The Sealed Hero:Rise Of The Harem King

Support me on P @t r e o n it helps alot.

P @t r e o n.com/Darking099

For 30+ Advance Chapters

---

Nanohana, the port city of Alabasta, was alive with heat, color, and noise. Sand danced on the wind while the scent of spice, roasted meats, and sun-warmed stone filled the streets. Rael and Kaya moved through the busy town, cloaked in light desert garb. Kaya wore a flowing white wrap with a golden sash, her face shaded beneath a wide hat. Rael's long coat had been exchanged for a dark linen robe, his hair tied back loosely, though he still drew stares.

They passed spice vendors and tapestry sellers, musicians strumming desert tunes while street kids darted between stalls. Rael's golden eyes scanned the surroundings with calm precision, always noting who was watching, who was pretending not to watch.

"This place is beautiful," Kaya said, pausing to look at a merchant's jeweled daggers. "I didn't expect so much color in a desert city."

Rael gave a faint nod. "It's alive. Loud."

She smiled and tucked her arm into his. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

He said nothing, but his faint smirk betrayed a flicker of amusement.

They wandered for a while, exploring the heart of the market. A group of dancers in bright scarves spun in a plaza. Water spilled from a central fountain where travelers filled their canteens. Children laughed, chasing each other between carts.

"This city hides its tension well," Rael muttered as they passed a few marines in disguise.

Kaya glanced back. "They're keeping tabs on us?"

"They're trying to look casual," he said. "They're failing."

She sighed. "Can't we have one day without being followed?"

Rael didn't answer.

As the heat of midday faded into the warmth of evening, the two of them found a quiet inn tucked between two sandstone buildings. Its faded sign read The Whispering Oasis, and a soft glow of lantern light flickered from inside.

They stepped through the heavy curtain.

The inn's interior was cool and dim, the scent of old wood, hookah smoke, and grilled meat wrapping around them like a blanket. A few travelers sat at low tables. Laughter and clinking glasses echoed faintly from the far side.

Rael found them a seat in the corner, choosing one with a good view of the door. Kaya stretched and dropped her scarf.

"I could live in this moment," she said, sinking into a pillow seat. "This is nice."

"Enjoy it while it lasts."

Their food arrived: lamb skewers, spiced rice, and a sweet, chilled drink Kaya couldn't stop sipping.

Rael tore into the food with silent efficiency while Kaya spoke animatedly about some desert ruins she wanted to explore. She pulled out a book of notes she'd taken and laid it across the table, showing him maps and sketches.

Rael leaned over, brow raised. "You made this?"

"I'm not just a pretty face," she said with a wink.

He smirked and returned to eating.

As the inn filled with a soft hum of conversation and music, the curtain to the entrance shifted.

A woman stepped in.

Tall. Elegant. A black cloak flowed behind her, revealing hints of dark blue fabric and long raven-black hair. Her walk was deliberate, composed.

Rael noticed her the moment she entered. So did Kaya.

The woman moved through the room without effort, stopping just beside their table. Her eyes met Rael's directly—deep blue, unreadable.

"You stand out," she said calmly, her voice smooth, edged with something more dangerous. "Not many would take a corner seat in a place like this. You either want to observe or expect danger."

Rael set down his drink. "You make a habit of approaching strangers?"

The woman smiled slightly. "Only the interesting ones."

Kaya narrowed her eyes. "Do we know you?"

She looked at Kaya with a small nod of respect. "No. But I know you. Both of you."

Rael leaned forward slightly. "And who are you, exactly?"

She placed a gloved hand on the table, leaning just enough to make her presence undeniable.

"Call me Miss Sunday."

Kaya blinked. "That's not a name."

Rael studied her. His senses flared gently—this woman wasn't ordinary. Her aura was calm, cloaked, but sharp underneath. Trained. Dangerous.

"You came here for a reason," he said.

Miss Sunday smiled again, just faintly. "And I suspect you're here for one too. Maybe our interests align."

Rael tilted his head. "Do they?"

She didn't answer. She reached into her cloak and placed something on the table—a single gold coin with an ancient symbol carved into its face.

"If you want to know more," she said, "meet me at the Grand Bazaar tomorrow."

Then she turned and walked away.

Kaya looked at the coin, then at Rael. "What the hell was that?"

Rael stared at the curtain she had vanished behind. "Something dangerous. Something curious."

He picked up the coin, flipping it between his fingers.

Kaya whispered, "Do we trust her?"

Rael didn't respond.

His eyes narrowed as he pocketed the coin.

---

Support me on P @t r e o n

join my patreon for more frequent upload.

P @t r e o n.com/Darking099

For 30+ Advance Chapters

---

GIVE ME 40 powerstones for extra chapter