TRUST EARNED

The next morning broke with a cool breeze gliding through the Mythic Base. Sunlight filtered gently through the tall windows of the stone hallways, casting long golden streaks over the polished floors. Peace was beginning to return—if only for a short while.

As Arslan opened his eyes in his room, stretching slightly, a familiar voice stirred in his mind—soft, almost cheerful for once.

> Kar'Thael whispered,

"Go on. You've been sulking and fighting long enough. Enjoy the morning. Be with your team. Laugh. Heal. And maybe…"

"…take a walk down to the infirmary. Someone's probably waiting for you."

Arslan smiled faintly. He didn't argue.

He got up, cleaned himself up, and wore a plain black shirt with brown belts crossing his shoulder—simple, neat, no armor for today.

As he stepped into the hallway, he saw Seris and Tharion chatting near the courtyard, while Yuna and Kyren trained lightly with Nirela's long scarf tied to a branch—probably a gesture to keep her spirit with them during drills. Arslan waved, and though the moment was small, it was significant—they all waved back. No resentment. Just progress.

He made his way slowly to the infirmary, his footsteps quiet. When he arrived, Nirela was sitting up on the cot, her back resting against the wall, her hair loosely tied. The faint sunlight made her already soft features glow gently. A book was open in her lap, though her eyes had long since stopped reading.

As he entered, Nirela looked up—and their eyes met. No words spoken, but no walls between them either.

Arslan smiled and said softly,

"How are you feeling today?"

Nirela shrugged slightly, her voice warm and teasing.

"Well, . So, pretty good."

Arslan chuckled and sat beside her bed.

"I'm glad. I came here first… before anything else."

There was a pause.

Nirela nodded.

"That means a lot, Arslan."

Arslan said "Get well soon...I have to say something"

Nirela said "About what"

Just then, footsteps echoed in the corridor—and Julius entered, holding a long scroll, sealed with the Royal Crest of King Farhan.

Julius greeted,

"Good morning, Arslan. And you, Nirela. I have news from the Capital."

Arslan stood. "What is it?"

Julius smiled.

"It's regarding all of you. The King has formally issued a decree. All Mythic-ranked Knights will now receive high-rank salaries—on par with Zeniths."

Arslan's eyes widened.

Julius unrolled the scroll.

"Moreover… all your families have been approved for relocation to the Upper Districts. It's already in process."

There was a stunned silence.

Then, Kar'Thael whispered in Arslan's mind,

> "They trust you now… They moved your mother from the Lower District. This is the beginning, Arslan. They finally see our worth."

Arslan felt something rise in his chest—pride, peace, and a quiet kind of gratitude. He closed his eyes for a moment, then looked up toward Julius.

"Thank you… Please tell His Majesty, I'm honored. We all are."

Julius nodded firmly.

"And one more thing."

He handed Arslan a small invitation card, engraved in gold.

"The King has invited all Mythics to a formal dinner at the Royal Capital. Tomorrow night. He said… 'they've earned more than just respect. They've earned a place at the royal table.'"

Nirela gasped softly.

"Dinner at the Royal Capital?"

Julius smirked. "With the King himself."

As Julius exited, Arslan sat back down, quietly smiling.

Nirela looked at him.

"Did you ever think this day would come?"

Arslan shook his head.

"No. But I think… now we've earned it."

And inside, Kar'Thael simply said with a proud grin—

> "Now that's how you build a kingdom. Brick by brick, trust by trust."

Nirela said "What do you want to say?"

Arslan replied "I want to meet you with someone"

Nirela said curious "By whom"

Arslan replied "First, Get well soon"

Then Arslan went out from the ward.... and take his breakfast...