The tension in the grand hall was suffocating as the guards and knights steadily closed in, their weapons gleaming menacingly under the dim torchlight. The trio stood back-to-back in the center, the sharp edges of spears, pikes, and halberds forming an unyielding circle around them.

"Well, this is cozy," Rory muttered, her crimson eyes flickering with amusement. She twirled her halberd lazily, her fingers itching for a fight. "So, what's the plan, boys?" she asked casually, her hand resting on her halberd. "Because I vote we paint these walls red."

"Absolutely not!!" Rimuru said sharply, holding up both hands up to a boxing position. "We're not here to start a bloodbath."

"Yeah, I seconded that," Rudeus added, his hands held in defensively ready to case and shoot his magic at any guard dare to approach to close. "I really don't want to go down in history as The Guy Who Wiped Out A Castle Guard."

Hearing that Rory sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes "You two are no fun." muttering under her breath, but a vote is a vote. "Fine, but if they try something stupid, I'm not holding back."

Standing up from his throne The king speak up his voice boomed across the hall, cutting through the tension like a blade. "You've been given every chance to cooperate, yet you remain defiant. This is no longer an invitation-it's an order. Pledge your loyalty to this kingdom, or face the consequences!"

Facing this scenario, Rimuru's mind raced as he analyzing the situation. can't fight our way out without causing unnecessary bloodshed, but talking their way out isn't working either...

In a way they are really in a pickle right now

But Just as the tension reached its peak, a voice rang out, clear and trembling.

"STOP!"

It was Aeliana voice.

As all eyes turned to Princess Aeliana, who stepped forward from behind her parents and stand infront with face as pale as pearl, her hands tremble as she clutches the fabric of her dress, her gaze fixed on the king.

Yet her voice caring an unwavering of determination."Father-" she said while looking directly at the king, her voice though begin as weak, slowly gaining strength with every word speak up. "You can't harm them."

The king's brows furrowed. "What are you saying, Aeliana?"

"Aeliana Rosalinda!" the queen snapped, her tone sharp as she stand up to address Aeliana. "This does not concern you-"

"It does concern me mother!" Aeliana interrupted, her voice louder now. She clenched her fists, her eyes darting between the king, queen, and the trio

Taking a deep breath, Aeliana cheeks flushing as she looked down briefly, as if gathering her courage. Then she raised her head high, her voice ringing out for all to hear.

"I- I Am Pregnant With Rudeus's Child!!"

For a moment the hall fell into a stunned silence.

Rudeus was the first to react, his jaw dropped while face turning crimson. "W-WHAT?!" he sputtered

Rimuru's mouth hung open in shock, blinking rapidly as if he'd just misheard. "Huh? Wait, what did she just say!!?"

Rory on the other hand burst out laughing, clutching her sides as she doubled over. "Oh, this is priceless! I didn't see that coming!" she wheezed.

"W-Wait a second!" Rudeus stammered, his face turning beet red. "That's not- I mean- We didn't- I can't even-!"

But before Rudeus can explain himself, Aeliana, with a cheeks burning red, turn and glared at him meaningfully. "Go along with it-" she hissed under her breath, her lips barely moving.

While the king and queen frozen, their faces a mixture of disbelief and fury. And The guards? They now too, had hesitated, their weapons lowering slightly as they exchanged confused glances.

Realization dawned on Rudeus as he gulped, his expression shifting awkwardly as he tried to force a nervous grin unable to do anything but simply play along. "Uh... Y-Yeah! That... that's totally a thing that happened!" he stammered unconvincingly.

The room remained dead silent, the weight of the princess's revelation hanging thick in the air. For the moment, at least, the trio had the perfect distraction. But as the king and queen's expressions darkened, it was clear that this lie would only buy them so much time.

The king's face twisted in rage as he bellowed, "Aeliana! What is this?!"

The princess nodded firmly, though her trembling hands betrayed her nerves. "It truth Father. That's why you can't harm them. Rudeus is the father of my child, and if you lay a hand on him, you'll harm your future grandchild."

The queen looked at her daughter, aghast. "You foolish girl! Do you understand what you're saying?!"

Aeliana stood her ground, though her knees wobbled slightly. "I do. And I won't let you hurt him-or his friends."

The king's eyes burned with fury as he stared at the trio. Then finally, he resistantly barked out an order. "Lower your weapons."