**Chapter 21: Triumphant Return**

The group made their way back to Peach's castle, tired but exhilarated from their victory over Bowser. As they approached the castle gates, they were greeted by a sea of cheering Toads, all waving flags and banners with the Mario brothers' iconic "M" logo emblazoned on them. Toadette was among them, her eyes shining with excitement as she waved a sign that read "Heroes Welcome!" Peach smiled warmly as she waved to her subjects, basking in the adoration of her people. Mario, Luigi, and Toad grinned, enjoying the celebration. As they entered the castle, Toadsworth emerged from the crowd, a look of pride on his face. But as he approached the group, his expression faltered, and he looked... off. His eyes seemed glazed, and his usually cheerful demeanor was replaced by a strange, robotic stiffness. "Ah, welcome back, everyone," Toadsworth said, his voice lacking its usual warmth. "I... I must say, I'm impressed. You managed to defeat Bowser, just as... as planned." Mario, Luigi, and Peach exchanged a confused glance. Something was wrong with Toadsworth. "Toadsworth, what's going on?" Peach asked, taking a step forward. Toadsworth's eyes flickered, and for a moment, the group saw a glimmer of his usual self. "I... I don't know, Your Highness," he said, his voice cracking. "I feel... I feel like I've been doing something terrible, but I couldn't stop myself. Kamek... he's been controlling me, using some sort of mind control spell. I tried to resist, but I couldn't... I couldn't fight it." The group gasped in shock. Kamek, Bowser's right-hand minion, was notorious for his cunning and magical prowess. "Kamek's mind control?" Luigi repeated, his eyes narrowing. "That means he must have been working with Bowser all along." Peach's face set in determination. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Toadsworth. You're safe now. We'll find a way to break the spell and free you from Kamek's control." Toadsworth nodded, a look of relief washing over his face. "Thank you, Your Highness. I... I'm sorry for what I may have done while under Kamek's control." The group surrounded Toadsworth, offering him comfort and support. As they stood there, they knew that their victory over Bowser was only the beginning. They still had to deal with Kamek and break the mind control spell that had manipulated Toadsworth. But for now, they could bask in the joy of their triumph, and the knowledge that they had saved the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser's evil clutches. The celebration continued, with Toadette and the other Toads cheering and congratulating the heroes on their victory.