On the way back to the carriage, Lina takes full bme and responsibility.She speaks calmly but firmly, repeatedly pointing to herself, while Emmod and Novel walk silently behind her with their heads lowered.She apologizes for pying hide and seek after Enryn had fallen asleep and Vyncent had been far away. It was she who didn't want to tell the two of them, so she could py peacefully with Emmod and Novel, and it was only her who insisted on finding out what the gravestone was all about, even though Emmod and Novel advised against it.Enryn and Vyncent don't know that the events happened differently. That's why they accept her apology and leave Emmod and Novel in peace.'What matters is that you're safe,' Enryn says, pcing a reassuring hand on her shoulder before turning away.Lina blinks in surprise, while Emmod and Novel exchange questioning gnces, raising their eyebrows. They had expected an entirely different reaction, even from Vyncent.But in his thoughts, the unease about the discovery of the grave still lingers. Even the fact that Enryn, as a royal guard, simply fell asleep doesn't seem to bother him. He just wants to leave this pce as quickly as possible.Enryn, on the other hand, is more upset with himself than with the fact that Lina disappeared. Although he's greatly relieved to know she's safe, his thoughts now circle around the possibility that his position as a royal guard could come to a quick end if anyone found out about his ck of vigince.Nevertheless, Enryn has greater worries at the moment than losing his rank as a royal guard.

  Near the harbor, several dozen people are gathered with Nikos, curious and armed by the royal carriage at the roadside.Nikos made no effort to keep a low profile, as he didn't know that Enryn had overslept and missed their meeting—Nikos wouldn't have done so anyway.The quintet takes cover behind some trees, just a few meters away from the carriage."What do we do now?" Lina whispers tensely."I'll handle it," Enryn says decisively and heads toward the carriage.The four watch him intently.He is able to push his way through the crowd retively easily, since no one knows he belongs to the royal guard, because he's new to the post and isn't wearing the guard's uniform.

  "Are you mad?" the quartet hears someone grumble. And it could only be one person. Nikos is beside himself when Enryn stands in front of him and tells everyone present what a disgrace Enryn is. In no time at all, all eyes are on him.

  Enryn knows that Nikos would have been even harsher with him if he had found out he had fallen asleep. But for now, he needs to deal with the crowd."If you're looking for the prince and the princess..." Enryn begins without hesitation, "...they're over there by the beach," he says casually, directly to Nikos, whose eyes widen in surprise."Damn," Enryn mutters regretfully under his breath before the crowd immediately rushes off in the direction he pointed."And this guy calls himself a royal guard!" Nikos excims in disbelief."Come on, after them!" he shouts. "Or do you want to keep staring into the void like a lunatic while they—""Well done, Enryn," Vyncent says, appearing with the others behind him, causing Nikos to fall silent in confusion. The four quickly hop into the carriage before anyone notices them."Come on, Nikos. Or do you want to keep staring into the void like a lunatic?" Vyncent adds before closing the side door.Nikos is stunned."Thanks for pying along," Enryn adds, patting him on the shoulder."Clever guy," Nikos responds, sitting down beside him."You pyed your part well," Enryn replies ironically before turning serious again. "Our trip ends earlier than pnned. Instructions from the prince."

  Toward the end of the ride back, Vyncent makes them an offer."Shall we take you home?" he suggests. "It would be a detour for you to come to the castle first and then walk home from there, wouldn't it?"It's an unexpected offer, but Vyncent hopes that by making another quick stop at the Brymbach residence, he might learn more about their family."No, thanks, we can walk from here," Novel replies, causing Vyncent to narrow his eyes, not particurly pleased and suspicious of his motives."You don't want to ride in the carriage. You don't want any food from us. You don't want us to take you home. Do you think you're too good for us?!" he asks, incredulous."No, no," Emmod steps in, "That's not it. We're very grateful for your hospitality," he says, "But it's just that... uh, ...""We know the area so well that we can find our way even in the dark," Novel finishes his brother's sentence."You know your way even in the dark?" Vyncent asks, puzzled."Because we know this pce so well," Emmod crifies. "Almost better than our own home.""Know the steps," Novel adds with a forced ugh.Vyncent gives them a sharp look."Alright," he says with a shrug, tapping on the front window, causing the carriage to slow down and come to a stop."What?!" Lina jumps in, her eyes wide open. "It'll be dark by the time you get home. Are you sure you don't want us to take you?" she asks, concerned."Let them be, Lina, they're old enough," Vyncent says. "If they want to walk, it's not our problem.""But...,"Enryn opens the door."Everything alright?" he asks, uncertain."The two are getting out," Vyncent says nonchantly, gesturing to the brothers, prompting Enryn to look at them in surprise.But now, they have no choice but to follow through."We know this pce really well," Emmod says, stepping out of the carriage. Novel follows him.Enryn's bewildered gaze shifts from the Brymbachs to the Elmharts.Vyncent shrugs again, and Lina shows understanding.She also steps out of the carriage to say goodbye."Today was really nice," she says, smiling with bright eyes. "Thank you for making it possible."

  "Not worth mentioning," says Emmod, "It was a nice time and we enjoyed it"

  "Same here," Lina smiles warmly."Will we see each other again?" Novel asks uncertainly."I hope so," Lina replies, hugging them tightly, causing Vyncent to facepalm in embarrassment."Until next time," she says, climbing back into the carriage, which Enryn promptly closes.A quick nod with Enryn and a brief hand gesture toward the inside of the carriage bring their day together to an end.

  The sun bathes the horizon in a warm orange as the glowing clouds gradually give way to the dark blue of night.Meanwhile, in the castle courtyard, an entire battalion stands ready, awaiting the king's command to set out and ensure the long-overdue return of his children.But it doesn't come to that, as the archers stationed at the castle's front notice the royal carriage approaching.This is quickly reported to the king, who breathes a sigh of relief.The carriage comes to a stop in the middle of the courtyard, where Edmur and Joane are already waiting. Enryn gets off the carriage with a sigh before opening the side door.

  But suddenly, Lina swings it open with such force that it hits Enryn on the head, prompting suppressed ughter among those present.Lina doesn't notice, as she rushes straight to her parents and hugs them. She then begins to speak. With each word, she talks faster, and with every sentence, she grows more excited.

  "And you didn't have any stomach problems?" Joane asks first."No," Lina says happily, "Although I was pretty nervous, especially this morning.""That's wonderful," Joane says, pleased. "So, it was the right decision to go with them.""Yes. And then we were at this cliff...""You can tell us all about it over dinner, dear," Joane interrupts. "Come on, get changed, it's already te."Lina darts off toward the entrance hall, where Stewart and Suse are standing. In her excitement, she's already forgotten what her mother said five seconds ago and starts to give Stewart and Suse a quick summary of her day and what she did.Edmur and Joane hadn't seen Lina this happy in ages. Arm in arm, they watch and savor the sight of their overjoyed child.But their eldest doesn't share this enthusiasm."Can I have a word with you?" Vyncent asks wearily, leading them a bit away from the crowd."So, what are the two of them like?" Edmur asks curiously.

  "They're alright," Vyncent replies.

  "Vynce?" Joane probes. "Is something wrong?""I don't know," Vyncent replies, gncing over at his euphoric sister."Can't this wait until after dinner?" Edmur asks, longing for the roast boar."I'm not sure it can. I don't want to discuss it in front of her," Vyncent says, lost in thought as he looks at Lina."Then don't keep us in the dark," Edmur says firmly. "What is it about?"Vyncent sighs."You told me to find out more about their family. I think I've succeeded," Vyncent begins. "Novel, the younger of the two, mentioned their uncle who suddenly left on a journey a few days after the explosions at the marketpce. They don't even know where he went or how long he'll be gone.""And?" Edmur asks expectantly. "What does that matter?"Vyncent sighs again."Their uncle's name is 'Ko.'""Ko?" Edmur repeats, confused, as he and Joane raise their eyebrows suspiciously."That was my first reaction too," Vyncent says."Just Ko?" Edmur continues.Vyncent nods, which makes Edmur pause in thought."There are many names that start with 'Ko,'" Joane says hesitantly. "It doesn't necessarily have to be him.""That's true," Vyncent replies. "But it's not impossible either.""What makes you think that?" Joane asks."We found a grave in the forest, in a clearing. The name Wynfre was on it. The first name had been erased," he expins, and Edmur and Joane's eyes widen."Maybe it was just a coincidence...""I don't believe in coincidences," Edmur says, now more composed. "I'd very much like to meet this 'Ko'—and soon.""Father. Mother," Lina suddenly calls, pulling them out of their thoughts. "I have a request.""What is it, darling?" Joane asks, concerned."Can we invite Emmod and Novel over for dinner?" Lina asks. "So you can get to know them properly."Joane stammers at her daughter's request and shoots a nervous gnce at her husband.But his response even surprises her."I'd be delighted to meet them in person," he says with an unsettling smile.Emina had simir worries as Edmur about what terrible things could have happened to her children, so she feels a wave of relief when she sees her sons return safe and sound. She was already prepared to head to the castle at sunset to check on their well-being. No battalion could have stopped her if she had decided to handle it on her own, or so Emmod and Novel think.

  Two days ter, the king personally invites the Brymbachs to dine with his entire family at the castle.For a reason she doesn't share with her sons, Emina does not accept this invitation with joy. It's not that it isn't a kind gesture—any person, let alone an entire family, should feel fortunate to be invited to the castle. Dining with the royal family should be an honor for any ordinary person.But Emina knows that her family is not ordinary.Nevertheless, she allows her sons to accept the invitation and appears much more rexed than the st time. As an excuse for her absence, Emmod is instructed to say that she has fallen ill.So, two days after receiving the written invitation, Emmod and Novel set off for the castle on a humid te afternoon.The staff and soldiers greet them with murmurs and disdainful looks.Since the meal isn't ready yet, they have to pass the time differently."We could go to my room in the meantime," Lina suggests. But on the second floor, Novel notices something."Lina, what's in that room?" he asks curiously, pointing to a room at the end of the hallway. "We were denied access during our tour.""That's our mask room," Lina expins. "All the masks we've received as gifts or bought are kept there," she says mysteriously. "Do you want to see them?"Novel nods eagerly, and Emmod follows automatically as Lina and his younger brother head to the room. The room of Chef Recaprio is also located in this corridor.Lina opens the door, and the light from the hallway floods into the dark room, which has no windows."Wow, that's a lot," Novel marvels, and even Emmod is mildly impressed.The masks hang evenly spaced above and below one another on the room's four walls. Novel and Emmod move around the room, with Emmod being much more reserved than his brother, who would love to take a dder to get a closer look at the masks on the upper rows.Most of the masks in the room are death masks and masquerade ball masks, some resembling animals. However, they are outnumbered by those that resemble gods or demons."One mask is missing," Novel says as he inspects the rows, pointing to an empty pceholder on the wall."Unusual," Lina begins. "Father doesn't touch his trophies, as he calls them, and Mother is too superstitious to handle any of them. No one else is allowed in here without us, except under our supervision," she expins. "The missing mask should be from the Mad Mask Maker.""Mad?" Emmod asks."The Mad Mask Maker from Londe," she begins again. "He gained his fame by primarily making masks out of pstic. At the start of his career, he mainly made masks for the Akashas, who used them for their pys. With their help, they could transform into another face, a second one, that better express the emotions of their roles," she expins. "It didn't take long before wealthy people, who invited the performers to put on pys, also began to request new masks. For them, putting on a mask wasn't just about representing a god but about transforming their entire persona into one," she describes. "After that, the middle css and the poorer communities joined in. The ideas became increasingly bizarre and absurd. But the Mask Maker always had the right solution for every wish and need."

  "And how did he go mad?" Emmod asks eagerly."It's said that, after some time, spirits took possession of many of the masks and haunted their creator, as these masks increasingly bridged the gap between dream realities and the transcendental until they became one," Lina expins, captivated."That sounds a bit exaggerated, don't you think?" Emmod says skeptically."I wouldn't say that," Lina replies. "Ancient writings revealed that some ancient civilizations believed certain masks possessed special powers. The creation of these masks already involved magical ceremonies, and the mask makers had to follow certain rules. If those rules were not adhered to or were even scorned, the mask was usually destroyed, as evil spirits would inhabit it and haunt those who created and wore the mask!" she tells passionately. "The worst punishment befalls those who mock the gods.""And what do you think is the greatest mockery one can commit against them?" Emmod asks."Pretending to be one of them," Lina answers.

  "Look at me. I am the Demon of Guilt," Novel suddenly jokes in a hushed voice, wearing a devilish mask as he walks around with his arms raised.The mask is made of matte bck material, with distorted features and deep eye sockets. Red cracks run across its surface, resembling the marks of guilt and regret.Novel seems to have missed the memo."Novel! That mask is antique. Please put it back before..." Lina says in a high-pitched voice, but her attention now shifts to Emmod, who has also put on a mask."I am the God of Pride," he says cheerfully, puffing out his chest. This mask shines golden with sweeping lines and a majestic design. Its piercing eyes radiate a sense of superiority, embodying power and confidence."Demon of Guilt," Emmod continues, "your days are numbered.""Pride?" Novel replies. "What do you have to be proud of with that ugly mask you're wearing?"With that, Pride chases Guilt around in a circle."Emmod, that mask is made of delicate, natural materials," Lina says, worried."Don't be such a spoilsport, Lina," Novel says. "Let loose a little," he adds, causing Lina to hesitate."Nothing's going to happen," Novel assures. "And no one's getting hurt."But suddenly, Lina gestures toward the hallway. Emmod and Novel fall silent, watching the door. They neither hear further noises nor see anyone."There's no one there," Novel says, and they turn back to Lina before jumping in surprise."What's the matter?" Lina asks in a hushed voice. "Did I scare you?""What the hell is that?" Emmod responds fearfully."A death mask," she expins warmly. "From the st female pharaoh of Saharka, who lived hundreds of years ago—Tenefer Nesmenay."

  The mask is intricately decorated, conveying an impression of dignity and power, with golden accents and hieroglyphic inscriptions, but it is only a copy.

  "Uh, I have another idea," she says excitedly, putting down the death mask and putting on another one."Who are you now?" Novel asks, confused, as Lina turns back to them."The Tragic Sadness," she replies innocently, while her cheerful face is overshadowed by a mencholic expression. The mask has a shimmering surface that catches the light, and its eyes show deep sorrow."The Tragic Sadness?" Novel repeats. "Not sure if that's any better...""Speaking of tragic sadness," Emmod interrupts, "Any news from Mister Red?"Lina shakes her head."But I can't bme him. I wouldn't know how I would react if I found my own grave," she says, lost in thought.

  Their conversation is interrupted by a clearing of the throat."Stewart," Lina jumps in surprise as she sees him at the doorway.Stewart looks down at the three startled faces."Miss Elmhart. Gentlemen," he says. "We've been looking for you.""Sorry, Stewart," Lina begins as they all put the masks back. "We just wanted to...""You just wanted to have a little fun," he finishes her sentence understandingly, seemingly unbothered that they had approached the king's trophies."I didn't mean to interrupt," he says warmly. "But dinner is prepared. Your parents and your brother are waiting for you downstairs."

  As a result, they walk to the dining room together with Stewart.Even in the hallway, an inviting aroma wafts from the kitchen. In front of the dining room stand the royal guards Greynyx and Enryn by the door. Enryn exchanges a brief gnce with them and smiles slightly as they pass by.Emmod and Novel are in awe when they enter the room that had been off-limits during their css trip. The room alone is as rge as their entire ground floor.The table is already set with food and polished silverware.On the veranda, the two more experienced royal guards, Adwar and Piersym, stand facing the garden.In front of the table stand King Edmur, his wife Joane, and his son Vyncent.Emmod and Novel feel neither nervous nor excited to meet the king.Since they already know the rest of the family, they have concluded that the king must be just like them—human.Why should they stress about it or have any expectations for their first encounter with him? Even now, as they stand before him, they are neither disappointed nor thrilled.Surely, they had imagined him differently when people spoke of the great King of Rilgohin.While they bow before him, only one thing crosses their minds:'Why do we have to bow?'

  Is it because his position pces him above them? Is it respect or admiration?Or is it fear, the dread of consequences if they don't?Or is the only reason they bow simply because he is called a king?

  "So, you must be the well-known Emmod and Novel Brymbach," Edmur greets them. "I've already heard a lot about you, and I'm pleased to finally meet you in person.""The pleasure is ours," Novel responds, giving the correct response, which is rare for him."How old are you, if I may ask?""I'm 13," Emmod replies briefly, "and my brother is 12, my King.""Younger than my daughter," Edmur says, surprised. "And please, today, don't consider me a king, but rather the father of your friend."Emmod and Novel don't really know how to respond to that."That means you should show him even more respect than usual," Lina expins with a grin."Pardon my asking, but where is your mother?" Edmur asks with interest. "She was also invited to dinner.""They seem to have the odd habit of ignoring profitable and kind offers," Vyncent expins. "Perhaps an inheritance from your mother?" he adds."She's not feeling well," Emmod quickly replies, with an ironic ugh. "She didn't want to risk making anyone sick. But we are here."

  "That's very considerate," Joane says. "And that's a very... well, interesting headpiece you're wearing, Emmod," she tries to say as nicely as possible. "We haven't had the pleasure yet."

  "Well, I like it," Lina says in regard to Emmod's red-and-bck bandana."Dear," Edmur says, "I like the dress we gave you for your birthday, but you still don't wear it to dinner.""Should I take it off?" Emmod asks, feeling out of pce."As a sign of courtesy, you should have removed it upon entering the room," Edmur responds curtly."Father, the bandana and Emmod have a special connection," Vyncent says. "It's from your uncle, right?"

  "I didn't know that," Edmur says, his tone shifting. How is..."

  "Ed," Joane interrupts her husband, "that can wait until after dinner."Edmur restrains himself.Emmod and Novel don't understand what's going on, but to avoid causing any more issues, Emmod takes off the bandana, revealing his short, thin bck hair."I assume your mother has taught you table manners," Edmur says, questioning. The two nod in response."Very well. I'm starving," he continues, cpping his hands.

  "Oh, look at that," Joane says at the dining table. "Your injury has already healed, Novel."All eyes turn to him in surprise."Huh?" he asks loudly, then catches himself. "Oh, that. It's probably because the kick wasn't that hard," he expins, trying to appear tough."What was that..." Vyncent mutters through clenched teeth, bumping the table."Vyncent," Joane scolds him sternly.Just hearing his name is enough for him to regain his composure."We're gd you're feeling better," Joane continues, and the feast begins.Next to each person's pte are two boiled eggs. On the table, three bowls of warm, baked herb baguettes are spread out, along with two rge ptters of fruit.The three bowls and the boiled eggs are quickly eaten."Now I'm full," Novel lies."Hopefully not," Lina says as the maids clear the dishes, "That was just the starter.""Starter?" Novel asks, confused, and the maids chuckle."Don't you have that where you're from?" Lina asks, now also puzzled.Novel shakes his head, causing Lina's cheerful expression to fade."First the starter, then the main course, and finally the dessert," she expins."Main course, dessert," Novel repeats excitedly."Ah, finally," Edmur says as the main course is brought to the table, trying to divert attention from Novel's ignorance.For the main course, a mixed sad, roasted wild boar, and a chicken-pork skillet are served."No, thank you. I don't eat meat," Novel says as he's served a pte of the chicken-pork dish."I don't eat meat, he says," Recaprio, the household chef, repeats mockingly as he enters the room and slowly approaches them."Young man," he begins, "First, you cook the chicken and pork and then cut them into small pieces," he expins. "Then, you cook them together with white wine in a pan. After that, you add finely crumbled bread and mix it with three beaten egg yolks. A pinch of pepper and salt for seasoning, and the dish is ready.""Recaprio, no one called you," Edmur says, displeased and impatient."Well, it's been a long time since Syer invited guests for a meal," Recaprio responds humbly. "So, I wanted to make sure they enjoyed it myself.""The others surely do," Novel responds on behalf of Edmur, "but I'm a vegetarian."This is followed by mocking ughter from Edmur and Vyncent."I told you, they tend to turn down good offers," Vyncent says."How do you expect to grow big and strong if you don't eat meat?" Edmur adds. "Take a bite.""Enough!" Joane interjects firmly, stopping the mockery after noticing the discomfort of the children."If the boy doesn't want to eat it, we'll respect his wish!""My apologies, Your Majesty," Recaprio says, "but it's rare that I prepare anything other than wild boar...""RECAPRIO!" Edmur suddenly sms his hands on the table, shouting so loudly that everyone at the table jumps, even causing the royal guards to step into the room.

  "No one asked for your opinion. And no one invited you to join us. Yet you speak and act as if you're someone special, don't you?""No, I...""Are you aware of your position, chef!?" Edmur asks intensely."Yes," Recaprio replies, seemingly at a loss for words."Have you lost your manners along with your voice!?" Edmur emphasizes, "Speak up!""Yes, my King," Recaprio answers clearly and submissively."Then get out of our sight and run back to the kitchen, you amateur cook," Edmur commands, looking at him with a fire in his eyes that even his family has never seen before."HURRY UP!" he shouts after him, and Recaprio scurries back to the kitchen, intimidated.Emmod and Novel hold their breath.'So, this is the power a king holds,' they think to themselves.No one dares to make a sound until Edmur clears his throat, prompting the royal guards to return to their posts."Go on, eat," he says nonchantly to the others, as if his outburst hadn't just ruined their appetite. Because of this unfortunate incident, Edmur forgets that he intended to question the Brymbach brothers about their uncle.The meal continues in silence, broken only by the clinking of dishes."How do you like the food?" Joane asks, trying to break the ice her husband caused.Emmod is about to respond, but Novel beats him to it."Nothing beats Mom's cooking. But all of this is alright too," Novel says cheerfully, causing Joane and Lina to smile sympathetically, avoiding eye contact and not commenting further.Edmur and Vyncent, on the other hand, are clearly displeased by the comment.For dessert, there's pear pudding and apple cream."I must say," Emmod says with his mouth full, "this dessert is the most delicious thing I've ever eaten.""I told you so," Lina says proudly, as she had promised between the main course and dessert."We're gd you enjoyed it," Joane says warmly.

  And not only that. The two have eaten more tonight than they usually do in an entire week.

  "Do you want to see my room before you go?" Lina asks."Sure," Emmod replies, wiping his mouth."Thank you very much for allowing us to dine with you and for your hospitality," he then says directly to Edmur and Joane."Thank you," Novel adds."The pleasure was all ours," Joane responds, and the children stand up.Edmur wipes the food remnants from his mouth with his napkin."What are your goals?" he asks.Surprised, the two brothers turn around."Our goals?" Emmod repeats."That's right," Edmur says. "Surely, you must have some goals you want to achieve ter on."The two exchange a thoughtful gnce."I want to be strong enough to take care of my mother," Emmod says thoughtfully, "and strong enough to protect my little brother.""You sound like our son," Edmur says, causing Vyncent to give him a puzzled look. "You carry a great burden as an older brother. But it seems to me that you have the will to achieve your goal, no matter what it takes."Emmod nods, and Edmur's gaze then shifts expectantly to Novel, who takes a bit longer to answer the question."I want to be a hero and be able to save others," Novel says after giving it some thought.Vyncent almost spits out the water he had just started drinking."Then you should consider enlisting as a soldier when you're old enough," Edmur suggests openly. "If you do well... who knows... maybe I, or by then my son, will appoint you to the royal guard."

  "No, I mean real heroes," Novel says, unaffected.

  This wipes the grin off Vyncent's face, and even his father now grows much more serious.At that moment, Lina and Joane both think the same thing: 'Don't say another word.'Emmod, however, has a different view. Though he doesn't voice it, he thinks: 'Stand firm. That's the only way to survive in this world.'"And who do you consider real heroes?" Edmur asks, his expression serious."A hero is someone so brave and selfless that they would even sacrifice themselves for others," Novel says with conviction."Wise words," Edmur says approvingly, slightly impressed. "Anyone can be a hero, young Brymbach. Some people just need the right inspiration," he continues. "Do you have anyone in mind who fits your description?""Our uncle," Novel replies, which makes Edmur contemptive."I heard he left for a journey a few days after the explosions at the marketpce, without telling his family where he was going or how long he would be gone.""He will return," Novel assures him."I hope so. Your family piques my interest, and sooner or ter, I'd like to meet the rest of them."Emmod and Novel nod with a forced smile before Lina leads them to the third floor."I like the older one," Edmur says to Joane once the three are out of earshot, "but the younger one seems suspicious. He doesn't seem to know what he's doing," he adds, concerned.Joane lets out a mocking ugh."He's only twelve," she reassures him. "If I recall correctly, when you were that age, you didn't even know there were other countries beyond Londe. And now you're the king of one of them," she says."Be that as it may," he diverts, "Lina seems to like them.""That's all that matters," Joane adds and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

  "Is your father always so... overbearing?" Emmod asks, just before they reach her door.Lina snorts."Ever since I can remember," she begins. "I think it's because he has so much responsibility and is constantly under pressure. But it's not just the people of this country who cause him stress," she expins. "I think he's just curious about what really drives your friendship, how you think and act.""Because parents have a sense for true and false friends, you know," suddenly says a voice behind them in the hallway.The three startle as Vyncent approaches with light steps and stops in front of his door."Is something bothering you, dear sister? One shouldn't keep secrets from their friends," he says, addressing Lina directly.Emmod and Novel have no idea what the prince means, but Lina does."Novel," she then says. "What did you mean when you said that the royal guards aren't real heroes?" she asks. "One of them gave his life to protect us."Novel is visibly overwhelmed by Lina's statement."I thought so," Vyncent interjects. "But he's not entirely wrong.""What?! So you think the same?" she says, shocked. "Are you saying that Stiham sacrificed himself for nothing?""He was part of the royal guard. Their duty is to protect us and y down their lives when things get tough," Vyncent responds coldly. "Whether they do this for the sake of their pure hearts remains uncertain."

  Emmod and Novel widen their eyes as Lina nearly sps her brother.Vyncent catches her arm mid-air."Sometimes, I wonder how we can be reted," she says icily.It is Lina's words that hit Vyncent harder than the failed sp ever could."Who do you think real heroes are, Lina?" Vyncent asks, irritated, before Lina pulls her arm free from his grip."Heroes are selfless," she says, turning her back on him and facing Emmod and Novel."They put the well-being of others above their own. They provide safety, bring out the best in themselves, and inspire us to do the same," she continues. "Traits that you don't possess!" she adds with a harsh expression.Then she walks straight past Emmod and Novel toward her door."A hero is someone who takes responsibility in dangerous situations and surpasses their human limits," Vyncent says, giving his opinion. "They help the weak. And our family isn't weak, is it, dear sister?" he asks in a threatening tone.Lina, still with her back to her brother, bites her tongue and clenches her fists. She wants so badly to say something, to sh out again, and it takes all her strength to stop herself, making her body tremble."The royal guard is just doing their job, which requires those traits. Nothing extraordinary. So don't confuse them with real heroes, Lina!" Vyncent adds passionately.Lina gathers her strength. She takes a deep breath in and out.

  "Goodbye, Vynce," she says, opening her room door and inviting Emmod and Novel inside.Not the reaction Vyncent expected, but for Lina, it's the only right choice at that moment."Emmod. Novel," Vyncent calls out to them before they disappear from his view.The two pause in the doorway."Next time you speak ill of our father or question him, you won't get off so easily," he warns.They hold their breath until Lina sms the door shut.

  She then throws herself onto her bed, burying her face in the pillow.It takes a few seconds before she remembers that she has two guests.She lifts her head and sees Emmod standing hesitantly in the room, unlike Novel."Your room is huge," he marvels as he inspects it. "Emmod, look at the size of this bed."

  "Yeah, it is pretty big," Lina replies."For you, it might seem normal, but this is actually the biggest bed we've ever seen," says Emmod, slightly impressed, while Novel has already opened the window to enjoy the view."You should see my brother's bed," Lina says."No, thanks," Novel whispers under his breath, perfectly content where he is."Compared to his, mine is a small fishing boat next to his ship," Lina adds with a grin." From here, you have the best view of your training ground and the forest," Novel marvels even more.

  "You should see the view from my parents' veranda," she responds. "It's a hundred times better.""We've never lived like this. It's really beautiful here," Emmod says. "I'd love to have something like this.""At first gnce, there's more to it than it seems," Lina replies. "I'd rather have a life like yours.""In the dirt?" Emmod asks."No, that's not what I meant...""Going to bed hungry?" Novel interjects. "I can definitely tell you, it's not always so easy...""Maybe you just need more...""I don't want more of this!" Lina emphasizes, so she can finish her sentence."I want to live my life on my own terms," she continues in a calm tone. "Regardless of my status.""You're 14," Emmod says, trying to reason with her. "And they're your parents.""But I'm tired of them controlling my life," Lina responds, sitting on her bed in frustration.Emmod and Novel study her for a moment before Emmod sits down next to her."I know the feeling," he says empathetically. "But you shouldn't forget...""What's holding you back?" Novel suddenly interrupts, throwing Emmod off."I don't want to put my family at risk," she says sadly, lifting her head. "Father used to tell us that our family must behave in a way befitting royalty. If any of us steps out of line, there will be appropriate consequences for us, and not just for the individual, but for the entire family, including him.""And you believe that nonsense?" Novel continues."Do I have a choice?" Lina counters with a question of her own."I bet it's a lie to keep you all in line," Novel says with conviction.

  "Shut up, Novel," says Emmod, slightly annoyed, but Novel has more to say."Why else would he tell you that?" he says empathetically. "I mean, you're the royal family. No one stands above you.""Should I really take the risk of my family getting hurt?" she asks sharply. "Just because of my ego?" she adds, genuinely seeking their answers."Of course not," Emmod responds, but once again, his little brother interrupts."Sounds to me like you're just scared," Novel says. "Scared of change.""Shut up," Emmod says, now clearly disturbed by his brother's words."And what do you want me to do?" she asks, standing in front of him, visibly upset."Overcome your fear!" he answers, stepping forward.Like two rival animals, their foreheads press against each other. Their eyes lock, and their teeth grind until Emmod shoves his brother back by the chest. He follows with another forceful push."Have you lost your mind?!" he asks, agitated.A tense silence follows until they hear Lina."Get out," she says quietly."W-what?" Emmod asks, turning around in confusion."You heard me," Lina says clearly. "I want you to leave.""Wait. Maybe that was a bit..." Emmod tries to expin.

  "Goodbye," she snaps, crossing her arms over her chest.Emmod scoffs."Let's go," he says to Novel."But...""Let's go!" he nearly commands.They close the door behind them."What was her problem?!" Novel asks.Emmod hits him on the shoulder."Ouch," Novel yelps. "What was that for?!""Because sometimes you can be a real idiot, you know," Emmod says, shaking his head. "That was your fault. You should learn to keep your mouth shut in certain situations," he says firmly.

  Before Novel can respond, someone appears in the hallway."Ah, I was just coming to get you," says Greynyx when he sees them."It's fine," Emmod waves it off. "We were just about to leave anyway.""Oh, so you know already?" he asks, surprised.Emmod and Novel exchange confused gnces."Know about what?" Emmod replies."That your grandfather is waiting for you at the double gate," Greynyx responds."Our grandfather?" they ask, looking even more bewildered.After Greynyx escorts them to the courtyard, he hands them over to a soldier, who leads them to the double gate."Well, there you are, my grandsons," says an elderly yet sturdy man with a white mustache, standing at the double gate.He's being watched over by two soldiers."Do you know this man?" one of the soldiers asks them.Emmod and Novel nod, their faces expressionless.They do know him, but they have no idea why he's here or why he's pretending to be their grandfather."What are you doing here?" Emmod asks, genuinely puzzled by his presence."Since your mother is unwell, she sent me to pick you up," he says. "Do you think we'd let you walk through the city from the castle after dark?""We're old enough now..." Emmod starts to argue."Alright, alright," the soldier interrupts, annoyed. "You may go. Just make sure to announce yourself next time to avoid any more misunderstandings."The three of them thank the soldiers, and Emmod and Novel leave with the man."Old man," Novel whispers when they're out of earshot, "What's going on? Why are you really here?""Since your mother is 'sick,' she couldn't come herself. That's why she sent me," he expins. "She wants to avoid you being seen by the wrong people lurking around here," he adds. "And it's still 'Mister Redurb' to you," he whistles, "Now follow me and keep a low profile."Korbach Redurb isn't just a hatmaker, he's also a good friend of their entire family.