At the same time, deep within the Royal Palace in Alubarna.
King Cobra's bedchamber was brightly lit, yet an unsettling silence hung over it. Lavish silk curtains were drawn tight, shutting out everything beyond them. The air carried a heavy medicinal smell and a faint, peculiar incense.
King Cobra sat propped against his spacious bed, covered by a thick brocade quilt. His face bore an unhealthy flush, his lips were cracked, and his eyes sometimes clouded over and sometimes flashed with sharpness, though most of the time they looked unfocused and weary. He coughed violently several times, and a royal physician standing nearby hurried forward to feed him a spoonful of dark brown medicine.
Apart from the royal physician, only Chaka, the deputy commander of the guards and wielder of the Dog-Dog Fruit, Jackal form, stood beside him, his expression grave and his eyes filled with deep concern.
"Chaka... outside the city... how are things?" Cobra's voice was hoarse, and he had to pause for breath every few words.
"Your Majesty, please take care of yourself." Chaka stepped forward and said gravely, "The Rebel Army is still active near Cateria, but the Kingdom Army's main force has held them back. There is no immediate danger. However... the drought continues to worsen across the country, the number of refugees is growing, and distributing supplies is becoming increasingly difficult. Also..." He paused, seemingly hesitant.
"Speak." Cobra briefly closed his eyes.
"Rumors have been spreading throughout the Royal Capital lately. Some say... that to maintain the Royal Capital's 'prosperity,' Your Majesty secretly used the forbidden 'Dance Powder' to draw all the rain to Alubarna, causing the severe drought elsewhere. There are also some... unfavorable rumors about Her Highness." Chaka kept his voice very low.
Cobra's eyes flew open, pain and anger flashing through