The Arrival of Duchess Sina’s Warriors
The ground trembled as the rhythmic *thud-thud-thud* of marching feet echoed through the streets of Leona. I stood on the palace balcony, the cool morning breeze brushing against my face. Below, Duchess Sina’s army of 1,500 warriors approached, their armor glinting in the sunlight. Their voices rose in a thunderous chant: *"The might is hers! The might is hers!"*
Duchess Sina rode at the front, her silver hair flowing like a banner. She dismounted with the grace of a seasoned warrior and approached me, her sharp eyes gleaming with pride. "Grandson," she said, her voice carrying the weight of authority. She handed me her insignia of power—a golden lion medallion. "Today, my warriors and I stand with you. Together, we will crush your enemies."
I took the medallion, its weight heavy in my hand. "Thank you, Grandmother," I said, my voice steady but filled with gratitude. "Your support means everything."
The crowd erupted in cheers as Duchess Sina’s warriors joined my army. The combined force of over 3,000 soldiers, plus my 600 Red Lions, was a sight to behold. The air buzzed with energy, the clinking of armor and the stomping of boots creating a symphony of power. The people of Waltonia chanted my name: *"Sun of the Lions! Sun of the Lions!"*
But amidst the celebration, I noticed one of my lions, the largest and fiercest, lagging behind. It had been unwell for days, its once-powerful roars reduced to weak growls. The bear stayed by its side, a loyal companion. The maids fed them raw meat, their hands trembling as they approached the majestic beasts. The kingdom had begun to mystify these animals, believing they had submitted to me out of sheer charisma. Rumors spread like wildfire, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at how quickly my legend had grown.
---
**The Return of the Red Lions and Queen Isasha’s Letter**
As I prepared for the coming battle, the 300 Red Lions I had sent with Princess Sixhonia returned. Their leader, Captain Rylan, approached me, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady. "Princess Sixhonia was received by her family. We bring a letter from Queen Isasha, her mother."
I took the letter, my heart pounding as I broke the seal. The parchment smelled faintly of lavender, and the elegant script flowed like a river. Queen Isasha’s words were gracious and filled with gratitude. She thanked me for treating her daughter with dignity and acknowledged my marriage proposal. But her tone shifted as she warned me of Prince Gus Hippo of Tamus, a giant of a man who had declared his love for Sixhonia. *"He has vowed to burn Waltonia to the ground,"* she wrote, *"if his father approves his request for war."*
The letter ended with a request: one year with her daughter before Sixhonia would fulfill her marital duties. She also expressed her heartfelt apology for the suffering Waltonia had endured at the hands of the Hyen family.
I felt a surge of excitement. *Sixhonia will be mine,* I thought. But my joy was short-lived as Xeona, standing nearby, let out a groan and stormed out of the room. Anger flared within me. "Xeona!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the hall. "Do not return!"
Stolen story; please report.
She ran out, tears streaming down her face. My mother, Queen Lana, rushed after her, surprising me. I could see the gears turning in her mind—she was plotting to use Xeona to challenge Sixhonia for my heart. Duchess Sina, ever observant, shook her head. "Sun is sincere," she said, her voice firm. "Let him follow his path."
---
### **Preparing for War**
The scouts arrived with urgent news: King Gregory was nearing the entrance of Leona. I immediately donned the majestic armor of the Leo royal family, its golden plates gleaming in the sunlight. The three lions roared as I mounted my horse, their voices echoing through the palace grounds. The bear stayed behind, keeping the sick lion company.
As I rode out, the cheers of the people filled the air. *"Long live King Sun Leo!"* they shouted. *"The Sun of the Lions!"* But beneath the surface, I felt a growing unease. The first backup battery for the Spineless Brain had been depleted, and the second would last only six more days. I couldn’t afford to overuse its power.
I commanded the Red Lions to round up orphans and able-bodied homeless people in Leona, using the Spineless Brain to ensure their loyalty. The Red Lions moved swiftly, their efficiency a testament to their training. The palace bustled with activity as the new recruits were integrated into the ranks.
---
### **The Confrontation with King Gregory**
King Gregory’s army arrived, exhausted from their rushed march to the capital. His ranks were divided, and discontent simmered among his soldiers. One of his generals, a man named General Alaric, openly rebelled. *"We’ve followed you for years,"* he shouted, his voice booming across the camp. *"While you indulged in luxury and left our families to suffer! No more!"*
His speech rallied more than half of the army, and chaos erupted. King Gregory, desperate to regain control, removed his crown and blew into the royal horn of roar. The sound was deafening, a deep *BWAAAAH* that echoed across the battlefield. For a moment, the soldiers froze.
*"Men of Waltonia!"* Gregory bellowed, his voice filled with fury. *"The Leo family stands above all! Do not let this treachery divide us!"*
But his words fell on deaf ears. As my army arrived, more and more of his soldiers deserted, submitting to me instead. Gregory’s face twisted with rage as he realized his power was slipping away.
---
My mother, Queen Lana, arrived on horseback, her face pale with shock. She approached the King. *"Gregory,"* she said, her voice trembling. *"Why did you betray me? Why did you have children with other women?"*
Gregory sneered, his arrogance on full display. *"You were nothing more than a womb for my seed,"* he said, his voice dripping with contempt. *"I married you for your mother’s army. And now, you dare question me?"*
He lunged at her with his sword, dragging her onto his chariot. *"I will crush you all!"* he shouted, his voice filled with madness. *"I will return with the northern army and destroy Leona!"*
---
**The Pride of a Lion**
I couldn’t let him take my mother. My heart burned with fury, but I knew I couldn’t rely on the Spineless Brain. Instead, I stepped forward, my voice ringing out. *"Father! I challenge you to the Pride of a Lion! Let the victor claim the throne!"*
Gregory laughed, his eyes filled with mockery. *"You think you can defeat me, boy? Very well. Let the duel begin."*
We disrobed our armor, standing bare-chested before our armies. The lions roared, and the warriors cheered, their voices rising in a chant of praise for the Leo clan. Gregory wielded a sword and spear, his muscles rippling with strength. I held only a sword, my heart steady despite the storm within.
As we faced each other, the air crackled with tension. This was more than a duel—it was a battle for the soul of Waltonia. And I would not lose.
