[Ding! Quest Completed]
[Name: Confrontation with Bhishma]
[Objective: Meet Bhishma and Address the Situation(Completed)]
[Description: Bhishma, the respected and powerful warrior of the Kuru dynasty, has arrived at the palace and is demanding to see you. It seems he's quite agitated and has already caused injuries to some of the soldiers. Meet with Bhishma and address his concerns to prevent further escalation.]
[Reward: Bhishma's Respect, Title: Gangaputra, Ultimate Skill Upgrade Card x1]
..
[Champa, Royal Palace]
Two figures were standing in front of each other staring at each other intensely. They were of course Radha Maa and Goddess Ganga who were famous "Mama Bears" of our story.
Karna observed the intense exchange between Radha Maa and Goddess Ganga, two powerful maternal figures in his life. Their presence held an air of authority and affection, a mix of stern protectiveness and genuine care.
"Radha, How are you~" Goddess Ganga's voice carried a playful tone as she addressed Radha Maa, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.
Radha Maa's expression softened as she regarded Goddess Ganga, her gaze a mixture of warmth and respect, but there was another feeling of caution in it. "Lady Ganga, it's been a while. I see you're still keeping an eye on MY son."
Goddess Ganga chuckled softly. "Of course, he's MY son after all."
Radha Maa's lips curved into a wry smile. "Oh, the eternal debate of who claims ownership over him continues."
Karna watched the exchange between the two powerful women with a mix of amusement and fondness. Their interactions always held an air of familiarity and banter that spoke to the depth of their relationship.
Radha Maa turned her gaze back to Goddess Ganga. "So, what brings you here now?"
Goddess Ganga's expression grew solemn. "I sensed a dangerous clash between Karna and Bhishma. Their clash of ideals could have led to devastating consequences."
Radha Maa's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what did you do?"
Goddess Ganga's gaze held a hint of mischief. "Oh, just a bit of divine intervention to stop their clash from causing too much damage. I created a barrier to contain Karna's attack."
Radha Maa's lips twitched into a half-smile. "You do have a flair for dramatics."
Goddess Ganga grinned. "It keeps things interesting, don't you think?"
After some time Karna left as he walked through the halls of the palace, his mind filled with the events that had unfolded earlier. The confrontation with Bhishma, the revelation of his connection to Goddess Ganga, and the intervention that had prevented a catastrophic clash—all these moments weighed heavily on his thoughts.
As he walked, he found himself in a familiar courtyard where his companions often gathered. Kamini, Brinda, Kali, Draupadi, and Scáthach were seated together, engaged in a lively conversation.
Their voices carried a mix of excitement and camaraderie, a reminder of the unconventional family that had formed over time.
Karna's approach didn't go unnoticed, and their gazes turned to him. Kamini's eyes lit up with a smile, and she waved him over. "Karna, come join us!"
Karna's lips curved into a warm smile as he approached the group. Taking a seat next to Kamini, he let out a sigh and leaned back, his expression a mixture of weariness and relief. "It's been quite a day."
Brinda chuckled softly. "Tell us about it. We saw the divine fireworks from a distance. What happened?"
Karna proceeded to recount the events that had unfolded—the confrontation with Bhishma, the intense battle that had almost spiralled out of control, and the intervention of Goddess Ganga to prevent disaster.
Draupadi's eyes widened as she listened, her expression shifting between awe and concern. "That sounds... intense."
Kamin's playful grin returned. "And here we thought you were just off for a casual chat with Bhishma."
Karna chuckled softly, his weariness giving way to a sense of camaraderie. "Well, it started as a chat, but you know how things can escalate."
Scáthach's gaze held a mix of curiosity and respect. "It seems you and Bhishma both possess formidable strength. To witness a battle of such calibre must have been quite the experience."
Karna's expression grew serious. "Yes, Bhishma is a warrior of great skill and conviction. Our clash wasn't driven by personal enmity, but rather by our differing beliefs."
Kali's voice carried a note of empathy. "Conflict arising from differences in beliefs can often be the most challenging to navigate."
Brinda's smile was warm and supportive. "But you managed to resolve it without causing further harm, thanks to Goddess Ganga's intervention."
Karna nodded, gratitude evident in his gaze. "Indeed, her intervention prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome. She's always been watching over me."
Draupadi's gaze softened as she regarded Karna. "It must be quite a unique bond you share with Goddess Ganga."
Brinda's curiosity got the better of her. "And what about Bhishma? How did he react after the intervention?"
Karna's expression turned thoughtful. "He left with a sense of contemplation. Our clash had challenged his beliefs just as much as it challenged mine. I hope that someday, we can find common ground."
Kamini placed a reassuring hand on Karna's shoulder. "You did your best, Karna. And even if you don't see eye to eye now, perhaps the seeds of understanding have been planted."
Karna's gaze met Kamini's, gratitude and determination evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Kamini. Your words mean a lot."
As the group continued to discuss the events of the day, Karna felt a sense of belonging and comfort that he had come to cherish. The bonds he had forged with these women were strong and enduring, and their support gave him the strength to face the challenges that lay ahead.
...
"Your Majesty! King Drupad is seeking your audience."
The voice of a palace messenger broke through the conversations in the courtyard, drawing everyone's attention.
"Oh! I almost forgot I think it is about our leaving for Panchal." Draupadi said with a sad smile.
"Well let's meet him first before saying anything. I think I will tell him about our 'Harem' plan~" Karna said with a teasing smile directed towards Kamini who blushed and nudged him playfully.
They all got up from their seats and made their way to the audience chamber where King Drupad was waiting. As they entered the chamber, Drupad's gaze shifted from one face to another, his expression a mixture of seriousness and warmth.
"Look how good you all look with each other-, Oh I can see a new face between you~"
Drupad's voice carried a mixture of surprise and curiosity as he observed the group. His gaze settled on Scáthach, who stood alongside Karna and the others, her aura one of strength and mystery.
Karna stepped forward, a respectful smile on his lips. "Your Majesty, allow me to introduce Scáthach, a warrior-queen from a different realm. She has recently joined us recently."
Karna took a seat in front of King Drupad, While Draupadi went and stood behind King Drupad. While others standing behind Karna.
Drupad's eyes held a mix of intrigue and appraisal as he regarded Scáthach. "A warrior-queen from a different realm, you say? This is indeed an interesting development. Welcome to our realm, I guess."
With that King Drupad's eyes again went towards Karna with a smile on his face he said, "You might have already heard from my daughter that we would be taking our leave for Panchal soon, So I just wanted to hear your response on my proposal earlier."
Karna nodded with a nervous smile on his face, "Actually about that-"
"Karna will marry all of us, Kamini, Kali, Brinda and Draupadi all together-" Draupadi said interrupting Karna.
"Me too!" Scáthach said with a smile and a mischievous glint in her eyes as she stepped forward. "I have joined this unconventional family, and I am ready to embrace our unique bond."
Drupad's brows furrowed slightly in surprise, processing the unexpected development. "Marry all of you together? This is a rather... unconventional proposal."
Karna's gaze held a mixture of determination and sincerity as he addressed King Drupad. "Your Majesty, I understand that this proposal might be unconventional, but our bond goes beyond traditional norms. We have formed a connection of trust, camaraderie, and support that transcends societal expectations. We believe that this union would not only strengthen our individual relationships but also contribute to the unity of our realms."
Kamin's voice was filled with conviction as she spoke up. "We want a marriage that is based on mutual respect, love, and shared goals. We want to show that there are different ways to form meaningful bonds and build strong families."
King Drupad's expression shifted from surprise to contemplation. He regarded the group before him, the sincerity in their words evident in their eyes. "I must admit, this is a proposal unlike any I have encountered before. But if all parties involved are in agreement and believe that this union is in their best interests, then who am I to stand in the way?"
Kamin's face lit up with joy as she exchanged glances with her companions. Karna's expression was a mix of gratitude and relief, and the other women wore smiles of anticipation.
"So when should we hold the marriage~" The tension in the room eased as everyone let out a collective breath they didn't even realize they were holding. Drupad's acceptance of the unconventional proposal was a significant milestone for them.
But the next question made everyone blush up a storm with Scáthach smiling amusingly trying to hide her red flushed face from everyone which Karna's eye caught.
Behind King Drupad, Draupadi's cheeks turned a shade of pink as she tried to maintain her composure.
Kamini's gaze flitted between the others, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement evident in her expression.
Brinda's eyes widened slightly, and she let out a nervous giggle, clearly taken off guard by the directness of the question.
Kali's playful grin returned as she leaned slightly toward Karna. "Well, Karna, any thoughts on that?"
Karna's cheeks tinged with a faint blush, but he maintained his composure as he replied with a touch of humour. "I believe that the timing of such a significant event should be a collective decision, don't you think?"
Scáthach's laughter rang out, her voice carrying a touch of playfulness. "Ah, the unity and shared decision-making begin even before the marriage. How intriguing."
King Drupad's expression shifted from curiosity to understanding, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Very well then, let us know when you have come to a decision on the timing of this... unique event."