They walked slowly along the golden sands on their way back to the castle. The air was calm, sending a feeling of reassurance; this stillness and serenity amid the desert stretching across the distant horizon gave them an unparalleled sense of peace. It was a remarkable night—so remarkable, in fact, that even the demonic monsters had not crossed their path.
The redness of the sky had begun to fade, replaced by a deep blue canopy studded with stars of every hue, for the time of sunrise had not yet arrived.
After walking on foot for a long while, they finally stood before the castle, each gazing up at the balcony of their own chamber. They were weary from the journey and could now sleep in peace.
Rein looked at Selene, and she nodded as she grasped what he meant. Rein lifted her in his arms and leapt straight onto the girls' balcony. Then he stepped back and leapt onto the neighboring balcony where the boys' quarters lay. Each waved to the other, then entered through the door and lay down on his bed, drifting immediately into slumber—having stayed up past bedtime, there was little time left before morning.
In the girls' chamber everyone still slept except for Mona, whose face bore clear marks of upset and sorrow. Yes, she had been able to spot two figures at the balcony window—she had heard footsteps, and they turned out to be Rein and Selene. Mona wondered what they were doing out so late and whether they had been outside. Doubts nagged at her, but she decided to ignore them despite the sadness and displeasure evident in her expression. She, too, returned to sleep, determined to wake refreshed in the morning.
No sooner had morning come than everyone awoke and gathered around the table to breakfast beside King Ethan. As usual, energy shone on their faces—everyone, that is, except Rein and Selene, still showing signs of fatigue from their late-night wanderings. Dark circles framed their eyes.
All present noticed immediately. Lina asked Rein,
"Rein, you look tired and sluggish, and those dark circles—didn't you sleep last night?"
Rein looked at her and replied with a wry smile,
"Honestly, I couldn't sleep until dawn, so I'm a bit exhausted now. Once I've eaten, I'll be back to myself in no time."
Everyone's gaze shifted to Rein until Mona directed her question to Selene,
"Selene, you look worn out, too. Didn't you sleep either?"
Selene answered,
"Yes, I did—but I woke late, since sleep eluded me until morning. But don't worry—I'm fine now."
After a lengthy discussion, the servants finally began bringing dish after dish until the table was completely laden.
Then Ethan spoke up,
"Please, help yourselves. No need to wait for me."
Oran responded,
"Thank you for your kindness, my lord."
Ethan chuckled softly,
"No need for formalities—we all know each other well by now."
Everyone smiled at Ethan and began eating. The atmosphere was calm and pleasant, with each person eating quietly and contentedly.
Once the meal progressed, conversation resumed.
Ethan asked,
"What are your plans at present? Will you continue as you are?"
The young men exchanged glances, and Rein spoke first,
"As for our journey to the Southern Forest, we'll set out at dawn tomorrow."
All were taken aback by Rein's words. It had been planned to depart for the Southern Forest a month from now, yet only a week had passed since their arrival.
Oran asked,
"Why the hurry, Rein? It's only been a week here—what prompted this sudden decision?"
Leon added,
"He's right—why leave so abruptly?"
Rein replied,
"Though sudden, it's the right decision for now. We haven't made any progress in our quest here. And as King Ethan mentioned, there are forces in the Southern Forest that slaughter those demonic monsters lurking in the mists. We must investigate them first—they might possess knowledge unknown to us. We'll make greater strides if we hasten there. If we find nothing, we can return to the desert or continue our journey through the Seven Regions until we catch a lead. What do you think? It's up to you—if you'd rather stay, so be it; this is merely a suggestion."
After much thought, everyone agreed Rein's plan was sound, and tomorrow at dawn they would resume their journey toward a land none of them had ever set foot in.
Their discussion flowed smoothly until Ethan spoke again, silencing them all,
"I object."
That single declaration fell like a stone in the quiet hall. Finally, Oran pressed him for an explanation:
"May I ask why you object, sire?"
Ethan answered,
"You will not depart until my eldest son arrives—he is expected this evening. I want you to take him with you if you discover any clues or truths, so he can keep me informed and I can know of your well-being."
These words plunged everyone into astonishment. Oran asked,
"Is that all, sire? You might have told us—we would never have refused. We thought you were blocking our path altogether."
Ethan laughed lightly,
"Ha ha… my apology—it seems you misunderstood."
Rein interjected gently,
"Did we misunderstand, or did you fail to clarify?"
Oran chuckled mockingly,
"Ha ha… alright. Since that's the case, we'll gladly bring him with us—and we'll protect him from any harm. Rest assured, he'll be in safe hands."
Ethan smiled wryly,
"What are you saying, Oran? I am not worried about my son—he is strong and capable. Yet I feel at ease knowing he will be wit
h you all."
Then Ethan inclined his head and said,
"Please… take care of him."
These words and actions from King Arian, ruler of the Western Desert region, can be seen or heard by no one except those in whom he places absolute trust.
It seems that these adventurers have now become among those in whom King Ethan also has blind confidence.
Oran said, "There is no need for that, my lord; it is our honor to stand by the Prince of the Desert."
Everyone responded in unison, "Indeed—we promise you he will be safe at our side."
Ethan then offered his sincere thanks. One of the guards came forward to whisper in his ear, then immediately departed, while King Ethan's eyes were filled with surprise.
Rein asked, astonished, "What is it, my lord? You seem taken aback."
Ethan murmured before answering, "It seems my son has arrived earlier than usual… He stands behind the door now."
Everyone was stunned, and Oran said, "Why not invite him to sit with us, then we can discuss matters together?"
Ethan pondered for a moment before agreeing to Oran's suggestion. He called out loudly, "You may enter!"
At that, the door began to open slowly, everyone's gaze fixed upon it. A tall figure stepped through, with short, silky black hair and dusky skin. He wore an all-white outfit, a yellow scarf wrapped around his neck, as though a sandstorm had caught him
on his way here.