Yet that seemed to be almost expected by the two family members.

"Yes, Elder Brother."

Immediately, the owl’s pink eyes turned serious.

"First, you should know that your father is currently in recovery. He was injured in his nth assassination attempt, but thankfully, it was not too life-threatening."

’So the sultanate has been without a leader for a while now? No. Someone took over. Who? Was it that blue-haired young man?’

Sinbad continued, confirming Malik’s thoughts:

"Aladdin took over as you had planned, and he has done a decent job. Thankfully, your disciple, Safira, has been a great support. Aladdin cannot join us now as there is a Council meeting in session, but once he hears of your arrival here, I am sure he will come running... or at least try to."

Though Malik knew the least about Aladdin compared to the others, he understood that the young man was someone that the past him had picked to be Sultan when he was gone.

A successor to carry on his work, whatever that was.

"As for Safira herself, she is currently in seclusion, ranking up one of her Runes, I believe."

Malik knew of his final disciple from the fragmented memories the system had given him.

Indeed, she was the backbone of his sultanate, the one the people looked to when there was no one else to help them, the steady hand that had kept everything from falling apart in his absence.

"Our little sister, Huda, has been working as the sultanate’s ambassador. She has closely maintained the alliance with the West. Huda is likely with the Empress at the moment. And although I have not confirmed her whereabouts, Noor, our grand vizier, should be with them as well."

Of course, Malik knew of these three also.

As Sinbad had stated, Huda was his little sister—another sibling he barely remembered—while Scheherazade was not only an allied Empress but also a friend, his only friend according to the memories.

Noor, once his student and an Empress, was now managing the economy of his sultanate, keeping the wheels turning.

"Last but not least are the generals of your army, the strongest of which are Zafar and Duban, along with the leader of your special unit, Kabir. They are all currently on the front lines, ensuring the day’s wave is annihilated before it can reach our people."

That was a lot of names to take in, many faces, titles, and responsibilities.

But thankfully, despite the fact that Malik was not exactly good with names and that he barely remembered these men, he at least recognized them.

The memories were there, buried deep, waiting to be uncovered. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"Of course, finally, there’s your Right Hand, Azeem. He is actually waiting outside to meet you. Should I call him in?"

The last one, Azeem, stirred a greater familiarity in his chest.

Much like Sinbad and Dunya, Azeem appeared to be someone that Malik had previously trusted to do a lot of work for him.

"No."

Yet, Malik wasn’t intent on meeting him now.

"I need him to do something for me."

Unfortunately for Azeem, Malik could not have him enter.

Sinbad’s summarized overview of the sultanate had already taken up too much of his remaining transformation time, and his appearance could not stay stable for much longer.

"I am sure that my disappearance has resulted in... less help from once-dependable allies."

He made sure to choose his words carefully.

"Have Azeem round up the leaders of all those kingdoms, cities, and factions. I need to meet with them. Ensure that he treats them with dignity, even if some do not deserve it."

Malik understood that he currently couldn’t do much to defend his home in a direct sense.

His power was locked away, and his strength was merely a fraction of what it should be.

So instead of fighting their many enemies himself, he would have others help him while he took the credit, which would help in increasing his Fear Points and his reputation.

Killing two birds with one stone!

’Hm.’

Anyhow... that was all good and well, but it would all be ruined if the two before him did not leave soon!

"Understood, Elder Brother."

Sinbad said with a nod of his feathered head.

"I will join him as well, if you like."

"Do so."

Malik remained calm...

’Yes, now go!’

At least outwardly.

"Eh~ what about me?!"

Amal’s interruption nearly made her father pop a vein.

"I want to help too, you know!"

Malik inwardly sighed.

’Okay, that is sweet, but would you leave already?!’

Perhaps it wasn’t time or an enemy that would kill him, but high blood pressure.

He so badly wanted to just kick them out and be done with it, but his heart did not allow him to. He knew how heartbroken his daughter would be if he dismissed her so callously.

"We all have our own stages to play, my daughter."

And so, Malik forced patience into his voice.

"Besides, I am sure your time will come."

’You get that? Now please, go!’

Of course, he did not say that last part out loud.

"I understand, Father!"

Amal’s sweet smile returned in full force.

"I will be waiting! I won’t let you down!"

Malik softly smiled at her, even as panic clawed at the edges of his composure.

’I swear you won’t!’

Thankfully, it seemed his wishes had finally been granted.

Amal swept into a deep curtsy, her purple hair brushing the floor, and Sinbad dipped his head in a respectful bow.

They were finally leaving, and yet...

Thump.

His ring ran out of Rukh.

’Ah, dammit.’

Malik wiped a hand down his face, giving up on maintaining the illusion any longer.

"..."

"..."

"..."

But surprisingly, the two before him offered no reaction.

They simply waved him goodbye—Amal with a cheerful flutter of her fingers, Sinbad with a dignified nod—and turned to leave.

The massive gates swung closed behind them, leaving their Sultan utterly gobsmacked.

’...what?’