Two weeks had passed since Jericho and the others returned to the Holy Kingdom of Righteous.
Most of the knights had fully grasped the concept of soul energy and successfully identified their elements. Some were still struggling, but even they could now feel the energy stirring within them—an undeniable sign of progress.
William was among those yet to awaken his element. Despite this, his control over soul energy was exceptional. According to Jericho, it was only a matter of time before William's element revealed itself, though that reassurance did little to stop the quiet disappointment William carried. Erica, ever perceptive, teased him whenever she had the chance, and strangely enough, it worked—at least enough to keep his spirits afloat.
Alice, on the other hand, had already mastered her soul control. She had successfully learned four casting techniques from her element, and Jericho believed she possessed enough soul energy to master at least six. The thought alone filled Alice with excitement she struggled to hide.
Erica's progress was even more startling.
Within a single month, she had mastered five casting techniques—so much so that Jericho openly declared her the first among them to be battle-ready. Her only flaw was restraint. Holding back her power proved difficult, but given the sheer level of control she had achieved in such a short time, Jericho considered it a minor concern. Her talent was undeniable.
She was, without question, a genius.
Since swearing loyalty to Jericho, Drako had maintained constant communication with him through his ability. He frequently checked on Jericho's well-being and asked if he was needed. William found this endlessly infuriating, sparking a rivalry between the two—one the others found more amusing than troubling.
Drako also reported that he had not yet reached Menssai. Jace had sent him on a side reconnaissance mission, but he would soon arrive.
After two days of rest, Jericho was summoned by the King of Righteous.
⸻
The king's private study was a refined space. A large rectangular table sat at the center of the room, surrounded by chairs atop a golden carpet that stretched across the floor. Two modest chandeliers illuminated the ceiling. At the far end stood a smaller square table placed before a massive glass window, its red curtains drawn open to let sunlight flood the room. One elegant chair rested behind it—the king's seat.
Jericho, Erica, and Alice sat at the central table. The king took his place by the window. Two knights guarded the door outside.
Standing beside the king was a man Jericho did not recognize.
He appeared slightly older than the king and carried himself with the unmistakable aura of a sharp and calculating mind. His expression was serious—composed. Jericho noticed Alice stiffen the moment she saw him.
"Welcome," the king began. "Jericho, since this is your first meeting since your return, allow me to make introductions."
He gestured to the man beside him.
"This is Duke Monza Will Hidenham—head of the Hidenham noble household, Lord of the Royal Capital, and Prime Minister of the Holy Kingdom of Righteous."
Then the king turned back to him.
"And this is Prince Jericho von Menssai, first prince of the Dynasty of Menssai—long believed lost—and known throughout the continent as the Saint Prince of Menssai."
Jericho suppressed a sigh.
Will that title ever leave me alone…?
"Hidenham… that name sounds familiar," he thought.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Hidenham," Jericho said, bowing politely. "I am Jericho von Menssai."
"No need for such formality, young prince," Monza replied, returning the bow. "Calling me Lord Monza will suffice. Besides, there are two Hidenhams in this room—it would grow confusing otherwise."
Jericho frowned slightly in confusion.
Erica sighed.
"Jericho," she muttered, "he's Alice's father."
Realization struck him instantly.
"By the gods—you're right. Please forgive my ignorance," Jericho said, glancing briefly at Alice. No wonder she's acting so tense…
Monza let out a small chuckle. "The last time I saw you, you were eight years old. Look at you now."
"Thank you, Lord Monza," Jericho replied with another bow.
Monza nodded, then turned his gaze to Alice.
"And you, my dear. How have you been?"
Alice startled. "I—I'm in good health, Father. Nothing to worry about."
"I'm glad," Monza replied quietly.
⸻
With introductions complete, the king leaned back.
"Jericho, how did your task go? Have the knights made progress with soul energy?"
Jericho explained everything—the training, the awakenings, the improvements. He spoke of Erica's growth, Alice's mastery, and the knights' steady advancement.
The king could not hide his pride as he listened, especially when his gaze lingered on Erica. Monza remained stoic, but inside, pride threatened to overwhelm him.
"I am glad to hear it," the king said at last. "Jericho, I have a question—one I've delayed for some time."
Jericho straightened. "You have my full attention, Your Highness."
"What do you plan to do once the matter with Jace is resolved?" the king asked. "Do you intend to reclaim your throne as Emperor of Menssai… or do you have other plans?"
The question froze Jericho.
He hadn't considered it—not truly.
{"Would I even be allowed to remain on this world as a sub-god? And even if I were… do I want to stay in a world where everyone I loved is gone?."}
He didn't notice Erica or Alice calling his name until Erica touched his shoulder.
"Jericho," she said gently. "Are you alright?"
He smiled faintly. "Yes… I am."
He exhaled, then spoke with conviction.
"I haven't thought about it until now. But my choice is clear. My people are suffering. They need help rebuilding—settling. Whether I become emperor or not doesn't matter. I owe them that much. And I owe it to my father."
Relief washed over the king's face.
"I'm glad," he said, smiling. "That means I can move forward with my plans."
Erica's expression stiffened.
{"This can't be good…"}
"What plans your highness?" Jericho asked.
"Giving you My Erica's hand of course," the king said cheerfully.
"EXCUSE ME—!?" Jericho shouted.
"FATHER!" Erica cried.
"What?" He stated confused, "didn't you like the Saint prince, you had only met him once before at a gathering, but you couldn't stop talking about him, you didn't even talk to him once in that gathering— or has your feelings changed?"
Erica was so embarrassed, " father, I was six years old."
"So is that a yes?"
Before she could answer—
"No!" Alice blurted out, her face flushing. "I—I mean… this isn't something that can be decided so suddenly. They need time. Right, Jericho?"
"Y-Yes! Exactly," Jericho agreed hurriedly.
Monza noticed Alice's reaction. For just a moment, he smiled.
"I see, well take all the time you need," the king agreed. " but I will need an answer."
Jericho swallowed hard, while Erica couldn't shake off the embarrassment.
⸻
The king soon returned to the real matter at hand.
"I met with the other rulers," he said. "King Leohart of Warmark wishes to see you."
Jericho smiled faintly. "Uncle Leo…"
"There is one more thing," the king continued. "Tell me—looking at it in the perspective of your brother and the people, without knowing the real cause of it— how do you feel about him, knowing Warmark ordered the attack that killed your father?"
The room grew heavy.
Jericho closed his eyes. His head raced with thoughts of that day, of the feeling he felt, of the pain of dying— then seeing the soldiers that hit them with the final blow, a single tear ran down his face.
Alice and Erica exchanged worried looks, then turned back to Jericho.
"I felt betrayed," he said quietly. "But I knew Uncle Leo. I knew something was wrong. I never hated him—and now I know the truth, I feel only relief. I say this with all my heart, i do not harbor any resentment towards uncle Leo, I honestly can't."
Jericho responded honestly with his heart in a soothing tone, the tension in the room disappeared as everyone dawned a warm smile, as they all stared at Jericho..
"uh?… what's with the stares… is something on my face" Jericho asked, dusting away on his face.
Erica and Alice burst out with a laugh that took Jericho by surprise embarrassing him, the king exchanged a prideful look of approval with lord Monza as they smiled…
"I should have expected such answer from someone given the title of the saint prince of Menssai."
"indeed" lord Monza agreed…
"I wish people will stop calling me that," Jericho sighed. "I never actually approve of that title, or know why I was called that"
"well then stop giving that title more credibility, you are making it difficult for someone not to call you that, with how you constantly do things to justify it" said Erica as everyone smile leaving Jericho to just sigh…
"okay enough teasing Jericho for now dear Erica"
{"I now see how these two are related"} Jericho thought.
Warm smiles spread across the room.
"Jericho, during my meeting with the other two powers, after informing them of your status, it truly came as a shock—especially to Emperor Riko. As for King Leohart, he was less shocked and more hopeful than anything else… and deeply relieved."
Jericho smiled faintly as he heard that.
"He asked me to inform you that he wishes for you to come to Warmark. He would have come here himself if he could, but he cannot leave his kingdom at the moment. That was his request."
Jericho, Alice, and Erica exchanged glances. This was both an incredible coincidence and a perfect opportunity—one that would allow them to go to Warmark and address the looming threat without raising suspicion.
"I asked you those questions earlier not only because I was worried about Leohart—after seeing how badly he has looked these past years—but also because I wanted to know if you would be mentally prepared to see him again,"
the king continued.
"I needed to assess the situation, to determine whether meeting so soon would be good for the both of you. After hearing your reply, I realized I had nothing to worry about."
The king paused, then smiled gently.
"So now I wish to ask you one last thing… do you accept his invitation, dear Jericho?"
Without hesitation, Jericho replied.
"I accept, Your Highness. Not only because I truly wish to see Uncle Leo again, but also—"
He paused, his pulse quickening as he glanced at Erica and Alice. Both nodded in quiet approval. King Gustavious watched them with curiosity.
"I believe something is going to happen in Warmark very soon. I can't explain it yet, Your Highness… I only ask that you trust me, as you always have."
Jericho's tone was grave. The king's gaze moved between the three of them—each wearing the same serious expression—before finally shifting to Lord Monza, who looked visibly confused.
"Hmm… very well,"
the king said at last.
"I will leave everything to you. But you owe me an explanation later, yes?"
"Of course, Your Highness. When will we be making our way to Warmark? Has a date been decided?"
"Let's see… I believe two weeks from now was agreed upon. That gives us this coming week to prepare for the journey."
I see… perfect,
Jericho thought.
We'll arrive right around the day of the attack. This couldn't have worked out better.
"Yes, we'll be prepared,"
he said aloud, then smiled faintly.
"I suppose I really will be seeing Uncle Leo again… I truly hope he's doing well."
"Do not fret, Jericho,"
the king replied warmly.
"Seeing you will surely lift the gloom that has plagued him—especially now that you've chosen to shoulder the burden he has carried for the past three and a half years."
"His Majesty is right, young prince,"
Lord Monza added.
"Seeing you again may finally allow him to heal."
"Indeed. I've taken enough of your time,"
the king said kindly.
"You may all leave and continue your personal preparations for the journey."
Jericho, Alice, and Erica bowed before standing and heading toward the exit.
"Alice."
She startled at the sound of her name and turned.
"Let us find time to speak one of these days,"
Lord Monza said.
She nodded quickly and hurried after the others.
The king chuckled softly.
"Monza, it seems you are finally giving up on being stubborn. It's about time you stopped hiding your true feelings."
Lord Monza ignored him, closing his eyes with a frown.
"By the way,"
the king added casually,
"what are your thoughts on Jericho?"
Lord Monza opened his eyes and stared at the door the young ones had exited through. A small smile formed on his lips.
"He hasn't changed at all… He will make a truly remarkable ruler when the time comes."
King Gustavious nodded, a light smile on his face as he too looked toward the door.
"Indeed, Monza… indeed."
⸻
Outside the chamber—
"Looks like everything fell into place without us having to lift a finger, huh?"
Erica said.
"Talk about luck being on our side,"
she continued.
"I was wondering what excuse we could've used to get permission to travel to Warmark—especially at a time like this."
She glanced at Jericho. He was silent, lost in thought.
"Jericho… are you going to be alright seeing King Leohart again?"
Alice asked gently.
"Or is it still too soon?"
Jericho looked at her and smiled faintly.
"I'm fine. That's not what's bothering me."
Erica immediately understood.
"I don't know if I'll be able to minimize casualties,"
Jericho admitted.
"Especially since we're trying not to alarm anyone by keeping this quiet… I keep wondering if that was the right choice."
"I understand,"
Erica said thoughtfully.
"Given that we don't know the size of the enemy force, it would be dangerous not to inform King Leohart. I think we should tell him once we arrive—only the key figures. The slingers of Warmark could be invaluable, depending on the numbers we're facing."
Jericho nodded.
"We can't gamble with people's lives. We'll need all the help we can get… I'll inform Uncle Leo."
Erica nodded in agreement, then smiled at him—only for her father's words about a possible betrothal to suddenly flash through her mind. Her face flushed, and she quickly looked away.
Alice noticed immediately.
She understood.
And so, she remained silent as she walked just a step behind them.