---

  ### **Sun’s Internal Dialogue**

  Sun sat alone in his chambers, the ice-blue tiara resting on the table before him. His mind raced with excitement and anticipation. *She accepted,* he thought, a smile tugging at his lips. *Princess Sixhonia Hyen, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, agreed to be my wife.* He leaned back in his chair, his imagination running wild. He pictured her standing beside him, her blue hair shimmering like the night sky, her white eyes glowing with a quiet strength. *I’ll make her fall for me,* he vowed. *She’s too extraordinary to let go.*

  But his thoughts soon turned to more pressing matters. *It’s been five days since I returned,* he realized. *The first backup battery will be used up in two days, the second in a week.* He frowned, tapping his fingers on the armrest. *I need to be careful with the Spineless Brain. I’ve already mind-hacked too many people and animals. I can’t lose myself to its power.*

  He shifted his focus to the future of Waltonia. *What technology should I introduce?* he wondered. *Electricity? Railways? Or perhaps something more subtle, like improved agriculture?* He shook his head. *No, first I need to purge the kingdom of those with ulterior motives. Only then can I bring progress.*

  Sun called for Xeona, who entered the room with a cold, distant demeanor. Her usual warmth was gone, replaced by a frosty silence. "Xeona," Sun said, his voice firm but concerned. "What’s wrong with you? You’ve been acting strange."

  Xeona avoided his gaze, her hands clenched at her sides. "Nothing is wrong, Your Highness," she replied stiffly.

  Sun’s patience wore thin. "Don’t lie to me. I’ve known you since we were children. Tell me what’s bothering you."

  Xeona’s eyes flashed with anger. "You want to know what’s wrong? You’ve been kidnapped, held captive, and now you’re marrying the enemy! And you haven’t even caught the man who harassed me!"

  Sun’s expression darkened. "You’re right," he said, his voice low and dangerous. He turned to the Red Lions standing guard. "Why hasn’t the harasser been caught? Are you incompetent?"

  The Red Lions stiffened, their faces pale. "Your Highness, we’ve been searching, but—"

  "Enough excuses!" Sun snapped. "Find him. Now."

  ---

  ### **The Family Meeting**###

  Later that day, Sun found himself in a tense meeting with his family and advisors. His mother, Queen Lana, sat at the head of the table, her face pale and drawn. His little sister, Lumina, only seven years old, clung to her mother’s arm, her wide eyes filled with confusion. Duchess Sina, his grandmother, sat calmly, her sharp eyes observing everything. Lord Thomas, his teacher, stood nearby, his arms crossed. The commander of the Red Lions, Maid Julie, and Xeona were also present.

  "Sun," Queen Lana began, her voice trembling. "Your father has declared you a traitor. He’s charging you with treason."

  Sun’s jaw tightened. "I know."

  "Do you understand the seriousness of this?" his mother pleaded. "Your father is strict. He won’t show mercy. Other royal family members are already on their way to ensure your punishment is carried out."

  Sun leaned forward, his gaze steady. "Then let them come."

  Queen Lana’s eyes filled with tears. "Please, Sun. Send a messenger pigeon to your Red Lions. Bring the princess back. It’s only a five-day journey to her homeland. Rectify this before it’s too late."

  Sun shook his head. "No. I’ve made my decision." He turned to the commander of the Red Lions. "Block and patrol the palace. No one enters or leaves without my permission."

  The commander nodded and left to carry out the order. Queen Lana stared at Sun in disbelief. "You’re rebelling against your father? Do you understand what you’re doing?"

  Sun stood, his voice ringing out. "I am now King of Waltonia. Let an edict be sent throughout the kingdom."

  His mother burst into tears. "Don’t dishonor yourself, Sun! Your father has an army. I won’t lose my family because of a woman!"

  Duchess Sina, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "I will send troops from my realm to help you secure the kingship."

  Sun nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Grandmother."

  Lord Thomas stepped forward, his expression grim. "Sun, your father is a proud warrior. He’s capable of eradicating everything in this palace. Are you prepared for that?"

  Sun’s eyes hardened. "My father is unfit to rule. He’s neglected Waltonia for too long. And now I’ve discovered he has secret children all over the provinces—children who might claim my throne."

  The room fell silent, everyone shocked by the revelation. Queen Lana’s face turned ashen. "Sun…"

  "If he weren’t my father," Sun continued, his voice cold, "he’d already be dead."

  Duchess Sina leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. "Kill him, Sun. He’s a pretentious man who hides behind righteousness. Waltonia deserves better."

  Sun nodded. "Tomorrow, I will be coronated as King."

  ---

  ### **King Gregory’s Army**

  Meanwhile, in the Western province of Atina, King Gregory III sat in a luxurious mansion, surrounded by his mistress and their two sons, Peter Leo and Fog Leo. The boys, both with fiery red hair, played in the garden, their laughter echoing through the air. The mansion was a symbol of excess, filled with gold, silk, and priceless artifacts.

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  Outside, King Gregory’s mighty army camped, their tents stretching across the landscape. Among them were 200 elite members of the Red Lions, their crimson armor gleaming in the sunlight, and 1,000 soldiers of Waltonia, each one a seasoned warrior. The generals, clad in polished steel, moved among the troops, their voices commanding respect.

  King Gregory, a tall and imposing figure with a graying beard, stood on the mansion’s balcony, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He had been informed of Sun’s actions and felt a deep sense of regret. *I should have stayed at the center of power,* he thought. *Now my son dares to challenge me.*

  He turned to his generals. "Sound the trumpet for war. We ride to Leona at dawn."

  The generals nodded, their faces grim. One of them handed King Gregory a red lion crest message of imperial authority. "We’ve sent a pigeon to Prince Sun, demanding his submission."

  King Gregory took the message, his hands trembling with anger. "Let’s see if he has the courage to defy me."

  ---

  ### **Sun’s Response**

  Back in Leona, Sun received the pigeon carrying his father’s message. He read it, his expression unreadable, then handed it to Duchess Sina. "He demands my submission," Sun said, his voice calm.

  Duchess Sina smirked. "And what will you do?"

  Sun picked up a golden lion crest edict, his eyes blazing with determination. "I’ll demand his abdication."

  He handed the edict to a messenger, who sent it back via pigeon. As the bird flew into the sky, Sun turned to his advisors. "Prepare for war. Waltonia will be mine."

  ---

  **War Brews in Waltonia**

  The kingdom stood on the brink of chaos. Sun’s declaration had set the stage for a brutal conflict between father and son. The Red Lions patrolled the palace, their loyalty unwavering. The people of Waltonia whispered in fear and anticipation, unsure of what the future held.

  As Sun stood on the palace balcony, watching the sun set over the city, he felt a strange sense of calm. *This is my destiny,* he thought. *I will rule Waltonia, and no one—not even my father—will stop me.*

  *The March to the Army Camp*

  The morning sun rose over the city of Leona, casting a golden glow over the palace towers. I stood at the gates, flanked by 200 Red Lions, their crimson armor gleaming in the light. Behind me, my three adult lions and the bear stood tall, their presence commanding respect and awe.

  The city buzzed with excitement, the streets filled with people cheering my name. Even though I had let Princess Sixhonia go, they celebrated me as their hero. Their faith in me was humbling, but I knew the real test was yet to come.

  I mounted my horse, a majestic black stallion, and raised my hand. The Red Lions fell into formation behind me, their footsteps echoing in unison. The lions and bear walked beside me, their low growls sending a clear message: I was not to be trifled with.

  As we rode through the city, the crowds parted, their cheers growing louder. "Long live Prince Sun!" they shouted. "The savior of Waltonia!" I nodded to them, my expression calm but my heart racing. Today, I would secure my place as king.

  ---

  *The Army Camp**

  The army camp lay just outside the city walls, a sprawling sea of tents and banners. Over 2,000 soldiers were stationed here, the defenders of the capital. As we approached, I could see the generals waiting for us, their faces stern and unyielding. They had been informed of my arrival, and it was clear they were not pleased.

  I dismounted, the lions and bear staying close as I walked toward the generals. The Red Lions formed a protective circle around me, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. The air was thick with tension.

  "Generals," I said, my voice carrying across the camp. "I have come to address the army. Assemble your men."

  One of the generals, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. His name was General Marcus, a seasoned warrior who had served my father for decades. "Prince Sun," he said, his voice cold. "You have no authority here. The king has declared you a traitor. We will not obey your commands."

  I clenched my fists but kept my composure. "I am the crown prince of Waltonia," I replied, my voice steady. "The throne is mine by right. Assemble the army, or face the consequences."

  Another general, a stout man named General Darius, sneered. "You think you can waltz in here and demand loyalty? You’re a boy playing at being king. The army answers to the true ruler of Waltonia—King Gregory."

  I turned to the Red Lion guard beside me. "Execute them," I said, my voice low but firm.

  The Red Lions moved swiftly, their swords flashing in the sunlight. General Marcus and General Darius barely had time to react before they fell, their bodies crumpling to the ground. The camp erupted into chaos, soldiers drawing their weapons and shouting in confusion.

  ---

  ### **The Army’s Loyalty**

  I stepped forward, raising my hand. "Silence!" I commanded, my voice booming across the camp. The three lions behind me let out a deafening roar, their voices shaking the ground. The soldiers froze, their eyes wide with awe and fear.

  "Men of Waltonia," I said, my voice calm but commanding. "You have pledged your allegiance to the throne of the Leo family. I am the crown prince, the rightful heir to the throne. My father, King Gregory, has neglected this kingdom for too long. He has abandoned you, left you to defend this land while he indulged in his own pleasures. I will not abandon you. I will lead you to a brighter future."

  The soldiers hesitated, their eyes flicking to the fallen generals. One of them, a young captain, stepped forward. "Prince Sun," he said, his voice trembling. "We serve the throne. If you are the rightful heir, we will follow you."

  The rest of the army nodded, their voices rising in agreement. "Long live Prince Sun!" they shouted. "Long live the king!"

  I felt a surge of relief but kept my expression stern. "March to the palace," I commanded. "Today, I will be crowned king of Waltonia."

  ---

  ### **The Coronation**

  The army marched through the city, their footsteps shaking the ground. The people of Leona lined the streets, their cheers growing louder as we approached the palace. Inside, the royal court was in a frenzy, servants and nobles rushing to prepare for the coronation.

  I entered the throne room, the lions and bear following close behind. The room was grand, its walls adorned with red banners and golden statues of lions. The throne itself was a massive seat of carved stone, flanked by two towering lion statues. I walked to the throne and sat down, the lions taking their places beside me.

  The ceremony began, the royal keeper stepping forward with the crown. "Prince Sun Leo," he said, his voice echoing through the room. "Do you swear to uphold the laws of Waltonia, to protect its people, and to lead with honor and justice?"

  "I swear," I said, my voice steady.

  The keeper placed the crown on my head, and the room erupted in cheers. "Long live King Sun Leo!" they shouted. "Long live the king!"

  I looked out over the crowd, my heart swelling with pride. The journey had been long and fraught with danger, but I had finally claimed my rightful place. Waltonia was mine.

  ---

  **The Celebration**

  The palace was alive with celebration, the halls filled with music and laughter. I sat on the throne, the crown heavy on my head but the weight of responsibility even heavier. My mother, Queen Lana, approached me, her eyes filled with tears.

  "Sun," she said, her voice trembling. "I pray you know what you’re doing. Your father will not take this lightly."

  I nodded. "I know, Mother. But I will not back down. Waltonia deserves a king who will fight for it."

  She sighed but said nothing more. Duchess Sina approached next, her sharp eyes gleaming with pride. "You’ve done well, Sun," she said. "But the fight is far from over. Your father will come for you."

  "I know," I replied. "And I’ll be ready."

  As the celebration continued, I couldn’t help but think of Princess Sixhonia. *She’s out there somewhere,* I thought. *And one day, she’ll return. Until then, I’ll prepare for the battles to come.*