Deep beneath the ocean, a grand castle stands.
Inside the castle, on a wide balcony, Princess Elli sits gracefully on a luxurious chair. Being a mermaid princess, her presence carries both elegance and authority. One servant gently massages her head, another stands beside her holding a tray of food, while two more servants wait silently nearby.
Suddenly, another servant enters the room, holding a glowing crystal sphere in her hands.
"Princess Elli… you have a call."
Elli doesn't even look at her. Her eyes remain closed as she enjoys the massage.
"Who's on the call?"
"My lady… it's King Dentai Kuma."
Elli's eyes snap open instantly.
"Really?! Quickly—place it on the table!"
The servant carefully places the crystal sphere on a nearby table.
Inside the glowing crystal, Dentai appears, sitting on his throne in his throne room.
Elli smiles slightly, her tone turning soft and romantic.
"You finally called… darling."
Dentai responds in the same tone—but with a subtle sharpness hidden beneath it.
"I'm sorry… I made you wait so long. But what can I do… there have been so many problems here."
He speaks with a hint of sadness, as if burdened.
Elli's expression changes, concern appearing on her face.
"Oh? What kind of problem? Tell me… maybe I can help."
Dentai hesitates, acting reluctant.
"No… no… it could be dangerous for you, Elli. I can't tell you."
Elli's tone grows serious.
"What do you mean dangerous? Tell me! You know I'm the only daughter of the Ocean King. I'm powerful—not just in strength, but in influence as well. As long as I'm here, you don't need to fear anything… darling."
Dentai sighs softly.
"Yes… I know how powerful you are… but still… you're the only one I have. I can't put you in danger. I'll find a way out of this myself… you don't need to worry."
Elli suddenly raises her voice.
"Not worry?! How can I not worry when the one I love is in danger?! Tell me—how am I supposed to stay calm?!"
Dentai remains silent.
Elli clenches her fists slightly.
"I'll solve this myself. Just tell me what the problem is!"
Dentai continues his act.
"No… Elli, I won't—"
"Just tell me!! I'll solve it!"
Her voice is firm now—both angry and worried at the same time.
After a brief pause, Dentai finally speaks.
"…Alright. If you insist that much, I'll tell you. I need the twelve Nicul Knives."
Elli freezes.
Her expression turns into shock and confusion.
Dentai continues calmly.
"I've already found three of them. I even know where the fourth one is… but I can't go there myself. Nor can I send anyone."
Elli speaks slowly, still processing.
"But… why do you need the Nicul Knives?"
Dentai looks directly forward, his tone sharpening.
"I haven't told you this yet… but my Adhan Kingdom is under attack. The Eluto Kingdom's King Mity and the Empire's Emperor Takumi have both attacked me at the same time. I'm not strong enough to fight both of them together… so I thought of using the twelve Nicul Knives to defeat them."
Elli's eyes widen.
"What?! Why didn't you tell me?! I would have helped you! I could've sent forces from here!"
Dentai immediately responds.
"That's exactly what I don't want. If the mainland or the Four Guardians find out that the Ocean Kingdom's army is stepping onto land just to help me… then not just those two kingdoms—this entire world would become my enemy."
Elli goes silent.
After a moment, she speaks with determination.
"…Then I'll help you. I'll bring you the fourth Nicul Knife."
A faint, sharp smile forms on Dentai's face—but hidden in the shadows.
"No… no… that place is extremely dangerous. You could even die if you go there."
Elli straightens herself.
"I'm the Ocean King's daughter. I'm strong. No one in this world would want to make my father their enemy. You don't need to worry about me."
Dentai smiles warmly, his tone turning soft again.
"That's what I like most about you… you're always ready to do anything for the one you love. No matter who stands in front of you—you're never afraid."
Elli blushes slightly, smiling shyly.
"Don't say things like that… just tell me—where is the fourth Nicul Knife?"
Dentai's expression turns serious.
"It's on… Ralvish Island."
Elli's face instantly turns pale.
"You… you mean the Ralvish Island under Kalosh Island… ruled by Entity 21?!"
Dentai nods slowly.
"Yes."
Then he lowers his tone again.
"Now you're scared, right? I knew it… forget it. This isn't something you can handle. Your life could be at risk, and I don't want—"
Elli cuts him off immediately.
"No! I'm not scared! I said I'll do it—and I will! My father is the Ocean King, the strongest here! I have nothing to fear!"
Dentai pretends to be emotional.
"Thank you… thank you, Elli… I'll never forget this (sob…)."
Elli shakes her head gently.
"No… I didn't do you a favor. I'm just helping the one I love."
Dentai speaks again.
"If you want… I can come help you. Or I can send my most trusted allies."
Elli refuses immediately.
"No. I'll go with my own forces and bring back the fourth Nicul Knife. You just wait for me."
Dentai nods.
"I'll be waiting… Elli."
The crystal call ends.
In the Adhan Kingdom, Dentai sits on his throne—smiling coldly.
Indrah steps forward.
"My lord… do you really think Princess Elli will return safely from Ralvish Island with the fourth Nicul Knife?"
Dentai's tone becomes calm and serious.
"She's the daughter of the Ocean King Antonio. Don't underestimate her."
Then he smiles again—this time darker.
"But it doesn't matter whether she returns or not. I only care about the fourth Nicul Knife. And I know she will bring it… even if it costs her life."
Damyaan looks confused.
"Why do you think so, my lord?"
Dentai answers without hesitation.
"Because she's in love with me. She's obsessed with me."
Damyaan nods slowly.
"I see… but my lord, don't you already have Queen Palakh of the Zinau Kingdom?"
Dentai bursts into an arrogant laugh.
"Hahahaha… in this world, no one belongs to anyone. I'm just using both Palakh and Elli to achieve my dream. They're nothing more than pawns."
Indrah chuckles.
"As expected of my lord… you truly are a master manipulator."
Dentai slowly stands from his throne, raising his hand in a confident gesture.
"If you want to be a villain…"
He looks at them sharply.
"Be a smart villain."