The room grew quiet as Minho took a step forward, his voice carrying the weight of their mission. "Your Highnesses," he began, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation, "These are the children from the other realm, Ha-Yoon and Si-Woo."

King Morey's gaze swept over them, his eyes sharp as a falcon's. "Kneel before your king," he boomed, his voice echoing through the vast chamber. The words hung in the air, a command that could not be ignored.

But before Ha-Yoon could drop to her knees, Si-Woo's hand shot out, catching her arm. His eyes met the king's, unwavering. "We are from Earth," he said, his voice firm and clear. "And we kneel before no man. The only one I will ever bow to is God."

The room grew as still as a tomb, the silence thick enough to cut with a knife. The guards' hands tightened on their weapons, their eyes glinting dangerously. But the king did not react as Si-Woo had expected. Instead of anger, there was something akin to amusement in his gaze. He stepped down from the throne, the thud of his sandals on the marble floor echoing like a drumbeat.

"Such defiance," King Morey murmured, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate through the very stones of the palace. He stopped a mere inch from Si-Woo's face, his eyes boring into the younger boy's soul. Staring into his soul.

Then, without warning, the king's expression shifted from stern to jovial, and a boisterous laugh bellowed from his chest, filling the room with a sound that was both surprising and contagious. The tension that had been building dissipated like mist in the sun, and even the guards couldn't help but crack a smile. Ha-Yoon's eyes widened in shock, her hand rising to cover her mouth as she stifled a giggle.

"Ah, Earthlings," King Morey said, his voice warm with mirth. "So eager to challenge the status quo I see. I admire your spirit, young Si-Woo." He stepped back and waved a hand, the guards relaxing their stances. "Rise, there is no need for formalities between us today."

Si-Woo's confusion was palpable, his eyes flickering between the king and the grinning Minho. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice still tinged with defiance.

"The king is welcoming us," Minho said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "It seems you've made an impression, Si-Woo."

"Indeed," King Morey said, his gaze still fixed on Si-Woo. "Your courage is uncommon, young one. And your sister," he turned to Ha-Yoon, "you carry yourself with the grace of a queen."

"He knows his stuff," Ha-Yoon whispered to Si-Woo.

The queen's gentle chuckle filled the room, "My dear," she said to the king, "you shouldn't tease them like that." Her voice was like the melody of a harp, soothing the tension in the air.

King Morey's gaze did not change as he looked at Si-Woo's bruised reflection on the gleaming marble floor. "Ah, yes, I see," he said, his eyes lingering on the bruises. "It seems you're already quite adept at making a stand." His tone was light, but there was a hint of concern that didn't go unnoticed.

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Si-Woo took a deep breath, his mind racing. He had to come up with a lie, and fast. "It's... it's from martial arts class," he blurted out, his cheeks flushing under the mask. "We were sparring and I took a few hits."

King Morey's expression remained unreadable for a moment before a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He reached out a hand and patted Si-Woo gently on the head. "Of course, of course," he said, his voice filled with a warmth that seemed to belie his earlier sternness. "Young ones are always so eager to prove themselves."

The king turned to the guards, his smile broadening. "Leave us," he ordered, his tone firm but not unkind. "I wish to speak with our guests in private."

The guards bowed and retreated, their footsteps fading into the vast emptiness of the room. Ha-Yoon and Si-Woo watched them go, their hearts beating in unison. When the last guard disappeared through the archway, the king took his seat on the throne once more, gesturing for them to approach. "Please, be at ease," he said, his eyes twinkling. "We are all friends here."

As they stepped closer, Ha-Yoon couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe. The throne was carved from a single piece of crystal, its surface gleaming with an inner light that cast soft rainbows across the floor. The king looked at them with a knowing smile, as if he could read their thoughts. "I am truly sorry for the rough welcome you've received," he said, his voice filled with genuine regret. "But fear not, I shall ensure that your stay in Ondur is a peaceful and enlightening one."

The siblings shared a hopeful glance, their fears of the unknown momentarily forgotten. Queen Elara stepped forward, her eyes glowing with warmth. "We have much to discuss," she said, her voice as soft as a whispered secret. "But first, let us tend to your wounds." She gestured to a table laden with bottles of shimmering liquid and cloths.

Ha-Yoon stepped back, allowing Si-Woo to approach the queen. He cautiously removed his sunglasses, revealing his swollen eye to the regal couple. Queen Elara's expression grew concerned as she examined his injuries. With gentle hands, she applied a cooling gel from one of the bottles to his bruised skin. The pain began to recede almost immediately, leaving behind a tingling sensation that soothed his nerves.

"Thank you," Si-Woo murmured, his voice thick with emotion. It had been so long since anyone had shown them such care.

The queen's eyes softened as she worked, her touch as light as a feather. "You have a strong spirit," she said, her voice barely audible." But I guess that's evident considering Earth right now."

King Morey cleared his throat, his smile fading. "Indeed," he said, his gaze shifting to the siblings. "Which brings us to the matter at hand."

"We have foreseen a time of devastation," he began, his eyes growing distant. "A time when the realms will be destroyed by an individual, and our people will need to be ready to embrace new lands, new cultures, and new challenges." He leaned forward, his hands gripping the arms of the throne. "We plan to send young Ondurians to Earth, to integrate with the land, to learn from you, and to prepare themselves for the future."

"But what does this have to do with us?" Ha-Yoon asked her voice stern in the vastness of the room.

"Everything," the king replied, his gaze never leaving hers. "For it was you, Ha-Yoon and Si-Woo, who were brought to our realm for a purpose. You see, your world is under a revolutionary development like no other, one that we in Ondur have foreseen and are preparing to face. And it seems you two will be the key to our upbringing and growth,"

The siblings exchanged a look of bewilderment, the gravity of the king's words weighing on them. "But we're just..." Ha-Yoon began, but the queen gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Do not fret," Queen Elara assured them, her voice soothing as a lullaby. "The prophecy speaks of events far into the future. For now, your presence here is a sign of hope, a bridge between our worlds." Her eyes searched theirs, filled with a gentle reassurance that seemed to dispel their fears like shadows in the light. "We shall guide you through this journey, and together, we shall ensure that the bond between Ondur and Earth remains unbroken."