Old Mr. Beanly, the King's messenger, shows up at Gimmick's House, inviting the Trio to a banquet in their honor for rescuing Prince Arin and Princess Aruzia (way back in Arc #1). The scatterbrained messenger then heads off to find the other person he's supposed to invite to the castle. Tweeg watches the Airship leave for King Nogburt's castle, and thinks the Trio are after the King's help to steal his gold recipe. Tweeg decides to follow, intent on relieving the King of some of the burden of his wealth. The Trio land at the castle, where we meet Eunice, the Court Physician, and learn that King Nogburt's land is suffering from a food shortage due to a terrible drought. Meanwhile, Tweeg and LB pose as painters in order to gain entry to the castle.