Chapter 8 - Chapter 4: A Kingdom Has Life Again

The one hundred and ten nobles woke up almost at the same time. There were no alarms. There were no jolts. Only a strange, deep sensation, as if the body had finished a long-postponed process.

The first thing they noticed was the silence. And the second… was the change. One after another they began to discover it, first with incredulity, then with trembling, and finally with weeping.

The scars had disappeared. Ancient wounds, marks of past wars, mutilations that had defined entire lives… were no longer there.

The rings glowed dimly on their hands. Inside them, small drops of Kai's blood still remained. Evolved blood. Blood that, for seventy-six hours, had been slowly introduced into their systems through a tiny needle hidden in the metal. It had not been a violent act. It had been a transformation.

Freya, princess of the Ice Empire, was one of the first to fully understand it. She stood up… and walked. She walked with two legs. She raised her hands… and had both arms. There were no marks. There were no scars. There was no trace of the disease that had condemned her since she was young. Her body was complete, healthy, strong. She stood motionless, looking at her hands as if they did not belong to her… and then fell to her knees, weeping soundlessly.

The princess of the Kingdom of the Fang also screamed. For years she had been treated as waste. In her race, power is everything, and losing an arm meant becoming dead weight. Now, her right arm was there, strong, perfect. She moved it over and over again, unable to believe it.

Sara took a little longer. She removed the mask with trembling hands. In front of her was a mirror. When she was seventeen, she had gone hunting to protect her younger sister. A monster attacked her. She lost an eye. Her face was marked forever. Since then, she had lived hidden.

Now… She had both eyes. The scar had disappeared. Her face had returned. The mirror fell to the floor as she dropped to her knees, sobbing, just like Freya, just like the princess of the Fang.

And they were not the only ones. The princess of the Kingdom of the Vampires —one of the most elegant, one of the most feared— stood motionless in front of her reflection. She had been born with a genetic deformity that had marked her life from the first day. Her face had always been considered monstrous. She had never felt beautiful. She had always worn a veil. Now she did not need it.

The blood of that evolved being had corrected even that which nature had erred. Her face was beautiful. More than that: it was hers. The veil fell to the floor.

Some nobles noticed that old fractures no longer ached. Others felt their minds were clear for the first time in years. Disorders, persistent fears, invisible burdens… everything seemed to have dissipated. And they were not just healthy. They felt stronger

Then, the voice of Liris resonated in the room.

—Process finalized. My one hundred and eleven queens of the Kingdom of the White Warlocks. Now, all of you are queens. What is your first order?

They looked at one another. Some were still weeping. Others breathed deeply. All understood that something had changed forever. Aurora took a step forward.

—We want the refugees to have dignified lives again —she said with a firm voice—. Let them enter this country. Let them have a home.

—Order accepted —Liris responded—. But we do not have an army to go and get them.

—Then we will have to do it ourselves —another voice responded.

—How? —asked the princess of Knowledge, one of the most brilliant strategists.

—I will open a portal to the refugee camp —Liris explained—. I will keep it open. You must convince them to cross it. They will appear outside the wall. Once there, the four gates of the city will open.

She paused briefly.

—Not all will go. There are one hundred and eleven. You will divide yourselves. About ten will go to the camp. Others will be distributed among the towns, smaller cities, and the capital. Five million refugees must be organized.

—We will need help —said Sara.

—You will have it.

Shadows emerged from the air. Dark soldiers, silent, firm.

—The shadow soldiers will assist you. They will maintain order. They will protect you.

Portals began to open behind them. The queens divided into groups of ten. The first group had the most difficult task: the refugee camp. Convincing them. And that task would fall to Sara, princess of the Kingdom of the Humans, to Aurora, noble of the Church, and to those who marched with them.

The kingdom… for the first time in a long time… had life again.

Meanwhile, Sara and eight other nobles arrived at the refugee camp. The place was guarded by priests, a noble from the court of the White Mages, sacred soldiers, and some paladins. All of them had marched to that countryside with clear, though uncomfortable, orders: maintain control… and prepare for the expulsion.

When they saw them, a murmur ran through the camp. They recognized her immediately. It was the princess. The second princess of the Kingdom of the Humans. And behind her walked Aurora.

The priests tensed instantly. They knew who was in front of them: one of the former candidates for the Oracle.

—They are the lost ones —spat one of them—. Capture them!

They did not manage to move. Shadows emerged from the air. Black swords rested against human throats before anyone could react.

—Listen to me well —Sara said, in a firm voice, without shouting—. If anyone moves, they will kill you all.

The noble of the White Mages raised a hand, asking for calm, and took a step forward.

—What do you want, princess, here in a refugee camp?

—I want the refugees —Sara responded bluntly—. I am going to take them all. To a land where they won't be persecuted.

The noble observed her closely.

—Do you have a home for them?

—Yes, sir. I do —said Sara—. And I need you to tell them to follow me.

—You are not lying to me?

—I would not lie about something like this.

The noble nodded slowly.

—Then… please, lower your weapons.

Aurora made a slight sign.

The shadow soldiers lowered their swords, but they did not disappear. Aurora placed herself beside Sara.

—Listen, gentlemen —she said—. We are not looking for a fight. We have found a home for the refugees. If you accompany us, your king will not have to expel them with the army… because I suppose that was what you were about to do.

The noble closed his eyes for a moment.

—That is correct. My order was to expel men, women, children, the elderly, and the sick —he admitted—. I have not done it because I had nowhere to take them.

—Follow me —said Aurora—. I have a home for them.

One of the priests took a step forward.

—And who are you supposed to be, young lady?

Aurora looked at him without altering her expression.

—I am the queen of the White Warlocks. And here you have ten of its queens.

The silence fell like a slab. A shadow soldier stood next to the priest, so close that he could feel the coldness of the sword. The noble bowed his head.

—Queen… forgive our imprudence. We do not wish for the wrath of your king. Just help us with the refugees.

Then he turned around.

—Do everything they say —he ordered—. And you, priest… do not interfere.

The entire camp began to move. Sacred soldiers, paladins, and auxiliary troops helped dismantle tents, gather families, and organize columns. There was no resistance. Then, Sara and the other nine queens climbed onto a large rock near the camp. Sara spoke.

—We are the queens of the White Warlocks. We have water, food, houses, and fertile lands to cultivate. Fields already sown, ready to be harvested. We offer you work, dignity… and a home.

She paused.

—What do you want to do? Stay in the filth… or live with dignity?

The children were the first to react.

—They are the princesses who fight for us! —they shouted.

They had heard of them. Of how they had faced kings, of how they protested against the expulsion of the commoners. The children ran toward the queens, but the shadow soldiers prevented the rest from approaching.

Then the leaders of the refugee tribes stepped forward. The princess of the Sand stepped ahead to speak with them.

—My queen —said one of the elders—, is it true that you have a home for us?

—Yes —Alaris responded—. Follow me now. Here you will be expelled with sword and spear.

The elders gave the order. The people took their few belongings. In the forest, a great portal was open. Throughout the day, hundreds of refugees crossed it. They appeared in front of the four gates of the great wall of the White Warlocks.

Behind each gate were registry houses, guarded by other queens. Family by family. Noble by noble. Commoner by commoner. Soldier by soldier. All were registered as citizens of the Kingdom of the White Warlocks.

In front of them rose a wall fifteen meters high. No one knew it existed. The forest hid it: trees over twenty-five meters tall, mountains closing off the horizon. On the other side… there were no beasts. There were cultivated fields. Tame animals. Flowers. Well-laid stone paths.

The people wept. They touched the earth. Some men kissed the paths. They were malnourished. Sick. Exhausted. When the last refugee crossed, the gates closed.

For an entire week, no one entered or left. Then, the gates opened. The queens began to organize the kingdom. To distribute lands. To relocate families. To return order and life.

Even so… neither Kai nor Alequei had arrived at the Kingdom of the White Warlocks yet.

There were hundreds of men prepared to enlist in the army. The princess of the Spear, together with her nobles, opened a recruitment office inside the palace. It was not a mandatory draft. It was an open call. Out of the five million inhabitants, more than a million enlisted. But not all were soldiers in the strict sense. Many came from other lands. They had arrived attracted by a rumor that was repeated from mouth to mouth: the White Warlocks had returned.

The gates of the kingdom remained open. The merchants began to negotiate. Routes were reactivated, agreements were signed, movement returned to the streets. In less than a month, the army was already formed. It guarded the gates, the limits of the peninsula, and, above all, the great wall.

The peninsula was divided. The longest wall extended nearly eight thousand kilometers and exceeded fifty meters in height. It separated the lands of the Crowned Beasts from the territory of the White Warlocks. Kai had asked for exactly half of the peninsula. And so it had been done. That was why the army guarded that wall and some coastal stretches.

The central city was being rebuilt by shadow soldiers, but soon human labor arrived. Masons, carpenters, and artisans began to work, and the city truly began to rise.

It was then that Alequei, the vampire, arrived at the wall. He saw large carriages entering and leaving the city. Trade, constant traffic, organized guards.

He did not understand what had happened… but it was clear that something enormous had occurred. He approached one of the guards. Shadow soldiers kept watch around.

—Hello… I am heading to the palace —he said—. The king of these lands sends me.

The soldier opened his eyes.

—The king sends you?

—Yes, sir. I have this document signed by him.

The guard observed him closely.

—Are you the governor of the city?

—That is what the document says.

The soldier straightened his posture.

—Sir, please, come this way.

The governor was taken to the Registry House. There, the book registered him. But not as a common citizen. His name was recorded as Governor of those lands. Alekei did not understand what was happening. He did not have time to ask questions. He was immediately escorted toward the capital, accompanied by soldiers. The document had been reviewed: it was legitimate and bore Kai's unmistakable signature.

When he arrived at the palace, he was received by the princess of the Merchants, one of the recent queens of the White Warlocks.

—How are you, sir? —she said with courtesy—. I am informed that you possess a document signed by the king.

—Yes —responded Alequei—. The king hired me for the position of governor.

She raised her eyebrows slightly.

—Governor… of this city?

—That is what he told me —he answered—. Governor of the capital of the White Warlocks. To be honest… I don't know much more. He gave me this document, some gold, and asked me to come.

—I understand. Do not worry —the queen responded—. We will verify the signature.

The document was placed in front of a verification orb, under the control of Liris.

—Signature confirmed —the voice announced—. Legitimate document.

This individual is the governor designated by Kai.

The news spread immediately. The one hundred and eleven queens gathered with Alequei in the throne room. The throne was empty. There had been no coronation. But all of them were there, standing, observing him.

Alequei, surrounded by beautiful and confident women, did not quite know how to position himself or what to say.

—Listen… —one Queen finally said—, do you all know what the king is like?

—You don't know him? —Alequei.

They looked at one another.

—Well… it doesn't matter —he added, downplaying it—. I suppose it is not relevant now.

Aurora took the floor.

—So you are the governor.

—It seems so —Alequei responded.

—We have pending matters —she continued—. The army. The food. The distribution of goods. Some nobles are claiming lands. The commoners want the right to cultivate and sell their products to the merchants who are already arriving.

Another queen added:

—All of that must be organized.

Aurora looked at him directly.

—And that is now your responsibility.

Alekei remained silent.

—Do not worry —said another of the queens—. We have already arranged a mansion and staff for you.

The queens were fast. Intelligent. Practical. They knew that the position this man held implied an enormous power. Alequei, on the other hand, still had no idea of the real scope of his authority.

He was escorted by soldiers to his new residence. An immense mansion. Three large halls. Private wing.

Dozens of maidservants and butlers waiting for him in silence. No one asked where they had come from. The best positions always attract those who know how to recognize an opportunity.

The princesses knew that not all mansions could be destined for commoners. Some had to be reserved for key positions in the kingdom. That is why they prepared them immediately: they filled them with servants, demanded references, and selected only the best. In a kingdom that was just being born, important positions could not be left in improvised hands.

Three months passed. During that time, the governor and the queens administered the country in a constant and meticulous manner.

All the livestock —goats, cows, horses, and even smaller animals— legally belonged to the king. The commoners could not trade animals, but they could trade crops. Additionally, they had to pay rent for the lands they worked. Even so, those lands could not be granted as property. The definitive concession could only be made with the king's signature. And the king was not there.

Kai was still in the kingdom of the Mercenaries, finishing the last paperwork for his bank. He was transferring the entity to another banking house, closing contracts, and reviewing debts. He carried the original documents. The receipts, however, had been delivered to Alekei.

Kai was about to return to his kingdom. What he did not know… was that his domain had been functioning for four months. Not only organized. But also trading.

As the organization of the kingdom progressed, the letters began to arrive. First there were a few. Then, one after another. The thirty-six nations sent emissaries. All arrived with the same astonishment: the one hundred and eleven missing women were now queens. They demanded urgent meetings.

But the governor was a shrewd man. And, above all, prudent. He knew perfectly well that the queens could not be disturbed without the presence of the king. Not because of protocol, but for survival. Kai's wrath could be dangerous.

So the governor received them all… and was clear.

—You will not come within a meter of the queens —he told them—. When the king arrives, you may speak with him. Until then, the queens are not available.

The emissaries insisted. Some wanted to "negotiate." Others wanted to take them away. Human kings, the Demon Lord, the Hero King, the Fire Emperor… they all wanted their daughters back. The governor did not flinch.

—They belong to the Kingdom of the White Warlocks —he said—. The king is not in the country. If you desire a war… at least wait until he arrives.

The thirty-six emissaries looked at each other. They knew Alequei. They knew who the fifteen-hundred-year-old vampire was. They knew he did not hesitate. They knew he was not intimidated. One of the emissaries from the Demon Lord's territory stepped forward.

—We do not want a war —he said—. But when your king arrives, we demand to speak with him. We will stay in the city.

—Fine —the governor responded.

Then he gave an immediate order. The queens would not leave the imperial zone. The gates were closed. The borders as well. Only registered merchants could enter or leave.

The queens did not know it instantly. It was Liris who explained it to them, at the beach house.

—You can no longer go to the city —she told them—. Your parents have sent people to kidnap you and take you by force.

The frustration was immediate.

—They have us locked up! —some protested.

—No —Liris responded calmly—. He is looking out for your safety.

—The governor? —one asked.

—Yes. He knows perfectly well that if anything happens to you, he will be the one who has to give explanations to the king.

—But the king doesn't even know us —said Gretel, the queen from the Demon Lord's territory.

Liris looked at her seriously.

—He doesn't need to know you. That ring you are wearing… —she paused—. Although it sounds harsh, you are his harem and his property. You created the definitive commitment of your lives. And none of those nations is going to want to unleash Kai's wrath when he arrives.

The silence was total.

They did not know Kai. They did not know what he was capable of. And over something foolish… they could unleash a war between nations. So they cooperated. The governor closed the city. He closed the borders.

And then… Kai arrived.

A blue lightning bolt shot across the continent and stopped in front of the wall. Kai observed wagons, soldiers, people entering and leaving. He did not understand what was happening. He entered walking. A soldier stopped him.

—Sir, commoners cannot enter until the governor opens the borders. You need market or transport authorization.

Shadow soldiers guarded the place.

—Oh, really? —Kai said—. I can't pass?

—You can register, but not enter.

Kai placed his hand on the book. The book spoke.

—Citizen number one registered. King of the White Warlocks.

The silence was absolute.

—Can I pass now? —Kai asked.

—Y-yes, sir.

Everyone bowed. A shadow soldier stood by his side. Kai looked at him.

—We will talk later —he said—.

—Ha… ha —the soldier laughed.

Kai moved forward. He saw his lands full. Villages that were empty… now inhabited. A little girl approached him with a cat in her arms.

—Do you like my kitty?

—Where did you come from, little one? —Kai asked.

—I was a refugee. Some beautiful princesses, like angels, brought us here. Now my little sister and I live in that house.

Kai looked around. The soldiers observed him, tense.

—I understand —he said—. Go to work.

The shadow soldiers returned to their posts. Kai stroked the girl's head.

—I am glad you have a home.

She left laughing with her cat and her sister. Kai turned to the soldiers.

—Good job. Soon we will open the borders. Follow the governor's orders.

When they blinked… Kai was no longer there. He had disappeared.

He appeared at the palace. The blue crystal glowed for an instant. There were people working everywhere. The queens were confined in the imperial zone, and the administrative chaos was evident. Kai approached a soldier.

—Excuse me… the governor's office?

—The gentleman is there, but he can't—

—It's fine —Kai interrupted him—. Can you call him?

The soldier approached the governor quickly.

—Sir… there is a man asking for you.

Alequei lowered his gaze for a moment. He already knew who it was. When he came out and saw Kai, he did not hesitate for a single second. He bowed with absolute respect.

—How are you, my king?

In that instant, everything stopped. The people understood. The governor had bowed to that man. One by one, everyone lowered their heads. The movement traveled down the entire street like a silent wave. Kai observed his surroundings. The city was alive. Even the street seemed to have stopped to listen to him.

—Good morning —he said—. Please, keep working.

The murmur returned slowly. Kai and Alekei entered the governor's office. Kai went straight to the point.

—I'll ask you a question —he said—. I'm sure you don't have a clue either.

—No —Alequei responded—. According to the records, four months ago this kingdom was empty. There was no one.

—I know —Kai nodded—. Where are the ones responsible?

—Confined in the imperial zone, sir.

Kai raised an eyebrow.

—Why?

—Because you have one hundred and eleven of the most important nobles in this world inside your kingdom —Alekei answered—. And their parents want them back.

—Ah… —Kai said—. Really?

His voice was calm.

—I am not giving them anything. What enters here… is mine.

Alequei remained silent.

—Open the borders —Kai continued—. Do not show fear.

—Let them work.

He stepped a bit closer.

—If anyone touches them… they are going to die. Is that clear?

—Yes, sir.

—I am going to take care of their protection —Kai added—. For now, let them work. Tonight, I will speak with them.

He took out some documents and left them on the desk.

—Papers for maritime and land trade. We have partners everywhere. And this is the second part of the bank's portfolio.

Alekei put them away in the safe.

—Do not worry —Kai said—. I am here now. You thought I didn't have a kingdom, didn't you?

Alekei sketched a tense smile.

—You thought I was crazy.

Kai smiled barely.

—That's what happens when you don't have faith. We will talk with our powerful queens soon. Now I have to go talk with other people.

He stopped for a second.

—Take care of them, please.

And he disappeared. Alekei was left alone.

—What have I gotten myself into…? —he murmured.

Kai appeared on the other side of the peninsula, beyond the fifty-meter wall. The six kings of the Crowned Beasts were there, along with their daughters. Fenris was the first to hug him.

—You are enormous, boy.

—I have grown —Kai responded.

He greeted the princesses with a slight bow.

—I need to know how you feel about the issue of the humans on the peninsula —he said—. I do not want conflicts.

The Nine-Tailed Fox shook his head.

—We are not angry —he said—. But we have a request.

—Tell me.

—Our daughters have been asking to marry you for years. We avoided it. But now… there are women living in your house.

The princesses nodded, arms crossed.

—They say strange women are occupying your home —he continued—. And they cannot be with you.

Kai listened without showing emotion.

—Then we have no choice —the Fox added—. They want to marry you. We cannot prevent it.

Kai reflected for a second.

—We are going to do this —he said—. Let them go first to speak with the queens. I will take them and give them the rings, but without clashes. Talk to Liris and the others.

The kings looked at each other.

—Very well —said Fenris.

—Now? —Fenris asked.

The Tiger growled.

—Don't be a wise guy, Kai.

—You said you wanted to go —Kai responded—. And what do you want to do?

The six princesses smiled.

—We've wanted to go with you for a long time.

Kai disappeared with them as if it were a game. The Tiger looked at Fenris.

—Are you sure about this?

—The safest place in the world —he responded— is that boy's house.

The crowned Fox nodded.

—You are right.

The six princesses appeared at the Beach House. But it was empty. The doors had already been opened. The queens were working in the city.

Kai led them to the sixth level of the vault. There, six rings awaited them. Kai had prepared them a long time ago. When they put them on, a glow traveled through their bodies. The sting was immediate. Kai's blood began its work. They would float for seventy-six hours.

—Let me know when the metamorphosis ends —Kai said to Liris.

He closed the door. There was still daylight left.

Kai appeared in the central city, in the midst of reconstruction. The kingdom continued to grow. And he… had just returned. Kai understood that the central city needed more than just goodwill. It was immense. It had an enormous castle. Works were underway everywhere.

A man was needed to control the labor, resources, and timing. Someone who would be a true right hand, so as not to place all the weight on Alekei. The governor had already sent foremen and architects. The labor was paid with funds from the vault, and the system worked… but Kai knew it was not enough.

That same day he returned to the capital. He was not finished yet. He went straight to the governor's office. When he opened the door, he found Alekei accompanied by a gray-haired man with a thick beard, noble bearing, and a firm gaze.

Alequei stepped forward.

—Kai, let me introduce you. This is Duke Fausto Moreno.

Kai stopped.

—Duke Fausto Moreno?

Alequei knew perfectly well who he was.

—A pleasure, sir —Kai said.

—I have come to see my daughter —the duke responded.

—Your daughter? —Kai repeated—. I understand. She is working here in the palace. You may go see her.

The duke observed him closely.

—I want to know how she is.

—I'll be honest with you —Kai responded—. I haven't seen your daughter yet. I arrived today.

—I don't even know her face… but go see her.

He looked at Alequei.

—Can you take him?

The duke stood up slowly.

—I know who you are, boy —he said suddenly—. You are the boy who freed me from prison.

Kai blinked. He did not remember.

—My daughter —the duke continued—, from what Alequei has told me, she has married you… without you knowing it.

Kai frowned.

—What are you saying?

—It is one of the disadvantages of the ancient marriage ritual of the White Warlocks —Fausto explained—. Many women stole the rings. They married without the king knowing. That happened often, before the fall of the kingdom.

—And how do you know all that? —Kai asked.

The duke looked at him gravely.

—Because I am the duke of these lands.

Kai nodded.

—My daughter is of pure blood —he continued—. Direct heiress. By marrying you, she has made you the legitimate king, boy.

Kai remained silent.

—I only want one thing —Fausto said—. For my daughter to be safe. We have suffered too much.

—I understand —Kai responded with sincerity.

Neither he nor Alekei quite understood the scope of what the duke was saying… but soon they would.

—Let's do this —Kai said—. Go speak with your daughter. I have matters to attend to. When you are finished, come see me. I will be waiting for you here.

The duke nodded and withdrew. Kai was left alone. The day had been long. Six new wives were going through the metamorphosis. One hundred and eleven queens were working spread throughout the city and the palace, guarded by shadow soldiers.

The kings claimed their daughters. A father feared for his. And the governor was at his limit.

Then Kai understood it. He needed a wise man. A strong name. Someone who knew the history, the politics, and the weight of that city in the center of the peninsula.

—The duke… —he murmured—. I am going to use the duke.

Meanwhile, Fausto was taken to the office where Luna worked, alongside the princess of the Kingdom of the Black Warlocks. Alequei knocked on the door and opened it. When the young women saw the duke, they ran toward him.

—Father!

—Uncle!

They hugged him tightly. Alequei closed the door and withdrew discreetly.

—Why did you do that, daughter? —Fausto asked with a restrained voice—. Why did you marry a man you do not know?

—I'm sorry, father —Luna responded—. But I wanted to help these people.

—We still do not know him —he insisted.

—I have just spoken with him —Fausto said.

The two young women stood motionless.

—What?

—The king is here?

They blushed.

—He is a boy —Fausto said—. He seems like a good person.

—I trust him —Luna said firmly—. I am a grown woman. I made a decision. Now I am a queen. Our land has returned. We owe nothing to anyone. We did nothing wrong.

She paused.

—I am only worried that he might reject me. Please, do not bring him any trouble —Luna said.

Fausto sighed.

—Do not worry. I am going to talk to him. He summoned me.

—Really? —Luna said—. Everyone has seen him… even the secretary. And we still haven't.

The two laughed nervously. They hugged the duke and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Fausto withdrew. While he walked, he thought. After a thousand years, the kingdom would once again have a king of the White Warlocks. And he needed to know if that man… would be worthy of the lineage he was about to inherit.

Fausto returned to Alequei's office. Kai was there with the governor, discussing urgent matters of the kingdom. Upon seeing him enter, Kai raised his hand calmly.

—Alequei, would you lend me your office for a moment? I need to speak alone with Fausto.

—Of course, my king.

The governor withdrew without asking questions. Fausto took a seat across from Kai.

—All right —Kai said—. Now I want you to tell me everything.

Fausto took a deep breath.

—A thousand years ago… the king of the White Warlocks and his entire family died at the hands of the heralds. We were the only power that dared to face a demon general. We did not have enough strength.

He fell silent for an instant.

—All the people died. I lost my wife. And in a desperate act… my daughter Luna, only seven years old, cast a spell.

Kai frowned.

—We were trapped inside the ring you are wearing on your hand, boy.

Kai looked down at the ring.

—This one?

—Yes. She saved us. We managed to kill the demon general, but

—…we died at the same time… and we were locked in that magical prison.

Fausto continued:

—We came out of there about nineteen years ago. And I saw you. You were about seven years old. Those blue eyes… You must try to hide them. They reveal your power.

Kai touched his ears. It wasn't a mask. They were special earrings. He took them off. The blue eyes glowed intensely. An immense cosmos flooded the room, making the air vibrate.

—Yes —Fausto whispered—. Those same eyes.

Kai put the earrings back on. Everything returned to normal.

—So… —Kai said— you came out of that ring thanks to me?

—It seems so. The only thing I remember is that you cut your hand with a sword. A few drops of your blood fell on the ring… and the statue turned into sand.

Kai nodded.

—I remember that… vaguely.

Fausto looked at him seriously.

—I will only ask you one question, Kai. Why do you want to be king?

Kai did not hesitate.

—Because I got tired.

Fausto looked up.

—I got tired of always fighting —Kai continued—. Of struggling and having nothing. All my life I was alone.

He paused.

—You talk to me about your daughter. You had a wife who loved you. A daughter who loves you.

He lowered his gaze.

—I… my family is not by blood. I have made friends. People I love. And I cannot stand still if the world gives me the opportunity to protect them.

Fausto listened to him in silence.

—I understand that for a man like you, honor and virtue come first —Kai added—. But I am ambitious. And selfish.

—Boy… —Fausto interrupted him—. All kings are ambitious and selfish.

He leaned forward slightly.

—I served a king like that. And because of his selfishness… we all died.

His eyes hardened.

—I ask you something, Kai. Will you lay down your life… or that of your people?

Kai responded without blinking.

—I would die before seeing the blood of my people spilled.

Fausto observed him for a long time. He did not doubt. He did not tremble. Every word was true. Then he spoke.

—As duke of these lands, and as a survivor… You have brought life back to the Kingdom of the White Warlocks. I would like to know if I can help you.

Kai looked up.

—In the Kingdom of the Black Warlocks, I am just a noble without a function —Fausto continued—. But I have experience. And I want to be near my daughter.

Kai smiled slightly.

—In fact… I was thinking of you while you were talking to her.

Fausto raised an eyebrow.

—The central city is enormous —Kai said—. It is under reconstruction. The castle of the ancient king is being raised again.

He paused.

—The capital will function here until the castle is finished. And then we will see.

He straightened up.

—I want you to live there. You will be the governor of the central city. You will control all of that territory.

—Alequei cannot be in two places at once —he added—. Do you accept, Fausto?

The duke looked at him, surprised.

—Thank you —he finally said—. Thank you for allowing me to serve… and to be near my daughter.

—We are family now —Kai responded—. Alequei will accompany you. A carriage will take you directly.

He stood up.

—Everything you had in the Kingdom of the Black Warlocks will be transferred. Your servant Ernesto as well.

Fausto bowed his head.

—Thank you, my king.

He withdrew with a firm step, enthusiastic. Alequei escorted him personally toward the central city. Night was falling. While Fausto and Alequei traveled, Kai remained in silence. He still had one thing left to do. Speak… with the one hundred and eleven queens who still did not know him.

Chapter 4 Reunion: One hundred seventeen queens

Kai knew that six beautiful women remained on the sixth level of the vault, undergoing the seventy-six-hour metamorphosis. He kept it in mind while looking at the sea in front of the Beach House. It was night. Near ten-thirty at night.

Then he saw them.

From the palace, the queens began to descend. First a few figures, then more, until the path was filled. To Kai's eyes, that looked like a silent army of women advancing toward him.

They were many. Too many. He did not quite understand how all that had happened… but it no longer made sense to ask.

The moonlight illuminated him from the front.

That moon that always seemed to accompany him, to haunt him even. Under its glow, Kai remained still.

When they were about ten paces away, the one hundred and eleven queens stopped. Kai looked at them. And he smiled.

They were tense. Scared. With restrained fear. They knew they had entered his kingdom, occupied his house, spent his gold, eaten his food… and brought millions of people under his roof. They did not know how to greet him. They did not know what to expect from him.

Kai understood it instantly. That is why he was the one who bowed first.

—Good night… my queens.

One by one, they began to introduce themselves. Their names followed one another as they moved toward the interior of the house. Some spoke firmly. Others barely whispered. Several avoided looking him in the eye. When they had all entered, they headed to the great hall and settled in silence. No one spoke a word. The fear was still there.

Kai felt it… and decided not to force anything. That night he did not sleep inside the house. Outside, facing the sea, hung an old hammock. Kai lay there, under the open sky. He knew it was too late to talk, that they were exhausted, and that he also had to protect the six who still remained in the vault.

The sea breeze enveloped him. The moon was still there. And while he observed it, he thought:

All these women… and even so… I'm still sleeping alone.

Kai could not sleep that night. He had ten years of chastity behind him, and now there were more than a hundred beautiful women inside his house. The irony was not funny to him. From the hammock, under the open sky, he could hear murmurs escaping through the windows.

—I'm not going in, he's coming... I'm scared —a voice whispered.

—Let's all sleep together in the big bed —said another—.

—If he tries anything, we attack him.

Kai closed his eyes. They had no idea. They didn't know what kind of man he was, nor what he could do, nor —above all— what he did not want to do.

They were afraid. And he knew it. They knew that, if he wanted to, he could impose his will. And that terrified them. Not because of what he had done… but because of what he could do.

Kai looked at the stars. How many are in the vault…? How many are in the house…? Everything was becoming an absurd puzzle.

—This is getting complicated —he murmured.

He looked at the sky again.

—Not long now… not long now.

Twenty-four hours had passed since the six princesses of the Crowned Beasts had been in the vault. He couldn't rush anything. He had to wait.

When dawn broke, Kai was still awake. He hadn't slept for a single minute. He waited until it was the usual work hour. He got up, washed his face with cold water, and changed. He entered the house in silence, showered, and changed again. The queens were still sleeping all together, in the big bed. He did not wake them.

He went out and headed to the palace. There he found Alequei.

—You're back already? —Kai asked.

—Yes. Fausto wanted to continue alone. I accompanied him part of the way and returned.

—I understand —Kai nodded—. He's one of those men who makes his own decisions.

—Exactly.

—Leave him —Kai said—. He knows what he's doing… or he will learn.

He sat down heavily.

—Everything in order? —Kai.

—Yes. I've already turned in the paperwork. He is the new governor of the central city. —Alequei—. He has a mansion, servants. His assistant, Ernesto, is on his way.

Kai took a deep breath.

—I have a question… —Alequei said—. According to this file, one of the queens… Paula López… also appears as a servant. Nickname: the Immortal.

Kai blinked.

—Last night I barely greeted them —Kai responded—. We didn't talk. They were afraid of me. I couldn't enter the house. I slept outside. I am exhausted.

He rubbed his eyes.

—I don't even know who you're talking about. I don't even know who is who. Let's leave that for later, okay?

—Fine —Alequei responded without arguing.

—What else?

—We've already signed the papers… and —Alequei.

Kai yawned, long and sincere.

—Did you sleep at all? —Alequei.

—No. —Kai.

—The emissaries from the other kingdoms want to speak with you. —Alequei.

—All right —Kai said—. I will receive them in the meeting room on the top floor. But make sure that no queen is present.

—Understood. —Yes, Kai. —Alequei.

—Are they already working? —Kai asked.

—Yes, the spies confirmed it for me. —Alequei.

Kai raised an eyebrow.

—You have spies?

—Yes, sir. They are essential to follow the movements of the kingdoms.

Kai smiled barely.

—Spies… how exciting.

Then he sighed.

—How many emissaries?

—Thirty-six.

—Perfect.

Alequei hesitated for a second.

—There is one… from the Dragon Empire.

Kai stood still.

—What?

—An ancient dragon. An elder.

—Aha… and what does he want?

Alequei looked at him with resignation.

—Three of your wives. The daughter of the Golden Dragon. The daughter of the Black Dragon. And the aunt of them both… direct daughter of the emperor.

—What…?

Kai put his hand to his face.

—No… don't tell me. What a mess.

He stood up and walked in circles.

—I suppose they want to tear me to pieces.

—Probably —Alequei admitted.

—Damn it… damn it… damn it.

He stopped.

—Fine. I'll meet with them. I'll talk. I'll calm the waters. And then we'll get on with our business.

—As you command.

Alequei withdrew. Before closing the door, he murmured to himself:

—This… is getting more and more complicated.

Kai was left alone. Tired. Surrounded by queens. With dragons at the door. And the day… was just beginning.

Kai met with the thirty-six emissaries in the audience hall. All were demanding explanations.

Everyone spoke of rights, of previous agreements, of royal blood, of ancient lineages. Everyone… except one.

The emissary of the Dragon Empire asked for nothing. He only observed.

Kai let them speak. He did not interrupt them. When the murmur began to grow disorganized, he raised his hand. The silence was immediate.

—The customs of the White Warlocks are clear —he said calmly—. The marriage is consummated when the woman puts on the ring of her own free will.

He looked at them one by one.

—They put on the rings without my knowledge. I cannot break that law. It is the law of these lands.

He took a deep breath.

—Therefore, from this moment on, your princesses and nobles belong to me.

Some emissaries tensed.

—If you like it, fine —Kai continued—. And if not… fine as well.

He did not raise his voice.

—I am not going to yield on this.

He made a brief pause.

—The coronation will be in three months. I invite each sovereign to a private talk, all together, if they so wish. But this is my last word.

The emissary of the Dragon Empire stood up.

—Is your decision final, king?

—Yes —Kai responded—. Tell the emperor that it was not my intention for his daughter and his two granddaughters to be bound to me. They made that decision. What is done, is done.

He bowed his head slightly.

—I will be at your disposal for any future conversation.

Then he looked at the rest.

—With all due respect: the queens have not been touched. After the coronation, they will be formally recognized.

—…as my wives.

—You have three months —he added—. You may send letters. Speak with them. If any of them decides to break the commitment before that deadline, she will be returned.

The tone hardened slightly.

—But I will not break the law of the White Warlocks. If they do not wish to annul it… they cannot return.

The emissaries looked at one another. Finally, all directed their gaze to the dragon emissary. He spoke for the first time… and for everyone.

—The Dragon Emperor has no objection whatsoever regarding the marriage of his daughter or his granddaughters. In fact, the commitment has already been announced in our lands.

There was a slight murmur. Then the emissary of the demon territory spoke.

—The same occurs with the Demon Lord. The commitment has been officially announced. The marriage is confirmed.

Kai frowned slightly.

—Then… —he said— what do you want?

—A clear answer —the dragon replied—. And political compensation.

Kai nodded slowly.

—I understand.

—The Dragon Emperor desires for you to visit him —he continued—. But he will communicate that himself… in three months.

He paused.

—For now, we withdraw. We have stated our conditions.

Kai bowed his head.

—In three months I will speak with your sovereigns. You will have my full cooperation.

The thirty-six emissaries bowed before him and left the room. Kai was left alone. He leaned on the table for a moment.

What the hell did I do…? he thought.

Then he sighed.

—I am in deep trouble.

But there was no turning back now.

Kai was in the meeting room. The day kept moving forward, but his head was already burning. He had too many names, too many kingdoms, too many accumulated problems. And, even so, he had to respond to everyone.

The door opened. Alequei entered with a different expression.

—Kai… I come to give you good news.

Kai looked up with effort.

—Tell me.

—We have the one hundred and eleven approvals for the marriages with the noblewomen. The Dragon Empire gave its go-ahead and has already announced in all nations your marriage to the princesses, now turned queens.

Kai blinked.

—Oh, really…? —he said, somewhat nervous—. You know what? I'm a little stressed.

Alequei smiled barely.

—How is the people?

—Good. The borders are open. No one is questioning us about anything. Everyone wants to cooperate.

—And the banks?

—The big banks sent your banking portfolio. The payments have not been made yet, but there are no claims.

Kai nodded.

—Fine… that is not an immediate problem.

He stood up and walked a few steps.

—I am going to set up my personal office here —he said—. Let's move this meeting room to the other wing of the palace. From here, there is a good view of the sea… and I need to see it.

Alequei listened to him attentively.

—I want them to speak with you before speaking with me —Kai continued—. If you see it's something truly complicated, pass it to me. If not… you resolve it.

—Agreed —Alequei responded—. We will work together.

—And if someone threatens you —Kai added—, you call me.

Alequei let out a slight laugh.

—Do not worry. I am not afraid of them.

Kai looked at him for a second longer.

—Is everything alright? —Kai.

—The queens… are they calm? Happy? —Kai.

—Yes. There were no complaints. They are working, giving orders, moving through the city. Always protected. Everything is calm —Alequei said.

Kai exhaled slowly.

—Forgive me… I am anxious.

—It's normal —Alekei said—. You are the king. All kings are.

Kai shook his head, tired.

—I didn't know that.

He let himself fall into one of the armchairs in the room.

—I'm going to sleep for a bit —he murmured—. I'll see you later.

—Sleep peacefully —Alequei responded—. We will talk tonight.

Kai closed his eyes. Exhaustion overcame him almost immediately.

While he slept, deep within the vault, time followed its course. The six princesses in metamorphosis had twelve hours left. Soon… they would emerge from the chamber.

Kai woke up around ten o'clock at night. The decision was in his hands.

Kai woke up there on the sofa in the boardroom at about 10:30 at night and headed directly to the vault where the six girls were—the six princesses of the crowned beasts who were about to finish their metamorphosis. This metamorphosis was going to be different from that of the other Queens; yes, those girls were not hurt, but they had many facets of their species, such as the anaconda princess, or the phoenix, or the unicorn, or the hawk. They had many animal features on their bodies, much more than a half-beast, but the metamorphosis would make them more human without losing their power.

So, while Kai waited for the girls' metamorphosis to finish, sleep attacked him; he fell asleep sitting on the floor for about three hours. When he woke up, he saw that the metamorphosis was ending. He multiplied into six and caught them before they hit the floor; then he took them to the wooden castle on the beach. There he placed each one in an individual room.

Meanwhile, at that hour, the queens were already sleeping, each in her own room. The giant bed was unoccupied, so Kai threw himself onto his bed, prepared for his weight, and slept peacefully. The girls, each in her own room. The 117 queens were about to wake up to a very busy day, but Kai wasn't thinking about that: he was very tired and needed to sleep.

The next day, Kai got up late, around 11:00, almost noon. He changed, washed his face, ate something, and headed directly to the palace. When he arrived at the palace, he found the 117 queens in the throne room arguing among themselves. There were no servants; only they were in the throne room.

The six princesses of the crowned beasts were telling the other 111 that they were usurpers, and the other 111 were telling them that they were the legitimate heirs of the land. When Kai entered the throne room, he saw that the servants were all hidden; no one wanted to enter that room. When Kai entered, the 117 queens fell silent. They greeted the king, and the king asked them: "Please, I need you to accompany me to the meeting room."

So the 117 women accompanied Kai to a gigantic meeting room with more than 200 seats. They all sat down and Kai placed himself on a dais, at an altar like a desk at the head of the entire room, and said to them:

"I need peace among us. And I need us to speak very seriously, since we have not had the opportunity. I present to you the six princesses, daughters of the kings of the crowned beasts; and to you, princesses, I present the 111 nobles from all over Jetris. I need you not to fight among yourselves; we can reach an agreement," said Kai.

Chapter 5: The Decision of the One Hundred and Seventeen Queens

The hall remained in silence. It was not a solemn silence, but a tense one, heavy with unspoken thoughts. One hundred and seventeen women, each with a kingdom behind her, waited. Kai observed them without haste. Not as a king, but as a man who had understood something essential: power is useless if it is sustained by lies. Then, he spoke:

"Look. We cannot fight among ourselves. We are the foundation of this government. Whether you believe it or not, each of you has a vote. And I cannot govern without you… but I am not going to govern by demanding sacrifices either."

Some queens looked at each other. Kai continued:

"I do not want to be with a woman who feels contempt or disgust for me. I am not interested in that kind of loyalty," his voice did not tremble. "Because of that, all of you have the right to leave whenever you wish. If you do, you will not retain the status of queen, but you will be able to return to your kingdoms. I have reached an agreement with your fathers, with the kings: if any of you decide to return, no one will force you to marry anyone. You may leave peacefully. All of you."

The statement fell like a stone in still water. From one end of the hall, the voice of Anastasia, the Black Witch, rose:

"And what would happen to Luna if she doesn't marry you?"

Kai turned his head toward her, unbothered:

"Luna? Ah… you say that because she is the heir," he paused briefly. "Luna has already married me."

The murmur was inevitable.

"If she decided to return the ring to me, that would not take away my title as king. It would take away her title as queen, nothing more. I fulfilled my part," his voice became firmer, more legal… more dangerous. "According to the law of the White Wizards, I must provide her with a home, wealth, love, and protection. And I did. If it weren't for my love, none of the other three would exist. So, I fulfill the requirements with Luna… and with all of you."

He made that clear and added:

"Now then, I want to clarify something else. Your fathers told me that some of you wanted to marry me; six, to be exact."

The eyes of the six princesses of the Crowned Beasts hardened. The silence was absolute.

"But I never heard it from your own mouths," Kai said. "And that matters. You are free. Free women. The coronation will be in three months. In three months, anything can happen. If anyone decides to follow a different path, I assure you that no army or kingdom will touch you. You will be able to choose whom to marry. You will be able to live the life you want."

And then, he delivered the final blow:

"All of you are guaranteed your financial well-being for life. And if anyone wants to leave, I will hand over twenty chests of gold to each of you. Without discussion. The only thing you must return… will be the rings."

The Crowned Beast spoke first. The Panther rose slightly, with the silent dignity of one who has no need to impose herself.

"Listen, Kai," she said. "We have made a decision. We are going to stay with you."

There was a faint, expectant murmur.

"We know nothing about town administration or governing," she continued. "For years we have desired to be by your side. We will not leave. Not even if you offer us a mountain of gold."

Kai looked at them in silence. There was no triumph in his expression, only attention.

"Now I want to hear it from you," he said, turning his face.

The Phoenix stepped forward.

"I feel the same way," she stated. "I have loved you since the first time I saw you. I am not going to move away from you."

Kai observed the others. Several were blushing, unable to speak, their feelings caught in their throats.

"Do the six of you feel the same?" he asked.

"Yes," they replied.

The other one hundred and eleven understood in that instant that they were at a disadvantage. Not because of power or status, but because of something simpler and crueler: they did not know the king. The six did.

Kai spoke then, with a calm voice:

"Listen, girls. You come from other kingdoms. They have known me for many years. I want you to understand this: you are free. No one will touch you."

He paused.

"Now I want to know something. Why do you want to be queens?"

It was the same question Fausto had asked him a long time ago. Aurora wanted to speak, but she didn't get to. Freya stood up; the girl left her chair and stepped forward. She walked to the head of the table—a square table, with Kai sitting at one of its ends—and stopped in front of him.

She was beautiful. Short, blue hair. Light blue eyes. Tall. Very tall: one ninety-three. Kai looked at her. "She is beautiful," he thought, without realizing it.

"Yes, tell me," he said aloud.

"My name is Freya."

"I know," Kai replied.

She took a deep breath.

"I want to tell you something. I know it's overwhelming for you to have to protect us. I know you've done everything to clear the path for us. But I'm going to say it, and I don't care if I am judged: you are the only man in this world who has fought for me."

She swallowed hard.

"No one, no one… except my sisters, ever defended me in front of my parents," her voice trembled. "And you healed me."

Kai frowned slightly.

"I am very glad that you were healed, Freya."

She shook her head gently.

"You didn't know. I was missing a leg and an arm. I had a terminal illness. Your blood healed me."

The room became motionless.

"Because of that," Freya continued, "and because of the love I feel… even if you don't want me by your side, I am going to fight to make you fall in love with me."

Tears began to fall.

"I will never leave you, Kai. And if you don't want me to be queen, I won't be. But do not ask me to move away from your side."

Freya's tears flowed freely. Everyone looked at Kai.

And then he understood something terrible: by granting them freedom… he had also hurt them.

"Listen…" he began. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I only want…" He stopped. "I only want you to be happy, Freya."

She looked at him, with a smile pierced by her weeping.

"For six months I have been the happiest woman in the world. Since I became your wife, there has not been a single day without happiness."

Kai was struck dumb. He lowered his gaze under the scrutiny of everyone. Even the six Crowned Beasts were looking at him differently now: he had made that girl cry.

"Alright," he finally said. "I think… I'm going to withdraw."

He stood up, but paused.

"Forgive me, Freya… do you want a hug?"

She looked at him.

"If you want."

Kai sighed.

"I cannot hug you as just one," then he multiplied himself. "But now I can."

He hugged her. Not as a man, not as a king: as a brother. Then he unified again. There was fear in his eyes.

"I will leave you alone," he said. "Talk among yourselves. Understand each other." He made a slight gesture with his hand. "Better… I'll go."

And he left. Kai walked out of the hall with a firm step, but a tight chest. There were no shouts behind him; there were no reproaches. And yet, he knew something had broken. It was only upon crossing the threshold that he understood: he had made a mistake.

He wanted to come across as a hero. As the just king who offers freedom, gold, and choice. As the man who does not compel. But he had ended up looking like the villain.

It wasn't because he had been cruel, but because he had been blind. The girl who had confronted him was not just anyone: Freya was the most sensitive of them all, the most fragile, the most protected of the group. And, without knowing it, Kai had exposed her.

She hadn't done it out of strategy. She hadn't spoken for power or advantage; she had spoken from the most vulnerable place possible: love. And she did it in front of everyone. Kai did not understand in time that, in that instant, Freya ceased to be just another queen: she became a symbol.

Because there might have been queens who, in silence, were already considering leaving. That was possible, natural, even healthy. But Freya didn't speak of leaving; she spoke of staying. And in doing so, she awakened something unexpected: anger. Not against her, but against him.

He barely knew them… and already he had made one of them cry. That was what they thought. Even the six princesses of the Crowned Beasts, who had loved him for years, took his words very poorly. Not because Kai rejected them, but because they felt he had not understood them.

For them, freedom was not the problem. The problem was that he believed that was enough. That he hadn't seen their feelings. That he hadn't named them. That he hadn't recognized them. That small resentment—silent, contained, almost shameful—united them.

For the first time, they were not one hundred and seventeen scattered wills. They were a block. And that block was against him.

Kai, who had faced kings, armies, and monsters, did not know it at that moment… but he had just ended up in the worst possible position. Not as a king, but as a man. He was a rabbit facing a lion.

The meeting was long—entire hours. The one hundred and seventeen remained there talking, arguing, raising their voices and lowering them again, like a tide that couldn't decide where to break. The first to speak was Sara:

"The king…" she said carefully, "besides the fact that he was a bit cruel to us, put something on the table. A valid point."

Sara was one of the most level-headed; morally firm and conscious. One of the Crowned Beasts snorted.

"Maybe," she replied. "But tell me something: are any of you willing to part ways?" The silence was immediate. "We are not. We were raised here since we were girls. You were, too. Are you really thinking of splitting up because of the words of this idiot?"

Sara lowered her gaze and did not answer. Then Erika, the daughter of the Fire Emperor, spoke. Her voice was soft, calculated:

"I believe that king wants to take away our power."

Several heads rose. The princess of the Lizard Kingdom nodded immediately:

"Exactly. He has so much gold and he wants to give us… twenty chests? That's it. If we stay, we can have the entire vault." She was openly ambitious and did not hide it.

Glances began to cross.

"We have power here," Aurora said. "We can govern. We have an army at our disposal. Why would we give all that up?" She struck the table with her palm. "Does he really think he's the center of the world?"

And then it began. One after another, they started to talk, to criticize him, to tear him apart, to crucify him.

"We just arrived and he already makes one of us cry," said one. "He thinks he's a hero," said another. "He treats us as if we don't know what we want," a third added.

The Jungle Queen, one of the jungle princesses, raised her hand:

"I understand something," she said. "The king believes we are being forced. And he is not a man who forces women into anything."

Several nobles from her own country nodded.

"That speaks well of him."

There was a general murmur.

"Yes…" some admitted. "That speaks well of him."

But then the princess of the Sand Empire spoke:

"I am not going to leave the crown to him," she said, blunt. "How long have we been working for this empire? For this kingdom?"

She turned toward Luna.

"Right, Luna? Are you going to leave your inheritance to a stranger who doesn't even share your blood?"

Luna frowned.

"No. And I don't know where he got the idea that I'm going to separate from him. I'm not leaving. My father has a castle in the central city and is asking me for resources to finish it. I have plans, so many plans." She looked at Anastasia. "Right?"

"Of course," the Black Witch replied. "We have work, plenty of work. I don't know where he got that idea about the twenty chests; he's crazy."

The princess of the black warlocks struck the table.

"He wants to get rid of us. And we have to wage war against him."

The mage Eleonora, of the black mages, nodded.

"We have to make his life impossible so he stops messing with us."

The mage of the white mages also spoke:

"We must not give him any ground. He wants to take the kingdom from us, and we are not going to let him."

The Crowned Beasts looked at each other.

"Our parents told us these lands belong to us," one of them said. "I don't know why he's telling us to leave. If I tell my father, he'll leave his face looking like an eggplant."

"There's no need for violence," Aurora intervened. "Let's talk to him." She took a deep breath. "Call Alequei, please."

Governor Alequei entered the hall. He was nervous but stood firm before the one hundred and seventeen.

"Yes, my queen. What do you need?"

"I want you to relay a message to the king," Aurora said, "from all of us, and make it very clear."

Alequei swallowed hard.

"Tell me…"

"Tell him this: the queens say go to hell, you idiot. We are not going to grant or hand over anything to you. The kingdom is ours. Is that clear?"

"Yes… your majesty," Alequei replied, pale.

But as he left, he muttered:

"Another problem… I am not saying that."

His assistant looked at him:

"I'm not saying that either."

And then they ran into Kai in the hallway.

"I already heard," he said, without stopping. "Don't tell me anything. Dammit." He looked at the assistant. "Say that you already told me."

"Yes, sir."

The assistant returned to the hall.

"See? They've already told him," Aurora announced.

Meanwhile, Kai and Alequei spoke.

"What did you do, Kai?" Alequei asked.

"Nothing. I asked them if they wanted to leave and offered them gold."

Alequei sighed.

"Women… if you treat them well, they treat you poorly; if you treat them poorly, they make you out to be an ogre. They are never going to let you look like the hero." He stared at him. "I have fifteen hundred years of experience. Why didn't you ask me before?"

Kai ran his hand over his face.

"I didn't realize. What do you want me to do now?"

"Now we don't know what to do," Alequei replied. "They are going to wage war on you."

"Yes," Kai said. "I already know." He turned around. "I'm going to sleep."

"What?"

"I'm tired. My head is a total mess."

"And you're leaving me with this problem?"

Kai smiled faintly.

"They aren't going to do anything to you, Alequei. At most, they'll play tricks on me at home." He shrugged.

Alequei took a deep breath and calmed down.

"So everything is okay?"

"Yes, Alequei. Everything is fine." Kai walked away. "Bye."

And he left. Kai headed to the beach castle. His head throbbed painfully, as if every thought were striking from within. He didn't want to talk. He didn't want to decide. Only sleep.

Meanwhile, in the great hall, the meeting continued. Servants moved in and out in silence, serving hot coffee and sweet and savory rolls. Despite the tension, the atmosphere had become strangely mundane. The princesses of the Crowned Beasts began to mingle with the others, speaking in low voices, getting to know each other little by little. And they understood something essential: they were all in the same boat.

But Freya spoke again:

"I understand that you want to wage war on Kai," she said, "but I want to make my position clear."

Everyone looked at her.

"I love him. And if you don't want him to be king… I will go with him."

The murmur was immediate. Then the princess of the Country of Knowledge spoke. Her voice was firm, without cruelty. She stepped a bit closer:

"Freya, don't be dramatic. He is the king; we cannot take the throne from him. But he certainly can take it from us."

Freya pressed her lips together.

"I understand what you are feeling," she continued. "I won't judge you. I don't feel that for him yet, but I am not going to lose my position." The room fell silent. "I have much to lose. Or don't you remember the academy?"

Several lowered their gaze.

"They told us we were princesses, that no one would touch us. And when we raised our voices to denounce an injustice against the poor… what happened?" She took a deep breath. "They took everything from us. The wealth. The dresses. The status. They locked us up as if our blood and lineage were worth nothing."

The memory still hurt.

"The guards treated us like prisoners. We had to escape among pigs and chickens." She raised her head. "Now destiny puts the power to change things in our hands. And it's not for Kai. It's not just for the throne, either."

She paused.

"It is because we, as conscious and moral women, have the possibility to protect the innocent."

Some swallowed hard.

"Yes, even if it sounds bad… it is about the throne. But not out of personal ambition. It is about all the defenseless people who suffered while we were eating caviar."

She looked directly at Freya.

"I don't want your feelings to confuse you. I value them more than anything, but there are too many people to protect." Her voice did not tremble. "I am going to fight for the throne."

No one spoke. She had touched a point far too deep. They were not queens for love. They were not queens just for power. They were queens by will.

At the beach castle, Kai let himself fall onto the bed without taking off his clothes. He closed his eyes.

"I thought I was the center of the world. I thought I was the center of this marriage," he thought. A tired smile formed on his face. "But no. The center was always the throne."

He sighed.

"What can you do…?"

He turned his face toward the pillow.

"I'd better sleep. I'm very tired."

And for the first time in a long time, the king did not dream of battles or conquests. He dreamed of the invisible weight of power.

The First Attack of the Princesses

The bed at the beach castle was huge, designed for a king… but even so, it had a problem: Kai was too heavy. When he slept and moved, the mattress would give way under his body, even though it was prepared for him. Therefore, before closing his eyes, he took a precaution: he multiplied himself. Not into two, not into ten; into one hundred and seventeen. It was the maximum number he could comfortably sustain. Each Kai was lighter, more stable, more serene. Thus, finally, he was able to sleep.

The next morning found him suddenly awake. Far too awake. Each Kai had the warm weight of a female body upon his chest: a different princess, semi-naked, barely covered by light underwear. They were sleeping. Hair scattered over his skin, soft breaths, shared warmth.

The powerful White Wizard had never been tested in such a way. He felt the breasts of each one pressed against his torso, the involuntary brush of skin against skin, and something primitive awakened within him. An ancient, animal instinct that caused his temperature to rise immediately. Kai remained completely motionless; he couldn't move even a millimeter. According to the law of the White Wizards, everything had to wait until after the coronation. And outside that house, no one would ever know what was happening… but he knew.

He tried to shift just a little. The fabric of the underwear slipped dangerously. He understood the risk instantly: if he kept moving, the slightest gesture would cause the bodies to adjust… and the little clothing covering them would cease to fulfill its function. The pressure increased; his breathing did too.

Then, as if obeying an invisible signal, they all woke up at the same time. They sat up slightly, looked at him, and one by one gave him a soft kiss on the forehead. Then, in unison, they said:

"Are you nervous, my king?"

A mischievous smile spread across every face.

"Oh… poor thing," the voices continued, perfectly synchronized. "It seems to me that the one who can't take it is you… and not us."

That was the moment when Kai felt true fear. They got up naturally, without haste, as if nothing had happened, and headed to the bathrooms amidst soft laughter and calm steps. Kai lay there, soaked in sweat, his heart racing as if he had run for miles. And then he understood: it hadn't been a coincidence, it hadn't been uncontrolled desire. It had been the first attack. And it had been perfect.

The Army

The powerful army of the White Wizards, formed less than seven months ago, was gathered in the great square of the capital. One million men were waiting for their queens. They had traversed the entire peninsula in maneuvers, training, and deployments; they had marched, fought, and proven their discipline. But what they desired to see most, above all else, was their sovereigns.

It was a dangerous test. The army did not support Kai; it supported the queens. And they knew it.

The one hundred and seventeen appeared together, advancing toward the endless ranks. Six of them stood out with natural force: beautiful, imposing, impossible to ignore. The queens walked among the soldiers, greeting generals, sergeants, and colonels. Many of those men had been expelled from foreign armies; they were former officers, veterans with real experience. The Princess of the Spear had made a brilliant decision: to reclaim those who had been discarded and restore their rank and dignity.

Thus, a fast, prepared, and fiercely loyal army had been raised. The young soldiers observed the queens with awe and respect. For them, it was an honor; for the queens, it was a masterstroke. Having the army in the palm of their hand meant one thing: the king was being subdued.

From the palace balcony, Kai watched it all.

"They're going all in..." he murmured. "I'm going to have to yield."

He didn't want any more conflicts. He was tired; he wanted peace. That same afternoon, he sent a letter to each of them, summoning them outside the beach castle at ten o'clock that night.

(The Beach)

The sea was calm when Kai arrived. He did not receive them inside the house, but outside, on the sand, under the open sky. The one hundred and seventeen were waiting for him. Kai took a deep breath.

"I want to apologize to you," he said. "Forgive me for everything that happened. I didn't want to force you into anything. I realized too late that I am not the center of this marriage… and that was my mistake."

There were no interruptions.

"I am going to respect all your decisions. I will not interfere or claim anything. The coronation is near, and I only wish for you to be happy." He paused. "I didn't take into account the weight of the throne for you. Seven months ago, I was a common man, barely a nobleman. Today I am king. You were born into power; I was not."

He looked up.

"I only wanted you to be happy. If you misinterpreted my stance, I ask for your forgiveness."

The silence held until Hanna, the Dragon Princess, spoke.

"We don't want to go to war with you," she said, "but understand something: we aren't here for you." She pointed toward the city. "We are here for all of them. If we have to share our lives with you to protect them, we will. But not out of obligation or sacrifice."

She stared at him.

"We are adult women. We don't need you to treat us like daughters. You are our husband, not our father. We want you to be a good man… but above all, a king." She took a deep breath. "Perhaps one day we will love you. Today, we respect you."

Kai nodded.

"I got the message." He turned around. "With your permission. I'll take my leave."

"Where are you going?" several asked.

"To the palace."

The Princess of the Wind frowned.

"Don't you find it strange that the king never sleeps with his queens?" She took a step forward. "Feelings are one thing, Kai. Obligations are another. I am going to my room… and I expect you."

One after another said the same thing. Kai was bewildered. At first, they didn't want him; now they expected him. Then he understood: it wasn't love. It was professionalism. They took the throne seriously.

(The Night)

Kai multiplied himself. Each bedroom had a double bed; in each one, a Kai lay down next to a queen. Some embraced him, like Freya; others turned their backs to him, like Hanna or Aurora. Sara rested her head on his chest and whispered:

"Don't take everything so much to heart. I know them. Give it time."

The night passed like that. The next morning, Kai was still asleep when he felt warmth, weight, and arms around him. They were all hugging him like a teddy bear. Without him knowing it, the one hundred and seventeen leaned in and gave him a kiss: his first kiss. The king slept peacefully, smelling of the sea and home. And little by little, without wars or speeches… the queens' hearts began to soften.

That day, they all got up early. It was Sunday; there were no audiences, no councils, no obligations. Only the sea. The one hundred and seventeen put on swimsuits and went down to the beach together. They laughed, dove into the water, and walked along the shore. They were all there. For the first time, they simply were.

Kai woke up a little later. There was no one by his side, in any room. For a moment, he thought something had gone wrong; then he unified and saw them: all of them bathing, scattered in the sea like a fan of colors and bodies. He gave a faint smile. He didn't go down with them. Instead, he went for meat—lots of meat.

He returned with a loaded cart: practically a whole cow, maybe two. Vegetables, spices, bread, wine. He brought out several grills and began to prepare the food while they were still in the water. It was a barbecue. A normal day. The first meal he would share with them.

The White Wizard began to cut the meat and place it over the fire. The aroma rose slowly and deeply. The queens smelled it before they saw him, and one by one, they began to come out of the sea. They set up a massive table, large enough for everyone to fit. When the food was ready, Kai multiplied himself; there were plenty of hands. He served plates, brought over salads, and filled glasses. Some clones attended with care; others simply smiled.

There was suspicion in some of their glances. Yunsun, the princess of the Dwarven Kingdom, was the most distant. The night before, she had turned away; she hadn't hugged him, she hadn't looked at him. She had been born in the Dwarven Kingdom, but she was different. To them, she was a "giant." In reality, her body was normal… just larger, stronger. Effortlessly sensual. Kai noticed she was distancing herself more than the others.

She did not actively reject him. Kai sat by her side.

"I have heard that you make very good swords and shields," he said naturally. "Is that true?"

Yunsun looked at him, surprised.

"Yes. My family has worked with metal for generations."

"Would you like to see a piece of my armor?" he asked. "I wanted to know if you could help me improve it. After we eat."

She hesitated for a moment. Then she smiled.

"Alright. I'll take a look at it."

That gesture did not go unnoticed. Some watched with suspicion; it wasn't jealousy toward Yunsun, but toward Kai. They didn't want to lose one of their own because, although they didn't say it, this was a marriage of one hundred and seventeen people.

Kai unified again and sat at the head of the table. He ate peacefully and drank a little wine. Some of the queens had had too much to drink. Then Gretel, the princess from the Demon Lord's territory, approached, staggering slightly with a provocative smile.

"You are a man I have never seen fight," she said. "My warriors would destroy you."

Others joined in.

"It's true," said the Princess of the Axe. "We've never seen you fight." "Maybe you're just weak," added the Princess of the Mercenaries.

Kai looked at them without being bothered.

"Do you know why I don't hug you when I am unified?" Silence fell. "We believe multiplication is a very useful skill," one said, "but in battle, it's useless if you aren't strong."

Kai pointed to a large rock on the beach.

"Do you see that stone?"

They nodded. Kai pressed a finger against it and left a perfect hole in the rock. Their gazes hardened.

"Now, pay attention."

He placed his fist one centimeter away from the stone and barely moved his hand. The rock disintegrated. There was no explosion, no noise; only dust. He had broken the atomic bonds with a single gesture. The women fell silent.

"You are incredibly strong," the Princess of the Mercenaries said.

"Yes," Kai replied. "I am."

Some laughed nervously; others looked at him differently.

"Why don't you take off your shirt?" one joked.

Kai calmly shook his head.

"You've all been in the water enough. I have no intention of doing that."

And he continued eating.

Kai's Decision

When they finished eating, the atmosphere was relaxed. The wine had loosened the tensions and, for the first time, the laughter sounded natural. Kai stood up slowly and spoke calmly:

"I know we are a bit tipsy," he said, "but I want to show you my friends."

The queens looked at each other.

"Friends?" one asked. "You have friends?"

Kai gave a faint smile.

"Yes. I have many. Hundreds, in fact. But I want to introduce you to someone almost no one sees."

He extended his hand. The ring glowed; the crimson responded. A sword appeared floating by his side, enveloped in a contained fire, and a shield emerged next to it, marked with the skull of an ancient demon. The air changed. The princesses of the Heaven Kingdom stared at him.

"You are..." one whispered.

Gretel stood up suddenly, her heart racing.

"You're him..."

Kai raised his hand.

"Wait. First the introductions, then the explanations."

The sword plunged gently into the sand.

"My name is Voraghún," said a deep voice, "demon of the bottomless pit. Protector of this kingdom."

The shield vibrated, and the sword spoke with a clear and serene voice:

"I am Solarael, angel of the stars. Sword of the king. It is an honor to meet you."

The crimson ring glowed once more.

"And you already know Liris," Kai added. "Yes," several replied, almost in unison.

Then, one of the Crowned Beasts took a step forward.

"Don't you know who Kai is?" The glances crossed. "Why don't you show them, my love?"

Kai closed his eyes. A crimson-blue glow erupted from his pupils. The ring responded, and a metallic liquid surged from the gem, enveloping his body. Within seconds, Kai was covered in ash-colored, matte armor, with a black cape that moved like smoke under the sun. The Black Knight was there.

Luna saw him... and fainted. Gretel moved forward, trembling, and touched the armor with her fingertips. Others followed, brushing against the cape and the cold metal.

"You are the Black Knight..." Gretel said, with tears in her eyes.

Kai dismissed the armor instantly.

"Yes." He looked around, bewildered. "There is a queen fainted on the sand."

No one had noticed. Kai multiplied himself and took Luna in his arms. Several were still in shock; they didn't know they had married the strongest man in the world. He carried her to a room, and soon after, Luna woke up in his arms.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "I'm sorry..." she whispered. "You brought back horrible memories." "I know. But everything is fine now. No one will hurt you anymore."

Luna hugged him, crying silently. Meanwhile, outside, the other Kais remained with the queens. The Princess of the Spear approached along with several noblewomen. A captain, the daughter of a general, stared at him:

"Why didn't you tell us you were the Black Knight?"

Kai replied without arrogance:

"Do you really think an ordinary man could sustain this kingdom? I didn't want to say anything; I didn't want to pressure you." He lowered his gaze. "There are legends... but what I did was a slaughter. I killed so that others might live. And although militarily that is justified, the screams still live in my mind."

She raised her hand and touched his face.

"What happens on the battlefield, my love, stays on the battlefield. Do not bring the war into your home."

The respect changed in that instant. The foreign princesses and the nobles finally understood whom they had married. Not an improvised king, nor a lucky nobleman, but a living legend who had decided, only now, to stop hiding.

The Encounter at the Beach Castle

Each of them took her Kai and went to individual rooms in the beach castle. Inside those rooms, Gretel, the daughter of the Demon Lord, looked into his eyes and said: "You are the hero of my nation."

Kai looked at her: "My queen, I am no hero. I was just a boy who wanted to save the people he loved. Believe it or not, I have many friends in the world. My multiplication ability gave me the chance to meet many people, and I didn't want them to suffer."

And Gretel embraced him, threw herself upon him, and said: "You cannot prevent suffering in the world, but now you have only one mission." "And what is that?" Kai replied, "what is it?" "To prevent the suffering in my heart," she told him and kissed him.

The girl was happy; she was married to her hero, to her secret love. While Gretel kissed Kai, the others glanced at him, each within her own room. Slowly, the respect for this man had changed. They were not with a strong warrior, nor with a hero; they were with a force of nature. A man who was an army of one; the legend incarnate, living before them. They say power is the greatest aphrodisiac that exists.

The beautiful elven princess did not hesitate for a second to throw herself onto Kai. He asked, "What's wrong with you?" and she looked at him with those beautiful blue eyes: "I can't stop looking at you," and there she kissed him. In the other rooms, the same followed. One of the noblewomen of the church could not contain herself and threw Kai onto the bed, sitting on top of him. She asked him, "Do you find me attractive?" "You look as beautiful as an angel," he replied. And she pulled one of the sleeves of her dress off her shoulder, showing a bit of her chest.

At that moment Luna, despite her sadness and her past, found herself very tempted by Kai's lips and threw herself upon him; she couldn't stop kissing him. In another room Freya, the ice princess and the one most in love with this boy, did not hesitate to undress in front of Kai. The rule of waiting until the coronation could not be kept.

The queens attacked the king, but when the king undid his pants, there was a great surprise; in fact, two very large surprises before them. They all drew back. He was not a normal man; he was twice as virile, but that did not stop them. They could not contain themselves. And it was the first time Kai was with a woman; well, in fact, with one hundred and seventeen women at the same time.

The women sealed the marriage by surrendering themselves to the fighter, the invincible one, the wall, the line that evil had to respect. Their moans and cries mingled with the waves of the sea. It was three in the afternoon, after the barbecue. He did not let go of any of them until three o'clock the next day. It was twenty-four hours of double pleasure for each one.

At the palace, no one wondered why neither the queens nor the king attended. But the governor looked toward the sea and with a smile said: "Well done, boy."

The King's Prayer

He left the unified castle while the queens were recovering. With a grin from ear to ear, the king knelt on the shore; the water wet his knees, he raised his hands toward the sky and thanked the Father with a prayer.

The boy, from age 16 to 26, had made a vow of chastity to hold the title of noble. He was a virgin man. Obviously the queens were too, but it was difficult to be a virgin in the Middle Ages; 26 years a virgin was a long time. In the past, when he completed 7 years of service in the army and multiplied across the world in 111 characters, already at age 23, other men discriminated against him, always mocking him; in fact, they treated him as a homosexual permanently because he kept a vow of chastity. And those 10 years were very difficult for him through the mockery and humiliations. But he endured it. And heaven rewarded him by making him king, the strongest man on the planet, and 117 beautiful women; and they would not be the only ones on his path.