The aide screams,
“You brats really don’t know what you’ve gotten into. If you weren’t such bastards, I would pity you.”

She walks away. Once out of reach, Demo continues tossing his pebble into the air. Orja resigns himself and plops down on the ground.
“It’s all over.”

“What makes you think that?” Demo calmly asks.

Orja is baffled by his nonchalance.
“What do you mean? Look at where we are. If the king really comes here…” Orja lowers his head.

Demo keeps tossing his pebble.

Meanwhile, Cleus and Cyte are in their large room. They’ve made up their minds as they walk toward the door. Just before Cleus opens it, there’s a knock. From the other side, a voice calls out,
“Prince Cleus, your humble assistant requests your acknowledgment.”

Cleus opens the door. A young man stands there, bowing deeply. Cleus looks at him, confused.
“Who are you?”

“This humble assistant’s name is Busekka, Prince Cleus. I have been assigned as your personal assistant during your stay here,” Busekka answers, still bowing.

Cleus and Cyte share a quick look, then Cleus gently lifts Busekka’s head.
“Raise up. No need to bow to me, I’m not your prince. Who assigned you to me?”

Busekka smiles softly.
“Our highness, the king, personally requested that I ensure your stay here is as comfortable as possible. I’ll be at your side and service twenty-four-seven.”

Cyte steps forward, glancing down the hallway.
“Busekka, we are leaving. Show us the way out.”

Busekka’s eyes widen in shock.
“I’m very, very sorry, but I was ordered to make sure you attend the gala held in your honor.”

Cleus smiles back at him.
“She said we would like to leave. Are you saying you refuse to show us the way out?”

Busekka falls to his knees, pleading.
“Sorry! I am so sorry! I beg your forgiveness. Please, don’t kill me. If I disobey the king, my family will die. Please, forgive me!”

He starts sobbing. Cleus feels pity, understanding that disobeying orders in a kingdom like this means death.
“When is the gala?”

Busekka raises his tear-streaked face.
“Prince Cleus… it’s tomorrow. I am supposed to escort you and your shadow to your fitting.”

“Our fitting?” Cyte inquires as she looks down at the pitiful servant.

Busekka wipes his face.
“Yes, to attend the gala, you will be draped in golden garments adorned with precious jewels. Today’s fitting is to ensure the measurements are perfect. And as an apology for the prince’s behavior, our king has instructed me to guide you to the royal treasure, from which you may choose one item.”

Cleus’ interest is piqued.
“One item?”

Busekka’s smile stretches from ear to ear.
“Yes! Only a few are allowed entry into the treasure, and even fewer are permitted to take anything.”

Cleus gestures for Busekka to rise.
“Lead the way to the treasury.”

Busekka gets up and bows slightly.
“Again, I’m sorry, but our king was adamant that the fitting comes first.”

Cleus nods.
“Then lead the way to the fitting.”

Cyte nods as well, and the three of them make their way to the fitting room.

Back in the city, Ten has found his way back to the hotel, just as Demo instructed. He doesn’t go inside; instead, he keeps walking toward the forest he saw from their ship. Behind him, he hears a commotion. Turning around, he sees a group of soldiers forcing their way through the crowd.

Ten slips into an alley, grabs some trash, and uses Higher Reasoning to transform it into a hooded garment resembling the local attire. He covers himself and calmly walks away from the soldiers.

As he nears the edge of the city, he comes across a border patrol. He watches their process, each person is stopped, questioned, and their bags are checked. Their IDs are verified. What’s interesting is that only groups are being allowed through the gate.

Ten turns and begins walking parallel to the wall. He observes several sentries pacing along it and waits, timing their movements carefully. He eventually finds an abandoned square. There are traces of blood on the ground.

In the middle sits a child, head bowed between her legs in silence.

Ten approaches slowly.
“You okay?”

The girl doesn’t respond. Ten kneels in front of her.
“You okay?”

The girl slowly lifts her head. Both of her eyes are gone.

Ten falls backward in horror, crawling away.
“YOOOOOOO! Eh…”

The girl lowers her head again, saddened by Ten’s reaction.

Chapter 92 fin