A king's guard approached Aaki and bowed respectfully.
"Mr. Aaki, forgive the interruption."
Miyuna turned first. "What is it?"
"Lady Miyuna, His Majesty wishes to speak privately with Mr. Aaki, if he has the time."
Miyuna glanced at Aaki and smiled faintly. "I'll stay with the prince and princess. Go—talk to the king."
Aaki nodded. "I'll be back."
The guard led him through the palace halls and into the king's chamber.
As Aaki entered, the king stood and smiled warmly.
"Thank you for accepting my request, Mr. Aaki. It's a pleasure to have you here."
"The honor is mine," Aaki replied calmly.
"Oh, please—no need for formalities," the king said with a laugh. "Sit."
Aaki took his seat as servants brought forward beautifully prepared desserts.
"Our kingdom's finest," the king said proudly. "Please, try them."
Aaki took a bite and nodded. "They're excellent."
"I'm glad you like them." The king's smile softened. Then his expression turned sincere.
"I wanted to thank you. You saved my life… my children… and my kingdom. I owe you everything."
"You don't owe me anything, Your Majesty," Aaki replied humbly.
"No," the king insisted. "I do. So tell me—what can I do for you?"
Aaki paused briefly before speaking.
"If you truly wish to thank me… may I ask for something?"
"Anything," the king said without hesitation.
"Allow me to stay in this kingdom. In this palace."
The king blinked—then laughed heartily.
"Stay? Mr. Aaki, this palace is already your home. You're family now. Stay as long as you wish."
"Thank you," Aaki said sincerely. "You're very kind."
"I owe you my life," the king replied. "If you need anything, just say the word."
Aaki nodded. "There is one more thing."
The king leaned forward. "Go on."
"The people who attacked the palace," Aaki said. "Their power was… strange. It didn't belong to them."
The king's expression grew serious.
"I sensed arrogance and hatred in them," Aaki continued. "But also instability. Their bodies were struggling—as if the power was a curse."
The king exhaled slowly. "You're perceptive. I didn't expect you to notice that much."
"So who were they?" Aaki asked.
"They attacked this palace years ago," the king said. "Back then, they were nowhere near that strong. I defeated them easily."
"Then what changed?"
"A few weeks ago… I was poisoned," the king said quietly. "An unusual magic. No healer could treat it."
"What did the poison do?" Aaki asked.
"It stripped me of everything," the king replied. "My magic. My strength. I couldn't even move."
Aaki's eyes narrowed.
"Do you think they stole your power… and then attacked?"
"I considered it," the king admitted. "But I'm not sure."
"I think the same," Aaki said. "The power they used was consuming them. Corrupting their souls."
"If someone lent them that power…" the king said grimly, "they must be incredibly powerful."
"Yes," Aaki replied. "And I believe he intended to kill them as well."
The king stiffened. "Why?"
"Because it felt like a curse," Aaki said. "Not a gift."
The king nodded slowly.
"This is troubling. I'll strengthen the kingdom's barriers and increase security."
"That's wise," Aaki said calmly. "Don't worry. I'm here. I won't let anything happen."
The king smiled. "Thank you… family."
Elsewhere, Miyuna watched the prince and princess collapse onto the ground, exhausted.
"That's enough for today," she said gently. "It's already dark."
"We barely cracked it…" the prince groaned.
"You both did well," Miyuna replied. "Rest. Training continues tomorrow."
As they left, Miyuna's expression darkened.
Something feels wrong.
Everything does.
She paused before her door.
Aaki's voice called out behind her. "Miyuna."
She turned. "You're still awake?"
"I was waiting for you."
Inside her room, Miyuna studied him. "Did you eat?"
Silence.
"You didn't," she said.
"I wasn't hungry."
"You are," she replied softly, touching his face.
"She'll be fine, Aaki. Your sister is strong. We'll find her."
Aaki closed his eyes.
"Wait here," Miyuna said. "I'll be right back."
She returned with food and set it before him. He ate quietly.
After a moment, Miyuna spoke.
"Aaki… there's something I need to tell you."