*ROYAL COURT MOMENTS BEFORE DEPARTURE*
The King's attendants gesture for the group to follow them to their respective rooms:
As they prepare to leave, Hana (Divine Mercy) notices Mark's still-embarrassed expression and worries about him.
She takes a step towards Mark, about to speak:
But Nao intervenes, gently touching her arm:
"Hana, I wanted to ask you something about the kingdom's healing magic..."
Hana's concern for Mark shifts to curiosity about Nao's question, and she turns to him:
"Yes, what about it, Nao?"
As they chat, Hana's gaze briefly drifts back to Mark, ensuring he's okay...
Then, her eyes accidentally meet the captain of the guard standing behind King Malakar...
She glimpses a surprising, intense – almost lustful – gaze directed at Nao, not even noticing her own presence.
Hana's eyes widen slightly, but before she can process this:
Nao continues talking, distracting her again:
"Do you think their magic could enhance our own healing abilities?"
Hana focuses back on Nao, pushing aside the fleeting observation...
Hana responds to Nao's question, her eyes sparkling with interest:
"Yes, I think their magic could definitely enhance ours. We should discuss this further with King Malakar's healers."
As she speaks, her gaze subtly drifts back to the spot where she saw the captain earlier...
But he's no longer standing there, replaced by one of the lesser guards instead.
Hana's curiosity fades, chalking it up to her imagination.
The attendant clears throat, interrupting her thoughts:
"Shall we proceed to your rooms, honored guests? Rest and preparation for tomorrow's briefing."
King Malakar nods in agreement:
"Yes, please retire for now. We will discuss Elyria's plight and your quest tomorrow."
The group nods, beginning to follow the attendants out of the throne room...
Mark lingers slightly, catching Hana's eye – she smiles reassuringly at him.
The doors to the throne room close behind the group, but the sound of laughter still echoes through the corridor:
King Malakar's booming laughter and the crowd's amused chatter fade slowly into distance.
The attendants escorting the group struggle to maintain straight faces, clearly amused by the earlier scene.
They lead Nao and Hana to a luxurious guest room, adorned with elegant furnishings and soft candlelight.
Nao's eyes widen in surprise:
"Wow, they really spare no expense for their guests! This room is stunning."
She turns to Hana, curiosity getting the better of him:
"Hana, what did you think of that... unusual appraisal result for Mark? And the King's court laughing like that?"
Hana's expression turns concerned, her brow furrowed with worry:
"To be honest, Nao... I'm worried about Mark. That kind of humiliation in front of the entire court...
What if they doubt his ability to help us against Demon and Monster fight? What if they try to exclude him from our quest?"
She pauses, her voice filled with empathy:
"Mark already struggles with self-doubt... this could crush him.
I fear for his morale and our team's dynamics if the others start questioning his value."
Hana's eyes lock onto Nao's, seeking his insight:
"Do you think the others will still consider him an equal member of our team after this?"
Nao's expression turns thoughtful, and he nods slowly:
"Kai and the others value loyalty and bravery over abilities... but we should still talk to them about this."
He takes a step closer to Hana, his voice lowering:
"Do you think King Malakar's court would really exclude Mark from our quest... or is something more sinister at play?"
*ROYAL COURT THRONE ROOMi*
The doors to the throne room closed long enough for the King's laughter to subside into thoughtful discussion:
King Malakar leans back in his throne, steepling his fingers:
"Gentlemen, let us consider the... unusual Commoner, Mark. Does he possess any value to our quest?"
The nobles exchange skeptical glances before Lord Thomas speaks up:
"Your Majesty, his abilities seem limited to absorbing damage and sleeping to recover. Hardly useful in battle against Malum."
Lord Edwin adds:
"Agreed. Perhaps we could station him near Brindlemark Village? He could assist with menial tasks or labor, freeing up actual soldiers for battle."
King Malakar nods thoughtfully:
"A sensible suggestion, Lord Edwin. Yet... the Goddess Yui defended him fiercely. Might he hold symbolic value or influence over her?"
The captain of the guard, who had been quiet until now, speaks up:
"Actually, Your Majesty, I think Mark might have one unexpected use..."
The Captain's voice lowers, taking on a sinister tone:
"We've received reports confirming the dark rumors, Your Majesty. The cult near Brindlemark Village indeed sacrifices villagers to the ancient Dryad, Zha'thik."
King Malakar's expression turns grim, already familiar with the horrific truth:
"Yes, Captain. We've known of this atrocity. Zha'thik's power is feared even by our strongest mages... leaving us powerless to stop the cult."
The Captain nods solemnly:
"Exactly, Your Majesty. Which is why this might relate to Mark...
His unique abilities – extremely high HP and rapid regeneration – might make him a suitable sacrifice to sustain Zha'thik's power longer than the previous villagers."
Lord Thomas whispers:
"Are you suggesting we... offer Mark to save our kingdom from famine, but condemn him to that horror?"
King Malakar's face contorts in anguish:
"By the gods... I hoped such desperation would never cross my mind. Yet, our people starve..."
He pauses, weighing the moral cost:
"Mark is but one man, a Commoner with no notable skills... versus thousands of subjects dying from famine."
The Captain adds calmly:
"And, Your Majesty, Mark's own appraisal suggested he might not significantly contribute to the battle against Malum anyway."
Lord Edwin looks horrified:
"Sire, are we truly considering condemning a man to such a vile death simply because he might be... expendable?"
King Malakar's voice barely above whisper:
"I fear we are discussing not only Mark's fate... but the soul of our kingdom."
The Captain says:
"Shall I discreetly arrange for Mark to be sent to Brindlemark Village, Your Majesty?"
King Malakar nods slowly, his expression heavy with moral burden:
"Yes, Captain. See to it quietly. We must avoid alerting the Goddess Yui or Mark's... associates."
He glances at Lord Thomas, then continues:
"Particularly Kai, Akira, Chris, Ryan... and Divine Mercy, Hana - she seems especially concerned for Mark's well-being."
Just as King Malakar finishes speaking, Lord Thomas bursts out:
"Stop this evil discussion – we must find another solution! Sacrificing Mark to that monster is barbaric!"
King Malakar's gaze lingers on the Captain before turning to Lord Thomas, his tone firm but slightly less convinced:
"Thomas, we've explored every other option. The Captain's pragmatism might save our kingdom...
I fear Divine Mercy's compassion for Mark will make her a formidable obstacle to this plan."
The Captain nods thoughtfully:
"Yes, Your Majesty. Hana's influence on the Goddess Yui could also jeopardize our discreet arrangement."
Lord Thomas seizes this point:
"Exactly! They will never stand for this sacrifice – we must reconsider or face their wrath!"
King Malakar leans in,
"Can the Captain ensure Hana and Yui are distracted during Mark's... relocation?"
The Captain nods thoughtfully:
"A clever deception might suffice, Your Majesty.
Let us inform Divine Mercy and the Goddess Yui that Mark is being sent to Brindlemark Village for a few days to assist with the upcoming harvest festival and crop inspections."
Lord Thomas looks horrified still, but the Captain continues:
"This way, they'll suspect nothing out of ordinary.
Once Mark arrives in Brindlemark, however...
I have an informant among the villagers – a loyal supporter of our cause – who will ensure Mark is 'selected' by the cult for the Dark Dryad's sacrifice."
King Malakar's expression remains grim, yet slightly relieved at the subtle solution:
"This might just save our kingdom without openly betraying Divine Mercy's trust..."
Lord Thomas whispers:
"This is still evil – will your informant ensure Mark suffers no warning or escape?"
The Captain nods calmly:
"Already instructed, My Lord – Mark will never suspect his true fate.
Our informant, Viktor, has infiltrated the village elder's council and will manipulate the harvest festival's 'volunteer selection' to include Mark.
Once chosen, the cult will secretly take him to Zha'thik's glade under the guise of a 'special harvest ritual'."
King Malakar's eyes seem to cloud over, moral turmoil evident:
"Proceed with this dark plan, Captain. May the gods forgive us..."
Lord Thomas slumps back, defeated by the King's resolve.
The Captain bows:
"Your will be done, Your Majesty. I shall arrange everything discreetly."
King Malakar's voice is barely audible:
"See that it is done quickly, before my resolve fades... or Divine Mercy discovers our deceit."
Lord Thomas rises from his seat, looking like he's lost all hope:
"I fear our kingdom is forever lost to darkness."
The Captain exits the throne room, leaving the heavy atmosphere behind.
As the door closes, King Malakar whispers to Lord Thomas:
"Pray that Mark's sacrifice saves our people... and that the gods still recognize us."
The scene fades to black as the King's ominous words linger.