The audience room of the palace was as grand as I remembered, but today it felt heavier, more formal. I stood before King Aryarama Dweep, his calm but commanding presence filling the space. Beside him, Princess Rimu waited silently, her expression unreadable.
The King began, his voice calm yet firm, "Uzu Hiko, I have an important mission for you. It involves our neighbors, the Kingdom of Pushkaradweep. Are you familiar with their royal family?"
"I've heard of them, Your Majesty," I replied, trying to match his formal tone. "Their kingdom is known for its strength and their warriors for their discipline."
King Aryarama nodded approvingly. "That's correct. Pushkaradweep is a proud nation, and its people value honor above all else. Their prince, Paraksh, has reached out to us from their royal capital, Arvalis. He has requested assistance, though the specifics of the situation are unclear."
I frowned slightly, curiosity and concern swirling in my mind. "Why would Prince Paraksh ask for help from Jambudweep?"
The King leaned forward, his gaze steady. "It's not just about the request. Prince Paraksh is a figure of great influence, and strengthening our ties with Pushkaradweep could shape the future of both kingdoms. For that reason, I am sending you and Rimu as envoys. It's a delicate mission, but I trust you both to handle it."
His words took me by surprise. "Why send us? Wouldn't experienced diplomats be a better choice for such a task?"
The King smiled faintly. "Your question is fair. But this mission isn't just about diplomacy—it's about trust. Prince Paraksh specifically asked for someone from the hero group. And Rimu's presence will reinforce our goodwill. As for you, Uzu, your perspective and honesty are what we need right now. I know you can see things others might overlook."
I exchanged a quick glance with Rimu. She was silent but seemed to understand her role in this just as well as I did.
"I'll do my best to fulfill your expectations, Your Majesty," I said, bowing slightly.
Rimu finally spoke, her voice sharp but steady. "We leave at dawn. Arvalis is three days from here, and the journey will be tiring. Let's hope you can keep up, Uzu."
I raised an eyebrow at her tone. "It's just a journey, Princess, not a competition."
The King chuckled, breaking the tension. "You two will have plenty of time to figure things out on the road. Just remember—this mission is vital. Work together, represent Jambudweep with honor, and ensure the bond between our kingdoms remains strong."
The next morning, we set out from the palace. The road to Arvalis was long, stretching through lush forests and open plains. Rimu and I rode in silence at first, accompanied by a small escort of knights and mages for protection.
I was in deep thought that Why was King not mentioned about my friends who had already reached the capital of Pushkaradweep, Arvalis.
After a few hours, Rimu finally broke the silence. "You didn't seem too excited about this mission. Do you have a problem with working alongside me?"
"Not at all," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. "I just wasn't expecting it. You, on the other hand, seemed completely calm. Did you already know about this?"
She smirked slightly. "Father told me last night. I was sworn to secrecy. Besides, it's not like I had a choice in the matter either."
"That's comforting," I said sarcastically. "What do you know about Prince Paraksh?"
Rimu's expression turned serious. "Prince Paraksh is highly respected. He's a strategist, a warrior, and someone who values honor. If he's asking for help, it must be important. Pushkaradweep doesn't seek outside aid lightly."
I nodded thoughtfully. "And why send us? Surely there are better candidates for a mission like this."
"It's politics," Rimu said bluntly. "Father wants to establish a direct bond with the royal family. Sending us—the hero group and his own daughter—sends a stronger message than sending just diplomats. It's about trust."
The conversation drifted as we continued the journey, passing through quiet villages and busy trade routes. That night, we stayed at a small inn near the border of Jambudweep, our destination drawing closer with every passing hour.
Though I still had questions about Prince Paraksh's request, I couldn't deny a growing sense of curiosity about what awaited us in the grand capital of Arvalis.