King Wayne, flanked by his guards, and King Daniel, accompanied by his own, strode towards the city gates, with Adam, Lyra, and Leon in tow. The stationed guards immediately knelt in deference. King Wayne's voice boomed, announcing that King Daniel had escorted him back with his armies, but clarified they were not there for war.
News of the Damarsh army's presence sent a ripple of panic through the local nobility. They quickly rushed to greet King Wayne's unexpected return, their faces a mix of relief and apprehension. Arthur III, realizing his predicament, had no choice but to relinquish his title back to King Wayne.
A New Era for Nalthis
Both kings convened in the castle for a discussion on trades and economic benefits for their kingdoms, all in the presence of Nalthis's nobles. Adam provided a crucial incentive: the creation of permanent, fast-travel portals between the kingdoms, exclusively for royalty. This would connect the two realms without the hassle of traditional travel. After a lengthy conversation and the signing of a mutual benefit agreement, the nobles applauded King Wayne for elevating Nalthis to greater heights.
Next on the agenda was Arthur III's treasonous plot. Fear gripped the nobles who had sided with him, imagining their imminent execution with the Damarsh army at their doorstep. Adam then turned to Arthur. "Do you have anything to say?"
Arthur, understanding his life now depended on his words, looked around at his former allies. In a surprising turn, he confessed, "Yes, I made that decision. I forced these nobles to take my side, risking their families' lives. If you want to execute me for this, I am willing to take the fall." He looked at his older brother. "However, I did this not just for myself. It was for the prosperity of my kingdom. That is what a true king is: bringing wealth and economic value to his people."
Adam saw a different side to Arthur. There was truth in his words; wealth and economic prosperity indeed create a conducive environment for people to live in. Furthermore, he had just protected the nobles who had sided with him.
A Twist of Fate for Arthur
"I believe execution is too easy a punishment," Adam interjected. "If both kings agree, I will take Arthur as my servant."
Both kings exchanged a glance and agreed to the decision. The nobles, feeling indebted to Arthur for not implicating them, breathed a collective sigh of relief, grateful for his second chance.
Lyra, however, was confused. "Why did you choose to take Arthur as a servant, especially a royal? He's not worth it in terms of labor."
Adam, still connected to Lyra, simply replied, "You will see why one day."
With that, the crisis was averted. The two kingdoms forged a new alliance of trade and economic benefit. Adam smiled, while Arthur remained uncertain of his fate under Adam's enigmatic command. The nobles applauded King Wayne, who had demonstrated both strength and astute diplomacy.
As the armies returned to Damarsh, Arthur, stripped of his title and now Adam's servant, followed him through the castle corridors. He knew Adam could execute him at any moment without repercussions. Adam led Arthur to a room where the nobles were gathered. They bowed to Arthur, grateful for his selfless act that saved their lives and families.
Adam instructed Arthur to tell the nobles to support his brother, to admit his defeat in both strength and economic strategy. Arthur, resigned to his fate, spoke of his loss and urged the nobles to follow his brother, King Wayne, as their true king. He then left the room, knowing there was nothing more to say.
Adam then addressed the nobles. "You were spared because Arthur valued your lives. Don't ever forget that. I spared his life for the very reason you sided with him. I understand his strengths, which is why I've made him my servant. Rest assured, I will take good care of him." The nobles, feeling a pang of shame for their past actions, swore to uphold their positions and support King Wayne.
A Glimmer of Hope for Arthur
Adam found Arthur in the corridor and patted his shoulder. "You heard what they said about you in there?" Adam remarked. "You have a long way to go, but with my guidance, you can become a great king."
Arthur sighed, reflecting on his past arrogance. "It's normal to make mistakes in life," Adam continued. "You have a second chance to change your fate. And at the same time, you'll be a good asset to my team."
Adam walked on, his words echoing in Arthur's mind. This person, with all his power, still humbles himself. He could create his own kingdom, and no one could oppose him, yet he chooses this path. He believes in me when no one in my family ever did. They treated me like worthless trash, yet this powerful person sees me for who I can be.
For the first time in his life, Arthur cried. Not when his family neglected and shunned him, but now. He'd always held it in, numbing himself to emotion, growing ruthless and driven only by a desire to prove his parents wrong. He'd meticulously studied economics and trade, desperate to bring wealth to the kingdom, just to show them he wasn't worthless. His tears flowed freely as he knelt, overcome by emotion. Lyra and Leon watched in silence.
Adam, having left Arthur to his moment of catharsis, teleported into the sky. He began scanning for Emily, knowing that this time, with his newfound freedom and allies, he could finally bring her back.