The immortal realm buzzed with restless anticipation. From every kingdom—vampires, angels, elves, fae, sirens—messages spread like wildfire: The Crown Prince Nishimura Riki’s bride test had begun.

He sat on the high balcony of the obsidian castle, his sharp eyes scanning the world below as though none of it truly mattered. Immortal, powerful, wealthy beyond measure—yet, to his parents’ dismay, he had never chosen a wife for love. His five brides were ornaments, jewels in his collection, but not one had touched his heart.

So his mother, the Empress, declared:

“Let the world bring forth its daughters. Beauty, body, grace, kindness, skill in hearth and hand… and most importantly, the prince’s approval. Only then shall the throne find its true Queen.”

In a golden city where angels ruled, a maid paused in her chores, her hands still dusted in flour. The crystal screen above the plaza lit up with the Empress’s announcement. The girl’s wings trembled faintly as she whispered to herself, Could… could I try?

From the grand sitting room, her masters—the wealthy Dwell family—laughed with champagne glasses in hand.

Fiona, their radiant daughter, model-perfect with flowing silver hair, rolled her eyes. “Of course I’ll win. The prince won’t even look at peasants.” She smirked at the maid. “But hey—if you want to embarrass yourself on stage, go ahead. Maybe he’ll need someone to polish his shoes.”

The family erupted in cruel laughter. But the girl didn’t shrink. Somewhere deep in her chest, a spark burned.

A week later, the Immortal Stadium roared alive. Billions tuned in from every realm, eager to watch the trials. On the central stage, Nishimura Riki stood tall, his black coat sweeping the floor like shadows, crimson eyes glinting under the torchlight. His family sat like gods upon their thrones, and every young woman chosen lined up below, trembling with nerves.

The stadium’s air grew heavy with the anticipation of millions.

One by one, the maidens stepped forward under the blinding glow of the stage. The “Body Test.” Judges scribbled notes. The crowd gasped at flawless curves, wings groomed to perfection, and immortal forms sculpted like marble.

On his throne, Prince Nishimura Riki lounged lazily, chin propped against his palm. His crimson eyes flicked over every contestant with disinterest.

A sigh slipped from his lips. Same perfect bodies, same empty faces. Do they think I haven’t seen this a thousand times?

The women twisted gracefully, wings unfurled, bodies shimmering with beauty-enhancing magic. The audience clapped, but Riki’s gaze was flat. His other wives whispered among themselves, mocking or approving quietly, but he didn’t bother listening.

Until—

A girl stepped forward. Not draped in glittering gowns. No jewels. No golden powder brushed across her skin. Her dress was plain white, hugging her lightly, almost as if she hadn’t prepared at all. She looked like a dove misplaced among peacocks.

Riki’s brows twitched.

His eyes lingered, sharper now. Not because she was the most flawless—far from it. But because she wasn’t trying. She didn’t shift her posture to flaunt her waist. She didn’t flutter her lashes for him. She simply… stood there. Wings folded neatly, her gaze steady yet soft, like she wasn’t afraid to be overlooked.

For the first time that evening, his lips curled faintly.

Interesting.

The announcer’s voice boomed again:

“Prince Nishimura, the Body Test continues. Do you find this candidate acceptable?”

Riki leaned forward just enough for the cameras to notice, his red eyes still locked on her. “...She’ll do.”

A murmur rippled through the stadium. Fiona, gleaming in her sparkling gown, stiffened at his response, her elegant smile cracking for just a second.