Sun lay in his bed, his body weak but his mind sharp. The poison had taken its toll, but the rare herb Goldmane had retrieved had saved his life. His family visited him in pairs, offering words of encouragement and comfort.

  Queen Lana and Duchess Sina were the first to visit. "You’ve been through so much, Sun," his mother said, her voice soft but filled with pride. "But you’re strong. You’ll recover."

  Duchess Sina placed a hand on his shoulder, her sharp eyes filled with affection. "You’ve made me proud, grandson. But don’t push yourself too hard. Rest now."

  Princess Sixhonia and Lumina visited next. Sixhonia’s eyes were filled with guilt, but Lumina’s were bright with hope. "Sun, you’re going to be fine," Lumina said, her voice cheerful. "And when you’re better, we’ll play again!"

  Sixhonia hesitated, then spoke. "Sun, I… I’m sorry for everything. I never meant to cause you pain."

  Sun nodded, his voice weak but sincere. "We’ll talk later, Sixhonia. For now, I need to focus on recovering."

  --

  As Sun regained his strength, he realized the Spineless Brain had only one day of power left. He decided to use it wisely, ensuring the stability and loyalty of his kingdom.

  First, he focused on the local lion prides. Using the Spineless Brain, he mind-hacked the 26 lions in the wild, taming them subtly but leaving them in their natural habitat. They would serve as a hidden defense for Waltonia, loyal to him but free to roam.

  Next, he turned his attention to the soldiers in the capital city. With a single command, he mind-hacked all 4,200 soldiers, making their loyalty to him absolute. The process was swift and seamless, the soldiers’ eyes glazing over for a moment before returning to normal, their devotion unwavering.

  Finally, he focused on the Lion’s Mane children. He subtly implanted latent skills into their minds—combat techniques, strategic thinking, and leadership qualities—that would develop over time. They would become an elite team, loyal only to him. The children, unaware of the changes, continued their studies and training, their potential growing with each passing day.

  --

  Sun then summoned the Red Lion Guard and sent them into the city to search for masons, artisans, and workers. He also used the Spineless Brain to mind-hack a homeless man, commanding him to come to the palace.

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  The man arrived, his appearance ragged but his eyes sharp. He had a lean frame, a scruffy beard, and calloused hands that spoke of years of hard labor. The guards were skeptical, but Sun, watching from his balcony, called out, "Let him in."

  The man entered the palace, his steps hesitant but determined. Sun met him in the throne room, his presence commanding despite his weakened state.

  "What is your name?" Sun asked, his voice steady.

  "Joran, Your Majesty," the man replied, his voice rough but respectful.

  "Joran," Sun said, "I have a job for you. You will be the Chief Engineer of the Leo family."

  Using the Spineless Brain, Sun subtly implanted all the ancient engineering knowledge he had into Joran’s mind.

  "I… I accept, Your Majesty," Joran said, his voice filled with shock wondering why King Sun chose him since he doesn't know anything about the job.

  Sun nodded. "You’ll live here in the palace. The maids will prepare a room and fresh clothes for you. Welcome to the Leo family."

  ---

  Sun then ordered the Red Lion Guard to issue a recruitment application. Within a day, 756 people lined up outside the palace, eager to serve. Using the Spineless Brain’s group mind-hack ability, Sun made them all extremely loyal to him. The process was swift, the recruits’ eyes glazing over momentarily before returning to normal, their devotion absolute.

  ---

  The palace was bustling with activity. Queen Lana began warming up to Princess Sixhonia, impressed by her kindness and strength. "You’re not what I expected," the queen admitted. "You’re good for Sun."

  Xeona, however, was saddened by the princess’s growing acceptance. She continued visiting Sun, her affection for him evident. One day, she and Sixhonia had a private duel of words, their voices sharp but their emotions raw.

  "You don’t deserve him," Xeona said, her eyes filled with tears.

  "And you do?" Sixhonia countered, her voice steady. "I’m trying to make things right. What are you doing?"

  The tension between them lingered, but they both cared deeply for Sun.

  Duchess Sina spoiled Sun with gifts from surrounding nations—exotic fruits, fine silks, and rare artifacts. The palace was lively but peaceful, the Lion’s Mane children given exclusive access to any part of the palace as adoptive members of the Leo clan.

  The children, each with distinct personalities, often needed guidance and correction. The maids and Red Lion Guards acted as their parents, their patience and care shaping the children into disciplined yet joyful individuals.

  ---

  Sun allowed his lion pets—Goldmane, Shadowclaw, and Stormheart—to bring their families to the palace. The three lionesses and eight cubs added to the lively atmosphere, their playful antics bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. The children named the cubs, their laughter echoing through the halls.

  Lumina arranged a royal adoption ceremony for the lions, her excitement contagious. Sun observed from a distance, his heart warmed by the scene. But as the ceremony ended, he felt a pang of sadness. The Spineless Brain’s power had finally run out.

  ---

  Sun returned to his room, the Spineless Brain device on the table. He covered it with a cloth, his mind racing with thoughts. *It’s done,* he thought. *For a whole year, I won’t have its help.*