Upon reaching the palace, Rahul went directly to the royal court. On the way, he had already heard the news that his father had been arrested.
He entered the majestic royal court with Princess Rose. The king and several ministers were seated there, discussing something—most likely related to him and his father. After all, the news of him killing Monty must have already reached the king and the prime minister.
Rahul and Princess Rose bowed.
"Long live the King."
"I have completed my mission, Your Majesty," Rahul said while looking at the king.
The king nodded. "Hmm, yes. I received the report earlier. You did a great job. Your strategies are commendable, just like your father's. Truly praiseworthy. Your intelligence is remarkable."
"You praise me too much, although it is true that I am a genius," Rahul said shamelessly.
The king laughed, but the prime minister rebuked him. "Shameless."
Only then did Rahul look around the court. The prime minister stood with several ministers, along with the general and the prince.
Rahul glanced at the prime minister, chuckled, and said, "How am I shameless? And forget it—I don't want an answer from you."
He ignored the prime minister as if he were unimportant.
Turning back to the king, Rahul said, "Since this matter is over, may I ask why my father was arrested?"
Before the king could reply, the prime minister spoke.
"This matter is not over. You killed my son. You will—"
"Do you mean the one who betrayed his comrades?" Rahul interrupted calmly.
The prime minister fell silent for a moment before replying, "Even if he betrayed his comrades in battle and was worthless, you do not have the right to punish him."
Rahul listened calmly and then said with a smile, "You are mistaken, Prime Minister. I did not punish him. I defended myself and killed him. Princess Rose is a witness. But you are right about one thing—this matter is not over. According to the rules, the family of a traitor should also be punished."
It was a direct counterattack.
The prime minister pointed his finger at Rahul but said nothing. He was an experienced man and did not lose control of his emotions easily.
"I have already clarified to the king that he has been expelled from our family," the prime minister said angrily.
"So you will not receive the body?" Rahul asked with an even wider smile.
This time the prime minister was truly on the verge of losing his temper, but the king intervened.
"Enough. Both of you. This matter ends here."
"Yes, Your Majesty," they both replied.
The king then ordered the guards to bring Rahul's father.
About twenty minutes later, a man in his forties was brought into the court. Despite being arrested, there was no fear in his eyes.
He bowed slightly. "I greet the righteous king."
His words carried a faint hint of mockery.
The king smiled and turned to the prince. "Prince, what do you have to say against Advisor Brook?"
The prince stepped forward.
"I believe Advisor Brook summoned those mythical beings. I found a strange curved bone with a magic circle in his yard. May I ask what this means, Advisor Brook?"
Brook replied calmly, "I have already said that the bone is not mine, and I know nothing about the magic circle."
The prince continued, "Then why is the magic circle in your yard? I have already examined the array—it is a summoning array."
Rahul chuckled.
"So you are saying my father has the power to summon mythical creatures?"
"Perhaps he took someone's help," the prince replied.
At that moment, a messenger entered.
"Your Majesty, a summoner is requesting permission to enter."
One of the ministers frowned. "Why would a summoner come here?"
Rahul answered calmly, "I called him."
King Edward nodded. "Let him enter."
A man walked into the court and bowed.
Rahul said, "This is Suresh, a level-three summoner. I requested him to examine the array before coming to the court."
Then he turned to Suresh.
"Explain what you discovered."
Suresh spoke respectfully. "The circle is indeed a summoning array, but it does not possess the power required to summon mythical creatures. Furthermore, the symbols used in the array are meant to summon humanoid life forms, not mythical beasts."
The Prime Minister looked at the prince with anger, as if he were staring at a complete fool, but did noy say anything. He was still the prince, and the royal court was not the place for such accusations.
The prince protested, "He is an outsider. How can we believe him?"
"Enough," the king interrupted sharply.
After a moment of silence, the king delivered his judgment.
"There is not enough evidence to prove Advisor Brook guilty. However, the matter will be investigated further. If no evidence is found within seven days, the advisor will be released."
Then he turned to Brook.
"Do you have anything to say?"
Brook nodded slowly and spoke:
"Three realms — the Underworld, the Land, and the SkyWhen they unite, the cycle of life begins.Three positions — King, Minister, and AdvisorA kingdom wins wars only when they are wise."
After hearing his father's words, Rahul spoke.
"I request the fragment of the bone that the prince mentioned. I would like to examine it as evidence."
The king nodded. "You may have it."
The court was dismissed, but the king stopped Rahul before he left.
After everyone else had gone, the king spoke quietly.
"Your father is a loyal man, and I trust him. But the prince is young and does not yet understand politics. He needs time—and setbacks—to learn. That is why I did not interfere too much."
He paused before continuing.
"As for the mythical creatures, I hope you will find a way to resolve this crisis as well. Just try. You do not need to risk your life. This matter is beyond your level. Think of it as a test."
Rahul nodded. "I understand."
…
Outside the palace gates, Princess Rose looked at him curiously.
"So what will you do now? Your father will be free in seven days anyway."
Rahul smiled.
"My father already told me what I need to do."
Princess Rose frowned. "When? I didn't see him speak to you."
Rahul's smile deepened.
"My father understands me."
He looked toward the distant mountains.
"Now… it is time to hunt the mythical creatures."