The Sealed Hero:Rise Of The Harem King

Chapter 49: Chapter 46 – The Weight of a Kingdom



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The warm winds of Alabasta stirred the sand across the royal gardens as if trying to sweep away the aftermath of war. But not everything could be erased. The scars left behind—on the people, on the land—would take time to heal.

Rael leaned against a stone railing, high above the city, where the morning sun bathed Alubarna in golden light. He had been up before dawn, unable to sleep. War victories were never restful.

The palace was quiet. Servants passed silently, nodding respectfully as they crossed paths with him. He wasn't royalty, yet everyone treated him as more than that.

Maybe because deep down, they knew.

He didn't fight for glory. He fought for peace.

And peace was never permanent.

"I thought I'd find you here," Vivi said softly, approaching from behind.

Rael turned, and for a moment, said nothing. She wore a simple white gown today—nothing extravagant, just the look of someone who wanted to feel the wind again. Her hair was tied loosely to the side, and she looked tired but radiant.

"You should still be resting," Rael said.

Vivi joined him at the railing. "After everything that's happened? I can't just lie in bed while my people are rebuilding."

"Still... you don't have to carry it all alone."

Vivi looked at him. "Neither do you."

Rael didn't answer right away. He was used to bearing the weight. Used to solitude. Even now, surrounded by allies and love interests, part of him kept a wall up. Not out of distrust, but habit. The instinct of someone who had been betrayed once too many times.

Vivi sighed gently. "My father spoke with me last night."

Rael glanced sideways. "About…?"

She met his gaze. "You."

He didn't flinch. "I thought he might."

"He saw how I looked at you. I didn't deny it."

Rael exhaled slowly. "And?"

Vivi smiled softly. "And he gave me his blessing. If that's something I want."

There was a pause between them. The kind of silence that wasn't awkward, just thick with thoughts unspoken.

"And do you?" Rael asked, voice low.

Vivi looked out over the city, then back at him.

"Yes," she said. "But I also know I'm not the only one who feels that way."

Rael blinked. "You mean Kaya…"

"And Robin," Vivi added gently. "I'm not blind."

Rael looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't plan this, Vivi. I never asked—"

"I know," she interrupted. "That's why I'm okay with it. Kaya and I have already talked. She's surprisingly open-minded."

Rael gave a dry chuckle. "That's one way to put it."

"I want to stay with you," Vivi said, taking his hand. "However that looks."

His fingers closed around hers slowly, and for the first time since the war ended, Rael allowed himself a moment of quiet happiness.

Downstairs in the palace courtyard, Kaya was sitting on a bench beside Robin. The two women didn't talk often—mainly because Robin wasn't one for idle chatter—but there was an understanding between them now.

"You knew about Vivi and Rael," Robin said without looking at her.

Kaya nodded. "I figured it would happen. Vivi's strong and smart. And she looks at him the same way I do."

Robin smirked. "And you're not bothered?"

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little possessive," Kaya said honestly. "But Rael's… he's not someone one woman can contain. And I'd rather share him than lose him."

Robin looked at her for a long moment. "You're braver than I expected."

Kaya shrugged. "I'm just being honest."

There was a beat of silence. Then Robin said, "He trusts you both. That says more than anything."

Kaya's smile was faint but warm. "And you?"

Robin leaned back. "Let's just say… I'm not immune to his presence."

The two women laughed quietly together for the first time.

Later that day, the trio—Rael, Kaya, and Vivi—stood before King Cobra in the throne room. Robin remained behind, choosing to give them privacy.

Cobra sat taller today, his strength returning. His bandaged hands rested on the carved lion heads of his throne as he addressed Rael directly.

"Your actions have brought us back from the brink. For that, there are no rewards great enough."

Rael nodded. "I didn't do it for a reward."

"I know," Cobra said. "That's why I trust you."

He turned to Vivi, then back to Rael. "If you wish to stay in Alabasta, you would be welcomed as family. I would grant you title and land."

Rael shook his head. "My journey isn't over. There are still things I need to understand about this world… and beyond."

Cobra looked disappointed, but he nodded with respect. "Then at least let us celebrate you properly before you leave."

Rael gave a small smile. "Only if there's no throne involved."

As the day passed, preparations began for a grand banquet. People from every corner of Alabasta were flooding the capital. The city, once filled with smoke and ash, now shimmered with colorful banners and music.

But not everything was joy.

In a dim room aboard a Cipher Pol ship anchored near the coast, three agents gathered in front of a communication snail.

"The subject remains in Alabasta. Observation confirms growing influence with royalty and civilians alike."

A raspy voice came from the receiver. "Has he made a political move?"

"Not yet. But the king has offered his daughter."

There was silence. Then: "Elevate his threat level. Reclassify as Royal-Class Anomaly. Begin intelligence dispersal through underground channels."

The agents exchanged glances.

"Are we authorized for engagement?"

"No," the voice said coldly. "But we'll see if the world government's enemies take interest on their own."

The line went dead.

That night, the palace was alive with celebration. Tables overflowing with food, musicians playing flutes and drums, dancers twirling in silks. The scent of roasted lamb and exotic spices filled the air.

Rael sat at the royal table beside Vivi and Kaya, drinking lightly, answering questions from nobles who wanted to understand his past—though he never gave them more than a vague story.

Vivi's father stood and raised a toast.

"To the man who stood between Alabasta and ruin—Rael!"

The hall erupted in cheers.

Rael simply nodded.

Kaya leaned closer.

He looked at her, then at Vivi, who smiled softly.

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