Still, in the end, I underestimated you

Inside the grand elder's Pavillion, Emperor Padndiyan and his father were playing chess.

Grand elder asked angrily, "you dared to put Tukirā in this gamble?"

"You was there, father. You heard what he told. If we don't take any risky moves, our subordinate kingdom loses faith in us. One will lead to others. Soon, internal conflict will arise. I don't have a choice." Emperor Pandiyan replied.

Grand elder said thoughtfully, "Hmm, even I didn't believe a small group would kidnap a Princess of a kingdom. These days, many rogue groups are formed and started acting openly. Strange, really strange."

Emperor Pandiyan said after a few seconds, "not only these, I can feel many of our subordinate kingdoms want to rebel."

"Hmm", the grand elder said like he was thinking of the situation.

After some time, the grand elder asked, "Did he suspect you?"

Emperor Pandiyan looked at his father, "Even though he is very mature compared to any other Princes, he is still a child. He was not ready to understand the politics."

"True. But What about Tukirā? I can't sit here knowing she will be in danger." He glared at his son.

"Do you think I can?" replied with a smile.

Grand elder was surprised and looked eagerly at his son. After some time, he exclaimed, "You are a clone."

"Yes, my original body following them in the dark", Emperor said with a sly smile.

"You are getting stronger every day, my dear son." said with a happy tone.

Emperor face changed, and he said with a cursing tone, "But still not strong enough."

"Patience, my dear son, take a step at a time." Grand elder replied.

Soon, with no one talking, they looked at chess pieces. It was an excellent elder move; after some time, turns changed, but no one spoke a word. After a long time, Emperor Pandian slowly said, "He seen her Painting."

Grand elder stopped his move for a second but moved again, "What you did?"

Emperor said regrettably, "Diverted him into a different topic and hid the Paint."

"Hmm," Grand elder replied.

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A little girl played with Asura in the lake while the soldier arranged a tent and food. Soon they finished playing, had food and continued the journey. While Asura and Tukirā are raiding a horse, and soldier rides another.

While travelling, the soldier narrowed the about the place, "Prince... sorry, Asura, we are going to one the Seven back sandy lands, It is the third land and one our subordinate kingdom called the Venghai Kingdom.

They celebrate a festival which is a ritual. It will happen for 12 days. They pray goddess of the forest, tribute and sacrifice the animals on the last day.

First, seven days going to be... "

After two days, They reached the Venghai Kingdom. The capital of the Venghai kingdom is called Venadu.

They entered the entrance gate and paid the entrance fee, but they had to wait long before the check-up. "Hmm, normally, it didn't take this much time." says the soldier. His name is Marayan.

Asura nodded but did not say anything because he had to be low key. But Tukirā looking everywhere, trying to run. She is so excited to see new places. Asura is already having a hard time controlling her. So, Asura took her to the market first. She bought a few toys, bangles, earrings etc. After that, they found a place to stay and order food.

Asura sees many soldiers are checking almost anyone who they felt suspicious, including Asura. Every one of them got irritated but didn't do anything about it, not even complaining. Asura gave a signal to the Marayan. He nodded and left.

After some time, food had come, soon, Marayan too but shook his head. In all the time, one melodious voice didn't stop talking. It was non other than Tukirā. Even while eating, she talking many things.

At night, Asuran covered Tukirā on a blanket holding one of her new toys and sleeping soundlessly. He touched her head with care and then came out of his room and closed the door. Marayan was waiting outside of his room,

Asura enquired, "Any updates?"

"No, Prince, I enquired most of the informers but didn't find any information about the person gone missing. All this tight security because the last person went missing. But who was that? No one knows. Kingdom was tightly covered all and watching everyone, including us. Even all surrounding bandits got arrested. Very few escaped and hid in the dark."

Asuran went silent for a few minutes, then looked at Marayan, "Find out details about people who have gone missed or kidnapped in last thirty days. And also, if you can, find out anyone local bandit even if he is just newly joined their team or informer who gone to hide."

Marayan bowed, "But Prince, it will take at least a day or two. I have to be your side to protect you." said apologetically.

"We just entered the city. Even if someone wants to make a move, they have to wait for a proper plan with this much security. So take your time. Find out what is the most common of these people gone missing in recent days. I want to know everything." Asuran said.

Marayan hesitated while Asura looked at him like he had given him an order; Marayan took a deep breath and said, "Yes, my Prince." He left.

After some time, 'Father, If you want me to take this mission as a decoy, why did you involve Tukirā? What are you hiding from me?' murmured and looked at the sky.

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In the dark, a shadow entered the city and looked in the direction of Inn Prince Asura staying, "Still, in the end, I underestimated you, my dear son.

Alright, I will wait and see what are you going to do next before I make my move."

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On another side of the city, in a secret room, "Master, We had received the information. One person matches our list, which came with a peak stage of the Foundation establishment realm and the third stage of the Body strengthening realm. They came from the Paṉ

mountain area to participate in the Yearly tournament for the Body strengthening realm." a black-clothed man kneeled and said.

"What about the foundation establishment realm warrior and their background?" the leader asked with closed eyes.

Black clothed man replied, "There is no relationship between them.

He is from a coastal area. They met on the journey. Both the children are orphans from the village in the Paṉ mountain area for registration. They met on the trip. No relationship between them, since they met on the travel, he is staying with them to gather."

"Hmm, alright, monitor them for the next two days. Inform me if you find any other pieces of information." The leader ordered with his closed eyes. From the beginning to the end, he didn't even look at the person. The dark cloth men disappeared as he merged with the darkness.