King Henry stood before the tall glass window in his study, overlooking the castle gardens. His hands trembled slightly, not from fear—but from guilt.
"Arhenius wouldn't harm Amarendra," he muttered to himself.
But the evidence... the snake was traced back to the Sureva Duchy. And Luenor had been near it.
Henry: "Dolph? Kahn?"
The doors opened, and his trusted bodyguard Dolph knelt.
Henry: "Do you think I'm doing the right thing? Arresting Arhenius?"
Dolph hesitated. "Your Majesty, I believe this is a conspiracy. Duke Sureva is no traitor. I've served you both for years. He would never act in cowardice."
Henry exhaled, voice brittle. "It's Liles. I know it. But the nobles... they smell blood. They're circling. I can't protect Arhenius any longer."
Dolph: "Then what is your command?"
Henry turned toward the window, a photograph framed by light. It showed Henry, Amarendra, Arhenius, Luenor, and Liles—back in simpler times.
"Prepare the army. We will seize the Sureva Estate. But... make sure Liles never gains control of it."
Dolph bowed and left. Moments later, a figure appeared from the shadows—a man cloaked in silence, with eyes like knives.
Henry: "Kahn."
Kahn: "Your Majesty."
Henry: "Retrieve the Sureva family records. Find it. You know what I mean."
Kahn bowed low. "As you command."
Far across the castle, young Prince George barged into the throne room.
George: "Father! I want to visit Luenor."
Henry blinked. "You can't. He's... unavailable."
George: "We were just talking through the Mana Orb. He's not busy."
Henry pinched the bridge of his nose. "Then he will be. Luenor has responsibilities."
George stepped forward. "He's my best friend. I want him to come to my birthday tomorrow."
Henry: "You may never see him again."
George froze. "What?"
Henry knelt to meet his son at eye level. "The nobles want to erase the Surevas. Not just Arhenius. All of them."
Tears welled in George's eyes. "Then save them. Please. If not his family, save Luenor."
Henry sighed deeply. A father was breaking a promise to a friend—for the sake of a kingdom.
Henry: "Fine. But if I do this... you will no longer receive special treatment. Your privileges will be stripped. Your allowance halved. Everything will go to Amarendra."
George hesitated, then nodded. "I understand."
Henry: "And no one must know. Not a soul."
George whispered, "Can I at least say goodbye?"
Henry: "Just once."