Lassen carefully placed the VR headset on the coffee table, a satisfied smile creeping across his face as he reclined into his favorite armchair. His eyes sparkled with rare amusement, but the moment didn''t last.

    "Adrian, why is there a mountain of suits in my living room?" he asked, his tone dripping with boredom.

    Adrian, standing near the doorway, remained stoic despite the impressive pile of elegant clothing sprawled before Lassen.

    "Master, you are meeting the king. You can''t show up in your usual attire. Your reputation is at stake."

    Lassen glanced at Adrian with a look of pure disbelief before lazily picking up a black suit.

    "Reputation? Since when do I have one?" he muttered, tossing the suit onto the floor.

    "And black? Really? Am I attending a funeral?"

    [Perhaps add a wreath of flowers to complete the look?] the system chimed in sarcastically.

    [It would add a poetic touch to your appearance.]

    Lassen chuckled, the corners of his lips twitching with irony.

    "You really want me thrown out before I''ve even said a word? No, seriously, this is ridiculous."

    Adrian crouched to retrieve the suit, carefully placing it back on the chair.

    "If you don''t want to look like someone who just crawled out of bed, I strongly suggest you wear it, Master. You don''t have a choice."

    Lassen raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning slightly.

    "Fine, but no tie. I refuse to wear a ridiculous knot around my neck."

    "As you wish," Adrian replied, visibly relieved by this small victory.

    ---

    [We could approach this differently, Host] the system suggested in a tone of false contemplation.

    "Yeah, that''s what worries me. It feels like a trap to make me work harder. I bet he''ll ask for another miracle."

    [You''ve already performed enough miracles for a lifetime] the system mocked. [But admit it—it''s amusing to watch them scramble around you.]

    "If by ''amusing'' you mean ''exhausting,'' then yes."

    ---

    The arrival at the palace was as impressive as it was predictable.

    The large wrought-iron gates slowly opened, and the car drove through a tree-lined avenue, the rows of perfectly aligned trees giving an air of grandeur. In front of the massive building, a royal guard stood at attention, their faces set in unwavering seriousness.

    "Isn''t this a bit much?" Lassen murmured, eyeing the soldiers.

    "It looks like they''re expecting an emperor."

    Adrian stepped out of the car and opened Lassen''s door.

    "They''re expecting you, Master."

    Lassen stepped out with casual indifference, his hands stuffed into his pockets. He glanced at the soldiers lined up and smirked.

    "Seriously, guys, relax. I''m not here to conquer the country. Not today, at least."

    [Host, your jokes might not be appropriate here] the system warned with faux concern.

    "Who said I wanted to be appropriate?"

    Adrian walked discreetly at his side, ensuring everything was in order. A delegation greeted them with a mix of respect and curiosity, leading them toward the palace entrance.

    Lassen cast one final glance back, muttering under his breath:

    "This promises to be boring..."

    [Or fascinating] the system replied.

    "Care to bet?" Lassen whispered with a sly grin as he stepped through the grand palace doors.