In the Kingdom of Light
Albert and Elara finally reached the Kingdom of Light. After resting for some time, Albert explained everything to Vikram.
After hearing the entire story, Vikram became furious.
"What are you saying, Albert?" Vikram shouted angrily. "Why did you allow King Ashoka to go alone without any army or support?"
Albert remained calm and replied,
"Don't panic, Vikram. You know King Ashoka very well. He ordered me to come here. I also know how dangerous it is for him to go alone, but Luna is with him. So relax. I believe he can handle the situation somehow."
Vikram frowned and asked,
"Does King Ashoka even have a plan?"
Albert shook his head slightly.
"I don't know. But before leaving, he gave me a letter and told me to hand it over to you."
Vikram quickly took the letter and began reading it.
The Letter
Vikram,
I know you are worried about me, but don't be. Listen carefully.
You already know that even if you come here, you won't be able to do much with only one hand. After losing your arm, you are no longer capable of fighting in a war like before.
However, I also know that you are still one of the greatest strategists I have ever seen. That is why I have an important mission for you.
I made a deal with the elves. I know it may be difficult to understand right now, but in short, go with Albert and meet Elara. She will explain your mission.
Remember this carefully — you must complete this mission at any cost, because the future depends on it.
— Ashoka
After finishing the letter, Vikram silently folded it and placed it inside his coat.
Then he left with Albert to meet Elara in the Royal Palace.
In the Kingdom of Power
Across the local markets and streets, Kan-ki's soldiers spread shocking news throughout the kingdom.
"The new king is Tangen!"
The announcement spread like wildfire.
Both commoners and nobles were stunned after hearing it.
The soldiers further announced that the coronation ceremony would take place the next day, and attendance was mandatory for both nobles and commoners.
This news soon reached one of the kingdom's commanders, Arthur.
The moment he heard it, Arthur rushed toward the Royal Palace to personally meet Queen Victoria.
Inside the Royal Palace
Queen Victoria was peacefully drinking tea with Tangen in the royal garden.
Arthur stormed into the palace and tried to enter the garden, but two soldiers blocked his path.
"Commander Arthur, please stop," one of them said nervously. "The Queen is currently speaking with King Tangen."
Arthur's expression darkened.
In a single swift movement, he struck both soldiers with the shaft of his spear and knocked them aside effortlessly.
He then entered the garden and shouted,
"Your Majesty, are you truly going to fight your own son because of this bastard?"
Queen Victoria's eyes turned cold.
"Watch your words, Arthur," she said sharply. "You may be a commander, but you still have no authority to speak to me in that tone."
Arthur lowered his head respectfully.
"My Queen, I do not wish to disrespect you. But please tell me… why are you doing this? King Ashoka is our rightful king. Why have you decided to declare a new king?"
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"And please don't tell me the rumors are true… that Tangen is King Rajendra's son."
Queen Victoria calmly explained everything to Arthur — Tangen's identity, King Rajendra's final wish, and all the hidden truths.
After hearing everything, Arthur remained silent for a few moments before asking,
"But even then… you know Ashoka will never accept this. Are you truly prepared to fight your own son?"
Queen Victoria answered firmly,
"It is my duty to convince Ashoka. But tell me this, Arthur… if Ashoka refuses to accept my decision, whose side will you choose?"
Arthur took a deep breath.
"As a commander, it is my duty to obey the royal family. But in this matter, both sides belong to the royal family."
He tightened his grip on his spear.
"That is why I will choose neither side. I do not support your decision, but even if war begins between you and King Ashoka, I will remain neutral. I will not lend my soldiers or my strength to anyone."
Arthur then turned around to leave, but before walking away, he stopped and spoke one final time.
"But there is one thing I must say…"
He looked directly at Tangen.
"If war truly happens… you cannot defeat King Ashoka."
Tangen remained silent throughout the conversation.
But deep inside, his thoughts were different.
He is right.
I cannot defeat Ashoka with physical strength…
But battles are not won by strength alone.
Elsewhere
Miyamoto slowly regained consciousness.
As his vision cleared, he realized both his hands and legs were chained tightly. He could barely move.
Nearby, Kan-ki sat comfortably in a chair while drinking alcohol.
Miyamoto glared at him with rage.
"Kan-ki… you will regret this."
Kan-ki smirked.
"Old man, stop talking nonsense. You can't even move your body, and you think I'll regret anything?"
He took another sip before continuing.
"My plan is going perfectly. I already convinced the Queen to stand on my side. Arthur has chosen neutrality. You are chained here…"
A cruel smile appeared on his face.
"And now the only remaining problem is Ashoka. But don't worry — I already have a plan for him too."
Kan-ki stood up and began walking toward the door.
"Relax here, old man. I still have preparations to make."
Before Kan-ki could leave, Miyamoto suddenly asked,
"Why… why are you doing all of this?"
Kan-ki stopped for a moment.
Then he laughed quietly.
"In this world… there is also someone I want to save."
Without another word, he left the room.
Miyamoto stared silently at the closed door.
Save someone…?
But who?
The Next Day
Under the cover of darkness, Ashoka and Luna finally arrived at the Kingdom of Power.
Using a hidden underground tunnel, they secretly entered the kingdom.
Luna looked around cautiously.
"Why are we entering like this?"
Ashoka replied calmly,
"First, I want to observe everything secretly. I need to know who still stands with me… and who has turned against me."
Luna nodded slowly.
"So where are we going first?"
Ashoka's eyes narrowed.
"First, I want to meet Radhagupta, the Prime Minister. There are some important matters we need to discuss."