The boy was astonished to hear the man addressed as "Your Majesty." His mind began to whirl, wondering why someone as unreachable as a king would care about a homeless nobody, a piece of trash.
"Relax, soldier," Rodelos said calmly, raising a hand to stop any excessive formality. "I have already told you to just call me Rodelos. I don't like formalities."
"But, sir," the soldier replied, still out of breath from his search. "I've been looking for you everywhere. I thought something had happened to you. And what are you doing in this godforsaken alley?"
"Calm down, Rex," Rodelos responded with a serene smile. "I was just wandering around here and came across this young one. From today onwards, this boy will be under my care."
"Seriously, sir? Are you joking, right?" Rex asked skeptically, looking at the child in disbelief.
"No, soldier. This boy will come with us and accompany me on my travels. From now on, Mok will belong... no, he will be part of the royal family of Avocadalia."
Rex and Mok were left speechless by Rodelos's words. The king let out a loud laugh that echoed throughout the alley, filling the space with a warm, vibrant resonance.
"Seriously, sir. I'm not even sure if it's legal to take a child like this, as if he were a pet," Rex commented, scratching his head nervously.
"Relax," Rodelos replied firmly. "He's an orphan, but not anymore. From today, he'll have a home." His eyes sparkled with emotion as he spoke those words.
Mok, trying to hide his reaction, wiped at his eyes with his fists, attempting to hold back the tears threatening to spill. But Rodelos noticed and, without hesitation, embraced him tightly, like a father embracing his son.
"Relax, boy. From now on, you're under my protection," the king emphasized.
The embrace was so intense and full of love that Mok couldn't hold back any longer. Tears began to fall uncontrollably as he felt, for the first time in a long while, that someone valued him. He was the second person to show him kindness and care, after the woman who had protected him when he was born and when his brother tried to kill him. For a moment, he felt loved again.
"Huh, sir," Rex murmured, rubbing his hair with a mix of resignation and admiration. "You never change. You're hopeless."
A boy who thought his life would end that day had no idea that his fate was about to change forever. That day, something grew inside him: immense gratitude and appreciation for the person standing before him.
"Well, it's time to return to the realm," Rodelos announced, lifting the boy and easily hoisting him onto his shoulders. With determined steps, they left that gloomy place behind, heading toward Avocadalia, where a new life awaited Mok.
Time passed, and Mok dedicated himself tirelessly to his training.
"Well done, boy," Rodelos said proudly as he watched Mok defeat anyone who dared to face him. His skill, elegance, and speed were impressive. Without a doubt, he was the best in his class, both with the sword and in hand-to-hand combat.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. It's all thanks to your teachings," Mok replied humbly, bowing his head slightly.
"I have already told you not to call me 'Your Majesty.' Just call me Rodelos. I don't like formalities," the king responded with a disapproving gesture.
"I can't, sir. My code as your loyal soldier forbids it. Besides, I'm also the head butler of the palace," Mok replied firmly, though there was a hint of a smile on his lips.
"Huh, what can I do about it? You're never going to change. You're more stubborn than a mule," Rodelos commented with a light laugh, shaking his head.
"Those etiquette lessons and the travels I've had have done me well. Plus, I acquired this sword and these rings," Mok said, proudly displaying the tools that had marked his journey.
"That's right," Mok said gratefully, his voice filled with sincerity. "And I owe all of that to you, my lord, for allowing me to visit other realms and learn from them."
"Well said, boy," Rodelos replied with a paternal smile, his eyes shining with pride. "But listen carefully: I was only the channel. You're the one who did all the work. And I'm glad to see how you've grown, how you've become someone so valuable to this realm."
The king paused, letting his words sink in. Then he added warmly: "Never forget that the merit is yours, not mine. I only opened the door; you were the one who crossed the threshold."
Mok lowered his gaze for a moment, processing Rodelos's words. Though he had always been humble, he recognized that his effort and dedication had been key to his transformation. He raised his eyes again, this time with a small smile on his lips.
"Thank you, sir. I won't forget," he said firmly, bowing his head slightly in respect.
Rodelos nodded, satisfied. He knew that the man who had once been a sad child, almost resigned to dying, was now a fundamental pillar of the kingdom. And he couldn't be prouder.
"And have you seen your brother again?" Rodelos asked after a brief silence, his tone now more serious.
"Yes, I went to see him... But it seems he'll never change. He'll always remain a madman," Mok replied coldly, though something in his voice betrayed a trace of sadness.
"It's a shame, boy," Rodelos said regretfully. "I was informed that the place where your brother was staying was burned down, and there were no survivors."
Mok remained silent for a few seconds before responding. "I didn't know that, but he stopped being my brother a long time ago. Still, I forgive him for all the cruel things he did." His voice was firm, but there was a nuance of melancholy that he couldn't entirely conceal.
"Hey, Mok," Rodelos said, gently changing the subject.
"Yes, my lord?" Mok replied, bowing respectfully.
"Oh, this boy and his formality!" Rodelos exclaimed with an indulgent laugh. "Well, what I wanted to tell you is to never forget that, despite everything, you will always be part of this family."
"I know, sir, and I will be eternally grateful to you," Mok replied sincerely, his gaze reflecting absolute gratitude.
"Good. I want to introduce you to someone," Rodelos said, his voice vibrating with excitement. "Come, follow me."
Mok followed Rodelos into the palace. They passed through long hallways until they reached the royal chamber, where Rodelos's son, his wife, and near them, a crib containing a newborn, awaited.
"This is my grandson, boy," Rodelos announced proudly, gesturing toward the infant. "His name is Paltio, which means 'HOPE' in the ancient language of the Avocados. It was a miracle from our creator that he came into this world after such a long wait. He almost didn't make it, but here he is, strong and full of determination to keep going in this world."
Rodelos paused, gazing at the baby with infinite love before adding: "This little one will grow up to be a prince and, someday, a great king."
His words were brimming with happiness and emotion, and his eyes sparkled with hope for the future.
"Dad, what are you saying? He's just a newborn!" Medeos, Rodelos's son, said with an amused smile, trying to temper his father's enthusiasm.
"Ha, ha!" Rodelos responded loudly, unable to contain his joy.
"Not so loud! Can't you see he's sleeping? You'll wake him up," Skila, Medeos's wife, interjected, placing a finger over her lips to signal him to lower his volume. Her tone was soft but firm, reflecting the protective love she already felt for her little one.
"Congratulations," Mok said seriously, bowing his head slightly toward Paltio's parents.
"Why are you always so serious, Mok? You don't have to be so rigid," Skila commented warmly, trying to lighten the mood.
"Relax, dear, that's just how he is: serious and a loyal servant to the realm," Medeos replied proudly, looking at Mok with admiration.
"Yes, you're right, dear. Our Mok has always been like that, very rigid," Skila added tenderly, causing the butler to blush slightly at the remark.
"So this is Paltio, huh? The one who will bring hope to the realms," Mok murmured, gazing at the infant with reverence. Then, with firmness in his voice, he added: "I swear I will always watch over this child and protect him with my life."
"Well said, boy. You're like his older brother," Medeos and Skila said in unison, making Mok blush even more.
"Good, then I'm holding you to your word, boy," Rodelos said solemnly. "You will have that important role and the mission of always watching over this child."
"Yes, sir. So be it," Mok responded with determination, bowing deeply.
In his mind, Mok recalled the moments he had shared with Paltio since his birth: the little one's mischief, the laughter echoing through the palace halls, and the promise he had made to the royal family to protect him with his life. Even when Rodelos departed on his mission to investigate what had happened to Avocios, Mok never abandoned his duty.
As his memories faded, Mok raised his gaze toward his brother Tok, who continued to observe him with a mix of mockery and arrogance. A new determination burned in his eyes, accompanied by an aura of anger and renewed resolve.
"How dare you harm Master Paltio?" Mok shouted, striding firmly toward Tok, ready to launch into the next assault.
"Huh, you still have some fight left in you after all, little brother," Tok said with a sardonic smile. "Alright, come here, Mok... Or would you prefer I call you by the name that woman baptized you with, huh? Filio."