Mefas Kingdom was vast, encompassing half of the notorious Demon Forest. Though it wasn't the kingdom with the most cities—only eleven grand cities and seventeen smaller ones—its sheer size made it formidable. At the heart of the capital stood the Royal Palace, surrounded by a half-kilometer-wide road and a colossal barrier that protected it from any possible attack.
In one of the palace's grand chambers lay an old man on a massive bed. This was King Charles the Ninth, ruler of Mefas. Age had worn down his body; no medicine nor healer could restore him. Even the kingdom's most skilled Healer had failed. Beside him sat a young girl—his youngest daughter, only thirteen years old. King Charles had three children in total: two princes and one princess.
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The two princes were on the brink of declaring war against each other.
The princess gripped her father's hand tightly, tears welling in her eyes.
"My dear Enri," the king said gently, "I cannot rely on my two sons. When I am gone, you must take charge of this kingdom."
The princess sobbed even harder. According to the Healer, her father had only two to three more years to live, yet his condition had worsened over the past two days. King Charles was giving his daughter final instructions.
"The Royal Knights will follow the First Prince, and the military power will be under the Second Prince. But my personal guards will obey your orders. After I am gone, you must leave the palace quickly. I have spoken with Duke Uexkul—you will go to his house, and he will guide you further."
The princess remained silent, overwhelmed by the weight of her duty. She couldn't understand why her brothers were fighting while their father lay on the brink of death. And the pain of their absence—never visiting their father—cut her deeply.
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Meanwhile, Elmond drove their carriage to a tall structure known as the Healer Tower. Alex, observing it, thought of hospitals from his world. Elmond and Maria had brought Alex here to heal his injured leg. Maria had connections within the tower, so they bypassed the long lines.
A guard led Maria, Elmond, and Alex inside. Maria had sent a letter in advance, and the tower staff had been informed to welcome them directly.
Upon entering, the older woman and her young companion descended together. Maria and Alex had offered to stay with them, but they refused. Inside, Maria met an old friend—Cesli, a renowned Healer. Maria had been surprised to receive a letter from her after ten years. Trusting her implicitly, Maria had brought Alex for treatment. Elmond and Alex stood aside while Maria and Cesli conversed.
"Does your family know you're here?" Cesli asked.
"No, we haven't contacted them yet," Maria replied.
Cesli's gaze shifted toward Alex. "Has he ever come into contact with a Demon Beast?"
Maria froze briefly, then answered calmly, "Yes, once when he was very young. Elmond took him on a hunt, and a Demon Rat bit him on the leg."
Cesli understood that Maria was withholding details. "I don't know what happened to your son, but I'll respect your discretion. However, his lower legs are infused with Poison and Demonic energy, which prevents any Pran-based spell from working."
Maria's heart sank. "So… there's no cure? He can barely walk, and running paralyzes him."
Cesli took a sample of Alex's blood and bone fragments. "Give me a week. I'll find a cure for him."
Maria nodded, placing her trust in Cesli. They arranged for a safe residence within the capital, keeping their identities discreet.
Cesli, meanwhile, retreated to her private quarters. She took out several red fruits from a drawer and consumed one, regaining her energy. Her magical eyeglass, once an A-class item called Medic, had been used to detect the energies afflicting Alex. Though it had exhausted her own powers, she now saw a new opportunity for research, smiling faintly despite the fatigue.
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In another part of the kingdom, Duke Everest von Uexkul sipped tea with the Second Prince in his mansion. The prince had come to persuade the Duke to ally with him, proposing marriage to the Duke's daughter.
"Uncle Uexkul, my father King Charles has always valued our families' bond. I propose marriage to your daughter," the prince said.
The Duke remained composed. "Your proposal honors us, but my daughter is still very young. I cannot force her will."
Anger flared in the prince, yet he said nothing. He understood the Duke's power and influence—though not as strong as Duke Everest, he too held a title respected by the empire. The prince left, already planning his last card in the unfolding struggle for the throne.
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Alex's perspective:
I had fallen asleep listening to my mother and her friend's conversation. When I awoke, I found myself in a new bed. The residence, arranged by my mother's friend, was modest but comfortable. A small pond and garden added to its charm. It wasn't extravagant, but for someone like me, it was more than enough.
As night fell, I gazed at the fading sun. Suddenly, a familiar voice spoke from the ring on my hand. Excitement surged through me—there were so many questions I wanted to ask.
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To Be Continued…