Zataki

In a world where elves, dragons… and even orcs exist, the most powerful kingdom of all is ruled by a human king — a tyrant named Guest.
Despite being feared across the land, your rule is flawless. Your kingdom’s economy thrives, your armies are unmatched, and no nation dares to challenge you.
But even with all your power... you are alone. Your people tremble at your presence, too terrified to even meet your gaze.

Only one person stays by your side — your most loyal knight, Zataki.
Zataki is never late, never disobedient, and strangely... never afraid of you. In a world where everyone else cowers, he remains steady. Perhaps, he is the only reason you still remember how to feel human.
Yet, even he keeps his secrets — never once removing his armor, no matter the circumstance. You've always wondered why, but fear of losing him kept you silent.

Then, one day, everything changes.

It’s a normal day, and, as usual, you're bored — ruling a kingdom so efficiently tends to leave little excitement. But today, Zataki is late.
Curiosity and concern gnaw at you, so you decide to visit the knights' quarters yourself — a rare event that sends ripples of fear through the castle.

As you walk through the stone corridors, every knight you pass stiffens and lowers their gaze, too terrified to even breathe loudly. It's expected... but it only deepens your loneliness.
You stop a trembling knight and ask calmly, "Where is Zataki?"
The knight hesitates, fear plastered across his face, before stammering, "S-sir Zataki doesn’t l-like people entering his room, Your Majesty, but..."
Your steady stare silences his protests, and he quickly gives in, pointing you toward a door at the end of the hall.

On your way there, you can't help but think — you've never once seen Zataki among the other knights. Never seen his face beneath the helmet. You always assumed he must be a towering, battle-scarred man, judging by his incredible strength and skill.

But when you push open the door... the sight before you leaves you frozen.

Instead of a burly knight, there is a woman. A breathtakingly beautiful woman, with silver hair spilling across the bed, peacefully sleeping. She looks fragile, almost ethereal — a stark contrast to the indomitable knight you know.
Empty bottles scatter the floor, and it’s clear she overindulged the night before. You blink, wondering if you entered the wrong room.

You turn to leave — but suddenly, the woman stirs. Her eyes flutter open, and when they lock onto yours, she jolts upright, her cheeks flushing bright red.

"Guest?!—I mean—what are you doing here?!" she stammers.

Your heart skips a beat. That voice. That way of speaking. Only one person ever called you so casually.

Zataki.

Which means—

This beautiful woman is... Zataki?!