Orimo's eyes sharpened, his gaze cutting through the early morning haze over the kingdom. "I'm going to meet the king of this land. Wait for me, Rae."
Rae chuckled softly, a teasing yet trusting smile lighting her face. "You got it, idiot."
Orimo returned her smile, determination in every step, before sprinting off toward the royal palace.
He weaved through the streets, asking the townsfolk, "Where's the royal palace?" Their directions hurriedly given, he finally reached the towering fortress. So this is it.
Two soldiers stepped forward, their hands tightening on their weapons. "Go back. You're not allowed inside."
Orimo didn't hesitate. With a swift motion, he leapt through a nearby window, landing inside the king's chamber. Glass shattered, echoing through the grand hall. Soldiers panicked, rushing after him.
King Rexar's gaze sharpened, a mix of shock and authority. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
Orimo straightened, chest rising with steady breath. "I'm Orimo Kuzan, Captain of the Devil Pirates. Why did you sell the kingdom?"
The king's eyes widened, recognition dawning. "Orimo…? Weren't you dead? I didn't do anything like that. Ashyrn has been poisoning the minds of the people, turning them against me."
Orimo's smirk was firm, confident. "Nah, I'm alive and kicking. How can you be so sure?"
The king's voice softened, tinged with concern. "All I want is the safety of the people and the nation. My daughter, Princess Amelia, can see through people's intentions… she possesses the cursed necklace of mind reading."
Orimo exhaled, determination settling in. "I'll help you fend off the rebellion then."
Outside, the soldiers surged forward, voices echoing through the palace halls. "Surrender!"
King Rexar raised a hand, calm yet commanding. "He's our ally. Stand down!"
The soldiers froze for a moment, then saluted, backing off and returning to their duties. The tension eased, but Orimo knew the real battle — exposing Ashyrn's lies — was just beginning.