When Kay Khosrow heard the sharp counsel and warnings of Zal, he paused in deep reflection. He resolved not to answer the venerable sage of Sistan with harshness, mindful that any offense given to Zal would grieve Rostam, the World-Champion whose lifelong sacrifices for Iran outweighed all royal treasures. Showing utmost grace, the King turned to the assembled paladins and nobles, speaking in a resonant, powerful voice.
The King swore solemnly by the Almighty Lord of the Universe that his soul remained untainted by demonic deception. Wisdom was his impenetrable armor against evil, and his heart burned only with longing for the Divine Presence. He then addressed Zal's critique regarding his Turanian lineage, reminding the court that while his maternal roots traced back to Afrasiab and Pashang, his paternal heritage flowed from the pure Siyavash, the glorious Kay Kavus, and the blessed Fereydun—noble roots of matchless majestic splendor.
Kay Khosrow articulated his profound motivation for abdicating the throne: he had fully exacted vengeance for his slain father, eradicated evil tyrants from the earth, and restored divine justice across the realm. With his worldly duty completed, he feared the insidious peril of prolonged absolute power. He remembered how pride had corruptively undone mighty monarchs like Jamshid and Kavus, casting them from grace, and how the wickedness of Zahhak and Tur brought hellish ruin upon mankind. Even his single combat against Shideh was borne of necessity, to fulfill a divine call when no champion stood ready.
He revealed that his five unbroken weeks of intense day-and-night prayer were an earnest petition to God to deliver his soul from the dark mire of worldly reign before hubris could taint his spirit. Kay Khosrow declared his utter satiation with armies, crowns, and imperial thrones, having packed his burden for the ultimate journey. He urged Zal not to misinterpret his pious quest as the snare of a demon, for his heart was solely focused on escaping divine wrath and securing eternal salvation.