As Michael followed Captain Roland into the castle, one of the guards whispered, "Why do we have to treat this monkey like royalty? He's just a monkey. Sure, he knows Oz, but how close could he really be?"
"I don't know, man. It's weird, but it's not our place to question orders while we're on duty."
Michael hummed softly as he walked, oblivious to the conversation, but Captain Roland wasn't. With his heightened senses, he heard every word. He stopped abruptly and knelt before Michael at the entrance to the throne room.
"Sir, the room is here," Roland said.
"Don't you need to escort me inside? You know, for your king's safety?" Michael asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No need, Sir Michael. The King considers you an ally." Roland opened the door with a bow, gesturing for Michael to enter.
Michael shrugged and walked in without a second thought. As soon as the door closed, Roland's face darkened. He turned back toward the two guards, his eyes narrowing.
"What were you thinking?" Roland hissed, grabbing one of them by the collar.
"Sir? I don't understand—"
"You were talking behind Sir Michael's back! Did you not hear what was said? Oz is here. He can hear everything—every word, every thought. And you don't seem to realize how dangerous that makes this situation." Roland pulled the guard closer, lowering his voice. "Sir Michael isn't just close to the Great Wizard… he's his only friend. And you know how hotheaded the Wizard can be."
The guards paled. "Y-Yes, sir," they stammered.
"Good. Pray the Great Wizard lets you live." Roland released the guard's collar and walked away, leaving the two guards trembling.
They stood still, their eyes darting around as if Oz himself could appear at any moment. The idea of an invisible, all-powerful wizard watching them unnerved them more than they cared to admit.
---
Inside the throne room, King Adrian IV beamed as Captain Roland entered.
"Ah, Captain Roland! Good to see you," the King said warmly.
Roland bowed. "Your Majesty."
The King's attention shifted to Michael. "So, uh, where is the Great Wizard?"
Michael glanced out the window casually. "The Great Wizard is here."
The King frowned, scanning the room. "I don't see anyone else but you."
Captain Roland stepped forward and leaned in to whisper, "Your Majesty, the Great Wizard Oztanfil is here. He only shows himself to those he deems worthy."
The King's eyes widened slightly as he glanced at Michael, who was now staring directly at him, hands clasped in front of him. 'So, it's a test…' the King thought, swallowing nervously. 'But what's the test?'
Michael shifted in his seat, glancing down at the food in front of him. "Uh, I don't really eat meat," he said, eyeing the plate.
The King quickly realized the mistake. The monkey race was strictly vegetarian. "Oh, my apologies! The chef must've gotten confused."
Captain Roland swiftly removed the plate. "I'll have it replaced right away. What would you prefer, Sir Michael?"
Michael's gaze flicked back to the window. 'Where are you, George…' He needed to stall for time. "A dessert. Something with bananas," he said absentmindedly.
"A banana dessert! Of course!" King Adrian clapped his hands, standing up and whispering urgently to Roland, "Tell the chefs to use the finest, most expensive bananas we have."
Roland nodded and hurried out of the room.
Michael stared out the window, growing more anxious by the second. 'Come on, George…'
---
Meanwhile, on the ground floor, George stood hidden in the shadows, scanning the castle walls. He spotted the window to the throne room, but there was no easy way up—it was too high to climb without drawing attention. And two guards stood posted nearby.
'I need to get them to leave…' George thought, his mind racing. 'If only I could command them to move.' Then, it hit him. 'Of course! The ring. I can just disguise myself as Roland.'
He slipped the ring on, transforming into Captain Roland's likeness, and strode confidently toward the guards.
As he approached, they stiffened to attention.
"Sir?" one of them asked.
"I need you two to leave your posts and check outside the city walls. There might be suspicious activity," George said in his best authoritative tone.
The guards exchanged a confused glance. "Of course, sir, but… aren't you supposed to be with the King? And isn't this something the city guards handle, not us?"
George's heart skipped a beat. 'Damn. Have I already messed this up?'
---
Back in the throne room, Michael continued to stall. He glanced at the King, who was still nervously looking around the room.
"So… about that banana dessert," Michael said, buying more time.
The King chuckled, though it was clearly forced. "It should be here soon. I hope the Great Wizard is… satisfied."
Michael smirked inwardly but kept his eyes trained on the window. 'Hurry up, George…'
---
George, still disguised as Roland, quickly adjusted his approach. "I'm testing the city guards. It's a surprise drill, and I need you to scout the area. This is directly from the King."
The guards exchanged uncertain looks but ultimately saluted. "Understood, sir. We'll check outside the city walls immediately."
As the guards marched off, George breathed a sigh of relief. 'That was close.' He made sure the coast was clear before quickly scaling a nearby pipe toward the throne room window.
---
Michael spotted George's head peeking through the window just as the kitchen doors swung open, and the dessert was brought in. He barely hid his grin.
"Aha! Just in time for dessert," Michael said, sitting up straighter.
King Adrian smiled nervously, glancing again around the room. "I, uh… I hope the Great Wizard is pleased."
Michael caught George's eye, giving him a subtle nod before turning back to the King.
"I'm sure he will be. He's always watching."