Arslan Senki

It was the ultimate humiliation for Gadhevi, a defeat that he could not have ever imagined. Having been saved by Jaswant and having managed to escape back to the capital of the country, Uraiyur, Gadhevi cursed coldly at Mahendra, who was congratulating him on his safe return.

"Mahendra! I did things just as you said, and yet, this was the result. It seems that decades of sitting on the throne of power have rusted your wisdom. Didn’t you have a better strategy?"

Mahendra looked extremely ashamed, yet he did not want to argue.

"The subordinate's strategy may not have worked, however, there are still unharmed soldiers in the fortress, and if we reorganize the defeated army again, we should be able to confront Rajendra. The walls of the capital are not that easy to break."

"Hm, is that really the case?"

Gadhevi’s expression was filled with doubt and mockery. At this time, the magnificent gems adorning the prince's face and body looked like relics to Mahendra's eyes.

"War elephant troops are supposed to be undefeated and invincible. And now, look! Not a single one is left on the battlefield, and every elephant has become food for hungry wolves. As for the walls of the nation's capital, are they really that reliable?"

"Your Highness ……"

"In short, it's all your fault. Do something about it! I'm tired, I'm going to rest now."

It was as if Gadhevi had completely forgotten that only a few days before, he had praised Mahendra for his resourcefulness, and now he was scolding Mahendra angrily without asking any questions. Gadhevi dragged his feet roughly toward his room. Mahendra, who had watched his back, slowly turned his eyes. A young man waited beside him on one knee.

“Jaswant! I heard that in the midst of the defeat, you fought bravely against the enemy's sword to save His Highness Gadhevi?"

"Yes, Your Excellency."

"Well done! Did His Highness even say a word of thanks to you?"

"No, not a single word."

Hearing Jaswant's answer, Mahendra could not help but gasp. The important minister who had been supporting the Sindhuran Kingdom for so many years felt so old at this time.

"Perhaps I have chosen the wrong son-in-law. My wisdom seems to have truly rusted."

"……"

Jaswant did not answer. He dropped his eyes from Mahendra's face to the ground and seemed to be biting his lip as if he was holding something back.

While stroking his beard with one hand, Mahendra fell into deep thought, and then said in a slightly hesitant tone.

"Jaswant, if that time ……"

Mahendra said only half of the words, Jaswant raised his head as if he felt ashamed.

"No, Chancellor, please don't say that."

Although the tone was strong, there was a slight tremor in his voice.

Mahendra dropped the hand that was stroking his beard. His expression slowly returned to how a calm politician should look. He was, after all, an important figure and had dealt with all sorts of difficult issues.

"Yes! It's useless to talk about it, Jaswant. Now we only have to protect the walls of the capital and repel Rajendra’s forces. We are counting on you."

"You are too kind. Although I have little power, I will do my best for Your Excellency."

After letting Jaswant retire for the day, Mahendra summoned a general and a scribe to give orders and listen to advice on matters such as policing the city and joining with allies in various places. At that moment, a valet who was serving in King Karikala's ward appeared and whispered in Mahendra's ear for a moment.

A look of surprise that could not be concealed swept over the chancellor's face.

"What? His Majesty the King has regained consciousness?"

If this was true, it would be a matter of great joy. However, to be honest, Mahendra could not help but feel skeptical.

During the time when King Karikala lost consciousness, the country of Sindhura had already split into two factions, no, in fact, most of the people had nothing to do with this matter, only the royal family had split into two factions, the army and officials appeared to be in a state of hostility, and because the Parsian army also took part this time, the situation was like adding fuel to the fire. If there was no Parsian army, perhaps Prince Gadhevi would have already completely defeated Prince Rajendra, and settled the domestic strife. In this way, whether King Karikala wakes up or not would not be a problem.

"I will immediately go to His Majesty's ward."

Mahendra was about to walk away when he suddenly thought of something and stopped in his tracks. The king's return to consciousness should be kept secret for the time being. Exclusive possession of secrets is an important condition for power.

"Without my permission, this matter can not be told to anyone. If anyone finds out, you yourself will face the consequences!"

"Yes, yes, Your Excellency, I will do as you ordered, however, I have already informed His Highness Gadhevi. Because His Majesty himself also wants this ……"

The subordinate could not be blamed for this matter, and after giving another order not to leak the information, Mahendra went towards the king's ward.

King Karikala, though lying on his sickbed, was looking at his old friend Mahendra, his eyes now open. The king looked predictably frail, yet, after talking to him for a little while, Mahendra knew that the king was surprisingly conscious. After drinking two glasses of milk with eggs, as instructed by the doctor, the king asked the hereditary chancellor.

"Mahendra, during my coma, has the country remained at peace?"

When you think about it, this was actually a vague question. However, Mahendra could not lie, and he made a respectful salute. The inside of his head was spinning rapidly. If the king was alive, all things would change from now on, right?

"The thing is, some problems have arisen between His Majesty's royal sons. It's not something that serious, but ……"

As Mahendra carefully chose his words and began to explain, the sound of hurried footsteps came from outside the ward. Mahendra couldn't help but frown.

As he expected, it was Gadhevi who ran inside after roughly banging open the door.

The prince pushed Mahendra and the doctor away and leaned over his father’s sickbed.

"Father, Father, it is so good that you are awake. There could be nothing better than this."

"Ah, Gadhevi, it makes me happy that you are safe, too!"

King Karikala's thin face was overflowing with the affectionate love of a father. He weakly shook Gadhevi's outstretched hand and asked.

"By the way, how is Rajendra? Is he still fooling around with women all day long? Or gone to hunt wild elephants again? He’s a real pain in the ass!"

"That's the thing. In fact, Father ……"

Taking advantage of this moment, Gadhevi lashed out at his half-brother to his father. The doctor, who was worried about the king's health, tried several times to stop him, however, he himself was stopped by the king raising one hand. After sowing the seeds of bad words, Gadhevi fell silent. King Karikala, on the other hand, stroked his beard, which was already completely white.

"I see what you mean."

"Then, I ask Father to punish that insolent boy Rajendra!”

Gadhevi’s eyes shined, however, the king's reply was not so pleasing to him.

"First I must also hear what Rajendra has to say. For he must also have a right to speak. Even if he is to be punished, there must be a just cause, otherwise it would not be fair."

"But, but, Father ……"

The king stared at the panicked Gadhevi.

"What's wrong? If you're right, there's no need to panic. Or is there something else you're hiding from me?"

Karikala was worthy of being the king of a country. Seeing that Gadhevi did not want to make any further retort, the king began to write to Rajendra from his sickbed. Reluctantly leaving the ward, Gadhevi and Mahendra walked down the corridor side by side, groaning.

"Mahendra, Father has managed to wake up, but I’m still upset. If he listens to that guy Rajendra and makes him the crown prince, it will not be good."

Seeing a glint of genuine fear pass through the prince's eyes, Mahendra could not help but reply.

"Your Highness, please do not worry. Justice may not be on the side of Rajendra and the others. As His Majesty the King said, there is really no need for Your Highness Gadhevi to worry too much."

    All in all, Gadhevi and Mahendra were currently in an unfavorable situation. If Rajendra were to take advantage and attack the capital now, the situation would become more and more dire. It seemed ideal to use the revived authority of King Karikala at this time.