Ch-50: Royal Banter

The room, once filled with tension and concern, underwent a remarkable transformation as Princess Kundavai's curiosity stole the spotlight. Her eyes, still tinged with excitement and surprise, were now fixated on the peculiar invention that had just landed in the royal palace.

Vijay, standing beside the deflated hot air balloon, couldn't help but be amused by the sudden shift in the room's atmosphere. The worried expressions on the faces of the courtiers had given way to a palpable sense of fascination and intrigue.

The King, who had been whispering to each other about the unusual turn of events, was now turning his attention to the deflated balloon. He leaned in closer, his eyes studying the intricacies of the contraption. The archer who had accompanied Vijay was busy examining the arrows that had been aimed at them during their descent.

The Queen, who had been concerned about the potential betrayal and espionage just moments ago, found herself drawn to the balloon as well. Her analytical mind couldn't resist the allure of this technological marvel, and she pondered how it could be used strategically.

King Rajendra, though initially bewildered, now wore a thoughtful expression. He realized that Vijay's innovations were not only changing the landscape of Hampura but also captivating the imaginations of those around him.

The room buzzed with conversations as everyone tried to make sense of this unexpected development, as Vijay watched them with a smile on his face. The tension that had gripped them had evaporated, replaced by an air of anticipation and curiosity. Vijay's hot air balloon had not only made a dramatic entrance but also captured the hearts and minds of the Royal Family.

The atmosphere in the dimly lit chamber shifted dramatically as all eyes turned to Vijay, who suddenly felt a wave of both admiration and anxiety wash over him. His invention, the hot air balloon, had captivated the attention of the royal family and courtiers alike.

Vijay's unease was palpable as he stood there, the Queen and Princess approaching with eyes that practically sparkled with curiosity and enthusiasm. They bore an uncanny resemblance, both exuding an aura that seemed to say they might devour him with their questions. It was as though he had conjured magic in their midst.

Queen Malini, unable to contain her excitement, approached Vijay with uncontainable energy. She grabbed his shoulders with surprising force, shaking him as if trying to extract the secrets of his invention through physical contact.

"Good boy!" she exclaimed with genuine joy. "How did you do it? It's simply unimaginable that something like this could help us fly. And it seems so... easy to make!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and the courtiers couldn't help but share in her excitement.

The Queen's praise and curiosity seemed unquenchable as she continued, "I sometimes want to know what goes on in your small mind, filled with such innovations. I have seen minds filled with greed, lust, envy, but it was as if your perception of the world is different from us."

Princess Kundavai eagerly joined the conversation, her eyes still gleaming with fascination. "Tell us, Vijay, what did you think when you saw that tent cloth? How did you envision it for such a creation?" Their questions hung in the air, an invitation for Vijay to share the inner workings of his inventive mind.

Vijay, somewhat taken aback by the Queen's exuberance, awkwardly chuckled in response. He hadn't anticipated this level of enthusiasm, but he was pleased to see that his invention had struck a chord with the Queen and the Princess. Their fascination with the hot air balloon was evident, and it left Vijay wondering how this invention might change their kingdom in ways he hadn't yet imagined.

Vijay's face contorted as he grappled with the desire to share his secret and the fear of the consequences it might bring. He had already committed that he will take his secret to his grave and only use when nessesary, it may looked like waste of such ability but the more advanced invention he introduces, the more people began to take his advantage.

Taking a deep breath, he decided to offer a carefully measured response. "Your Highness, Princess, I appreciate your curiosity and trust," he began cautiously, "but the process behind this invention is quite intricate and involves principles that might be difficult to grasp without proper guidance."

The Queen and Princess exchanged knowing glances, sensing Vijay's hesitation. They were perceptive enough to recognize the weight of his words.

The Queen nodded thoughtfully, her eyes revealing a mix of understanding and respect. "We trust your judgment, Vijay," she said, "Your intentions for Vidya's benefit are clear. Just know that should you ever decide to share more, we are here to listen."

With that, the tension in the room eased slightly, and Vijay felt a sense of relief. He had managed to preserve the secrecy of his innovations while maintaining the trust and goodwill of the Queen and Princess. It was a delicate balance that he would need to maintain as he continued to navigate a world that was not his own.

The mood lightened further as the conversation took a playful turn. King Rajendra, with a mischievous glint in his eye, couldn't resist teasing his daughter. He dramatically wiped away imaginary tears and asked in a mock-lamenting tone, "Oh, my dear Kundavai, have you finally let that stubborn heart of yours thaw for Vijay? Ah, the mysteries of a woman's heart!"

Kundavai's face turned a deeper shade of crimson as she heard her father's jest. She replied with a annoyed tone, trying to hide her embarrassment behind a facade of annoyance, "Father, please! It's not like I harbor any special feelings for him. Our engagement was purely a result of the circumstances, and we're not even married yet."

The Queen, always quick to join in the banter, couldn't resist teasing her daughter further. With a playful glint in her eye, she added, "Oh, our eager little princess! Perhaps you're secretly looking forward to the wedding day? Ah youth, so eager to marry but remember, my dear, to bless us with grandchildren sooner rather than later." Her words caused Kundavai's embarrassment to intensify, and Vijay also became red upon hearing that and she felt like she might faint from sheer embarrassment.

Laughter erupted in the room as everyone enjoyed the light-hearted exchange. It was a moment of respite from the weighty matters that had been discussed earlier, a reminder that even in times of uncertainty, there could still be moments of joy and humor in the Royal Palace.