Princess Leah waited anxiously on her balcony, scanning the moonlit skies for a trace of the masked man who had visited her the night before. Doubt began to creep into her mind—Was he just playing around? Was it all a joke? But her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice behind her.
"Dear Princess, it seems you've been waiting for quite a while. I hope I haven't kept you too long."
She turned, pouting slightly. "Hmph… I still can't sense your presence at all."
"You flatter me, Princess." The masked figure chuckled. "I hope you've reached a decision about the offer I made."
"I have," she said firmly, "but only on one condition."
Denzel tilted his head. "Go on."
Princess Leah inhaled deeply, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I'd like to see your face… No, it's not that I don't respect your privacy or plan to betray you. I just… I'd feel safer knowing who my accomplice really is."
Denzel was taken aback but didn't refuse. "Fair enough. When the time is right, I'll show you."
Her heart skipped a beat at his words, though she didn't understand why.
Denzel handed her a folded document. "This contains everything about the Zephyr Project. The location's on the back. When judgment day comes, I trust you'll have done enough to bring Kramas down."
"I'll do my best," she replied solemnly.
"Thank you, Princess. Your cooperation is appreciated. I'll see you tomorrow, when the dust settles."
Their secret meeting ended, and Denzel vanished into the night.
Elsewhere, in a shadowy alley behind Kramas' estate, Denzel met up with Ryan.
"The look on his face tomorrow will be priceless," Ryan snickered.
The two laughed like evil masterminds, then headed back to their humble toolshed room to rest. Morning was fast approaching.
The next day, the humans were paraded through the kingdom's streets again. Elves hurled insults at them, while others wept—mainly Ryan's new drinking buddies, mourning the loss of a tavern legend.
They were escorted to the throne room. Everyone was present—except Princess Leah.
Kramas' grin stretched wide when he saw the two humans enter. Around him, disturbed and disappointed expressions filled the room. But Ryan and Denzel? Unfazed.
Their plan had worked.
While the public believed they had been slacking—Denzel loitering aimlessly and Ryan guzzling ale at the tavern—it was all a carefully orchestrated ruse.
The king stood, his voice booming. "Humans, I'm disappointed by what I've heard. If what I've been told is true, you've shown no signs of keeping your word. Have you no plea?"
The room fell silent.
Kramas stepped forward, grinning. "No response? As expected. Your race is not to be trusted."
Ryan nearly burst out laughing. Denzel cleared his throat dramatically.
"Your Majesty, I am not a man who breaks his word. It saddens me that we are judged so quickly, based on appearances."
The elves looked confused. Was he claiming they had misjudged him?
Denzel smiled. "Not only did Ryan and I work to find a cure for your illness—we succeeded."
Gasps echoed across the chamber. Even Kramas froze.
Denzel pulled out a cloth pouch, revealing a set of glowing green orbs.
"This, Your Majesty, is the cure."
King Vishorn's eyes widened. "I had a feeling the words you spoke to me weren't those of a fool. You've proven me right."
Kramas was livid. How? When? He had underestimated them—two mere humans.
Denzel knelt, presenting the orbs to the king.
"How many should I take?" Vishorn asked.
"You may take as many as you wish," Denzel replied, still bowing.
The king laughed. "A wise answer! Then I shall take one."
He swallowed the orb. The room held its breath.
And then—relief. Joy.
"It worked!" King Vishorn exclaimed. "The strange illness is gone! I feel revitalized! Denzel, Ryan—how did you achieve this, when even my healers failed?"
"It was nothing difficult, once I understood the cause," Denzel said casually, casting a side glance at Kramas, whose expression was now a storm of disbelief and panic.
Vishorn stood tall. "As of this moment, I absolve Denzel and Ryan of all charges. I am deeply grateful. These orbs will heal the sick throughout the kingdom."
He looked down at Denzel. "Is there anything you wish to add?"
A sharp glint danced across Denzel's glasses—yes, he wears glasses; you totally forgot, didn't you?
He smiled ominously.
"There is one thing I want…"
END OF CHAPTER 12