Prince Shikuza glanced around him.
"No… it must be my imagination. There's nothing to fear. I need to keep moving forward."
He pressed deeper into the forest, yet with every step, it felt as though something was calling out to him… as if the silence of the woods itself longed to pull him in and make him a part of it.
"Ah… there it is—the lake."
Its waters shimmered in an unsettling shade of red.
The prince took out the bottle and carefully filled it.
"I should leave now… but why does my heart wish to stay?"
Shaking off the strange feeling, he made his way out of the forest. Mounting his horse, he rode back toward the castle. After a short distance, he turned back for one last glance.
"No… I shouldn't look back."
Urging his horse forward, he soon arrived at the castle. Hearing the sound of hooves, Captain Sumin hurried toward him.
"My prince, why did you go there alone? You should have taken me with you."
The prince replied calmly, "Look—I'm perfectly fine. Standing right here before you, Captain."
"What were you doing there, my prince?" Captain Sumin asked.
The prince raised the bottle, holding it out. "I went to retrieve this."
Captain Sumin frowned slightly. "And what exactly is it?"
"I wish I knew," the prince replied.
"I must be on my way now, Captain."
"Where are you headed, my prince?"
"To see Mr. Kim."
"Very well," the captain said with a nod.
The prince made his way toward the rear of the castle, heading for Mr. Kim's library. The door stood slightly open.
"May I come in?"
Inside, towering bookshelves stretched high, filled with countless volumes. The library felt… magical. Soft golden lights shimmered in the air, casting a warm glow that made the entire place feel like something out of a dream.
"Prince, there's no need to ask for permission," Mr. Kim said warmly. "Come, have a seat."
He pulled a chair forward, but the prince shook his head. "I can't stay long, Mr. Kim. Just… take a look at this."
Mr. Kim took the bottle, studying it closely, his expression shifting to one of surprise and curiosity.
"What kind of water is this…? Is it even water?" he murmured.
"I don't know," the prince admitted.
Mr. Kim looked up sharply. "Where did you get this?"
"I went into the forest," the prince said. "Not far from the sealed place… there's a lake. This water is from there."
Mr. Kim's expression changed instantly. "You went there? My prince… this is not water."
"What do you mean?" the prince asked, his brows knitting together.
"I cannot explain it fully yet," Mr. Kim said slowly, his gaze fixed on the bottle. "But I am certain… this is not entirely water. Perhaps… blood? I do not know. I will need to study it further."
He paused, then added, "May I keep a small portion of it, my prince?"
"Of course," the prince replied.
Mr. Kim quickly fetched another vial and carefully poured a few drops into it.
"Thank you, my prince." He hesitated for a moment, then spoke again. "May I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Did you also go near the sealed place?"
The prince answered calmly, "No… I did not go that far."
Mr. Kim nodded, though something in his eyes lingered with doubt. Taking the vial, he turned and walked into another chamber to store it safely.
"I should take my leave now, Mr. Kim," the prince said, stepping toward the door.
As the prince walked out, Mr. Kim suddenly turned back, realization striking him.
"But… my prince—how did you know there was a lake there?"
By then, the prince was already gone.
Mr. Kim stood in silence for a moment before murmuring to himself, "Well… no matter."
The prince stepped out from that part of the castle and began making his way toward his library. He placed his feet upon the long, wide staircase that led to his chambers…
Yet with each step, his stride grew heavier, as though the stairs were stretching endlessly, and the path to the library drifting farther away.
Only one thought echoed in his mind—
Blood… no… how could there be a lake of blood?
He exhaled softly, trying to steady himself.
I should leave this matter to Mr. Kim. But what if it truly was a lake of blood?
Then whose blood was it?
Who could have bled so much… or was it the blood of many?
With every step the prince took, a new thought pierced his mind like a needle, sharper than the last.
And if it was fresh… then how? Nothing has happened here… so how did that blood appear?
"Ahh—!"
He clutched his head, his breath faltering.
My mind… it feels like it's tearing apart…
The long, arduous staircase finally ended, and the prince began walking through the gallery lined with towering walls and massive windows, through which the forest stretched endlessly, a living tapestry of green and shadow.
He paused for a moment, drawn to one of the windows, gazing outward.
I will not let you return…
The prince froze, startled by the words that seemed to echo from behind him.
"Prince… what are you saying to her?"
It was a maid from the castle, speaking softly from behind. "Prince… what are you saying''.
It was a maid from the castle, speaking softly from behind.
"I've brought you your meal," she said gently.
"I'm not hungry. I'm going to the library," he said firmly.
"But… prince…" she hesitated. "I will have my dinner with my friends tonight."
The prince bid her goodbye and made his way to the library. The maid left quietly, and he spent the rest of the night immersed in the flickering candlelight of the library.
As the evening settled over the castle, Haru arrived, just as Keifer had said he would. A castle guard approached.
"Haru, welcome to the castle. I'll take you to your room," the guard said.
Instead, he guided Haru to the dining table. Haru's eyes followed the prince nervously, wary and curious.
"The prince will be dining with everyone tonight," the guard informed him, putting Haru at ease.
Once the guard left, Commander Keifer stepped in from behind.
"Haru, you've arrived right on time… I'm starving," he said cheerfully. Haru felt a little lost in thought.
"Where did you lost"? Keifer asked, noticing Haru's distraction.
Haru pulled out a paper and wrote quickly: I think the prince must have something very important to do…
Keifer nodded. "Whatever it is, the smell of food is already irresistible."
Just then, the prince appeared from behind.
"Haru, I've been eager to see you," he said, his eyes softening. "Now tell me… how have you been?"