The people didn't wait.
They marched.
Fueled by anger, fear, and blind faith, the crowd surged toward the palace without hesitation. For ten years, the hero had fought for them—bled for them. That trust now burned hotter than reason.
Inside the Royal Palace of Kyoru
THUD!
The palace doors slammed open.
King Rexan De Kyoru rose sharply from his throne.
"What is the meaning of this?"
A soldier rushed forward, armor rattling, breath uneven.
"Your Majesty—Princess Amelia… she's nowhere to be found."
The king's eyes narrowed.
"What?"
"The citizens are marching toward the palace," the soldier continued, voice trembling. "They're furious."
Soldier clenched his jaw.
"…What should we do?"
The king's voice hardened.
"Close the gates. No one enters."
He turned away, fists tight.
"That Ashryn is lying. What poison has he fed them now?"
Back Outside – With Varo and Orimo
The roar of the crowd echoed through the streets.
Varo stood still—too still.
His eyes were firm, but sweat slid down his temple. His fists clenched at his sides.
"I've met the king personally," he said quietly. "He wouldn't do this. I'm sure of it."
Orimo glanced at the restless crowd, banners shaking, voices rising.
"…You never really know what people are capable of."
Varo shook his head sharply.
"No, Orimo. The king is an honorable man."
Orimo didn't argue.
"…As you say."
Varo's gaze darted left and right, urgency flooding his expression.
"Where's Amelia…?"
Ashryn Witherfall was gone too.
That realization hit harder than the crowd's shouts.
Varo turned suddenly.
"Orimo—wait for me at the Lovely Restaurant. I'll be back."
Orimo blinked.
"Are you sure? Can I help with anything?"
Varo was already moving.
"Not yet!"
His boots kicked sand as he disappeared into the chaos, leaving Orimo behind—watching the city teeter on the edge of something irreversible.