Kin hated to admit it. In fact, he hated the logic behind his father's devious thinking. It was ominous and dangerous, and he didn't fully understand it. There had to be some other way—something that didn't involve what had already transpired. But he couldn't figure it out.
All this was my fault. I was so terrible as a son. I didn't even think of what the consequences of what I did meant, Kin said.
"You're right, my prince," Farouk replied. "But you were not a disappointment as a son. A lot was expected of you as a prince—too much, perhaps. After all, you were just a child. You had every right to act like one. Alas, the times we live in don't need a child as the ruler of Wize.
"Your father may have tried to preserve your life in the best way he knew how. Perhaps for your own safety, or maybe for Wize. Either way, it is one of the reasons you have grown stronger. You are strong enough now to carve a path for yourself.
"So, I want to know—what choice will you make? You are indeed a child, but unfortunately, you don't have the luxuries of one. You are the true heir of King Ken, and that alone makes you a target. Both enemies and allies see you as a political chip to bargain with.
"That's why, at this very moment, not a second longer, I need you to make a choice. You can take your father's throne and become his successor—a path filled with bloodshed and death. A path where victory is not guaranteed, and neither is safety. You will have to make choices that are both heavy and difficult—painful and excruciating.
"Or, you can leave Wize and never return. Never claim to be Kin, the son of Ken, or the heir to the throne of Wize. You can go and never look back."
Kin was surprised by Farouk's words. He knew he still had the choice to walk away and save himself—to make a life for himself far away from Wize, Jai, and everyone who wanted to use him. He could take that step now and never look back.
His father had thought of him as a failure, sacrificing himself because of Kin's indolence. His mother had died cursing him, all due to his foolishness. Would he subject an entire country to be ruled by someone like that?
Kin dropped his shoulders, downcast. Wize would probably be better off without him. But still...
Kin hated it. Just like when he was a prince, he hated how they dictated who he had to be and how he had to act. That was one of the reasons he acted the way he did. Who were they to tell him who to be and how to be?
Who was King Ken to make such a decision to sacrifice himself?
Who were Jai and Farouk to deem him incompetent to rule?
Exactly who were they?
He was the son of Ken and heir to the throne. They should be bowing before him, but instead, they whispered about his incompetence.
Kin hated it.
He didn't need their permission to be the prince. He needed their help, yes, but not their permission. He was the prince of Wize, and he hated that they figured out his choices without consulting him.
Kin looked at Farouk and spoke.
"I'm going to take back what's rightfully mine. I'm going to defeat Jai and all those who oppose me," he said in a firm tone.
Farouk smiled at his response. "It seems you have gone through fire and are still being refined. I like the look in your eyes.
"I will help you. But first, I have to ask you this—are you familiar with the King's Legion?"
"They are the three armies the king controls: Dire, Ghayaz, and Sum," Kin replied.
"Yes. I head Dire, your uncle leads Ghayaz, but no one knows who leads Sum. They are the king's most elusive and strongest allies. If you wish to take back your kingdom, you must find them first."
Kin's eyes widened in shock. He had indeed heard of Sum. His father had told him about the organization before his death. While Kin didn't know much, his father had stressed their importance to the royal family's power.
"How do I find an organization that is known for being elusive? If Jai couldn't, what makes you think I can?"
"This," Farouk said, handing Kin a note he had received in Jubai. "Although I never met the person who wrote it, it seems Sum knows of your whereabouts. They've been keeping an eye on you in Bintan. It's safe to say they knew you were alive all along—and knew about your curse."
Kin frowned at Farouk's words. Sum was already a mysterious organization, with most people knowing little about them. Now Kin was hearing they likely knew he was alive and had done nothing about it.
"What do you think, Farouk? Can these people be trusted?"
Farouk held his chin thoughtfully for a few seconds before replying.
"I don't know if they can be. All I know is they are essential if you wish to take back Wize. Their vast network of information is too important to overlook."
"Well then, how do we find them? From what you've told me, they're difficult to locate, and you don't have any leads now, do you?"
"Actually, I do. That's why I was in Jubai in the first place. After I was captured and imprisoned, I thought you were dead. There was no point in trying to escape or take down Jai. It wasn't until Bale broke me out that I considered haunting Jai for as long as he held power."
"Bale?" Kin asked in shock. "You mean the God Sword from Omi? Why did he break you out?"
"Yes, the same Bale Kindel. He broke me out of prison because Jai had done something in Omi. I don't know the details, but Bale's retaliation was freeing me. Sum gave him the information about my imprisonment. His men investigated, and it led them to me. He couldn't stay in Wize long, but he gave me what he learned about Sum."
"So, we have a lead—Jubai," Kin said.
"Yes, though we didn't find anything last time. But with you, we might be able to search more effectively," Farouk said.
"Me?" Kin asked.
"Yes, you. No one recognizes you," Farouk said.
"Oh, about that..." Kin said awkwardly. "I might have let an assassin escape to report my appearance to their employers."
Farouk frowned at Kin's childishness. "Why would you throw away your greatest advantage like that?"
Kin only smiled, rubbing his head.
Farouk sighed helplessly. "We'll have to restrategize. Prepare to leave for Jubai. We'll depart in a few days."
"One last thing," Kin said. "What happened in Bintan?"
"It fell to General Khalifa and Meliesse. Rashid was taken prisoner, and most of his men are dead," Farouk replied.
"Including Ramon?" Kin asked.
"There would be no victory if Ramon were still breathing," Farouk said.
"Oh..." Kin thought.
It seemed Meliesse had somehow triumphed against that monster. She must be stronger than he had imagined.