commanded the Royal Horizon's day-to-day operations.

Commander Vyla Stormbrook, a German shepherd beast kin, is head of the Duskwind and an expert in sea monsters and tactical naval maneuvers.

Commander Ren Garth, a snow leopard beast kin, leader of Ironwake—a stoic, scarred war hero and ice magic specialist.

They saluted me as I approached.

"Your Majesty," Halren said with a bow. "The ships are ready. Awaiting only your order."

"Very good," I replied. "Let's make history," I said with a smile.

From there, I was led up the gangplank onto the Royal Horizon. My guards and a few trusted staff followed closely. We ascended the carpeted halls and soon reached my private quarters—spacious, luxurious, and enchanted for comfort and protection. Kyle, of course, settled into the room beside mine.

After stowing our things and checking the wards one final time, I made my way to the top deck.

A massive crowd had gathered along the coastal ridge overlooking the port. Hundreds—if not thousands—of citizens had made the trip from the city to see us off.

Standing at the railing, wind in my hair, I raised my hand and waved.

The cheers echoed like thunder across the waves.

An hour passed. Then came the long, resonant sound of the departure horn—deep, proud, and powerful. The engines beneath our feet rumbled to life, enhanced by rune-forged turbines and magic-stabilizers. The electric generators that were reinforced with runes kept the lighting and power on for the whole cruise ship.

Then the lines were cast off.

Flags unfurled.

And slowly, majestically, our fleet pushed away from the dock—into the shimmering waters of the Sunset Sea.

I stood there, unmoving, watching as the coast of Dusklight grew smaller behind us.

The journey had begun.

Soldiers rotated into their positions. Mages prepared for weather shifts. Guards stood watch. The cruise decks opened, blending luxury with discipline. Magic, steel, and humanity moved together.

All around me, the hum of purpose filled the air.

We weren't just sailing into uncharted territory—we were sailing into the unknown.