As dusk approached, Prince Darius began to regain consciousness after having been unconscious for hours. He opened his eyes sluggishly, surrounded by an inner turmoil that rivaled the pain in his stomach. He sat up wearily, struggling to catch his breath, still unable to comprehend what had happened. He turned to a nearby servant and asked in a trembling voice:

"What… what happened?"

The servant bowed respectfully, though his unease was evident, and said:

 "Your Highness… Prince Ken struck you in the stomach with such force that you lost consciousness."

Darius froze in place, staring blankly with wide eyes, as if his mind refused to accept the truth. But the news quickly slipped out of the hall, spreading like wildfire among the servants, and soon throughout the palace and its courtyards. Everyone whispered about Ken's unexpected return—not a quiet return, but one filled with challenge and power.

Meanwhile, Ken sat in his suite, speaking with Marvin. He took a sip of tea, then said in a calm voice brimming with confidence:

 "Very well… since I've been away for four years, much must have changed, especially with my brothers' promotions."

Marvin, standing respectfully before him, replied:

 "Yes, Your Highness. Alongside their promotions, both the First Prince and the Second Prince have gained widespread support, and their influence within the kingdom has expanded significantly."

Ken nodded briefly, then lifted his eyes and asked:

 "Hmmm… and what about the upcoming events? Is there anything noteworthy this month?"

Marvin stepped forward and answered:

 "Yes, Your Highness. In two weeks, the Knight Tournament will resume, as the qualifying rounds began last week. Also, in three weeks, with the start of the new month, a grand ceremony will be held with representatives from the neighboring Kingdom of Savina, where a formal alliance will be announced to strengthen the friendship between the two realms."

Ken smiled lightly, a subtle gleam in his eyes, and said:

 "Good… then what do you think about us going to watch the qualifying rounds?"

Marvin nodded seriously, his voice firm:

 "As you command, Your Highness."

End of Chapter Six