“When Hunger Become A Power”

After several days of travel by carriage, the Dilhaze Party finally reached the city of Asteria, homeland of Princess Julie.

As their carriage approached the majestic gates, Julie leaned out and handed a golden emblem card to the castle guard.

The guard blinked, then immediately straightened. "Welcome back, Princess!"

Julie smiled and gestured behind her. "And the carriage following us—those adventurers are with me."

The guard gave a sharp nod. "Understood!" He turned around and shouted to the other sentries, "Open the gate!"

With the clanking of gears and chains, the large steel gates slowly parted. As their carriage rolled through the cobbled streets, villagers came out of their homes and market stalls, holding out fruits and small gifts.

"Welcome home, Princess!"

Julie leaned out the window with a bright smile. "Thank you so much, everyone! I'm back safe and sound!"

Fenra blinked in surprise. "Wow… they really love her."

Silvia nodded with a small smile. "Yeah. The people look genuinely happy she's returned."

Raizo, seated across from them, nodded. "You're both right. She's more than just royalty to them."

They continued deeper into the heart of Asteria.

Soon, Julie pointed forward, her voice full of pride. "That's our castle!"

Before them rose a magnificent white castle, built at the center of a vast shimmering lake. A stone bridge stretched across the water, leading directly to the grand entrance.

The two carriages stopped in front of the castle's gates. Arthur, the loyal butler, stepped down and opened the door.

"We've returned, Princess," he said with a bow.

Raizo and the others stepped out after her, blinking at the sight. A long red carpet was laid out on the stone walkway, leading to the castle doors. Maids lined the left side, and butlers lined the right, all bowing their heads.

In perfect unison, they shouted,

"Welcome back, Princess Julie!"

Julie ran forward, arms wide. "Father! Father!"

King Marcellus Asteria, a regal man in white and gold robes, stepped forward and embraced his daughter tightly.

"My dear Julie… are you safe?"

Julie nodded. "Yes, thanks to the Dilhaze Party!"

Marcellus looked at the three adventurers standing behind her. "Then I owe you a great debt. Please, come inside."

He turned to a maid. "Bring refreshments for our guests. Food and juice at once."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The maid bowed and hurried off.

The Dilhaze Party was led to a lavish sitting room. They took seats on a long velvet couch as Julie headed upstairs to change clothes.

A moment later, King Marcellus sat across from them, his eyes settling on Raizo.

"So, may I know the names of the ones who protected my daughter?"

Fenra spoke first. "I am Fenra."

Before Raizo could speak, Silvia interrupted. "Raizo should go first. He's our leader." Then she turned back to the King, placing a hand over her chest. "I am Silvia, an archer."

Fenra crossed her arms. "And yet you did the same thing I did."

Raizo sighed and stepped in. "Now, now… calm down, you two." He turned back to the king and bowed respectfully.

"I am Raizo Hayagashi. It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."

Marcellus's eyes narrowed.

"…Did you say Raizo Hayagashi?"

Raizo nodded again. "Yes, that's my name."

The king crossed his arms, eyes full of disbelief.

"No way…" he muttered. "The boy who was said to have no talent… is the one who saved my daughter?"

The air in the room grew cold. Tension spiked.

"What are you talking about?" Fenra asked, frowning.

Marcellus's tone turned sharp and bitter. "Years ago, when he was just five, during the baptism ceremony—all nobles and clergy gathered at the temple to witness the children the gods would bless. We saw Lucas Hayagashi chosen as a hero. But when it was Raizo's turn, he was labeled a failure. His stats were so low he couldn't even defeat a slime. And now you expect me to believe he saved my daughter from lizardmen?"

Raizo lowered his eyes, jaw tightening.

Fenra slammed her fist on the table. "Watch your mouth! Raizo saved your daughter with everything he had—!"

But before she could say more, Raizo raised his hand.

"Fenra… let it go."

"But Raizo—!"

"Please." His voice was calm, but firm.

Silvia crossed her arms and muttered, "Tch… Mutt, just listen to our master."

Fenra clicked her tongue but slowly sat down again, glaring silently at the king.

Suddenly, Julie came running down the grand staircase, panic written all over her face.

"Father! Mother! Something's wrong—Mother's illness is getting worse!"

Marcellus's eyes widened. Without hesitation, he rushed past the throne hall and sprinted toward the master bedroom. The Dilhaze Party followed behind him, unsure of what was happening.

They burst into the room to find Queen Lona lying on a velvet-draped bed, her skin pale, her breathing shallow.

"My dear…" she whispered, coughing weakly.

Marcellus rushed to her side and held her trembling hand. "Lona… please, hold on. I promise—I'll find a healer who can cure this. Just wait a little longer!"

Lona looked at him softly. "Marcellus… I… I don't think I can hold on much longer…"

"Please don't say that!" he pleaded, his voice cracking.

Julie ran to her mother's side, tears streaming down her face. "Mom… please… don't go. You promised you'd braid my hair again!"

Silvia and Fenra stood back quietly, watching the heartbreaking scene unfold.

Then, Raizo stepped forward without hesitation. His voice calm, firm. "Your Majesty… step back. Let me try something."

Marcellus turned around, eyes sharp. "What do you mean? I won't let you touch her—!"

"Please, father!" Julie cried out. "Let Raizo try. Please…!"

Marcellus looked between his daughter, his dying wife, and the boy he once doubted. With a long sigh, he slowly stepped aside.

Raizo raised his hand, closing his eyes.

> "Healing come, cure the soul, cleanse the affliction, restore my health whole!

Healing Magic: Super Heal!"

A brilliant green light engulfed his palm as the spell activated. The radiance filled the room like sunlight through storm clouds.

Marcellus's eyes widened in disbelief.

Healing magic? But… back then… when he was five… he couldn't even use magic…

The light surrounded Queen Lona's body, slowly washing over her. Her color began to return. Her breathing steadied. The pallor on her face faded.

A moment later, her eyes fluttered open.

"Marcellus… Julie…? What happened? I feel… fine?"

Marcellus blinked. "Lona…? You're… You're okay?"

He broke down in tears and embraced her tightly. Julie joined the hug, sobbing in relief. "You're okay! You're okay!"

Outside in the backyard, Lona and Julie later sat together beneath the sun, sharing laughter.

As the Dilhaze Party prepared to leave the castle quietly, Marcellus suddenly appeared at the main doors, blocking their exit.

"Wait," he said. "Can I speak with the three of you for a moment?"

Fenra and Silvia glanced at Raizo. He nodded.

They returned to the throne room and sat. Marcellus remained standing.

Then, to their surprise, he bowed deeply.

"Raizo Hayagashi… I owe you a sincere apology. For everything I said before—my doubts, my judgment—I was wrong."

Fenra crossed her arms, smirking. "Now you see it with your own eyes, huh?"

Marcellus raised a hand, calling for a servant. The butler walked in, carrying a heavy-looking bag and a small ornate chest.

The butler bowed. "As you requested, Your Majesty."

Marcellus took the bag and handed it to Raizo.

"Here. A token of our gratitude."

Raizo took the bag—only to drop it immediately with a loud thud.

"What the…? What's in this thing?!"

"Forty platinum coins." Marcellus said with a smile.

"FORTY?!" Fenra and Silvia both shouted in shock.

Raizo tilted his head. "Wait… What are platinum coins?"

All three—including the King—blinked at him.

Silvia slapped her forehead. "Seriously, Raizo?! Platinum coins are the highest form of currency. Ten gold coins make one platinum. It goes copper < silver < gold < platinum!"

Raizo's eyes widened. "Then we can't accept this—it's too much!"

Marcellus shook his head. "No. You saved my daughter, protected her across the wilds, and even cured my wife's fatal illness. This is still not enough."

Fenra grinned. "Raizo, just take it. We really need this for armor, weapons, travel—basically, life."

Silvia crossed her arms. "And food. Don't forget food."

Raizo sighed and finally nodded. "Alright. We'll accept."

Marcellus smiled. "Good. Then one more thing."

He opened the small chest, revealing four silver-and-blue badges, each adorned with a unique crest.

"These are Royal Access Badges. Only a few people in this entire kingdom are permitted to carry them. They will let you pass through any gate, access royal zones, and receive noble treatment wherever you go."

He handed the badges over.

"But," he added, "there are four here. I know you are only three. Keep the fourth. When you find someone worthy to join your party, give it to them."

Raizo nodded. "Understood."

The Dilhaze Party stepped out of the grand castle with the sun shining over Asteria, the future waiting just ahead of them…