Celine sat stiffly on the hospital bed, her thin fingers trembling as she held the crumpled sheet of paper Elvis had just handed to her. Her eyes darted across the words written boldly at the top.“The Modudus in search of the Celestial Root and will reward anyone who can provide it with whatever they desire!” she read out loud, her voice breaking mid-sentence. Her breathing quickened, and she raised her eyes to Elvis. Fear was written all over her pale face.“Sir Elvis… this isn’t a good one. I sense trouble,” she stuttered, her lips quivering. “Why did they suddenly remember the Celestial Root now? They destroyed every last one of them. I… I kept the ones left sacred!” Her voice cracked as tears gathered in her eyes. “I swore never to reveal it again. Why are they asking now?”Elvis stood silently at the foot of her bed, his face calm, almost unreadable. He had expected this reaction, but seeing her this broken tugged at him.Celine’s breathing grew heavier as panic took over. “Wait

"War goddess, isn't it a taboo for a Serenity to be alive? If this lady's claim is true, then she shouldn't be standing here alive!" The head soldier declared, his voice echoing in the grand hall. He said it with confidence, but his eyes quickly shifted toward Sophia, eager for her approval. Being in her good book was the silent dream of every man who served under her.Sophia’s piercing gaze settled on Celine. Her voice was calm but dangerous, each word soaked in venom. "I guessed she doesn’t know how much her claim might cost her." She tilted her head slightly, as if trying to see through Celine’s very soul.Celine’s heart pounded against her ribs. She could almost hear her own heartbeat thundering. Her palms felt sweaty, and her throat dry, yet she tried to steady her breathing. She remembered Elvis’ voice that morning on the phone. Don’t let fear rule you, Celine. Speak with courage. Truth always carries its own power.Clinging to those words, Celine drew in a shaky breath. Her voi

The emperor looked at Elvis for a long breath. "What do you have to say for yourself?" he asked. His voice was gentle but sharp, as if a small thing could cut.Elvis’s mouth went thin. "Sire, I do not ask for praise. I ask for the chance to do right. If she truly have the herbs let her show you. If they fail, let me accept the consequences. But do not let pride and fear decide a life."The emperor folded his fingers together. He watched Sophia’s face and the way her jaw worked. Then he nodded once, slow and precise. "Bring them to the chamber," he said. "If they save me, we will speak differently of them. If not, we will speak otherwise."Sophia’s eyes flashed. She had wanted to humiliate, to strip them of dignity and watch them crawl. Instead the emperor’s words turned her plan. A tight anger coiled in her belly. She strode to the side, her shoulders squared, but she did not speak. Her mouth was a thin line. Soldiers came forward to escort Celine and Elvis. They moved slowly, the roo

“A nobody wanting something from the great Emperor Modudu! Oh well… what a soap opera!” Sophia said with sarcasm, then turned to her grandfather. “I hope when all of this is over, you’ll give me the privilege to deal with this fool. I’ve been insulted way too much today.”The Emperor took a deep breath. “You look so firm and unmovable. Young lady, I hope you don’t have a death wish with this?” he added, facing Celine, who nodded. She had suddenly grown so much confidence.“What are your demands? Can I hear them?” the Emperor asked weakly.Celine stood very still. Her hands did not shake as she fixed her eyes on the Emperor. The room held its breath. Sophia leaned back like the air had suddenly turned sour. The Emperor sat with his fingers pressed together. Elvis watched Celine with an unreadable face.Celine looked straight at the Emperor. She did not plead. She laid out her terms like stones on the floor.“My name must be cleared,” she said. “The Serenity name must be cleared. Reopen

As Celine turned to leave, Elvis bowed before the emperor with quiet respect."I will go prepare all that is needed and return as soon as possible," Elvis said firmly, his voice steady.The emperor gave a faint nod. His old, tired eyes softened for a moment, but his silence held the weight of authority.Elvis turned to leave, but he could feel Sophia’s hateful stare piercing his back like burning arrows. Her presence was heavy, her hostility thick in the air.Then her voice, sharp and filled with venom, cut through the quiet hall. It was loud enough for Elvis to hear clearly."Grandfather, I hope you are not going against your word. The moment they are proven to be fakes, I will take over and do as I want with them!" Her tone was drenched with hatred and bitterness, like poison dripping from her tongue.The emperor’s frail hand trembled slightly as he gripped the armrest of his throne. His weak voice echoed with solemnity."The word of the emperor is life!" he declared, assuring Sophi