# Chapter 3.5: A King's Farewell
This chapter is about the Character's that was introduced in the previous chapter
Before few hours
The royal chamber of Magnolia Castle had never felt so oppressive. Through the tall windows, King Sayan could see the dark shapes moving through his city – demons disguised as civilians, slowly infiltrating every district. The flames of the wall sconces cast dancing shadows across the ornate tapestries, making them seem alive with restless movement.
Two members of the Shadow Knights stood before him: Stanley, their 30-year-old leader, and Shin, the 26-year-old master swordsman. The third member, Rose, was somewhere in the town, gathering intelligence. The absence of their soul-seer made the king even more uneasy.
"Your Majesty," Stanley said, his voice low and urgent. "The demons have breached the outer districts. We must act now."
King Sayan turned from the window, his crown catching the firelight. Despite the crisis, he maintained his regal bearing, though his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil. "Where are my children?"
As if in answer, the chamber door opened quietly, and two small figures entered. Princess Lucy, only five years old, clutched her favorite stuffed rabbit, while Prince Rin, seven years old, tried to stand tall like his father despite his obvious fear.
"Father?" Rin's voice wavered slightly. "The guards said we had to come here."
Sayan knelt before his children, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. When he spoke, his voice was gentle but firm. "Lucy, Rin, listen carefully. You're going on a journey with Stanley and Shin."
"A journey?" Lucy's small voice piped up, hugging her rabbit tighter. "Where are we going?"
"To Finslia," the king answered, managing a smile. "It's a beautiful place, protected by holy barriers. You'll be safe there."
"But what about you?" Rin asked, his young face showing understanding beyond his years. "Aren't you coming with us?"
A heavy silence filled the room. Sayan looked up at Stanley, who nodded slightly – they both knew what had to be done.
"A king must stay with his kingdom," Sayan said softly, pulling both children into a tight embrace. "Even in its darkest hour. Especially then." He pulled back, looking into their eyes. "But you must live. You must grow strong. Someday, when you're ready, you'll understand."
Tears welled up in Lucy's eyes. "I don't want to go without you!"
"My brave little princess," Sayan whispered, wiping her tears. "Sometimes being brave means doing things that scare us. Can you be brave for me?"
Lucy nodded, though her lips trembled.
Turning to Rin, Sayan removed a small ring from his finger – the royal signet of Vasmos. "Keep this safe," he said, pressing it into Rin's palm. "Remember who you are, my son. Remember where you come from."
"I will, Father," Rin promised, his small fingers closing tightly around the ring.
Stanley stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we must go now."
Sayan stood, his royal demeanor returning. "Stanley, Shin, I entrust you with my greatest treasures. Get them to Finslia. The holy barriers there will keep them safe from demon influence."
"We'll protect them with our lives," Shin vowed, bowing deeply.
Stanley lifted Lucy into his arms while Shin picked up Rin. The young prince struggled slightly.
"Father!" Rin called out, reaching back toward the king.
"Be strong, my children," Sayan said, his voice firm despite the pain in his eyes. "Grow wise, grow powerful. And never forget – you are the future of Vasmos."
As the Shadow Knights carried the royal children away, Sayan turned back to the window. Below, he could see more demons gathering, their disguises beginning to slip away as they prepared for the final assault.
"Ming," he muttered, his hands clenching into fists. "I hope your betrayal was worth the price of your soul."
The last sight his children had of their father was his silhouette against the window, proud and unbowed, as he prepared to face his kingdom's darkest night.
---
In the castle corridors, Stanley and Shin moved swiftly and silently, the crying children held close to their chests. They could hear the sounds of fighting beginning to break out in the lower levels of the castle.
"The passages below the kitchen," Stanley whispered. "We can get out through there."
Shin nodded, adjusting his grip on Rin. "And Rose?"
"She'll find us," Stanley assured him. "She always does."
As they disappeared into the secret passages beneath the castle, the sounds of battle grew louder above them. The fall of Magnolia had begun, but its future – in the form of two small children – was already slipping away into the night.
[Continues in Chapter 4...]