Chapter 20 : Who Do You Think I Am?
Rudravaan was asleep in his chamber within the palace.
A sharp knock echoed against the door.
He stirred, then rose and opened it to find Morvyn standing there, arms crossed.
"How long do you plan to sleep?" Morvyn said. "Get ready. The thing you asked for—the martial arts academy—opens today."
Without waiting for a reply, Morvyn turned and left.
Rudravaan changed his clothes, prepared himself, and stepped out into the palace halls. As he exited the palace, he saw Morvyn speaking with Fenlor. Rudravaan approached them.
"What's going on?" Rudravaan asked.
Morvyn replied, "Fenlor said he can help teach martial arts to everyone."
Rudravaan turned to Fenlor.
"Oh? But can you handle everything on your own?"
Fenlor nodded calmly.
"Some soldiers have volunteered as well," Morvyn added. "So don't worry—there won't be any problems."
Satisfied, Rudravaan nodded, and the three of them headed toward the newly opened academy.
A crowd had already gathered there. When Rudravaan arrived, the people welcomed him warmly, bowing and greeting him with respect. He acknowledged them with a slight nod and entered the academy grounds.
Rudravaan stepped forward and spoke clearly so everyone could hear.
"Anyone who wishes to learn martial arts may join this academy," he said.
"Age does not matter."
His words carried calm authority—marking the beginning of something far greater than just a school.
Henry was the first to step forward and give his name.
Seeing that, others followed. One by one, people lined up, giving their names to Morvyn. The academy quickly filled with quiet excitement and purpose.
Rudravaan watched for a moment.
Then, without drawing attention to himself, he turned and left.
Later that day, when Morvyn finished his work and returned to the palace, he found Rudravaan already there, standing near the balcony.
Morvyn approached him.
"What happened?" Morvyn asked.
"Nothing," Rudravaan replied calmly. "I'm planning to go to North Shield."
Morvyn stopped.
"…Why are you in such a hurry?"
Rudravaan looked out over the kingdom.
"We've told the whole world that we've reclaimed our kingdom," he said. "Do you really think they'll wait for us to make the first move?"
Morvyn hesitated before speaking.
"I know that. But others may not see it—but you're still suffering from the war. You're just hiding it."
Rudravaan let out a quiet sigh.
"Didn't I already say I'll be fine?" he said. "Besides, I'm already halfway healed. And it's not like I'm going there to fight. This is a negotiation."
He turned to Morvyn.
"So don't worry. And inform the people only after I leave—if they find out beforehand, they won't let me go. Do me this favor."
Morvyn clenched his jaw, then nodded.
"…Just make sure you come back."
Rudravaan smiled faintly.
"Yeah."
And with that, he turned and left.
Morvyn immediately went to find Fenlor.
At the training grounds, Fenlor and Henry were practicing swordsmanship. When Fenlor noticed Morvyn approaching, he raised a hand, signaling Henry to stop. Both of them turned and greeted him.
Morvyn explained everything.
The moment he finished, Henry spoke up without hesitation.
"I'm going with Rudravaan."
Morvyn frowned. "You can't. It's dangerous."
Henry shook his head. "You said it yourself—he's only going for negotiations. What's there to worry about?"
Then he added quickly, "And if anything feels wrong, I'll send you a letter immediately. How about that?"
Morvyn stayed silent for a moment, thinking it over.
"…Alright," he finally said.
Henry's face lit up. He jumped in place, excitement spilling out as he imagined exploring new lands.
The next morning, as Rudravaan prepared to leave, Morvyn stopped him at the gates.
"Henry is coming with you."
Rudravaan turned sharply.
"…What? Why?"
Morvyn shrugged. "He wants to see the world. And you're just going for negotiations, right? Take him with you."
Rudravaan let out a tired sigh.
"…Whatever."
At that moment, Henry rushed over and joined them.
Rudravaan glanced at him. "Did you pack everything you need?"
"Yes," Henry replied confidently.
Without another word, Rudravaan bent slightly, picked Henry up by the waist, and in one smooth motion leapt over the kingdom wall.
Henry let out a startled gasp that quickly turned into laughter as the ground vanished beneath them.
Behind them, Morvyn froze for a second—then sighed.
"…At least warn people before you do that."
Shaking his head, Morvyn turned back toward the palace.
"He really hasn't changed at all."
They landed on the opposite side of the wall.
Rudravaan loosened his grip and gently set Henry down.
Without wasting time, the two of them began walking along the road leading away from the kingdom.
After a while, Henry broke the silence.
"Hey… Morvyn said you're going to the North Shield Kingdom," he said, looking up at Rudravaan.
"What kind of place is it?"
Rudravaan walked calmly, his eyes fixed ahead.
"The last time I visited," he replied, "it was a good place. Peaceful. And the emperor there is someone I know."
Henry blinked. "So… a nice place?"
Rudravaan nodded slightly. "Yeah. A nice place."
After a few days of travel, they hired a carriage. The road was long and quiet, and before Henry realized it, he had fallen asleep, leaning against Rudravaan as the carriage rolled onward.
"Sir," the driver finally said, pulling the reins, "we've arrived at the North Shield Kingdom."
Rudravaan stepped out of the carriage first.
Before them stood a massive gate, tall and imposing, with the emblem of North Shield carved deeply into the stone—solid, unyielding, and proud.
Henry climbed down moments later, rubbing his eyes as the carriage driver departed, leaving them behind.
Rudravaan looked ahead and took the first step forward.
"Come on," he said.
Together, they entered the North Shield Kingdom.
The streets were filled with people as they walked through the city. Merchants called out their goods, travelers passed by, and laughter echoed between stone buildings.
Henry looked around with shining eyes, clearly excited, staying close as he followed Rudravaan.
Rudravaan stopped a passing wanderer.
"Where is the nearest inn?"
The man pointed ahead. "There's a well-known one called the Royal Pavilion. Nobles usually stay there when they travel."
Rudravaan followed the direction and soon spotted it.
The Royal Pavilion stood tall among the surrounding buildings—a grand inn with wide doors and elegant carvings that immediately set it apart.
Without hesitation, Rudravaan led the way inside.
Henry tugged lightly at Rudravaan's sleeve.
"Do we… have enough money to stay here?" he whispered, glancing around at the luxurious interior.
Rudravaan looked down at him and smiled faintly.
"Who do you think I am?"
He stepped forward and approached the innkeeper.
"One room," Rudravaan said calmly.
Just as the innkeeper was about to reply, the doors of the inn burst open.
"Can't you do something this simple right?!"
A furious voice echoed through the hall. A richly dressed noble stormed in and, without hesitation, struck his servant across the face.
Rudravaan turned around slowly and took in the scene.
The noble marched up to the innkeeper as well.
"I want a room. Now."
The innkeeper swallowed nervously.
"I—I'm sorry, sir. We don't have any rooms left. This gentleman has just booked the last one."
The noble's face twisted with anger. He turned sharply toward Rudravaan.
"Hey, you filthy nobody," he sneered.
"Do you even have the money to step foot in this inn?"
Rudravaan said nothing.
He simply placed a heavy bag of coins on the counter. The sound of metal clinking filled the room.
"Is this enough?" Rudravaan asked calmly.
The innkeeper's eyes widened.
The noble's anger exploded.
"Ahh! You idiots!" he shouted.
"Do you even know who I am?!"
The inn fell silent.