**Narrator:**
The grand throne room was a magnificent space, filled with the scent of polished wood and bathed in the warm, golden light that reflected off the intricate tapestries on the walls. King Henry sat on his elaborate throne, with Queen Eleanor beside him, her expression a mix of pride and worry. Princess Yumehime stood next to her mother, calm but watchful, while her younger brother, Prince Leo, fidgeted nervously with the hem of his tunic, glancing around at the adults. Sir Edward, the princess's loyal knight, stood nearby in gleaming armor, silent and still like a statue, always ready to protect.
As the heavy wooden doors slowly opened, the room grew quiet. Sai entered with a determined step, though there was a hint of uncertainty in his demeanor. He could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on him. Taking a deep breath, he walked forward, stopping just before the raised platform where the royal family sat, preparing himself for the conversation ahead.
**King Henry (raising his voice slightly to address the room):**
"So, Sai, you've had time to think. Have you made your decision?"
**Sai (with a firm nod, stepping forward):** "Yes, Your Majesty. I have taken time to reflect on your offer, and I will accept it."
**Narrator:**
A ripple of surprise crossed Prince Leo's young face, while Yumehime's eyes remained fixed on Sai, her expression unreadable. The tension in the room began to ease—until Sai's next words.
**Sai (with calculated calmness):**
"However, there are two conditions I must ask of you before I give my full allegiance."
**Narrator:**
Queen Eleanor, who had remained silent until now, immediately stiffened in her seat. Her regal composure cracked, revealing a glimpse of outrage.
**Queen Eleanor (voice rising, eyes blazing with anger):**
"Conditions? You dare place conditions upon His Grace's offer? You—a mere outsider—dare to make demands?"
**Narrator:**
Her words cut through the room like a sharp blade, and all eyes turned to Sai. The queen's fury was palpable, her pride wounded by the audacity of this stranger. Even Princess Yumehime glanced at her mother with surprise, her hands tightening around the armrest of her chair.
**Sai (with quiet, controlled anger, his voice steady but sharp):**
"With all due respect, Your Majesty, I may be an outsider, but I am not just any man. I am a dragon."
**Narrator:**
The words hung in the air, echoing in the grand hall. Sir Edward's hand instinctively drifted to the hilt of his sword, the tension crackling like lightning. His steely gaze locked onto Sai, ready for any sign of threat.
**Sai (his eyes flicking to Sir Edward, voice lowering with a dangerous edge):**
"I'd advise you not to draw your sword. It would not end well for you."
**Narrator:**
A thick silence followed, the tension escalating to a near-breaking point. But before the situation could explode, King Henry's voice cut through the air, strong and commanding.
**King Henry (with authority, his voice resonating through the hall):**
"Enough! All of you, enough!"
**Narrator:**
The king's words immediately defused the threat of violence, though Sir Edward's grip did not entirely loosen. Queen Eleanor still looked visibly enraged, her hands clenched into fists on her lap.
**King Henry (turning to Sai, his eyes narrowing slightly):**
"You have crossed a line, Sai. But I am a man of patience, and I am curious. What are these conditions of yours?"
**Narrator:**
Queen Eleanor began to speak again, but the king raised his hand, stopping her protest. His eyes remained on Sai, his curiosity piqued despite the insult.
**Queen Eleanor (incredulous):**
"My lord—"
**King Henry (firmly, not breaking eye contact with Sai):**
"Eleanor, I wish to hear him out."
**Narrator:**
There was a strained silence before Sai spoke, his voice measured but determined.
**Sai (confidently, holding the room's attention):**
"My first condition, Your Majesty, is that you allow me access to the Treasure Room."
**Narrator:**
A collective gasp rippled through the room. Queen Eleanor's expression shifted from anger to shock, and even Princess Yumehime's eyes widened slightly at the bold request. The Treasure Room was a place of legend, housing the kingdom's most sacred artifacts and treasures, protected for centuries.
**Queen Eleanor (voice trembling with disbelief, eyes narrowing):**
"This is too far! To ask for such a privilege—"
**King Henry (cutting her off, his voice steady):**
"Enough, Eleanor."
**Narrator:**
The king turned back to Sai, his brow furrowed in thought, clearly intrigued.
**King Henry (stern but curious):**
"Why do you want access to the Treasure Room, Sai? What do you seek there?"
**Sai (carefully, his voice lowering):**
"There is an artifact within the Treasure Room that belongs to my kind. A relic of the dragons, passed down through generations."
**Sai (inner thoughts, realizing the weight of his lie):**
*Obviously, that's a lie. But when I first entered this throne room, I sensed something... something powerful, buried deep beneath the palace. Whatever it is, it's not just treasure—it's something else. And I need to find out what.*
**Narrator:**
King Henry regarded him silently for a moment, weighing his words.
**King Henry (finally, nodding):**
"Very well. You will be granted access to the Treasure Room. But you will not go alone."
**Narrator:**
Queen Eleanor shot her husband a sharp look, but she remained silent, trusting in his judgment despite her clear reservations.
**King Henry (pressing):**
"And your second condition?"
**Sai (coolly):**
"My second condition is simple. I will reveal it to you later, after I have completed my first request. It's nothing too large, I assure you."
**Narrator:**
The room was silent again, everyone processing Sai's bold demands. King Henry studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful.
**King Henry (voice steady, a hint of respect):**
"Very well, Sai. I will accept your first condition, and I await the second. You are to be given access to the Treasure Room tomorrow. But remember—there are things in this kingdom that should not be taken lightly."
**Sai (bowing his head slightly):**
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I understand the gravity of what I ask."
**Narrator:**
With that, the audience was concluded, but the room remained thick with tension. Sai had won his request, but at what cost? As he exited the hall, the eyes of the royal family and their guards followed him, each filled with a mix of suspicion, curiosity, and unease.
**Sai (inner thoughts, with resolve):**
*Whatever lies beneath this palace is calling to me. I just need to bide my time. When I enter that Treasure Room, I'll uncover what it is—and that's when the real game begins.*
**Narrator:**
The real challenge, however, would begin once he stepped into the Treasure Room—and discovered what truly lay beneath the palace.