The scene shifts to the next day. The morning sky was draped in soft shades of gold and blue as Kazuki, Darius, and the cart owner made their way back towards South Ryehem. The path ahead stretched long and quiet, with the distant outline of forests and rivers slowly receding behind them. The rhythmic creaking of the wheels and the occasional chirping of birds were the only sounds accompanying them for a while.
Darius, who had been quietly observing Kazuki for some time, finally spoke up, breaking the stillness."To be honest, young master… you gained nothing from this trip to the Elf Kingdom. No alliances, no treasures, no new power. Why did you even bother coming here?"
Kazuki, still gazing out at the road ahead, gave a faint, knowing smile. He let a moment pass before replying, his voice calm and precise."Darius, don't you think we all live for a goal — or perhaps multiple goals — in our lives? Some are clear, some hidden, and some only reveal themselves with time. And whether we realize it or not, every event we walk into, every decision we make, lays down threads for future events in ways we can't always predict."
Darius frowned slightly, intrigued despite himself."But what if those events lead nowhere? What if you gain nothing?"
Kazuki chuckled softly."In reality, the smartest move is to try the options that carry no harm but hold even a sliver of potential. Because by now, you would have already used the guaranteed, obvious paths. This journey… it wasn't about what could be seen or measured immediately. It was about planting seeds in soil no one else bothered to test."
He paused, leaning back against the cart's wooden frame, his eyes half-lidded in thought."My visit to the Elf Kingdom wasn't a waste, Darius. I may not have succeeded in one of my original goals — but I succeeded in others. And sometimes… that's all that matters. Success doesn't always need to be loud."
Darius was left momentarily speechless. The weight in Kazuki's words made him question if this boy was truly just a child of noble blood — or something far beyond that. Is this kid really a kid? he thought.
After a pause, Kazuki spoke again, this time in a quiet but firm tone."And Darius… I trust you'll keep this conversation between us. Don't mention a word of it to anyone in the royal family."
Darius straightened, giving a respectful nod."You have my word, young master."
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Kazuki's lips as he turned his gaze out of the cart window once more. The sun was higher now, casting its warm glow across the endless road.
It's all working… he thought to himself.
As the cart trundled further down the dirt path, the Elf Kingdom slowly disappeared from view, hidden by the rising hills and clusters of trees. Kazuki cast one last glance back, his sharp gaze lingering on the horizon where the kingdom once stood. Then he faced forward, his eyes carrying a cold, calculating glint.
North Ryehem… you've already lost.
The words echoed in his mind like a silent declaration, one only he could hear. The cart owner hummed a quiet tune as they continued their journey, blissfully unaware of the war of minds, ambitions, and futures being waged within the thoughts of the young prince seated behind him.