-Prior-
After the meeting, Prior went to the so-called Old Street of Lantian as planned.
Yin had told her that it was livelier there in the evenings and at night—there would be a market with colorful hustle and bustle.
Ever since she had left the café, Prior had that uneasy feeling again. But she pushed it aside.
She walked down the street and wished there were more people around.
She could hear strange noises and asked a woman passing by what it was.
The woman looked at her as if she were crazy and said, "Crickets, of course."
Prior went toward where the sound was louder. It came from a tree. And there she actually saw a large black insect, moving its lower body and producing that sound. How fascinating. There was so much to discover.
She continued down the street. She really liked the architecture here—ancient stone houses. It also felt interesting to walk over the cobblestone ground. Unfortunately, it was quite a hot day. The trees provided shade, but it didn't really cool things down. That was probably why there weren't many people around.
In the distance, Prior spotted something like a small park and headed toward it.
Suddenly, she felt someone come up from behind, grab her arm, and pull her aside. Pain shot through her arm as she tried to break free. Then, just as suddenly, the person stopped, and the grip loosened.
It was a woman—about Prior's age.
Startled, Prior looked at her questioningly.
"You're from Saturn, aren't you?" the woman asked. She had an accent—the same one Prior had. She was from Saturn too.
Prior stared at her and nodded. The woman wore a hooded shirt, the hood pulled over her head.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
The woman pulled off her hood and took out a necklace she had been wearing under her shirt. The pendant showed the mirrored sun.
"The New Dawn," Prior blurted out.
The woman laughed proudly and nodded.
"What is this? A warning?" Prior asked.
"An invitation," the woman replied.
Prior looked at her, confused.
"Join our side. Earth is the past—but the future belongs to Saturn. One way or another. Don't you see how corrupt and rotten everything is here?"
Prior shook her head.
"We should be independent and leave the past behind. Why should we help Earth and share our most precious resource with them?"
"What are you planning?" Prior asked.
"Join us. We could use someone more working for us inside the palace."
At the word "more", Prior perked up. Did she mean there was already someone? Or that they were still looking?
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"If you're not on our side, you're a traitor."
Prior swallowed, feeling her heartbeat accelerate. Fear crept in.
"I'll give you time to think. One week."
Prior said nothing, just stared at her. The woman seemed almost unhinged.
She stepped closer, her icy light-blue eyes fixed on Prior.
"I will find you."
Then she stepped back, pulled her hood up again, and walked away.
Prior remained where she was, trying to calm herself. She looked around. A few people were on the street—no one seemed suspicious or as if they had noticed anything.
She leaned briefly against a tree trunk and closed her eyes. "Calm down," she told herself.
Suddenly, she heard a noise nearby—like a cracking twig.
Her eyes flew open, and she turned around. She caught a glimpse of something like a shadow darting away.
Who was that? Another member of the New Dawn?
Fear surged again.
She had to get out of here—fast—and back to the palace. She started running toward the underground station. At least there were more people there.
Still, the feeling of being followed didn't go away.
Even so, she felt a little safer now. She took out her messenger, thinking that if someone approached her again, she would quickly call someone.
Eventually, she made it back to the palace.
She urgently needed to talk to someone.
The first person who came to mind was Kashion.
She sent him a message: "Can I talk to you?"
-Kashion-
Kashion was in his room, reviewing the latest results, when his messenger vibrated.
He picked it up and saw that Prior had written to him. He smiled. Did she miss him that much?
He replied: "What, do you miss me?"
Her response came immediately: "I was approached in the city by someone from the New Dawn. I got scared and came straight back."
Kashion froze. He straightened up in his chair at once and called her.
"Where are you?" he asked.
"I'm basically at the palace. It's all fine," she said—but her voice trembled. Nothing was fine.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
"No," she replied, and he felt immediate relief.
He closed his eyes briefly.
"I'm coming out to get you."
"That's not necessary, I'm almost there."
Kashion hung up and stood. As he moved, he quickly sent Wanyi a message, telling him to come to him.
-Prior-
Kashion had simply hung up.
Prior had calmed down a little. His gentle voice had an incredible effect on her. She hurried.
Just as she reached the entrance, she saw him already coming toward her.
He looked worried and stopped right in front of her. Then he grabbed her arms and began inspecting them, as if searching for injuries.
"I'm not hurt," Prior said.
He took a deep breath—and suddenly pulled her into an embrace.
"I was worried," he said.
She was so surprised that she just stood there, frozen. She didn't know how to react. But somehow, she became calm. She felt safe.
Before she could hug him back, he let go and said, "Come with me. I've already called Wanyi—you can tell us everything."
Then he started walking, and she followed, still a bit dazed from his sudden embrace.
-Kashion-
Kashion was relieved that Prior had returned unharmed.
He wasn't quite sure how to act around her now. He kept glancing at her. Had the hug been too much? She hadn't hugged him back—but she also hadn't resisted or said anything against it.
When they reached his room, Wanyi was already waiting.
Kashion let her in and immediately said, "Sit down." He poured her a glass of water and handed it to her. She took it and drank right away. He sat down beside her.
"Tell us everything that happened," he said.
-Prior-
Kashion sat very close to her—so close she could feel his warmth. And his concern warmed her from within as well.
She told them everything that had happened.
Well… not everything. She left out the part about the cracking twig. She didn't know what it had been—or whether she had imagined it.
Suddenly, Kashion's small mist leopard approached and stopped in front of her feet. Then it suddenly jumped onto her lap.
She startled at first, but then she stroked Luu, and it calmed her even more.
"Thank you for telling us all this," Wanyi said.
"Of course," Prior replied.
"Your Highness, I will inform the other Hualin immediately. And if there is anyone here in the palace working for the New Dawn, we will try to find them as quickly as possible."
Kashion nodded. "Very good."
Wanyi looked at Prior. "It would be best if you stayed in the palace from now on."
Prior nodded. "Yes, as long as the threat of the New Dawn remains, I should be more careful."
Wanyi cleared his throat. "And even beyond that, you should avoid taking risks. If people know who you are, you will always have a vulnerable point…"
"Enough," Kashion interrupted. "I'll explain it to her."
A sinking feeling spread through Prior. Everything seemed to spin. She realized—she was afraid.
Suddenly, the full weight of it all hit her. And everything Kassia had told her.
If she stayed by Kashion's side, she would never have a normal life. She would never be able to move freely outside again.
"Good. Then I'll go," Wanyi said.
Kashion stood. "I'll walk you to your room, Prior."
Prior lifted Luu and set her down beside her—something she clearly didn't appreciate. She hissed again.
But Prior herself still felt dazed.
Could she live a life like this?
As they stood in the corridor after Wanyi had left, she said:
"If I stay… my life will always be like this, won't it?"
-Kashion-
Kashion stopped when Prior said those words. If I stay…
"What do you mean?" he asked, alarmed.
She looked at him, then turned away.
"I won't be able to just move around freely outside, will I?" She sighed. Then, her voice trembling, she added, "I don't know if I can do this… this kind of life."
Kashion felt fear rise in him. He could imagine how difficult it must be for her. But he couldn't lose her—under no circumstances. She stood there with her back to him.
He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her. He felt her flinch at first, her body stiffening. But he didn't let go—he held her tighter.
"Please, Prior. Even if it won't be easy… try. Do it for me." He gently stroked her left arm with the thumb of his right hand, trying to calm her.
Suddenly, he felt her relax, leaning slightly into his embrace. He closed his eyes and exhaled in relief.
-Prior-
Prior still felt dazed, but when Kashion held her like that, it calmed her. She realized how good it felt—and she relaxed.
"Why do you have to be a ruler?" she murmured, almost absentmindedly, not even noticing she hadn't spoken formally.
He sighed. "I know. This life isn't easy for me either." He paused briefly. "Is it because of your work?"
"Mm?"
"If it's about the lab… I could try to have a small laboratory set up for you here in the palace."
Prior shook her head, then gently pulled away from his embrace and looked at him.
She smiled. That was so sweet of him. "It's not because of the lab. Back when I lost my authorizations, I already said goodbye to that world. It's not the most important thing to me anymore."
He looked at her with wide, questioning eyes.
"But I want my freedom. I don't want to feel locked in—I want to live freely. All of this… it scares me." Softly, she added, "Can you understand that?"
-Kashion-
Kashion understood. He placed his hands on her shoulders.
More than ever, it became clear to him that the only thing he could truly offer Prior was himself. She didn't want his wealth or his status. That left only him—and his complicated world.
"I understand, Prior. I promise I'll do everything I can to make sure you're as free as possible." He smiled. "If I have to, I'll tear down concrete pillars for you."
She made a face at that, but couldn't help laughing and shook her head.
"Prior, I want you to stay exactly the way you are. You shouldn't have to change or pretend. I like you just the way you are."
As he looked into her eyes, he noticed they were glistening with tears.
"Oh, Prior…"
-Prior-
Prior looked at Kashion and knew she could no longer escape her feelings for him.
And he had already given up so much for her. Wasn't he worth her giving up a little of her freedom? Kassia seemed happy despite everything. And even Princess Evlina, who was used to a life in the public eye, still had her freedoms.
Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Maybe she could get used to it.
It just felt so good that someone like Kashion was in her life—and wanted her in his.
But would that last?
"What if you suddenly stop liking me?" she asked.
Kashion shook his head. "Don't worry. That won't happen." Then he smiled. "But if you ever stop liking me… just remember that magnesium chloride turns into magnesium and hydrochloric acid. You could always burn me with hydrochloric acid. Though I won't give you a reason not to like me." There was that playful glint in his eyes again.
She pulled a face, but found it adorable that he used her chemistry comparison. She shook her head.
He leaned down toward her, and she looked at him with wide eyes. Then suddenly, he gently kissed her on the forehead.
As he pulled back, she rose onto her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.
He looked at her in surprise—and then broke into a radiant smile.
-Kashion-
Kashion was completely smitten. Prior was simply irresistible. Just moments ago, he had been afraid of losing her—and now she had kissed him on the cheek.
He cleared his throat. "I'll walk you to your room."
Prior nodded.
They walked side by side, and as they did, his hand brushed against hers. It felt like a spark of electricity. Kashion reached for her hand, and they looked at each other, smiling.
-Prior-
Kashion's hand felt so good—exciting and comforting at the same time. Her heart had no chance of calming down. Would it always beat this fast now?
But then she suddenly remembered the test.
"Kashion!" she said.
"Mm?"
-Kashion-
Kashion liked it when she simply said his name.
"Nara told me you want to run tests tomorrow already…"
Oh no—not this topic. It ruined the moment.
"Oh please, Prior. Let's not talk about politics or anything like that." He had truly had enough of it and didn't want to hear any more objections.
"But I just want to tell you that it's too early and that it's dangerous—"
He stopped and looked at her sharply. "Please, Prior. I've heard enough about this today."
-Prior-
He really could be stubborn. But he also looked tired. It couldn't be easy for him, weighing all these decisions. And Prior knew politics wasn't simple—she often didn't understand it herself.
They kept walking.
"I'm only saying this because it's extremely risky… And because I like you, I have to say it and warn you."
He stopped again.
"What did you say?"
"That it's risky."
"No, the other thing. Say it again so I can hear it."
Oh no—now she felt embarrassed. And she hadn't even spoken formally.
"Oh, you know," she said.
Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around her from behind again and said, "Say it, or I'll never let you go."
She had to smile and shook her head.
"Because I like you. There. Happy?"
He squeezed her once more, then let go and immediately took her hand again.
Finally, he said, "Prior, it's not that I don't trust you. And it's not that I don't value your opinion. But I just feel like I have to run this test as soon as possible. The next negotiation is already the day after tomorrow."
She nodded, trying to understand him. "Let's hope for the best," she said.
There was probably nothing she could do anyway.
-Kashion-
They reached Prior's room, and Kashion had never wished more that the palace were bigger. He would have loved to spend more time with her.
"Well… I'll let you go," he said. "The tests aren't until tomorrow afternoon or evening. I have time before that. I'll think of something and message you."
Prior nodded. Her hand rested on the door—but she hesitated.
They looked at each other, and he said, "Go in, or we'll stand here forever."
She smiled at him one more time, then went into her room.
Kashion lingered for a moment—then turned and headed back to his own.