Chapter 21: A call for help

"Father, I don't know, but Kael... he's different—way different from everything anyone knows," Kim said as the courtroom fell silent. Various officials dressed in magnificent robes sat solemnly, their expressions grim. The guards surrounding them exuded a terrifying war aura.

"I know. You're nothing but a pawn to him. Even your master doesn't frighten him anymore, especially now that his sister is back. This war has to happen, or your future will be ruined," the king said, his voice reverberating through the already silent throne hall.

"Kim, you are a woman now. Find a way to reach Kael. If you succeed, the loss of our people will be minimized. If not... then all hope is lost," the king continued. Kim stood quietly, her fingers fiddling with her skirt as she stared at the floor.

"Well, if you can't do it, forget it. Kang, prepare the army and the generals. I want them to see me in an hour. The kingdom is on high alert for spies and sneak attacks," the king commanded, rising to leave for his chambers.

The officials bowed and departed, leaving only one figure in the throne room.

Kim stood alone, her head bowed as her thoughts raced. What should I do? I want to help Father, but now that Kael's sister is here, even my master is no longer a threat to them, Kim thought, clenching her hands slightly.

And Kael... he's completely different from the man he was rumored to be. He's better—far better—but also cold now. Does he really see me as a tool, just like Father said? she wondered, her chest tightening.

If only his sister weren't here... Wait, his sister. Maybe I should talk to her. She might help me, Kim thought, her determination growing as she lifted her head.

**********

The continent was unusually quiet as wars between smaller kingdoms had temporarily ceased. The larger kingdoms were like spectators, watching the buildup to the impending war. Civilians and nobles alike awaited the conflict with both anticipation and dread.

The Jimi Kingdom, a medium-sized nation with no grandmaster, relied on an ancient warrior whose allegiance remained unclear. On the other side was the Fin Land Kingdom, one of the oldest kingdoms, boasting multiple grandmasters and dozens of master-realm cultivators.

The outcome of the war was unpredictable. Either side could win. While the Fin Land Kingdom's long history suggested they had hidden strategies, the Jimi Kingdom's unpredictability made them a dangerous opponent.

The battlefield had been decided—a vast, barren plain with low vegetation and irregular terrain separating the two kingdoms. This land would host the first clash, with the stronger army pushing into enemy territory. Victory was far from certain for either side.

The date of the war had been set for three days later, but those three days were the most tense and chaotic for the Jimi Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Kim traveled to the Eryndor Kingdom.

***********

In a room of mixed charm and simplicity, a woman stood drenched in sweat before stepping into the bathroom.

Knock, knock.

A knock echoed as the sound of running water slowed.

"Who is it?" Valthera's voice called out.

"Your Highness, it is the maid. The princess of the Jimi Kingdom seeks an audience with you," the maid replied.

"Alright, let her in," Valthera said, continuing her bath.

"Yes, Your Highness," the maid answered, hurrying back to where Kim waited.

Hearing the maid's words, Kim felt a wave of relief. She had feared that Valthera wouldn't even agree to see her, but she had been wrong. Valthera was nothing like she had imagined; in truth, she knew almost nothing about her.

The maid led her to Valthera's door, which Kim pushed open cautiously.

A fresh scent of roses filled the room, and the faint sound of running water echoed in the background.

"Sit on the bed and wait for me," a feminine voice instructed, accompanied by the sound of water.

Kim hesitated but eventually obeyed, sitting nervously on the edge of the bed. Her heart raced, her mind a swirl of thoughts.

After what felt like an eternity, the water finally stopped, and the bathroom door opened.

Kim looked up and froze, stunned by the sight before her.

Valthera emerged, clad in a thin robe that barely concealed her figure. Her tall, powerful frame exuded strength, yet it retained an undeniable feminine allure. Muscular but not overly so, Valthera's presence was both commanding and mesmerizing. Even as a woman, Kim found herself captivated by her beauty.

"Kim, princess of the Jimi Kingdom and bride of the Crown Prince of the Eryndor Kingdom, why are you here?" Valthera asked, sitting gracefully near a partially open window.

Kim gulped, her expression shifting as her emotions waged war within her. She had been momentarily lost in awe of Valthera's appearance, feeling inadequate in comparison. But more importantly, she struggled to find the words to say what she had come for.

She had read countless romance books in the royal library and believed she understood love, but this situation was nothing like the stories. She had only just met Kael and was now expected to marry him. Where was the love in that? Her father's disappointment weighed heavily on her, and her frustration gave her the courage to speak.

Right here, right now, she would ask Valthera for help in this war.

But her body betrayed her mind, and what came out of her mouth was entirely different.

"Teach me how to be charming as a woman," Kim blurted out, her face turning crimson in embarrassment.

What did I just say? No, I'm already charming enough. Any guy would fall for me! Why would I ask her for advice? Sure, she's better than me, but I'm my own queen! What is wrong with me?! Kim thought in utter disbelief as her mouth hung open in shock.

Valthera chuckled softly, her amused gaze fixed on Kim. "Is that what you came here to ask?" she asked, her soothing voice making Kim's nervousness begin to fade.

"Yes… I mean, no," Kim stammered, pausing as she closed her eyes in embarrassment. She bit her lip, summoning her courage, and finally spoke up. "I want you to help me convince Kael to aid our people. At the very least, he could reduce the losses to our army. If he agrees to that, I'll do anything he wants."

Kim avoided Valthera's piercing gaze, feeling small under her intensity.

"Interesting," Valthera thought, her smile fading slightly as she studied the young woman sitting on her bed. This girl would soon be Kael's bride, yet she lacked the wit, strength, and power necessary for such a role.

"This matter is beyond me," Valthera thought. "It's a matter of agreement between my father and the King of Jimi Kingdom, with Kael's acknowledgment. I have no say in it. The chose you already"

"Even if it costs your body?" Valthera asked suddenly, her amusement disappearing entirely.

Kim froze, her mind racing. Her father's words echoed in her head, and she bit her lip before meeting Valthera's gaze.

"You're too late," Valthera continued before Kim could respond. "Today is the day of the war. As a princess, you shouldn't even be traveling. Our army has already gone to support, and Kael is with them. Unless you're planning to join the battlefield and speak to him personally, there's nothing more to be done. It's over."

Kim's eyes widened in shock. "War? Kael actually went to war? But… he has a waste body! Is he going to die?" she blurted out, then immediately realized her mistake. Panic filled her as she quickly lowered her head in apology. "I'm sorry."

Valthera waved it off, her expression indifferent. "No need. What you said was true—he did have a waste body. But as things stand, his actions now decide the life and death of your kingdom." She stood gracefully, signaling the conversation was over.

"But—" Kim started, only to be cut off by Valthera.

"You may leave, Kim," Valthera said firmly.

Kim stopped, her emotions in turmoil. She stood silently for a moment before bowing. "Thank you for the audience," she said, her voice subdued. She left the room, receiving no response.

Once alone, Valthera sighed and leaned back. "Brother, brother, brother… hahaha. I wonder what you'll say to that girl. But then again, is she even brave enough to go to the battlefield? To face war just to see you? Pathetic," she muttered to herself.

Her expression turned thoughtful. "This war… you must prove yourself, brother. And as for Selena… I think it's time I had a little chat with her."

*************

At the Battlefield…

A few kilometers from the designated warzone, Kael sat astride a horse, surrounded by his guards. Beside him rode his three most trusted men—Jack, Garrick, and Darius.

"In a few minutes, we'll reach the battlefield, my prince," Darius reported, his voice steady as he rode alongside Kael.

Kael nodded, his expression calm as his sharp eyes surveyed the barren landscape before them. He could already imagine the blood-soaked ground this land would become in just a few hours. It was still early in the morning, but by noon, the Fin Land army would arrive, and the war would officially begin.

Kael's reasons for being here were clear in his mind.

The first was his Chaos Body. Being in the midst of battle, surrounded by blood and conflict, would allow him to grow stronger. A battlefield like this was the perfect place for him to evolve.

The second reason was far more personal. He needed to kill Garrick, the so-called "Son of Destiny," and complete his trial. Garrick's death would disrupt the world's mechanisms, creating chaos—an environment where Kael thrived.

The third reason, though less significant to Kael himself, was to prove his worth to the kingdom as its next king. His performance in this war would solidify his position and silence his critics.

"Finally," Kael thought, a grin spreading across his face. "A chance to create a true battlefield strategy. Let's see just how talented I am."

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