"HALT!
Dozens of soldiers rushed forward, spears lowered and pointed directly at the carriage, their armor clinking as they formed a defensive wall across the road. The gates behind them remained firmly shut.
The horses slowed to a stop.
Rainwater dripped from the carriage roof as silence fell over the tense standoff.
Then the crowd of soldiers suddenly parted.
The King and Queen of Nimblewill stepped forward, accompanied by the city's Royal Wizard, whose long robes fluttered slightly in the lingering wind.
The King's voice thundered across the road.
"State your business."
His sharp eyes scanned the damaged carriage, the exhausted travelers, and the scorched marks left by the storm.
"Are you the ones responsible for the destruction across our land?"
Leo stepped forward, raising his hands slightly in peace.
"We're not—"
"Wait."
The Wizard suddenly interrupted, his voice low but commanding.
His gaze had locked onto something inside the carriage.
Slowly, he walked closer, his staff tapping against the wet stone road.
The soldiers tensed as he leaned slightly to look inside.
There, lying motionless among the blankets, was Helmond, unconscious and barely stirring.
The Wizard's eyes narrowed.
"…Who is that?"
His voice grew sharper.
"The storm I created reacted violently the moment you entered our territory."
He turned toward Leo and the others.
"It reacts that way only when the presence of the enemy is near."
The air grew colder.
The Wizard pointed his staff toward the unconscious Helmond.
"Tell me… was he the one who caused the chaos during your journey here?"
A pause.
Then the Wizard's next words fell like a hammer.
"Did you defeat the one who has been terrorizing this land?"
The soldiers tightened their grips on their spears.
Rain dripped from their armor.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then Leo shook his head.
"…No."
The answer came firm.
He glanced back toward the carriage where Helmond lay.
"Yes. He caused the chaos during our journey."
Murmurs spread among the soldiers.
But Leo's expression hardened as he finished his sentence.
"But he is not the one terrorizing this land."
The Wizard's brows furrowed deeply.
The King took a step forward.
"Then explain."
Leo met their gaze without hesitation.
"Because the real enemy…"
His eyes darkened.
"…is still out there."
The wind brushed through the silent gate as the soldiers looked at each other in unease.
For the first time since their arrival, the people of Nimblewill realized something far worse than a storm had just reached their city.
The truth.
And it was only the beginning.
Before the tension could escalate any further, Alice stepped forward.
Her calm presence cut through the unease that hung in the air. She bowed respectfully before the King and Queen of Nimblewill, her movements graceful yet confident.
"Your Majesty," Alice began, her voice steady despite the dozens of spears still pointed at them. "Allow me to explain."
The soldiers remained alert, but the King raised a hand slightly, signaling them to hold their ground.
"We are not enemies," Alice continued. "We come from lands beyond yours. Our group was sent here on a mission—to aid this land and put an end to the unknown enemy who has been terrorizing your cities."
The King studied her carefully, searching for any sign of deception.
Alice met his gaze without hesitation.
"The chaos you sensed earlier was not an attack on your kingdom," she explained. "It was an unfortunate incident during our journey. Our companion lost control of himself, but we subdued him before he could cause further damage."
She gestured toward the carriage where Helmond lay unconscious.
"For that, we sincerely apologize."
A long silence followed.
The wind moved gently through the soldiers' capes as everyone waited for the King's decision.
Finally, the King exhaled slowly.
His stern expression softened slightly as he turned toward the Queen and the Wizard beside him. After a brief exchange of glances, he looked back at Alice.
"…Your words carry honesty," the King said at last.
The soldiers lowered their spears just slightly.
"If what you say is true, then your arrival may not be a threat… but an answer to our prayers."
The Queen nodded faintly beside him.
"You have saved yourselves from a very grave punishment," the King continued.
Then his gaze shifted toward Leo and the others.
"For now… you will be treated as guests of Nimblewill."
The tension that gripped the gate slowly began to fade.
But the Wizard remained silent, still staring at Helmond, his eyes filled with quiet suspicion.
Because even if the travelers spoke the truth…
Something about the storm earlier still didn't feel right.
The King and Queen welcomed them, but Helmond was kept outside by the guards, restrained in case he woke and became dangerous.
King Cane fixed his gaze on Leo. "Why have you come here? What is your purpose?"
Queen Pamela's voice was calm but firm. "Explain yourselves."
Leo straightened. "Your Majesties, we come from other lands to aid Nimblewill and stop the unknown enemy that has been terrorizing it. Helmond is not the one responsible for the chaos you may have heard about."
The King and Queen exchanged a glance, weighing his words carefully.
As the hall quieted, Prince Keane descended the grand staircase, his steps deliberate but slightly uneven. The polished floor reflected the glow of the chandeliers, making every movement feel amplified.
Whispers spread among the onlookers, their eyes fixed on him. He was, after all, the suitor of Princess Katelyn, yet something in his posture betrayed a hidden tension.
"My name is Prince Keane of Nimblewill," he announced, his voice steady on the surface—but a slight tremor betrayed his nerves. He offered a formal bow, though his hand quivered just enough for those paying close attention to notice.
As he reached the bottom, his gaze fell on Helmond, restrained and unconscious. He froze for a heartbeat, a flicker of unease passing over his face. He quickly stepped aside, deliberately keeping distance, yet his shoulders betrayed the slightest shake, betraying the weight of both expectation and fear.
Leo and the team exchanged a glance, sensing the prince's inner turmoil despite his noble composure. The room held its breath, caught between awe and tension.
After the formalities, the knights escorted Leo and his team to the guest rooms, showing them the space where they would stay for the night.
Once settled, the team gathered to discuss their plan.
"Keep a close eye on the royal family," Leo said firmly, looking at each of them. "Watch for anything unusual—any signs that something's wrong."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
Rein glanced at him, curiosity and concern in her eyes. "Leo… why do you still trust Helmond? Even after he almost lost control back there?"
Leo exhaled softly, a hint of weight in his expression. "I can't lie. I know him too well. I've seen what he's capable of… and what he's truly like."
Rein smiled faintly, understanding perfectly. She had known Helmond too, ever since their first meeting, and she knew Leo's trust was not misplaced.
Alice, ever the curious one, tilted her head. "By the way… is the Prince, like… 30 years old? And Princess Katelyn is only 18?"
The team shared a brief laugh at the observation, the tension easing slightly as they prepared for the days ahead.