One of the guards turned to the other and spoke in a firm, commanding tone,
"Take their horses to the royal stables… and see that their trade goods are delivered safely."
With that, they began their journey toward the kingdom, escorted by the guards of Roka. Instead of the common roads, they were led through a grand, secluded royal path—one reserved only for those of importance.
Before long, they arrived at the towering gates of the kingdom. Massive and imposing, they slowly opened, allowing them passage into the heart of Roka.
As they entered, a voice echoed with warmth and authority.
"I welcome you… it brings me great joy to see you here."
It was none other than King Brugan himself.
"Come, come—step inside," he gestured.
Within the grand hall, a magnificent dining table had already been prepared, adorned with an array of lavish dishes.
"We have arranged chambers for your stay," the King continued. "You must be weary from your journey. Go, take some rest… and soon, a feast shall be served in your honor."
Sumin stepped forward slightly and bowed his head.
"Our sincere thanks to you, King Brugan. However, we shall take our leave by morning."
The King smiled, a hint of pride in his voice.
"As long as you remain within my kingdom, no effort in hospitality shall be spared."
He then turned to one of his royal soldiers.
"Take them to their chambers."
The soldier nodded and led them through the grand corridors until they reached an elegantly carved door.
"This shall be your chamber," he said, pushing the door open. "Should you require anything… do not hesitate to ask."
Keifer let out a satisfied breath and said,
"Our thanks to you. Should we require anything… we shall call upon you."
The guard gave a respectful nod before quietly taking his leave, the door closing behind him with a soft echo.
At once, Keifer stretched his arms lazily and threw himself onto the bed.
"Ahh… finally," he groaned in relief, sinking into the softness beneath him. "After what feels like an eternity, I can rest on a proper bed again."
Sumin, placing his swords carefully to the side, let out a faint scoff.
"One night, Keifer. It has only been one night—not as though you've endured a thousand years in that tent."
At this, Haru couldn't help but smile faintly.
After a moment, Sumin turned toward him.
"Well, Haru… what do you think of this kingdom?"
Haru simply nodded, a quiet "yes" reflected in his eyes.
"Get some rest for now," Sumin continued. "Once we've eaten, we'll head to the marketplace. It is your first time here, after all."
Haru nodded again, a little more eagerly this time.
"And Keifer," Sumin added, glancing over, "you'll take him to the grand library as well. You know the way."
At the mention of it, Haru's expression lit up with unmistakable excitement.
Without another word, he pushed his belongings aside and lay back, letting himself sink into the comfort of the room—his mind already wandering through the wonders yet to come.
After some time, the three of them rested together, letting the fatigue of their journey slowly fade.
Before long, a summons arrived—calling them to dine.
Once the meal had ended, they prepared to make their way toward the marketplace.
Just as they were about to leave, King Brugan spoke, his voice steady yet considerate.
"I would prefer to send two royal guards with you. This way… you shall remain under proper protection."
At those words, Haru immediately pulled out a small piece of paper and began to write.
Sumin, catching a glimpse of it, was about to signal him to stop—but Haru had already stepped forward and presented it to the King.
The message read:
"One who fears his own people… is no true ruler."
For a brief moment, silence lingered in the air.
Then, instead of anger, King Brugan stepped closer—his expression softening into a quiet smile.
"You speak boldly," he said. "And there is truth in your words."
He paused, his gaze sharpening ever so slightly.
"But allow me, as a king, to offer you a lesson—"
"Sometimes… the enemy walks among us."
"We simply fail to recognize them."
Haru listened, his eyes reflecting a spark of admiration, clearly moved by the King's words.
After a moment, King Brugan stepped back and gestured toward the grand doors.
"Go on," he said calmly. "See the city for yourselves."
Haru quietly flipped the paper over and, with careful strokes, wrote down the King's words upon the other side.
"I would share this wisdom with every soul I meet."
Sumin glanced at him before stepping forward slightly.
"Do not trouble yourself, Your Majesty. We shall be just fine. Our thanks to you."
King Brugan gave a small nod, a faint smile resting on his lips.
"Very well… as you wish."
With that, the three of them departed from the castle, passing through its towering gates and into the bustling heart of the city.
The marketplace was alive.
Crowds moved like waves through the narrow paths, voices overlapping in a constant hum of trade and chatter. Stalls lined every corner, overflowing with vibrant fabrics, gleaming trinkets, and the rich aroma of freshly prepared food that lingered heavily in the air.
Keifer's eyes lit up almost instantly.
"This… this looks incredible," he said, already drifting toward a nearby food stall, his gaze fixed longingly on the display.
Sumin turned sharply, staring at him in disbelief.
"We just finished eating," he said flatly. "And please—have some dignity. Stop staring at that poor vendor's food like a starving wolf."
Then, narrowing his eyes slightly, he added,
"…Haru, not you too?"
Haru stood there, silently… yet unmistakably, his eyes were drawn to the very same stall, mirroring Keifer's temptation.
Keifer, still fixated on the food, casually reached for the small pouch at his side—
…only to freeze.
His hand searched again.
Nothing.
Where… is it? he thought, a flicker of panic crossing his face.
I… left it at home. I forgot it completely.
For a moment, he stood there in silence.
Then—slowly—very slowly…
He turned toward Sumin, his eyes softening into the most pitiful, pleading expression he could possibly manage.
Sumin immediately stiffened.
"…Now what do you want?" he said, narrowing his eyes. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Keifer hesitated, then spoke, almost reluctantly—
"I… need some money. I left mine behind."
Sumin blinked.
Then, as if sensing something worse, his gaze shifted—
…straight to Haru.
Haru, caught in the act, was already looking at him with the exact same expression—though with a hint of embarrassment quietly slipping through.
A long silence followed.
Sumin exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple.
"…What is wrong with the two of you today?"
He paused, then let out a dry sigh.
"No… actually, forget that."
"You've always been like this".
With a tired sigh, Sumin reached into his pouch and pulled out a few coins, pressing them into their hands.
"Here," he said flatly. "Take these… and try not to forget them this time."
Then, narrowing his eyes, he added,
"And for once—take your eyes off the food."
He gestured ahead, toward a tall tree standing at the edge of the crowded marketplace.
"See that tree?"
"We will meet there in a while."
His gaze shifted between the two of them, his tone sharpening just slightly—
"You do understand… don't you?"