Inside the royal chamber, Varon entered.

  Princess Kasrahh stood before him, her posture tense, her eyes locked on his.

  Behind her, Princess Sarah lay peacefully, untouched by the storm unfolding.

  "You..." Kasrahh's voice trembled.

  "You're a traitor. My brother—Prince Asser—told me everything."

  Varon remained silent.

  "Well?" she pressed.

  "Why did you protect me all this time? Why do all this? Why didn't you kill me when you had the chance? Or your Are basically enjoying? Seeing me struggling to my last breath…”

  Varon's eyes widened, stunned by the barrage.

  ”No..” In a low voice Varon answered.

  Kasrahh's voice cracked, her body trembling.

  "You can kill me now.

  Do it—if you must.

  But promise me... promise me you'll spare my sister.

  She's asleep, isn't she?

  Just like you used to whisper through my door...

  'She's sleeping,' you said."

  Varon blinked.

  "You... you were awake?"

  "What now?" Kasrahh snapped.

  "Did you ruin your honor by lying? Or was it something else? Answer me."

  Varon slowly drew his sword, his voice low.

  "I was only fulfilling my duties. Nothing more."

  Kasrahh's fury surged.

  "Your duties? Then finish them. Kill me.

  But know this—my brother, Jabir, Laika... they will never let you walk free."

  Varon's eyes narrowed.

  "Don't play dumb.

  I can feel the fire traps.

  The mad sorceress has laced this room with them.

  You're baiting me."

  Kasrahh shook her head.

  "No... you fool."

  "What?"

  "If those traps exist, it means you failed the test.

  Nothing more."

  Varon's grip tightened.

  "Test? What are you talking about?"

  Kasrahh stepped forward, her voice softening.

  "I know you could kill me.

  And Laika's traps could destroy you.

  Or wound you.

  You could also run.

  I'm giving you the choice."

  She lowered her gaze, her voice barely a whisper.

  "I felt safe with you...

  On the summit.

  When you wiped the drink clean and refused to let me taste it.

  When you stood guard outside my door.

  I heard your blade clash with theirs.

  You fought... quietly."

  Varon looked away.

  "That's nothing. Any sworn fighter would do the same."

  Kasrahh shook her head.

  "No. That's not true.

  Look at the traitors my brother faces now.

  You were one of them...

  But you never acted."

  She turned to the balcony.

  "I shared my favorite cake with you.

  I let you into my chamber.

  Because I trusted you.

  Does that make me a fool... or something else?"

  Varon turned his back.

  "That's enough."

  He sheathed his sword.

  And walked out.

  The door closed behind him.

  Kasrahh stared at it.

  "I thought... he'd kill me."

  —

  In the royal hall, Prince Asser sat in silence.

  "Batalos... where did he go?

  Wasn't he meant to help craft the cure?"

  Thaes, the High Chamberlain, replied calmly.

  "He left on a mission, Your Majesty.

  He'll return soon."

  Asser nodded coldly.

  "Good.

  Until then, we restore balance.

  Laika—bring your finest mages next time.

  They'll be inducted into the royal court…once again…"

  "Yes, Your Majesty," Laika replied.

  Dais raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable.

  Asser continued.

  "Well done, Dais.

  Your summit with Prince Leona was fruitful.

  Your presentation of the medicine was impressive.

  I commend you.

  I look forward to its next evolution."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty," Dais said.

  Jabir raised his hand.

  Asser sighed.

  "Go ahead."

  "Your Majesty, I have a question for the royal advisors and the High Chamberlain."

  Asser nodded.

  "Proceed."

  "We found Princess Sarah in a dire state—under a strange curse.

  Only the advisors had access to her.

  Can someone explain what happened?"

  Dais turned sharply to one of the advisors.

  Laika's eyes widened.

  One advisor scoffed.

  "You have no right to question us, you lowly merchant."

  Asser's voice dropped to ice.

  "Choose your words carefully.

  You sit in this hall by my grace.

  And now... I am interested.

  Especially after that response."

  Dais stepped forward.

  "Answer him.

  What does this mean?

  Were you acting behind our backs?"

  The advisors froze.

  Jabir smirked.

  The accused advisor stammered.

  "I... I did nothing..."

  Dais' voice thundered.

  "You?

  I knew it.

  That's why Princess Sarah never replied to my letters.

  You betrayed us.

  After I trusted you."

  Asser raised an eyebrow.

  "A traitor?

  Interesting...

  Guards!"

  The guards entered.

  "Take this wretched traitor away.

  Now."

  The advisor panicked.

  "I didn't—!"

  He saw Dais' face.

  And fell silent.

  The guards dragged him out.

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  Asser turned to Jabir.

  "The guild hall will be rebuilt.

  Jabir—go with Laika tomorrow.

  Oversee its reconstruction.

  New uniforms. New tools.

  Restart the research and training."

  "Yes, Your Majesty," Laika said.

  "Thank you for your trust," Jabir added.

  Asser's voice sharpened.

  "If you steal from us... or inflate costs...

  I'll have you executed."

  "Mercy, Your Majesty! Mercy!"

  Laika smiled.

  Dais leaned forward.

  "Your Majesty... how may I assist?"

  "Your presence is enough.

  Offer your counsel when needed."

  Laika stepped in.

  "I have a proposal."

  "Speak."

  "We should reassign guards inside the palace."

  Dais nodded.

  Asser agreed.

  "Do it. Immediately."

  "Yes, Your Majesty."

  Asser turned to the advisors.

  "Reestablish training camps. Weekly.

  Report to me daily.

  No decisions without my approval.

  And if it concerns magic—Laika must sign off."

  He stood.

  "That's all.

  I expect results."

  Laika and Jabir rose.

  Asser paused.

  "I'm considering inviting the prince of Leona again."

  "I doubt he'll come," Jabir said.

  "Why?"

  "The illness in Leona has mutated.

  They used a strange new cure—promised no side effects.

  But now the people are turning on each other.

  Chaos reigns."

  Laika's voice softened.

  "That's tragic..."

  "They threaten their own stability," Asser muttered.

  "Yes.

  I heard the princess was infected.

  Took the cure.

  Prince Lucas doesn't know.

  He's facing the worst days of his life and his kingdom life…."

  "Can we help?

  Support?"

  Laika shook her head.

  "Not yet.

  Training just resumed.

  Soldiers aren't ready.

  Sending aid now could worsen the crisis.

  Mages need time to recover."

  Asser sighed.

  "This helplessness... it's unbearable."

  Laika glanced at Jabir.

  "Prince Lucas told me...

  Our guards lack experience.

  The people feel unsafe."

  "Don't worry," Jabir said.

  "I handled it."

  Asser raised a brow.

  "Handled?

  Did you send mercenaries?

  Gold?"

  "Ah, Your Majesty...

  Your wit is royal indeed.

  Is this King Caesar's blood I see?"

  "Enough.

  What did you do?

  If you acted without my consent, I'll execute you.

  You and Laika."

  Laika smiled.

  "Welcome to the execution club."

  "Mercy! I'm just a humble merchant!"

  Asser exhaled.

  "Well?"

  "I sent an assassin."

  Laika's eyes narrowed.

  "Don't tell me it's..."

  Jabir grinned.

  "Yes. It's him."

  Laika groaned.

  "Prince Lucas will throw himself off the palace walls..."

  "You sent someone that bad?"

  "No, Your Majesty.

  He's foolish—but noble.

  Honest. Kind.

  He's the son of Kaser.

  From the Golden Trio."

  Laika smiled, nodding.

  "You've met him, haven't you? He's good. Skilled. And sincere."

  Asser raised a brow.

  "Kaser's son? A kind assassin? That's... unusual. But his father—he was a legend. In the streets of Aurik. In the tunnels of Korta."

  He paused, then nodded.

  "Prince Lucas needs support. And it's been sent. Good. Thank you, Jabir."

  Jabir bowed dramatically.

  "His Majesty thanked me! My stars have aligned! My future is radiant! I shall wager my luck for life itself!"

  "Silence, you lunatic," Asser muttered.

  Laika closed her eyes and sighed.

  Asser turned to her.

  "I want to expand access to the Korta tunnels. Quietly. Without drawing attention."

  Laika nodded.

  "Of course. They helped us without asking for anything. It's only right. It's the same blood, the same sacrifice. A decision worthy of your father."

  Asser smiled faintly.

  "Like my father... yes. That's good."

  He turned and walked toward his chamber.

  —

  Laika stretched.

  "Let's go to the guild. I want to burn it down, drown it in lava, and rebuild it from scratch. It's ancient. Too ancient."

  Jabir blinked.

  "That sounds expensive. Why not just repaint the signs?"

  Laika smirked.

  "I'll craft flaming signs for you to carry."

  "That's dangerous. No one will want to buy them. Unless... is this your way of complimenting my looks?"

  Laika kept walking.

  "Not at all."

  "What a disappointment!"

  —

  Prince Asser reached his chamber.

  Varon stood outside.

  "What is it?"

  "Nothing, Your Majesty. I'm simply doing my duty."

  Asser raised an eyebrow.

  "I don't know what happened with Princess Kasrahh... but it seems you've chosen to stay."

  He entered the room.

  And closed the door.

  The Emerald Inn - When the City Began to Heal

  Repairs had begun at the Mage Guild with other Building starting to rise from the dust The Mage Academy and the Royal Mage Academy contain new research sections multiple utilities.

  Workers toiled day and night under the watchful eyes of Jabir and Laika.

  "This is excessive, Laika," Jabir muttered.

  "You want a massive garden? What is this—a wellness retreat?"

  "Silence, Jabir," Laika replied.

  "My people have endured too much.

  They need to recover—physically and emotionally."

  "Then why not bring in a few beasts from the Valley?" Jabir smirked.

  "Might help them set new goals."

  Laika chuckled dryly.

  "That's absurd."

  —

  The city of Aurik buzzed with whispers.

  News of the guild's restoration spread quickly. A massive budget had been approved. Enrollment reopened with unprecedented capacity—after years of restriction and silence.

  At the Emerald Inn, the doors had reopened.

  Melham wiped down the glasses, the bar gleaming once more after its long closure.

  Jawaher sat nearby, savoring her meal.

  "Finally... I can breathe again."

  Melham laughed.

  "Indeed.

  Look at the guests—new outcomers, new guards.

  It's their first day, I've seen the Flak Card offices flooded by people.

  And see that table?

  Three mages, eating freely.

  They were once forbidden to roam.

  Now they walk among us.

  It's comforting."

  Jawaher scanned the room.

  "But where's Jabir?"

  "I heard Prince Asser appointed him to the royal council.

  He's one of his advisors now."

  Jawaher's eyes widened. She stood abruptly, nearly spilling her drink.

  "Advisor?!"

  Sylvanas turned toward her.

  The guests stared.

  Jawaher sat back down, flustered.

  "Ahem... I didn't expect that.

  He hates politics.

  Always did."

  Sylvanas spoke calmly.

  "I think he sees the urgency.

  He won't leave Prince Asser's side until he's sure things are stable."

  "Really?

  We're supposed to leave Aurik in five nights.

  Do you think he can finish all this in time?"

  Melham shrugged.

  "Perhaps.

  Prince Asser tasked him with rebuilding the guild.

  You'll find him there—busy."

  Sylvanas smiled.

  "So he's working like a true merchant now."

  "You could say that," Melham replied.

  Jawaher stood and turned to Sylvanas.

  "So?

  Shall we take a walk?"

  "A walk?"

  "Yes!

  I know some wonderful places.

  Let's shop properly this time.

  Visit the jewelry shop.

  And end with a visit to Jabir at the guild."

  Sylvanas stood.

  "Why not?

  Sounds exciting."

  "Let's go!"

  Melham called after them.

  "Take care, ladies.

  And let me say it again—

  Welcome to Aurik, the Ember of Shining Silva."

  Sylvanas smiled.

  "You take the king's words seriously."

  "Why not?

  He's remarkable now.

  The people speak of him constantly.

  Tomorrow, there's a grand feast at the palace—

  For Princess Kasrahh's celebration.

  Everyone's invited."

  "Sounds delightful," Sylvanas said.

  "Then we'll go!" Jawaher added.

  Sylvanas smiled and followed her out.

  Melham watched the quiet hum of the inn.

  "Mages... mercenaries... new guards and citizens, all dining together.

  This is rare."

  From a nearby table, a voice rang out.

  "Did you hear?

  The training camps reopened!

  Who's joining me?"

  "Forget it," another laughed.

  "You're pampered.

  You wouldn't last a day."

  Laughter echoed.

  —

  Then, a girl entered.

  She wore a white cloak.

  She sat quietly.

  "Juice... water... and some meat, please," she said softly.

  Melham blinked.

  "Of course!"

  He prepared the drink with practiced grace.

  The girl watched, eyes wide.

  "This is… amazing."

  "Thank you!

  I made you a sour beetroot juice.

  Here's your water.

  And for the meat—would you prefer local cuts?

  Or premium Valley meat, sourced from missions in the Korta tunnels? how about the Meat sauce? You want the original one! Or the spicy? Specifically made and gathered by the mercenary guild?"

  The girl hesitated.

  "I don't have much coin..."

  Melham raised an eyebrow.

  "No worries.

  You're new here, aren't you?

  I haven't seen you before.

  This one's on the house."

  "No... that's not right.

  Don't pity me."

  "It's not pity.

  It's the Emerald Inn's policy."

  She sat again.

  Sipped the juice.

  Melham brought the meat.

  "Here you go, miss."

  "Thank you...

  The drink is delicious."

  "Glad to hear it!

  That's what everyone says."

  She paused.

  "What are the Korta tunnels?"

  Melham leaned in.

  "Ah... if you want to earn coin, you have three options.

  First, the Mage Guild—just near the palace.

  They offer difficult missions: research, rare herb collection, monster hunts.

  Dangerous work.

  You'll need a Flak card.

  The guildmaster, Laika, is strict.

  Be careful."

  "I don't have one..."

  Melham whispered.

  "Don't say that aloud, miss.

  Avoid the guards.

  If asked, say you left it at home...

  Or that it fell."

  The Emerald Inn - When the Wind Met the Wound

  Melham leaned on the counter, watching the girl devour her food with desperate hunger.

  "I figured as much...

  You're lost.

  It's alright.

  Gather thirty-five coins, then head to the registration office.

  The guards will record your details.

  Within two days, you'll receive your Flak card."

  The girl paused, her voice barely audible.

  "Flak card..."

  Melham nodded.

  "For now, try the Mercenary Guild.

  It's past the Grand Fountain—just beyond the statue of King Caesar.

  The missions there are modest.

  Simple.

  But be cautious of the dangerous ones.

  Never go alone.

  Many have died that way—venturing solo and never returning.

  Stick to the easy tasks.

  They pay little...

  But enough."

  "Thank you," she whispered.

  She ate with the urgency of someone who hadn't tasted food in days.

  Melham continued, voice low and steady.

  "The Korta Tunnels...

  They're brutal.

  Missions there are deadly.

  You could end up imprisoned if caught.

  Smuggling.

  Guarding contraband.

  Or even routine tasks inside and outside the walls.

  They're dangerous—but they pay well.

  You can choose easier ones...

  But beware of thieves.

  Or worse—being pulled into a conspiracy.

  Becoming someone's target."

  He placed another drink before her.

  "What's your name, miss?"

  She hesitated.

  "My name?"

  "If that's too personal, I apologize."

  She shook her head.

  "Rose...

  My name is Rose.

  I'm a wanderer.

  I got lost in the Valley of Wonders.

  Nearly died.

  But I made it here."

  Melham smiled.

  "Rose.

  A beautiful name.

  Sounds like you've lived a dangerous tale."

  She nodded, still eating.

  "Where are you from?"

  "Linovard...

  The Kingdom of Linovard."

  Melham's eyes widened.

  "Linovard? Isn't that—"

  "Yes.

  Nothing remains but shattered walls and hollow keeps.

  I came from a distant village.

  The Black Order came.

  They killed everyone—my mother, my brother.

  My father...

  He was one of them.

  I watched him slaughter our people.

  I ran."

  Melham's voice softened.

  "That's a heavy story...

  I'm sorry, Rose.

  But you're alive.

  Live as you choose.

  You could join the training camps.

  Or the guild.

  Are you a mage?"

  "A novice.

  I specialize in poison magic."

  Melham blinked.

  "Poison?

  That's intense.

  Linovard was known for brute strength and heavy gear."

  "I know.

  I learned it from my father."

  Melham leaned in.

  "That's... fascinating, Rose.

  Aurik fights the same enemies that destroyed your village.

  Leona is under siege now by strange plague.

  Be careful."

  Rose stood and bowed.

  "Thank you for the food, uncle."

  "No trouble at all.

  Come by again sometime."

  She nodded and walked out.

  "Tomorrow," Melham called,

  "There's a feast at the palace hall.

  Lunch and dinner.

  You're welcome."

  She nodded again and disappeared into the cold.

  —

  The inn was packed.

  Melham wiped down the counter and tables.

  "This is madness...

  I need another shipment."

  The cold wind curled through the corridors.

  Winter was coming.

  Melham muttered to himself.

  "I'll need more firewood.

  Heavier blankets.

  Maybe a thicker shirt..."