Even with all the candles, it still felt cold inside. There were wooden benches on both sides, kind of like a church, with a huge column in the middle. A long red carpet ran from the entrance to the back, where there was a podium. Two thrones sat up there, both gold and red velvet, but one was a bit smaller. The bigger one had a middle-aged man sitting on it. He was wearing clothes way fancier than anything I’d seen in Fira so far. He had a big brown beard and narrow red eyes, just like Kia. But the thing that stood out most was the golden crown on his head. He didn’t look happy to see us. Actually, he looked kind of annoyed, and the closer we got, the more tense everything felt.

“My daughter, did I not forbid you from leaving Gehenna? Explain to me why you have chosen to disregard my command.”

Kia clicked her tongue.

“Glad to see you too, father. I expected you would have left that in the past by now. However, it appears even now you enslave yourself to those outdated rules of yours.”

The king’s eyes looked really intense. From the way they talked, it was probably not the first time they’d argued like this. The air felt so tense I thought I might actually pass out.

“Choose your words with care. Do not forget to whom you speak.”

They just kept staring at each other, and it felt like sparks could actually start flying. I was kind of scared they’d start fighting right there, but I couldn’t move at all. Luckily, Kia looked away after a moment, her face all frustrated.

“Am I to understand that this person is your guest?”

“The boy’s name is Shako Ikitayashi. I found him unconscious when I was climbing Sharp Peak. He claims he has lost his memories, so – in an act of kindness – I offered him a place to stay at our home for the night.”

“My dear daughter,” he said, “must I remind you once again that we are rulers of this realm, not its charity workers? You see a young man in need, and your first instinct is to help him. Though admirable, have you ever considered the kind of message it would send if the royal family began extending its hands to everyone burdened by misfortune? Do you believe our people will grow stronger from it, or will they simply wait for us to solve every hardship that befalls them?”

Kia stayed silent. The king let out a quiet sigh and continued.

“Kindness is a virtue, but do not let it cloud your judgment. A ruler who lets emotion dictate every decision will soon find themselves unable to make difficult choices. You cannot save everyone, no matter how much you wish to.”

He kept his gaze on Kia.

“Every act of mercy comes at a cost. Every resource you spend on one person is a resource you can no longer spend on another. Before you extend your hand, you must ask yourself a simple question: Will this truly help them… or will it only postpone their suffering?” He paused before adding: “A compassionate heart is admirable. An irresponsible ruler is not. The people do not need a monarch who pities them. They need one who can make decisions that preserve this kingdom, even when those decisions are painful.”

His expression did soften a bit.

“One day, this realm may become yours to govern. When that day comes, you will learn that the burden of a crown is not measured by how many people you can save, but by how many sacrifices you are willing to bear for the sake of everyone else.”

He paused for a moment.

“So, I ask you again: have you truly considered the consequences of your actions?”

She didn’t say anything. She just clenched her fist and bit her lip, looking frustrated.

“I… I…”

She looked like she really wanted to say something, but her voice was shaking and she could barely get any words out. I felt bad seeing her like that, and I couldn’t stop thinking it was all my fault. If she hadn’t helped me, she wouldn’t be in this mess. Before I knew it, I stepped forward without really thinking.

“E-Excuse me, Your Highness?”

The king turned to look at me, and he definitely didn’t look happy about it.

“Speak!”

I froze up for a second. Both him and Kia were staring at me, and my mind just went completely blank. What was I supposed to say? I stood there, not saying anything, trying to figure it out. In the end, I just decided to stop thinking so much and say whatever came to mind. I took a deep breath.

“I know you’re mad at Kia for helping me, and I get that I’m just some random guest here. But what she said is true. I really don’t remember anything from before she found me. Still, she helped me, even though she didn’t have to. And—” I stopped, feeling embarrassed. “And I want to find a way to pay her back for that.”

It probably sounded kind of cheesy, but I meant every word. Both the king and Kia looked surprised. For the first time since I came in, the room felt a little less tense, and I could finally breathe a bit easier. We stood there in silence for a few seconds before the king spoke again.

“It is good that my daughter has shown you hospitality. My decision, however, stands. I will not make exceptions simply because she asks it of me.”

“And what if I started working here?”

I had no idea why I said that. It just popped into my head, and I blurted it out before I could stop myself. The king looked totally shocked.

“Pardon?”

The king stared at me like I’d just said something completely ridiculous.

“I said… what if I started working here?”

“I heard you the first time,” he answered, his expression still one of disbelief. “I simply fail to understand why you would propose such a thing.”

“Well, if the problem is that you can’t make an exception for me, then maybe I could earn my stay? At least until I get my memories back. I’m not really good at cooking or laundry or anything, but I can do simple stuff like cleaning or carrying things or running errands.”

He looked a little less serious after that.

“You would truly be willing to work for your place here?”

I nodded.

“If that’s what it takes.”

“And you do it simply to repay my daughter’s kindness?”

I nodded again. The king stared at me, like he was trying to figure me out. I could feel his eyes looking me up and down.

“For generations, our servants have been trained to the highest standard. Your training will be harsh. Indolence will not be tolerated. This family accepts nothing less than perfection. If I see a single moment of carelessness, you will be dismissed at once. Are you still prepared to serve here?”

I thought about it for a second. There wasn’t really any other choice, so I bowed and said:

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The next few seconds felt like forever. I took a deep breath and waited for him to say something. Finally, the king broke the silence.

“Daughter, show the new servant to his quarters.”

“Does that mean…?”

The king let out a tired sigh and rubbed his nose.

“Go, before I change my mind.”

I just stood there for a second, not really believing what I’d just heard. Then Kia ran over and grabbed my hands. Before I could say anything, my stomach growled really loudly. Kia gave me a little smirk and said:

“I do not know about you, but I am feeling quite peckish. Would you mind accompanying me to the dining hall?”

I placed my hand on my belly.

“Yeah, that sounds like a great idea.”