The king of the realm, ignoring their complicated feelings, motioned weakly for them to get up.

The seven princes felt a strange force beneath their knees lifting them up.

The king of the realm continued, "There were many... surprises... that occurred during this hunt. It was only thanks to your eldest and ninth brothers that I survived unscathed."

The crown prince bowed. "Father, that's nonsense! It would have been trivial for you to deal with the stampede even without your assistance."

The king of the realm waved a hand curtly. "That the two of you were able to make it back was impressive enough. If no one has any objections, I'll consider both of...