Episode 121
King Parmin III of Sorcia pondered the reports about Yuri and her companions.
‘A being who saved the envoys and single-handedly defeated the monster at the amusement park…’
Greed flickered in his eyes.
‘Sorcia is significantly weaker than its neighbors.’
The power disparity was vast, even compared to the Dahlia and Biltian Kingdoms, let alone the Marcia Empire.
‘This weakness will be our undoing.’
He couldn’t abandon his kingdom. Or rather, he couldn’t abandon the power he held.
“I should have been born the Crown Prince of Marcia.”
He muttered the familiar lament.
“A commoner, king of a weak nation…”
His grandfather, Parmin I, had brought Sorcia to its current state through a coup and ruthless tactics. That strength had dwindled under subsequent rulers. Of course, Parmin III blamed the inherent weakness of the kingdom, not his own failings.
“I must meet them.”
He had to convince them to stay. Strong individuals would bolster Sorcia’s power. He would give them land, integrate them into the kingdom, and then, under the guise of national hardship, grant them knighthoods and bind them to his service.
“Prepare a grand banquet. Spare no expense.”
He ordered the Prime Minister, ignoring the budgetary concerns.
“Your Majesty, the remaining funds are for the citizens’ welfare…”
The Prime Minister, who had served since Parmin II’s reign, was understandably concerned.
‘Even Parmin II wasn’t this reckless.’
Parmin II, despite his extravagance, had at least listened to reason. Parmin III purged dissenters, leaving only sycophants in his court.
“This is a chance to strengthen the nation. We must show these heroes proper respect.”
He slammed his fist on the table, silencing the Prime Minister.
“Prepare the banquet. Gather all the beautiful people in the kingdom. We must entice them to stay, by any means necessary!”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Prime Minister left, contemplating asylum for himself and his family.
“Once they see the results, they’ll understand. Who knows? We might even conquer other nations with their help and become an empire!”
He was blinded by ambition, by the potential power Yuri and her companions represented.
“Sorcia is known for its tourism. I’ll give you a territory renowned for its tourist attractions.”
Parmin III’s attempts at persuasion were met with increasing disgust from Yuri.
‘Seriously? Giving away nobles’ land like that? Or is it royal land?’
She waved him off dismissively.
“I already refused.”
Parmin, oblivious to her growing irritation, continued his clumsy attempts at seduction.
“…Then… I’ll introduce you to some handsome men! How about that?”
“Pfft—!”
Yuri spat out her drink, and her disciples glared at the king, barely containing their rage. If she gave the order, they would tear him apart. But the oblivious king didn’t notice.
“Are you alright?”
A servant rushed to her side, offering a wet towel and refilling her glass.
“Thank you.”
Parmin’s eyes gleamed.
“If you like him, I can have him… attend to you tonight.”
Yuri’s expression turned to open disgust.
Undeterred, Parmin continued.
“We have many handsome men in Sorcia. And beautiful women too! Hahaha!”
“I don’t give a damn.”
Yuri, who had been trying to maintain a semblance of politeness, snapped.
‘First the guards, now the King… like king, like subjects.’
She decided to ignore him and focus on her food.
“What do you want? I’ll give you anything!”
“Nothing. I just came for a meal, since you insisted.”
She ate her appetizers and salad, then reached for the main course, a perfectly cooked steak.
“Ugh…!”
“Begin.”
Two things happened simultaneously.
Yuri’s sudden, urgent need to use the restroom.
And Parmin’s whispered order to his men.
“Seal the doors with mana stones. They’re not leaving.”
He hadn’t intended to let them go from the start. He believed he could trap them with mana stones.
“Aiden.”
“What?”
“Did you… feel that…?”
“Yeah, he used something.”
“M-Mana stones… he sealed the doors…!”
Ray, sensitive to mana, felt the shift.
“Should we kill him?”
“Someone… must have the key…”
“I can’t hold it anymore!”
Yuri abruptly stood.
“Wh-What’s wrong…!”
Parmin flinched, but his fear quickly turned to confusion.
“The restroom! I need to go…!”
“It’s this way… haha…”
Yuri didn’t hear him. She ran towards the sealed door.
‘She can’t open it…’
He had the key.
“You can’t go that…”
“Damn it…! Move…!”
She flung the guards aside like ragdolls.
“Eek…!”
Parmin scrambled back, just as…
“This damn thing…! Why won’t it open…!”
…Yuri kicked the door, shattering the mana stones and the door itself.
“Waaaaah! Restroom, damn it!”
Silence.
“A… a year’s worth… of mana stones…”
Mana stones were a valuable resource. He had used a year’s worth, and she had destroyed them. His plan was in ruins.
“Master’s gone… should we… have some fun…?”
Dustin’s restraint snapped. And so did the others’.
“Oh my. Are you ready to die?”
“Wahahaha! Party time!”
“I brought my herbs.”
“I-I won’t… hold back…!”
Dustin smiled sweetly.
“Ah, about those mana stones… he was trying to trap us.”
“What?! Is he insane?”
“He must be.”
Parmin’s face paled as he looked at Yuri’s enraged disciples.