Sabhmad Saluja

Sabhmad is shy, anxious and deeply uncomfortable with confrontation. He lacks the commanding presence expected of a royal official and can become overwhelmed when forced to speak before others.

His timidity should not be mistaken for indifference. Sabhmad is disturbed by Ahbmad's policies and feels genuine concern for Balbadd's citizens. He understands that the royal government's actions are unsustainable but initially lacks the courage to resist directly.

Alibaba's return forces Sabhmad to confront that weakness. His willingness to reveal information despite his fear marks one of the first meaningful acts of resistance from within Balbadd's palace.

Sabhmad is not established as a significant combatant. His importance comes from his access to the palace, knowledge of government decisions and position within the royal family.

As deputy king, he has direct exposure to Balbadd's financial and diplomatic affairs. This allows him to understand the kingdom's dependence on the Kou Empire and the consequences of Ahbmad's agreements.

His greatest contribution is therefore political intelligence rather than physical or magical power.

Sabhmad becomes important during the Balbadd Arc when Alibaba's struggle with the Fog Troupe brings him back into direct conflict with the royal government.

Unable to tolerate the direction of Ahbmad's rule, Sabhmad secretly reaches out to Alibaba and explains the severity of Balbadd's financial situation. He reveals how the government's reliance on Kou currency and mounting debts have left the kingdom vulnerable to increasingly extreme concessions.

His testimony gives Alibaba a clearer understanding of the forces behind Balbadd's crisis and helps shift the conflict away from a simple battle between the monarchy and the Fog Troupe toward the larger political manipulation surrounding both factions.

Ahbmad Saluja is Sabhmad's older half-brother and king. Sabhmad fears him but increasingly recognizes that his policies are destroying Balbadd.

Alibaba Saluja is Sabhmad's younger half-brother. Although they grow up under very different circumstances, Sabhmad ultimately trusts Alibaba with crucial information about the kingdom.

Rashid Saluja is Sabhmad's father and the former king of Balbadd.

Barkak is one of the veteran Balbadd officials associated with Sabhmad and the effort to address the kingdom's crisis.