Lina has retreated to her room. The space, once her refuge, suddenly feels suffocating. As she stares at the ceiling of her canopy bed, a sense of tornness washes over her, caught between the world she lives in and the one she longs for. The courtly friendships, nothing more than finely woven nets of obligations and expectations, stand in stark contrast to the open and straightforward nature of the Brymbach brothers. In this brief, stolen time with Emmod and Novel, she has felt a glimpse of authenticity and an unusual freedom.

  Only the presence of Mister Red lifts her spirits a little.

  “Forgive my absence, but I’ve been watching them. They’re incredible,” he begins excitedly. “The older one, Emmod, has inhuman reflexes. He can be quite cheeky and brash, but the well-being of his family is his top priority. The younger one, Novel, can see in the dark as if it's broad daylight. He may not be the brightest bulb, often acting intuitively and thoughtlessly, but his heart is in the right pce,” he says, adding with amusement, “It would be best if you kept that to yourself. Otherwise, I’ll get into trouble with their mother.”

  “I’m never going to see them again anyway,” Lina says, turning onto her stomach before grabbing a pillow.

  “Sometimes I hate my life,” she says frustratedly into the pillow, followed by several seconds of silence.

  “I hope he’s okay,” Mister Red hears Lina mumble indistinctly.

  “Who? Novel?” he asks. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “But that kick wasn’t without consequences,” Lina admits, her voice ced with concern.

  “Oh, he’ll manage just fine,” Mister Red dismisses with a wave of his hand.

  “How have things been for you tely?” he redirects the conversation.

  “Awful,” Lina begins, sitting up straight. “No matter where Vyncent and I went, we could only go accompanied by Greynyx, Enryn, Stewart, or Suse,” she recounts. “Father threw things at me when I compined about it. But that’s not all.”

  “What else?” Mister Red asks.

  “That same evening, after the attacks in the Merchant District, Father summoned all the officers for a meeting. They concluded that there is a traitor in our inner circle—someone pying both sides and leaking information. And this has been going on since Father came to power.”

  Then she recounts the final moments of the officers' meeting.

  Riffin cleared his throat.

  “My King, how should we proceed?” he attempted to break the tense silence. “How do we find this traitor?”

  Edmur fixed him with a piercing gaze.

  “Watch everyone. Trust no one. Every little detail or seemingly insignificant piece of information could be the key to finding the traitor.”

  The officers nodded, though the air was heavy with fear and suspicion. As they rose, they cast wary gnces over their shoulders, trusting no one. The betrayal wounded Edmur so deeply that he began accusing everyone of treachery, coming up with the most absurd allegations.

  “Mother decided that he needed a break, which is why they practically disappeared overnight, without many being informed.”Mister Red strokes his chin in thought.“Why were the two of them even gone?” he then asks, intrigued.“Because Father completely lost it,” Lina replies. “Only Mother could calm him down and convince him to retreat for a few days,” she expins. “They went away for a few days, but we don’t know where. They took numerous soldiers with them and only said that they would be back soon.”This matter leaves Mister Red pensive, while Lina has already moved on with her thoughts.

  “That evening, they discovered something else,” Lina says, pulling Mister Red out of his thoughts.“It wasn’t directly the Crusaders who attacked us in the marketpce,” Lina expins. “It were sves. Sves of the Warlord Jemose Sabknathu from Saharka, who were merely disguised as Crusaders. They were being used by them.”

  “That can’t be true,” Mister Red says in shock.“At least that’s what Albes thinks. The Crusaders freed the sves but made them fight for them in return,” she expins. “Do you believe that too? Or do you think this Jemose simply handed over his sves? I tried to learn more about him, but there’s nothing written about him anywhere. No one else could tell me anything about him either.”“I don’t know his story either, but one thing is certain,” Mister Red begins. “The civil war in Saharka won’t st forever,” he says. “Just like the Four-Crown War, which ended 15 years ago, the story that follows will be written by the victor. It has always been that way, and it always will be. Is Jemose a barbaric and bloodthirsty leader who does everything in his power to become the new ruler of Saharka, or is he a true, civilized leader trying to reunite a broken country? Time will tell,” he eborates. “Once the new ruler of Saharka is established, we will see what role Jemose pys in this whole game. Until then, it does little good to ponder it.”Suddenly, there’s a knock at their door.

  “Lina,” Cecie begins from outside. “Your parents will be arriving shortly.”Lina snorts.“I’ll be right there,” she calls back.“Cecie,” Mister Red says happily.“Yes,” Lina replies, less enthusiastically.“I haven’t seen her in ages…” he says, but she steps in before he can finish.“We don’t have time,” Cecie says hurriedly, before she abruptly stops. “Is that…?”“Mister Red. He’s back,” Lina says, then pauses and nervously starts fiddling with the hem of her dress.“Cecie,” she begins, “I’m sorry. My behavior towards you was not appropriate.”Lina’s apology comes about a month too te.“It’s alright. I’m just gd he’s okay,” Cecie replies emotionlessly, to which Lina only offers a regretful smile.Since Mister Red’s disappearance, Lina had treated Cecie as if she were air, which deeply hurt Cecie since she considers Lina her only friend in the castle.But there’s no time for that now as they hear the familiar sound of carriage wheels on gravel—a sign of Lina’s parents’ return.

  Edmur and Joane have made good use of their time together to reflect on everything calmly and take a break from their daily lives. However, Lina’s stories at dinner plunge them back into the midst of events faster than they would like. Their daughter tells them about the brothers named Emmod and Novel, who not only returned Mister Red but also her forehead chain. But Edmur's first reaction is not what Lina had hoped for.Edmur sees only the negative and not the positive.“Has it been verified that it’s real, Stewart?” he asks.“Nothing suggests it’s a forgery, my King,” Stewart replies.“They should be punished for their foolishness,” Edmur says.“They are headstrong boys, like most at their age. Do you really want to punish them for what is inherently in their nature?” Joane counters.“They should already know their pce at a young age,” Edmur retorts.“But Father, it was my…,” Lina begins, but Vyncent interrupts her.“That won’t be necessary, Father,” he says.“You’re contradicting me, son,” Edmur observes with dissatisfaction.“No,” Vyncent replies calmly. “I agree with you. But his punishment has already been carried out.”“How?” Edmur asks sharply.“Well, I kicked him in the face, which caused him to start bleeding and nearly cry,” Vyncent replies, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “I think that behavior will be put aside in the future.”With an arched eyebrow, Edmur’s gaze shifts to Stewart, who stands in the background with his arms behind his back.“How did it come to that?” he asks him directly.“I was careless, my King,” Stewart answers submissively. “My apologies.”“But it wasn’t his fault,” Vyncent defends him, causing Edmur’s gaze to slowly shift to him.“The boy apparently just wanted to greet me, and I misjudged the situation.”Is that supposed to be an apology? Lina thinks, visibly surprised by her brother.After a moment of thought, Edmur sighs.“Fine,” he begins. “What’s done is done,” he says. “What were their names?”“I don’t remember,” Stewart says, scratching his temple.“That’s extremely inconvenient, Stewart.”“Brymbach,” Lina interjects. “Emmod and Novel Brymbach. But why do you need their names?” she asks suspiciously.Edmur wipes the st bits of wild boar from his mouth.“Because your brother will apologize to them before this incident becomes public,” he says, standing up.“Apologize? For what?!” Vyncent protests.“Because the children will remember when they are older and you will be king,” Edmur expins. “Do you think they want a king who treats his people like dirt? What do you think people think of me? A son who behaves this way… Where did he learn that? How terrible must his parents be? That will spread.” Edmur warns. “And if the High Council catches wind of it… I would prefer to avoid giving them any wrong ideas.” he continues. “That’s why it’s so important for us as a family, and even more so as a royal family, not to act out of line. We need to make a good impression on the citizens during the rare opportunities that arise.”

  Then his gaze briefly meets the admonishing eyes of his wife, and he sighs.“Sometimes you have to admit your mistakes,” he continues. “And that’s what I’m doing now.I’m sorry for how I’ve behaved towards you. The st few weeks have been hard to digest. You deserve better, and you will receive better.”His children then look at him with hopeful expressions before he clears his throat.“Forgive me,” Edmur asks seriously, and Lina and Vyncent accept his apology with a nod.“Alright, Ed,” Joane interrupts. “But what do you envision for your son’s apology? He apologizes, and that’s it? What if they demand gold to keep quiet about the incident?”“Are you really worried about something so trivial?” Edmur ughs. “I see it quite differently. As it stands, they don’t seem to be bad people. They returned your forehead chain voluntarily, didn’t they?” he asks, to which Lina nods slightly.“That’s why it’s all the more important to apologize to them in person before they even think about forcing us. I would prefer to have people like them behind us instead of against us,” he speaks now with a much more authoritative tone.“Alright,” Vyncent sighs. “I’ll apologize.”“I’ll accompany you,” Joane says. “And get a personal feel for their intentions. Where can we find them?”“I can assist with that,” Stewart replies and will take care of the rest.“Then that’s settled,” Edmur says, satisfied.Following that, Lina and Vyncent go to their rooms together. On the way, they remain silent towards each other. It’s only when they stand in front of Vyncent’s room that Lina hugs him tightly. She had wanted to do this earlier but had to ensure no one noticed.Yet this still surprises Lina’s big brother.“What’s this all about?” he asks, puzzled.“If you hadn’t stood up for them, they would surely have been in big trouble,” Lina replies.“I didn’t do it for them,” he counters. “And that’s what siblings do, right?”“Sorry for my loose tongue earlier,” Lina says.“I know nothing else,” Vyncent replies ironically, and she hugs him a bit tighter.“But now that’s enough sibling love for a year,” Vyncent concludes.

  The next day, there’s a knock at the Brymbachs' front door."Just a moment," Emina calls out from the kitchen.But the knocking continues, each time louder and more forceful than before."Just a moment!" Emina now shouts towards the door, but the pounding doesn't stop.She throws her kitchen towel onto the dining table and rushes to the door."If this is some kind of bad joke, just you wait..." Emina thunders loudly before opening the door. She freezes."W-W-What is the meaning of this?!" she stammers.Standing in front of her door is a carriage pulled by four horses. Two royal guards, Enryn and Piersym, are positioned in front of the carriage door. A dozen more soldiers, led by the officer of the Whitepool District, Annet Walurg, secure the area around the house.Emina colpses to the ground, suddenly bursting into tears as she grabs Annet's arm."Whatever happened yesterday," she says, "I apologize for their behavior and will take the entire punishment. But please, spare my sons...""Please stand up and let me expin," Annet tries to help her back to her feet, "and let go of me," she says, but Emina's loud sobbing drowns out her words.This goes on for several more seconds until Novel rushes down the stairs, where he sees his mother kneeling and crying."Mom. W-What's going on?" he asks groggily, as if he hadn’t just been taking a nap.The doctor hadn’t prescribed Novel bed rest the day before. Unfortunately for him, his mother had, and he abruptly stops at the doorway."Oh," he says awkwardly."I recognize you," Annet says with a hint of weary acknowledgment.

  His older brother isn’t home. He's training in the forest, and at that moment, Novel wishes for nothing more than to be with him. After what happened to Novel, it became clear to Emmod that the two brothers still had plenty of training ahead of them. At the same time, he realized that Vyncent had likely aimed directly for the temple, a critical nerve point—knowledge that, according to their uncle, only the world’s best fighters possess. Either the Prince of Rilgohin belonged to that elite group of fighters, or the royal guards had taught him. The brothers assumed the tter since the royal guards were undoubtedly part of that elite, entrusted with the personal protection of the royal family. Regardless, Emmod had resolved not to let Vyncent off so easily next time, should he even y a finger on his little brother.

  “For heaven’s sake, dear woman, please don’t make a fool of yourself,” Emina hears an unfamiliar female voice, prompting her to look up.Joane steps elegantly out of the carriage."Neither you nor your sons are in any danger," she says, now standing directly in front of them.Emina wipes the mucus and tears from her face and first notices a golden wedding ring on the woman’s finger. Finally, she recognizes the person wearing it."M-My… My Queen," she stammers, bowing deeply.

  A quick gnce at Novel, followed by a swift nudge, signaled him to bow as well, though his bow was much shorter."Please, my dy," Joane says, "Your pce is not on the ground."

  "Your visit honors us," says Emina after Annet helps her to her feet. "But why is it necessary if not to punish us?""My son..." Joane begins, "...wanted to speak with your son."Vyncent lets out a deep sigh before forcing himself to open the door and step outside.Again, Emina and Novel bow briefly, though this time their bow is more forced than before.Vyncent steps forward to the door."Hello, Movel.""Novel!" he quickly corrects, standing up straighter."Novel... right," Vyncent says, his voice sounding as though he were at a funeral."Yesterday, in the courtyard... I misjudged the situation and acted hastily," he begins hesitantly, briefly gncing to the side. "I thought you were harassing my sister."‘Harassing? What is he talking about?’ Novel thinks to himself."Vynce," Joane reprimands him, with a hint of accusation in her eyes.He takes a deep breath, his shoulders rising and falling."Lina expined everything to me, and I realized my mistake," Vyncent continues. "Anyway, I just wanted to apologize for that. I hope the injury isn’t too bad."His gaze is fleeting as he looks directly at Novel, a mix of regret and reluctance, as though forced into this realization.But as he takes a closer look at the injury, his eyebrows raise in surprise and suspicion—much like the doctor who examined Novel the day before, just after the css outing. Despite arriving with a thick bandage, the injury had, as if by magic, almost completely healed. Today, only a small wound remains, surrounded by dried blood.Novel and Emina are simirly surprised, though for different reasons.It all seems too good to be true.In fact, the Brymbachs had expected everything—except an apology.Novel had already resigned himself to the idea that yesterday’s incident would be bmed on him, and now the apology was coming from the person he least expected. They wouldn’t have believed it themselves if it had been printed in yesterday's edition of the Globus newspaper."Are you really sure about this, my Queen?" Emina asks, looking at Joane."We also wanted to thank your son for returning my daughter's forehead chain," Joane says.

  "And Mister Red," Novel adds. "Her most loyal and best friend.""What are you talking about?" Vyncent snaps, thinking Novel is mocking his little sister, but he receives a calming nudge from his mother."Right," Joane sighs. "The squirrel as well," she adds, somewhat resigned. "My daughter was deeply pleased by these gestures. Even my husband and I must admit that they were driven by selflessness. Still, your son was wronged, and we wish to make amends while also rewarding his good deeds.""Reward? In what way?" Emina asks."Whatever your son, Novel, wishes," Joane replies.Novel can hardly believe it. Unlike Emina, who still remains pessimistic about the situation, ten things have already sprung to his mind that he would like."Gold, jewelry, a house in the King's District," Joane lists a few options. "Name your price."Novel’s eyes light up. "Just a moment ago, I thought my time had come, and now I’m being rewarded," he says excitedly."That’s all well and good, Novel, but we shouldn't rush into a decision, do you hear me?" Emina cautions."You mean we should just ignore this amazing offer?" Novel counters."You really couldn’t have put it better," Emina replies with irony, now finding herself in a difficult position. "You should simply think it over thoroughly before making your decision. Surely, we can postpone this matter...""Unfortunately..." Joane interrupts sharply, "...my family doesn’t have the luxury of risking this trip to your home every week," she says, fshing a false smile."T-That won’t be necessary," Emina stammers. "Once Novel has made his decision, we can come to the castle and inform you.""That won’t be necessary either," Novel says firmly. "I’ve already decided."Everyone widens their eyes in surprise.

  "Lina comes with Emmod and me to the sea."All jaws drop in astonishment."I told you to think it over carefully!" Emina scolds."That’s the dumbest idea..." Vyncent begins."There are so many other possibilities..." Annet speaks up loudly."But that’s what I want," Novel insists."Now listen here, you..." Vyncent starts again, raising his finger, but Joane quickly swats it away."I will consult my husband, and we will work to resolve all the uncertainties," Joane decres decisively. "Expect our message," she adds in conclusion.Without further discussion, Emina and Novel bow in farewell.Annet whistles, and the other soldiers gather, preparing for their return journey."Did you seriously mean that just now?" Vyncent asks his mother in the carriage. "I mean, are you really going to talk to Father about this?"

  "Are you serious??" Edmur asks his wife after she reys young Brymbach's request to him that evening. Joane had previously asked for a private conversation, as they had agreed to discuss important matters in private during their time of recovery. This way, the traitor in their ranks might be more easily discovered, and it would make it harder for that person to pass information outside.

  Edmur and Joane had retreated to their bedroom, which was adjacent to the king's chambers. Royal guards Adwar and Piersym stood outside the door to keep any unwanted intruders away.In their bedroom stood a monumental canopy bed with carefully draped curtains, and the top of the bed was adorned with four bouquets of white ostrich feathers. The furniture was vish and richly gilded."Did you really mean that?" Edmur asks again."Do you really want to deny her this after the debacle at her birthday?" Joane responds."Yes.""Ed.""You do realize they might not have good intentions?" Edmur asks."I doubt that," Joane replies. "I know children, and I saw it in his eyes. Trust me on this. I saw purity in his eyes. At least do it for Lina. How many times has she talked about wanting to go to the sea? And the boy hears this during their first meeting and immediately puts it above everything else.""I remember their first meeting differently," Edmur says."This boy’s selflessness fascinates me, Ed," Joane responds. "That’s why I wanted an immediate decision. Of course, we could have sent them an envoy every day until they made up their minds. But this response, on the spot and without outside influence, shows that he’s not plotting anything bad. He might just want to be friends with our daughter.""Or maybe he has more in mind than just that, don’t you think?""He’s a child, even younger than Lina," Joane says indignantly. "This could be Lina’s first real, same-age friend. It would surely do her good. You can’t keep her locked up forever.""And what about his parents?" Edmur asks. "Any sign they’re connected to the Crusaders?""Only his mother was there, and she didn’t give that impression," Joane answers. "I can’t say anything about the father."Edmur still isn’t convinced, so Joane has to find other arguments.A thought strikes her as she notices the open newspaper, the current edition of the Globus newspaper."You must have read it," she says with a smile. "The citizens have praised our daughter’s unconventional behavior overall," she says. "There were even questions about the individual personalities behind our public roles.""Unfortunately, it was overshadowed by the explosions in the city," Edmur responds dismissively."Nevertheless," he continues, "I hate to admit it, but Lina did well. She deserves a reward for that."Joane’s face lights up, as just a week ago, Edmur would have reacted very differently."But we shouldn’t make a big deal out of it," he warns. "Such an opportunity would be perfect for the Crusaders if they found out, and who knows what they might do. The only ones who should know about this are the two of us and our guards," he continues. "They should leave early in the morning by carriage, before sunrise," Edmur begins abruptly. "Off the known paths, preferably through the forests, where the area is less exposed. They should be back before sundown. And another condition is that...""Ed..." Joane interrupts him, causing him to pause mid-sentence. "First, we should ask Lina how she feels about it.""Oh, of course, Lina," Edmur realizes and hurries out of the room to tell her.

  Lina’s joyful leaps were recognized by her parents as a nonverbal acceptance.The Brymbachs learned of it the next day, in rainy weather, from an envoy—none other than Enryn Barber. He expined the details. However, unusually, he wasn’t wearing the attire of the royal guard but a simple pair of dark trousers and a dark cloak. He had pulled up his hood, not only to protect his tousled blonde hair from the rain but also to maintain discretion about his mission—no one was to know about this meeting.Enryn remained inconspicuous from the moment he set out until his return to the castle, keeping his head down to avoid drawing attention. At the doorstep, he outlined the pn Edmur and Joane had devised to ensure the day went smoothly and successfully for everyone involved.“The prince will be accompanying them as well,” Enryn said.“Great,” Emmod and Novel responded sarcastically.“And I’ll be there too, to keep an eye on them,” Enryn added.“Then they’re in good hands,” Emina said with a dreamy smile, twirling a strand of her hair.Novel agreed without hesitation. Emmod was more reluctant at first, but he knew his brother too well. Novel might act inappropriately or impulsively say something thoughtless, leading to a situation simir to their css outing. Emmod wanted to avoid that, though their mother remained skeptical about the whole affair.After all, her entire upbringing of Emmod and Novel had been aimed at keeping them as far away from anything reted to the king, and thus to Londe, as possible.Given their unique abilities, she feared nothing more than having her children taken from her—just as it had happened to the father of Emmod and Novel.It was a tough decision, but she ultimately agreed after hearing the conditions.“You are not to utter a word about this meeting or the upcoming day. Should any information leak, I cannot guarantee the safety of your sons,” Enryn expined.That suited Emina perfectly, as the st thing she wanted was the whole city learning about it.That could make her family a target—and not just for the royal family...After Enryn left, Emina impressed upon her sons the urgency of this condition. They were to tell no one—absolutely no one—about the upcoming day. Nor were they to reveal a word about their abilities.“Not to the handsome man, not to the prince, not to the king or queen, and not even to Lina. No matter how well you get along with them,” Emina warned.For Emmod and Novel, it was already a taboo to tell outsiders about it. Although there had been moments in their lives when they unconsciously and unintentionally revealed their abilities, no one had ever truly suspected there was more behind it.

  Lina's joyful leaps are recognized by her parents as a nonverbal confirmation of her excitement.

  The next day, in rainy weather, the Brymbachs are informed by an envoy—none other than Enryn Barber. He expins the details of the pn, but unusually, he isn’t wearing his royal guard uniform. Instead, he’s dressed in a simple pair of dark trousers and a dark cloak. His hood is pulled up, shielding his tousled blonde hair from the rain and maintaining the discretion required for his mission. No one is supposed to know about this meeting.

  Enryn keeps a low profile from the moment he leaves the castle until his return, his head bowed to avoid drawing attention. When he reaches the doorstep, he begins outlining the pn that Edmur and Joane had crafted to ensure the day would proceed smoothly for all involved.

  “The prince will be accompanying them as well,” Enryn states.

  “Great,” Emmod and Novel reply sarcastically.

  “And I’ll be there too, to watch over them,” Enryn adds.

  “Then they’re in good hands,” Emina responds, smiling dreamily as she twirls a lock of her hair.

  Novel agrees immediately, without hesitation. Emmod, however, is more reluctant at first. But he knows his brother too well—Novel might act out or impulsively say something that would lead to another situation like the one during their css outing. Emmod wants to prevent that, even though their mother remains skeptical about the entire arrangement.

  Emina's hesitation stems from her deeply ingrained fear that has guided the upbringing of her sons. Her entire focus has been on keeping Emmod and Novel as far away from the royal family and Londe as possible. Given their unique abilities, her greatest fear is that her children might be taken from her—just like what happened to their father.

  It’s a difficult decision for her, but after hearing the conditions, she finally agrees.

  “You must not speak a word about this meeting or the upcoming day,” Enryn warns. “If any information gets out, I can’t guarantee the safety of your sons.”

  This stipution suits Emina perfectly. The st thing she wants is for the entire city to know about this outing. Such a revetion could make her family a target—and not only for the royal family.

  After Enryn departs, Emina impresses upon her sons just how crucial this secrecy is. They are to tell no one—absolutely no one—about the upcoming day. Nor should they reveal anything about their abilities.

  “Not to the handsome man, not to the prince, not to the king, queen, and not even to Lina. No matter how close you become with them,” Emina cautions.

  For Emmod and Novel, it has always been taboo to speak about their powers to outsiders. Though there have been times when they’ve unconsciously revealed their abilities, no one has ever seriously suspected there was more to them.

  “I don’t get it,” Vyncent says to his parents. “I’ve already apologized. Why do I have to go with them again?”

  “You’re her older brother, and, uh…” Edmur starts, searching for an expnation.

  “And it will be good for you to get out of the castle for a while,” Joane adds. “Who knows, maybe you’ll even make friends with them.”

  “Yeah, right,” Vyncent replies sarcastically. “Where’s this sudden change of heart coming from? Just a few days ago, you didn’t want us leaving the castle at all,” Vyncent turns directly to his father.

  “The people want and need a strong ruler,” Edmur expins. “If we keep hiding away, it could give the wrong impression. We can’t show weakness or let ourselves be deterred by incidents like this. This is the only way forward. You’ve grown strong and tall, my son. It’s time for you to take on more responsibility.”