A villager came in, with a very serious report and complaint :
The moment the villager from Punik uttered the words *"Thieves in Hands,"* Sun's fingers tightened around the armrests of his throne. The wood groaned under his grip.
**"Again?"** His voice was dangerously soft. **"They dare?"**
The villager trembled. **"Y-Your Majesty, they take our grain, our livestock—they threaten to burn our homes if we resist!"**
Sun stood, his crimson robes swirling around him like liquid fire. The lions sprawled across the hall lifted their heads, sensing the shift in their master's mood.
**"Captain,"** Sun called.
The Red Lion Guard’s commander stepped forward, fist over his heart.
Sun unclasped the **red royal medallion** from his belt—the symbol of absolute martial authority—and pressed it into the captain’s palm.
**"Hunt them down. Burn their hideouts. Scatter them to the winds."** His golden eyes burned. **"And if you find their leader… bring him to me. Alive."**
The captain bowed. **"It will be done."**
Sun turned to the **Lion’s Mane children**, who had been training under the Red Lions. **"You will accompany them. Learn what it means to defend this kingdom."**
Then—**Lumina lunged forward.**
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**"I’m going too!"**
Sun didn’t even blink. **"No."**
**"But—!"**
**"No."**
Lumina’s lower lip jutted out. **"You never let me do anything!"**
Sun sighed, then reached out and ruffled her hair—ignoring her indignant squawk. **"Because you’re my little sister. And I’d burn the world before I let anything happen to you."**
Lumina huffed. **"...Fine. Then I want a lion cub."**
The court gasped.
Sun stared at her. Then—he **laughed**, loud and bright. **"Goldmane!"**
The great lion padded forward, followed by two smaller cubs—one bold and golden like his sire, the other sleek and dark-maned.
Sun scooped up the golden cub and deposited it into Lumina’s arms. **"His name is Sunspot."**
Lumina’s eyes sparkled. **"No. His name is **Butter**."**
The court burst into laughter. Even their mother, Queen Elira, covered her mouth to hide her smile.
---
### **The Young Duke’s Audience**
As the war party mobilized, a herald announced:
**"JR. Guntherus Dionomia, son of the late Earl SR. Guntherus Dionomia, seeks audience!"**
The grand doors swung open, revealing a procession of **fifty servants** laden with chests of jewels, silks, and exotic spices. At their center stood a young man—**tall, impeccably dressed, with sharp features and an air of effortless wealth.**
The **Young Duke** bowed deeply, first to Sun, then to Sixhonia.
**"Your Majesties,"** he said, voice smooth. **"I come to discuss matters of… mutual benefit."**
Sun studied him. They were the same age, yet where Sun was fire and fury, Gunther was **polished ice.**
**"Private audience, then,"** Sun said. He clapped his hands. **"Seats!"**
Eight Red Lion Guards carried in two ornate chairs. Sun lounged in his, gesturing for Gunther to take the other.
The young duke hesitated—then sat, his posture perfect.
Sun smirked. **"Goldmane."**
The lion prowled forward, followed by **fourteen others.** The courtiers shrank back, but Gunther—to his credit—only paled slightly.
**"Now,"** Sun said, stroking Goldmane’s mane. **"What do you want?"**
Gunther leaned forward, lowering his voice.
"My lord the king, I have a serious situation on hand. Since my father has passed, the soul of your servant has been under the threat of death, please I need protection."
