📜 Previously on Reincarnated Prince of Kaligarh:
Lady Shiori of the Teyvat Isles agreed to visit Kaligarh, curious to meet Aryan face-to-face. Meanwhile, Aryan receives word of growing unrest in the northern lands, where Warlord Chatura gathers mercenaries in secret.
SCENE 1 – PORT CITY OF SUNDRAVAN – DAY
The docks buzzed with activity as a sleek, pearl-colored ship approached the harbor, bearing the flag of the Teyvat Isles. It glided into port like a blade over silk.
On deck stood Lady Shiori, dressed in a flowing blue robe embroidered with golden seadragons. Beside her were five elite guards, their faces covered by silver masks.
CROWD (murmuring)
"Is that the Teyvat princess?"
"She travels like royalty…"
"And with only five guards?"
NOYON (watching from the crowd, impressed)
"She doesn't need more. That ship alone could fight off a fleet."
SCENE 2 – ROYAL PALACE GARDENS – NOON
Aryan stood waiting in his garden courtyard, dressed in light royal blue robes, a quiet confidence in his stance. The Tiger Cubs, Veer and Sena, lounged lazily near his feet, eyeing the newcomers.
As Lady Shiori entered with grace, Aryan smiled politely and gestured to a small garden table under the trees.
ARYAN (calmly)
"I trust the seas were kind?"
SHIORI (smiling)
"They parted, as if they, too, were curious about you."
ARYAN
"Then let's not disappoint them."
They sipped chilled tea as musicians played softly nearby. The conversation danced between diplomacy, trade, and ship designs. Shiori spoke in clever riddles. Aryan answered with veiled truths.
SHIORI (lowering her cup)
"You're not what I expected. Most kings try to impress."
ARYAN (leaning back)
"And most envoys try to hide their blades. We're both unusual."
SCENE 3 – PALACE OBSERVATION DECK – EVENING
Kaamaya, Reva, and Meena watched from above, peering through an elegant curtain.
MEENA (suspicious)
"She's beautiful. And smart."
KAAMAYA (dryly)
"Wonderful. Another woman in love with the sea and possibly our king."
REVA (grinning)
"If she tries anything, I'm assigning her a spy named 'Clumsy'. He breaks vases for fun."
SCENE 4 – NIGHT – PRIVATE MEETING ROOM
Shiori handed Aryan a sealed scroll.
SHIORI
"Our Admiral agrees to a formal alliance. Shared shipbuilding. Exclusive trade routes. And protection over sea lanes."
Aryan opened it, reading silently. Then looked up with narrowed eyes.
ARYAN
"There's a condition."
SHIORI
"A joint naval base. On Kaligarh soil."
Silence. Sena growled softly. Aryan placed a hand on the tiger's head, calming him.
ARYAN (firmly)
"Shared is not the same as controlled. I won't trade sea freedom for borrowed power."
SHIORI (smiling faintly)
"Then perhaps we build something new. Together. On neutral water."
Aryan tilted his head, considering.
SCENE 5 – SECRET NORTHERN OUTPOST – SAME NIGHT
Far from the sea, torches flickered in a rocky stronghold. Warlord Chatura, thick-bearded and armored in black steel, slammed a goblet on the table.
CHATURA
"He's gathering ships. Traders. Foreign allies. Even pirates now fly his flag. If we don't act—Kaligarh will be untouchable!"
His general leaned forward.
GENERAL
"Shall we strike while he's distracted?"
CHATURA
"Not yet. We poison the roots first. Whisper to his allies. Pay off his governors. Then, when the tree weakens… we burn it down."
SCENE 6 – PALACE BALCONY, KALIGARH – LATE NIGHT
Aryan stood under the stars once more, reading the alliance scroll again.
Devika joined him, offering warm milk.
DEVIKA
"Ships. Politics. Beautiful envoys. I miss the days when your biggest concern was where to hide from flirty girls."
ARYAN (smirking)
"They still find me."
DEVIKA
"You're building a kingdom, Aryan. But kingdoms are harder to keep than conquer. Especially with snakes in silk."
Aryan stared northward, his eyes narrowing.
ARYAN
"I know. That's why I keep wolves close."
End of Chapter 60