📜 Previously on Reincarnated Prince of Kaligarh:
Aryan set his eyes on retaking the ancient region of Sumatra, once loyal to the royal family but now ruled by the ambitious and prideful Saq family. Rather than marching in with steel, Aryan unleashed his shadow force and silver tongue.
SCENE 1 – SECRET CELLAR, SUMATRA VILLAGE – NIGHT
Inside a smoky tavern cellar, three local lords sit at a table, arguing. Suddenly, the candles flicker. A man in black drops from the ceiling—a shadow agent.
SHADOW AGENT (grinning)
Evening, lords. Apologies for the entrance. It's just... you've been discussing treason.
The lords scream. One of them chokes on his wine.
LORD (terrified)
Wh-what do you want?
The agent drops a letter sealed with Aryan's royal symbol and a small pouch of gold.
SHADOW AGENT
Just a little favor. You give up your arms, switch your banners, and pretend this never happened. In return? Your necks remain uncut.
LORD 2 (blinking)
...That's it?
SHADOW AGENT
Oh, and you'll host a feast for Kaligarh's soldiers next week.
LORD 3 (whispers)
I always liked that prince.
SCENE 2 – ROYAL GARDEN, KALIGARH – DAY
Aryan is lounging under a tree. Kaamaya fans herself beside him. Meena is trying to feed grapes to Veer the tiger, while Reva spies from behind a bush.
KAAMAYA
So… you're really blackmailing entire noble families now?
ARYAN (shrugging)
Blackmail is such a strong word. I prefer… strategic persuasion.
MEENA
You sent your spies in the middle of their bath time!
ARYAN (smirking)
People listen better when they're wet, confused, and holding no weapons.
REVA (muttering behind the bush)
I like him more when he's terrifying.
SCENE 3 – A TINY VILLAGE NEAR KELMAR
A local farmer is digging up turnips when he finds a strange scroll buried in the dirt. It reads:
"This land belongs to Kaligarh. Kindly surrender your cows by Friday. Long live Aryan."
The farmer blinks.
FARMER
What in the seven suns…?
A soldier pops up from behind a haystack.
SOLDIER (grinning)
We'll also take your grain. But in exchange—we'll rebuild your barn.
FARMER (impressed)
That's a fair deal.
SCENE 4 – ARYAN'S WAR ROOM
Aryan stands before a big map of Sumatra. Several red flags have turned green.
RANVI (yawning)
So we've taken three villages, two towns, and a donkey farm—all without a single sword swing?
ARYAN
Correct. And we got the donkey as a bonus.
RANVI (grinning)
That donkey kicked my cousin once. Worth it.
REVA (appearing suddenly)
Dhevara's lord wants a private deal. Alone. Midnight.
ARYAN
Perfect. I'll bring my best dagger and my worst jokes.
SCENE 5 – MIDNIGHT MEETING – DHEVARA CITY WALLS
Lord Barun Saq stands under a lantern. Aryan steps out of the shadows, completely alone.
LORD BARUN
You're not afraid of walking into a trap?
ARYAN (smiling)
Trap implies you had a chance. I've already bribed your guards.
Barun freezes.
ARYAN
Your wife received our spy's "gift" three days ago. A painting of your mistress. Framed beautifully.
Barun sinks to his knees.
LORD BARUN (muttering)
I surrender.
ARYAN
Smart man. Now let's talk about my donkey. He needs better hay.
📜 End of Chapter 53