"Don't try anything funny. The guards are gone so you should take your cue and leave as well. I do not want you here when she wakes up" Maria opened her eyes to look at harsh silver eyes looking back at her. They were terrifying eyes that well into if you were not well trained.

But Maria had too much experience dealing with dangerous people and she also knew that the others would not start something with her in the princess's presence. Maria did not know why but she was certain of this fact. And she wanted to talk with Trisha McWell as well.

"I told you before that I cannot leave till I take the princess with me. I think I shall wait for her to wake up before I make a decision" Maria replied as she strategically positioned herself. She put the princess in between herself and the pissed-off twin (imposter?) so that any attack made on her would affect the princess as well.

The other realized it soon enough but it was too late to be able to do anything about it. As soon as the other moved, so did Maria to maintain the status quo. It was a stalemate and Maria knew she had the advantage over them.

"You'll be wasting your time then. She is never gonna wake up again" the twin growled in anger and frustration. She also spoke as if she had experienced hope, only to be crushed away by reality. Maria felt bad for her but she also knew that Trisha McWell did wake up in the end. She did and joined the MC's harem.

But telling it all to the angry woman in front of her would-be futile if the other refused to listen to her. Maria needed to calm her down before she made her proposals. She also needed to convince the others that she was the Oracle and not a random chick spouting nonsense.

"Listen, the princess will wake up soon and she will live. But she won't get better being cooped up here. You need to get her to a real doctor and not the shams these people keep on sending after us. I've seen it all as the oracle" Maria reassured but got an amused scoff in return.

It was clear that she was not being believed in by the princess-look alike and for good reasons as well. 'Trust me bro' was not a good enough source to confide in someone.

"Nice try but the real oracle is on Gerna. Also, there is no way out for me or her. You see these chains, they make us a prisoner with no opportunity of escaping" the princess look-alike explained with a bitter smile. She was not happy with her treatment and it showed up in her bitter smile.

Maria had not considered there to be a reason for the other reason for not being able to leave. She had always chalked it up to not having enough will or opportunity. Not something like this. And it was not like it was an uncommon occurrence in the prisoners either.

"These chains keep you here? Can't you get them off?" Maria asked and instantly felt stupid for asking. Of course, they could not be taken off that easily. Otherwise, the princess and her look-alike would have been put in them.

So likely magic resistant and other things? No wonder it was taking the princess this long to get better. Maria's store might have something to make her feel better. Provided that she had something to exchange for it. As it happened, the few things Maria had were not wealthy enough. She had even missed a chance to stick up in the grand canyon earlier.

"Well, since we're stuck here for a while, I don't mind telling you the story. But only because you are that witch's acquaintance so you're trustworthy" the princess look-alike explained and Maria felt amused.

For someone claiming to not like Lady Elma, the princess look-alike did seem to trust her judgment to a degree. It made things easier for Maria so she wasn't complaining.

"It all started when the previous king was forced to surrender all his power and establish democracy. It happened out of the blue one day as well-"

...........

"Your Majesty, the p-people. They're protesting against being ruled over. They're asking for a ruling governed by their leaders. W-What should we do?" The guards that broke into the court painted in fear.

There was a hoard of people outside, the likes of which he had never seen before and it made the palace guard nervous. Imu had been a relatively happy place with no discrimination. The conditions for living had been harsh but they had also been rewarding for those willing to work hard.

Even in this hell of a place, life thrived under the royal rule and people had rights already. It had all seemed like a happy rule as well when the news or a protest had hit the fan. It had been sudden as well so nothing could be set up against such a protest.

People had gathered outside the royal gates in a matter of hours, demanding for the royal family to step down and for the general public, someone from common birth to take over.

"I guess it's about time. Invite their leaders inside and gather our ministers. It's time we have this talk. If the people are unhappy, it is our duty to hear them out" the king ordered. He was not a perfect king by a long shot but he had tried his best to make things fair for everyone.historical

That is why he wanted to know where he had failed his people. He wanted to be better, do better and it would only happen if he opened his heart and mind to listen to the general public.

"B-But what about the precautions. We cannot allow the king to meet up with these violent people's leaders. Who knows what they will do" a minister asked and the king felt a heavy feeling inside his heart. His kingdom was dividing itself up from the inside out.

It was not right and perhaps it was time for him to step down. Living an ordinary life would be a good step for his family and a lesson in humility as well.

"Just tell them all together. I'll be there in an hour" the king ordered and left the room. He had to be at a place before he could begin discussing the future of his family and the country.

He opened the door and smiled at the image his family made in front of him. His lovely wife, his two-year-old daughter, and her twin shadow demoness as had been the custom. His own had fulfilled his duty a long time ago.