They become confused. One of them hesitantly says, "Mage Garian, your majesty."

- "Do you think I have forgotten the face of that fiend who cursed my daughter?"

- "No, your majesty."

- "Then why do you think I ask you that question?"

- "I...I don't know, your majesty."

- "You don't know? Because he is not Garian! You captured the wrong man."

- "But your majesty, he was hiding in that forest!"

- "Shut up. Go find him now." 

- "Yes, your majesty."

Those soldiers left. 

What about me? Let me go already. 

Wait, come to think of it, I can clearly understand their language. And I speak fluently as well. I talked to the soldiers on my way here. Though they ignored my every word anyway. Those mannerless creatures, at least listen when someone is talking to you. It's very rude....

- "Hey, I am talking to you. Are you deaf?" The king says.

I snap back to reality. I quickly say, "Wha...what did you say...your majesty?"

"Who are you? And what were you doing in that forest?" The king asks. 

I reply, "I am Arun Roy. I am from Earth."

"Earth?" The king frowns and asks, "I haven't heard that name. Liyas, do you know anything about that place?" 

A man, aged between 60 and 70, replies, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I am hearing that name for the first time in my life." 

Of course, you are!

I think I can't say the truth. They will see me as a mad man and lock me up in a prison or something. 

I say, "Your Majesty, Earth is very far from here, and it is a secret place."

Liyas asks, "So you are from the Eastern continent?" 

What! Don't just assume everything on your own just to present yourself as the wisest man of the royal court! 

Never mind, I'll use that for my own benefit. One wrong move, and they will mix me with a spy from their enemy country. And that may separate my head from my shoulder.

I say, "Yes. But how did you know that? It should be a secret."

"It is." The eyes of Liyas shine with pride. "But for a long time, my family has been doing research on your people. So at the moment I saw your dark hair and that strange dress you're wearing, I was sure that you were one of them."

Yeah, if that's the reason, you would've shouted at first. 

Wait! They don't have black hair?

I say, "I have to admit, that's a pretty impressive observation. I should be more careful from now on." 

Look at that smile on his face. He is going to brag about this to everyone he knows. 

He says, "May I know why you are in the Cornilius Kingdom?" 

Man, even I want to know that! 

I say, "I can't tell you all the details." But know this, I don't mean any harm to this beautiful kingdom."

The king gets up from the throne and comes to me. He says with a polite voice, "I am Cecelius Cornilius, the king of the Cornilius kingdom. I apologize for the rudeness of my soldiers. They were very desperate to capture an evil mage. They didn't have any idea about you, Lord Arun Roy. I hope you don't possess any grudge against us.

Hey! Too much respect! If they somehow find out I am just a normal earthling, not some fancy east continent person, they will chop me into bite-sized pieces and distribute them all over the kingdom as imported candy.

I say, "It's alright. Everyone can make mistakes. I forgave them. And your majesty, you don't have to address me as Lord. Arun is fine." 

The king says, "You are very humble. But I can't do that. Let me address you as Lord Arun. I insist."

That's way too much for my heart. 

I say, "Fine, if you want to, Your Majesty. Anyway, since all misunderstandings are now cleared, I will take my leave now, Your Majesty."

"No, no. You can't." The king quickly says, "Stay here for some days; let us show our hospitality. We won't allow any excuse, Lord Arun."

I think I should accept. Since I don't have any knowledge, money, or any items with me, I don't know what to do or where to go. And if I possess a good connection with the king, it will only benefit me in the future.

I smile and say, "It'll be my honor and privilege to receive your hospitality, your majesty." 

After lunch, two ministers, including Liyas, take me to a room of the palace. 

Liyas says, "This is your room, Lord Arun. Your attendants will arrive shortly and stand by here. Call them if you need something. They will arrange it for you as soon as possible." 

I smile and say, "Thank you. But all of this isn't necessary." 

"It is very important for us to treat you right, Lord Arun." Other ministers say, "Please accept our hospitality."

I thank them and enter the room.

I am stunned.

This is like a five-star hotel setup, although I have never been to any five-star hotel. If this much luxury is offered by any five-star hotel, they should just double the stars.

I lie on the bed, and before I know it, I am deep in sleep. 

I am standing in a field. A bit far from me, my father, mother, elder brother, and little sister are having lunch on a table. There is no chair for me. They don't look at me. They are talking with each other, laughing. My existence is nothing to them. I watch them in silence. This isn't new. This is just a regular...

- "Lord Arun? Lord Arun?"

I wake up. Someone is calling from outside of the door. I reply, "Yes! Come in."

The king enters the room. He says, "Apologies, Lord Arun. I didn't know you were sleeping."

-"I was just tired from traveling. What is it?"

- "I'll come later then."

- "No, it's fine. Judging by the look on your face, I can understand that it's very urgent. So tell me, what happened?"

The king hesitantly says, "Lord Arun, as you heard in the royal court, my daughter has been cursed by a mage. Can you please take a look at my daughter and see if you can undo that curse?"

Before I can say anything, he holds my right hand and says, "Please, Lord Arun. We don't ask for favors from our guests. But I am a father. Please take a look at my daughter. If you somehow ease her pain, I'll always be in your debt."

I feel a sharp pain in my chest. A pain of helplessness. I know I can't help him. But if I give him any kind of comfort by just looking at his daughter, I'll do so.

I place my left hand over his hand and say, "Of course, your majesty. But I can't promise you anything. Now take me to her." 

He smiles.