102: Venom

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As the Prince and the members of the White Lotus stood before the grand gates leading to the palace of the Betta's, Shoto was unsure how to address himself in case things go wrong. 

"Who goes there?!?!" 

"Ah– I–" 

"We are members of the White Lotus Organization, as we've come here specifically to speak to His Majesty, the Betta King!" Zeri exclaimed, making Shoto jump as he wasn't expecting them to speak for him. 

'Is that... going to work?' he thought, only to hear the gates start to rumble and clank open before them. 

"Huh, they actually opened the gates this time instead of making us charge in first." Ray noted. 

'They've done this before?' Shoto thought as he was still unsure of everything. 

"They probably opened the gates this quick because they know we came here with a purpose." Zeri pointed out as she took the lead for them to enter onto the grounds before the guards changed their minds to let them enter.

Before Shoto could even realize it, they eventually entered the palace and were walking through the deep and long halls of the palace while guards were in every direction. 

'Is this safe? It feels like there's more guards here compared to the East and West guards combined!' 

"Why hello, dear guests~" 

Shoto jerked his head forward, not expecting to see a man with tanned skin, striking red eyes and medium length hair as his shirt was unbuttoned enough to see his collarbone as he pranced towards them with a joyous smile on his face. 

( Note: This is what this man looked like! )

( Note: This is what this man looked like! )

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'This... Who is he?' 

That question was easily answered as Shoto witnessed the members of the White Lotus all begin to bow to the man as they all got down on one knee. 

"Your Majesty." they all spoke, leaving Shoto to be the only one standing there and looking like a fool. 

'Wait– He's... the King?!?!'

"It's been quite some time since I've seen all of you, and it seems some of the others couldn't make it here either? No matter, as it also seems like we have a new face before me." the man hummed as he focused his attention on Shoto who was still in awe to see that this man was the King of this Kingdom. 

"Hmm~ One eye is blue, the other brown, half your hair is red while the other side is white... Aha! You must be the incompetent Young Prince of the West, yes?" the man spoke. 

Shoto was surprised that a man he'd never met before knew exactly who he was, but things still didn't make sense for him. 

"I– I am, and you are... the King here?" 

"Ah– Hahahahaha~ You're a fast learner! Indeed, Young Prince, as I am Kuro Betta, and I am the King of the Betta Kingdom. A pleasure to make your acquaintance!" the man answered as he didn't seem to be taking any of this seriously.

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