TTQI 2

“We are the proud Five Knights, the invincible Five Knights…”

Around noon, a cheerful song echoed through a forest in the western part of Yonaras.

A procession of soldiers marched in an orderly line along the main road cutting through the forest. Leading the group were knights clad in steel armor and red-and-blue surcoats, followed by infantrymen, and behind them, a long line of servants pulling various loads.

The procession was covered in dirt and visibly weary from days of mountain trekking and camping, but the dignity of the knights leading the way remained unshaken, and their steps seemed light with the joy of returning after completing a grueling mission.

They were a punitive force returning from a mission under royal command. Recently, complaints had grown loud about foreign tribes suddenly appearing in the forests near the western border, forming bandit groups that plundered and killed travelers. Unable to ignore the people’s outcry, the royal court had formed a punitive force by drawing soldiers from the royal knights and the private armies of nearby nobles. Leading this force were the five knights at the head of the procession, who, by chance, were famously close friends.

The knight from Sagawoo, Simonet, who had been singing at the forefront, suddenly stopped. Seemingly struck by a thought, he glanced back and slowed his horse to approach another knight in a blue surcoat. This knight, who appeared fastidious at a glance, was Sir Bride.

Simonet, with his red hair and freckled, mischievous demeanor that contrasted sharply with Bride, chattered freely.

“Bride, want to hear my song?”

“No.”

The blue knight rejected the offer outright. But Simonet, used to such treatment, ignored his refusal and sang anyway.

“We are the proud Five Knights, the invincible Five Knights. The kind prince, the dashing Simonet, the loyal Sir Kimset, the troublemaker Sir Ade, and the narrow-minded Sir Bride.”

Finishing the song, Simonet widened his eyes and asked, “What do you think?”

“It’s utterly childish.”

Bride replied with a serious expression.

At that moment, a knight in a red surcoat pulled his reins and approached them. With black hair and a demeanor both serious and cheerful, unlike Bride or Simonet, this was Ade Villeneuve, a knight from the royal guard. Sir Villeneuve, a charming man with black hair and intelligent dark eyes, was notorious for keeping many women in the capital awake at night with his roguish ways. With a smile laced with his signature dangerous charm, he asked,

“Why am I the troublemaker?”

“Because you cause a lot of trouble.”

“I like it. It’s got a dangerous vibe, very appealing.”

Villeneuve chuckled in response. The knight with the green seal, Kimset, riding beside him, let out a hearty laugh, expressing his disbelief. Bride, who had been listening nearby, suddenly snorted loudly. At the sound, Simonet turned back to him.

“So, you don’t like it?”

“There’s nothing to like or dislike.”

“What’s the problem, then?”

“The problem is your immature behavior in front of everyone watching. Have some dignity in front of the soldiers. Don’t you realize you’re becoming a laughingstock?”

Bride, as if waiting for the chance, unleashed a torrent of criticism. Simonet, eyes wide as if unfairly attacked, listened quietly to his scolding. When Bride finally closed his mouth and turned away sharply, Simonet muttered,

“The prince said the song was fun…”

At those words, Bride’s eyes widened, and he quickly turned back. The other knights followed suit, looking behind them. There, a man riding glumly at the rear of the knights came into view.

The man riding at the back of the knights’ group had a golden royal seal gleaming proudly on his cloak. As his horse shifted its bulk, the brilliant red cloak behind him swayed majestically.

With vivid blonde hair woven with golden threads, large clear blue eyes, broad shoulders, a wide chest, and a highly trained masculine physique, this knight rode with impeccable posture. He was the leader of the punitive force and the sole heir to the Yonaras throne, Prince Zizlon Yonaras.

As all eyes turned to him, Zizlon suddenly adopted a dejected expression. He slumped his shoulders even more, as if playing up his disappointment, and clicked his tongue bitterly. Naturally, Bride’s face showed confusion. Simonet and Ade pointed at him, unsure of what to do.

“Come on, that’s enough.”

Finally, Kimset, unable to watch any longer, stepped in to mediate. Gentle and refined, Kimset always played the role of moderating his friends’ endless antics.

“Your Highness, you too, please stop.”

Kimset rode closer to the prince, who was still feigning a pitiful expression. His large frame, hunched in exaggerated disappointment, was almost hypocritical. When Kimset spoke in a reproachful tone, the prince finally straightened up with a grin.

Realizing it was all a jest, Bride let out a hollow sigh. In a tone laced with resentment, he called out to the prince.

“Your Highness! You must maintain your dignity!”

“Sorry, sorry, teasing you is just too much fun.”

The prince laughed good-naturedly. Simonet slowed his horse to ride alongside him.

“Your Highness! No need to apologize. This dull guy needs a wake-up call.”

“Don’t be too harsh on Bride, either.”

As Simonet perked up with a grin, the prince added a gentle remark. Ade and Bride also gathered around him. The prince looked at them and flashed a bright smile. The knights, unable to resist, smiled back. Prince Zizlon, one of the five knights, was as close a friend to the other four as they were to each other.

As the friends rode side by side, joking and bantering, they heard the muffled laughter of the soldiers behind them, who had been watching their childish commotion. Bride’s face reddened, and Kimset clicked his tongue, but Zizlon, despite it all, felt utterly joyful. What did it matter? Good company was good company.

“Bride and the soldiers seem tired, so shall we take a break? The sun’s too hot, so let’s set down our loads and rest a bit.”

Finally, the prince turned around and ordered a rest.

*

The punitive force set down their loads on a forest clearing and rested their weary legs for a while. They decided to unpack, eat, and relax until the scorching sunlight softened. Marching in armor under the hot sun and carrying heavy loads was exhausting, so the prince’s decision was made with consideration for the soldiers and servants.

The soldiers removed their gear and set down their swords. They filled their hungry stomachs with simple food and gathered in small groups to rest in their own way. Meanwhile, the servants bustled about, running errands and feeding the hungry horses.

To allow his men to rest comfortably and to have some time alone, Zizlon sat under a tree a short distance from the soldiers.

Prince Zizlon, the only son of the Yonaras king, was returning after successfully subduing bandits under orders to lead the punitive force. It was unusual for a noble royal heir, the sole successor to the throne, to mingle with common soldiers and risk death in battle. Yet, Zizlon had shown no complaints when given the king’s orders and had led the charge in battle, earning the soldiers’ respect by defeating the bandits. This attitude was the secret to the fervent popularity he enjoyed among the people.

Despite being the sole legitimate heir to the throne, Prince Zizlon was humble, unpretentious, and approachable, earning the love of all his subjects. Resembling the gallant young days of the current king, he inherited his father’s qualities and possessed an admirable character. Skilled in martial arts, learned in scholarship, and blessed with striking looks, he was, in short, a paragon.

From a young age, he stood out as a promising future king, bearing the weight of expectations. Even as an adult, he never once disappointed the king, proving himself a remarkable heir. Without the typical father-son conflicts often seen in history, the king and prince of Yonaras cherished each other with deep familial bonds, leading the people to feel grateful for living in such a fortunate era under their harmonious rule.

It was then that a familiar voice called out to the prince, who was wiping sweat under the tree.

“Your Highness, why are you sitting there alone?”

Turning toward the voice, he saw his friends gathered around a pot over a fire, looking at him. The prince paused, then smiled and stood up. As he approached, Ade, sitting on a fallen log, scooted over to make room. The prince sat among the knights. “Thanks,” he said, and Simonet immediately whispered,

“Why were you moping over there alone?”

Despite the lighthearted tone, the prince only chuckled, as if used to such remarks. Having grown up playing together since childhood, formality among the friends felt unnatural. As adults, they naturally adopted the proper etiquette before their lord, but privately, they all found it uncomfortable and agreed to act freely when alone. This was possible only because the prince tolerated their informality.

“Simonet! How dare you speak to His Highness like that…”

But Bride, the conscience of the five knights, was mindful of the nearby soldiers and immediately glared at Simonet, scolding him. The prince waved his hand, signaling it was fine.

“It’s okay. They’re all busy with their tasks, so they won’t pay attention to us.”

Bride grumbled.

“Your Highness is far too careless.”

The prince laughed it off, and Kimset patted Bride’s back in his stead.

The prince and knights chatted while eating from their bowls. Not wanting to disturb the relaxed atmosphere, they refused the servants’ offers to serve food. Before they knew it, the prince was even serving food to the knights himself. Noticing this, Bride scolded him harshly. The prince, inwardly intimidated by Bride’s reprimands, reluctantly put down the ladle, only to be scolded again for his timid reaction. While Kimset comforted the dejected prince, Ade and Simonet criticized Bride. Whenever the five friends gathered, such childish scenes inevitably repeated.

“By the way, are you all heading straight back to your estates when we reach the capital?”

At one point, the prince asked, looking around at the knights. Except for Ade, who was part of the royal guard, they all belonged to different estates. In their youth, they often played together, but as adults, their duties made it hard to meet. Asking the question, the prince secretly hoped they wouldn’t rush back.

“Probably,” Kimset replied, glancing at the others as if asking their plans.

“I’m tired, so I’ll stay at an inn for a bit. These past few days have been rough,” Simonet said, brushing dirt off his grimy armor. They all looked too disheveled to pass for nobles after days without proper washing.

The prince, visibly disappointed, said,

“Don’t do that. Come to the wedding. There’ll be a festival for a while, and though it’s a hastily planned event, we’ll make sure you’re well-fed.”

“Oh! That’s right,” one exclaimed.

“That’s why I was planning to head back quickly,” another added.

The knights let out exclamations of realization. Amid the grueling march, they had momentarily forgotten the joyous news currently stirring the kingdom. Kimset was the first to offer congratulations.

“Congratulations! His Majesty finding such a match so suddenly.”

The prince scratched his head, embarrassed.

“Thanks.”

“While we were busy fighting bandits, this joyous event came up. When did His Majesty even visit Komnena? He never rests,” Bride said politely, offering his congratulations, while Simonet grinned and made a fuss. As congratulations were exchanged, Ade chimed in with a sly expression.

“But Zizlon, you need to reflect. His Majesty’s getting married for the second time, and you haven’t even had a single romance. Does that make sense?”

The uncomfortable topic made Zizlon look flustered.

“Why bring that up here?”

As expected of close friends, the knights grew more excited when the prince reacted defensively. Ade and Simonet eagerly began teasing him.

“What’s the point of being a great prince if you’re not popular with the ladies?”

“I think this guy’s too stiff and boring. Such a shy guy. Do you even have anything down there?”

When Ade playfully reached for his lower half, Zizlon swatted his hand away in a panic. Ade cackled, and Simonet clapped mischievously. The prince looked to Bride for help, but, cruelly, even Bride was stifling a laugh. Kimset roared openly. Absurdly, when the prince was at a disadvantage, he had no allies.

As the one-sided teasing continued, Kimset, ever perceptive, stepped in to mediate, redirecting the conversation to the king’s wedding. The bride, who was the center of everyone’s attention, became the topic.

“So, about the queen, what’s he like? The soldiers have been spreading rumors about divine beauty or something.”

Strictly speaking, the prevailing rumor was that “he bewitched the king with Komnena’s wicked sorcery,” but Kimset tactfully softened it. It was understandable—shockingly, the new bride was a man! For a sane old man to suddenly take a young man as his wife was astonishing. This was a first in Yonaras’s history. Unfortunately, even the prince himself knew little about the situation and was as bewildered as the others.

“I don’t know much either. They weren’t acquainted before; it seems His Majesty met him by chance during a visit to Komnena. He’s said to be the fifth prince of Komnena, with impeccable lineage. He didn’t mention anything about his appearance. Since His Majesty chose him, he must be a fine person.”

The prince concluded with diplomatic words. Loyal to his father, he trusted the king’s judgment and didn’t question the choice simply because the bride was a man. He decided to respect and sincerely bless his father’s decision.

“You’re not much different from us,” the knights nodded.

“Then we’ll definitely attend the wedding. If Zizlon hadn’t mentioned it, I might’ve forgotten,” one said.

“Yeah, yeah. We’ll drink to our hearts’ content. After all this hardship, I deserve at least that much,” another added.

As the friends decided to stay in the capital and enjoy the festival, Zizlon’s expression visibly brightened.

“Good choice! I’ll ask His Majesty to arrange guest rooms. We’ll dine at the palace! Since we made merits with the punitive force, he’ll likely grant that much.”

“Sounds great!”

“What about me?”

Ade, already part of the royal household, poked his head in.

“You already have your quarters in the palace, and you’re paid for your service.”

“Tch.”

Ade clicked his tongue and returned to his spot. The prince reassured him he’d get a bottle of fine wine. Kimset then asked,

“Shouldn’t we hurry, then? When’s the wedding?”

“Oh, three days from now.”

“That’s tight. We’d better move.”

As the knights expressed concern, Zizlon nodded.

“Yeah. It’s odd to rush such a major event like a wedding. But since the royal court chose an auspicious date, what can we do? We need to hurry, or the ministers will give us an earful. His Majesty will be disappointed, too. So, please cooperate.”

“If we dawdle, there’ll be no promised wine, huh? Got it. We’ll cooperate.”

Zizlon’s cheerful words convinced the knights. Realizing it was time to resume the march, the knights stood, dusting themselves off, and the soldiers followed suit. Zizlon picked up his sword from the ground. Securing it to his waist, he turned to the soldiers and announced,

“Alright, form ranks again. We move out.”

“Yes!”

The soldiers swiftly gathered their horses and gear, moving in unison. Zizlon, holding the reins, watched their disciplined movements with satisfaction.

“Whoa.”

At that moment, a fresh mountain breeze playfully ruffled Zizlon’s red cloak. The royal golden seal gleamed brilliantly as the cloak fluttered. Zizlon brushed back his hair and let out a joyful laugh. The series of events felt like a good omen to him.

“Is a new wind blowing through the royal court?”

Looking up, he saw a breathtakingly clear blue sky. He felt a premonition of fortune filling his heart. Somehow, the prince instinctively sensed that a new wind was blowing through the unchanging royal court.

What kind of person would his new stepmother be? What would his new family be like? How would his daily life change? As they neared the capital, Zizlon relished the mix of nervous anticipation and excitement filling his heart.

*

“Your Highness, are you very tired? We’ll soon reach the capital of Yonaras, so please hold on a little longer.”

“…”

A carriage moved briskly, protected by a large escort. On its left side was the seal of Komnena, and on the right, the seal of Yonaras, clattering as it hurried along.

Inside the ornately decorated carriage sat two people. One was a short, youthful-looking boy, and opposite him sat a man with a slender, deer-like frame and an ambiguously beautiful appearance. Leaning his arm on the carriage window, the man gazed at the passing scenery with an enigmatic expression, his thoughts unreadable. His platinum hair swayed beautifully with each gust of wind, and the image of the pale beauty lost in thought against the blue sky was like a painting.

This was the figure at the center of Yonaras’s heated rumors, the fifth prince of Komnena, Aion. Across from him sat Pym, a servant from Komnena tasked with attending to his master.

Days after the engagement was settled, the king of Yonaras had set out first to complete his inspection tour, while the bride’s side departed later to prepare the dowry. On the day of the scheduled wedding, Aion’s carriage and Komnena’s delegation crossed the Yonaras border at dawn. The king of Yonaras, already at the palace, was overseeing the wedding preparations.

The Komnena escort, and surely Aion himself, who had traveled a long distance in a rattling carriage, must have been exhausted. Pym, who had served the prince for years in Komnena, felt fatigued but tirelessly attended to his master’s comfort. As the prince rarely showed his emotions, Pym always found it challenging to gauge his mood.

For some reason, Prince Aion had been ominously silent during the days of travel, staring out the window with an unreadable gaze that frightened Pym. Worried that the prince might be upset about an unwanted marriage or planning something rash, Pym kept nervously trying to engage him, persistently speaking despite the lack of response.

“Your Highness, I hear Yonaras has clear, pleasant weather year-round. Quite different from humid Komnena, right? How’s the breeze? Doesn’t it already feel different?”

“…”

“Your Highness, they say Yonaras has flowers that don’t grow in Komnena. Since you love gardening, why not ask His Majesty to build you a garden?”

As the prince remained silent, Pym’s anxiety grew, and he kept talking. Finally, Aion, who had kept his lips tightly sealed, spoke abruptly.

“Pym, when the carriage reaches the capital, help me escape.”

The words were unimaginable.

“…W-what?!”

Pym’s jaw dropped at the prince’s bombshell. Glancing out the window to ensure no one overheard, he whispered frantically,

“What do you mean, Your Highness? Are you saying you don’t want to get married?”

Unlike the shocked Pym, the prince remained calm. Glancing at the flustered servant with disinterest, he turned back to the window. Pym continued to fidget nervously.

“Your Highness, you may not want to marry, but that’s not an option. Your actions now affect diplomatic relations. If the alliance between our kingdoms is disrupted, His Majesty in Komnena will be heartbroken.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to marry. I’m just asking for a moment to breathe. I’ll return to the palace before the wedding.”

“But… why?”

“Don’t I need to see what kind of place I’ll be ruling over? I know nothing about Yonaras. And yet, to become its queen? That’s absurd.”

Prince Aion held no particular regrets about the marriage looming before him. He wasn’t thrilled about it, but as a royal, he had long been prepared for the possibility of a loveless marriage, so he didn’t find it repulsive or dreadful. Nor did he feel excited or anticipatory about it.

Aion’s heart was utterly devoid of emotion, so dry it almost sparked a sense of crisis. Just in case, he had been gazing out the small carriage window at Yonaras’s scenery, but even the picturesque plains, praised by countless poets, failed to stir any ripples in his tranquil heart.

Aion had always been this way. He felt no excitement for things that didn’t interest him. Complete indifference. It was one of his bad habits.

That was why Aion resolved to escape. For him, it was the last shred of conscience a ruler could have. Perhaps the last chance to love the land he would govern? He held a vague hope that seeing Yonaras’s landscapes with his own eyes might spark even a sliver of attachment.

Pym, unable to comprehend his master’s heart, pleaded with a sorrowful expression.

“Must you put Komnena in danger for this? Your Highness, you are now the queen of Yonaras. You’ll have plenty of chances to see Yonaras.”

“You know one thing but miss two. In the Yonaras royal court, there’s a rule that the king’s spouse cannot step a foot outside the palace without his permission. Moreover, that rigid king is unlikely to let me roam freely. After the marriage, I’ll never escape his sight for the rest of my life.”

Hearing this, even Pym felt pity for the prince, trapped in a sad fate. But emotions and state affairs were different. Politics had a stern logic that shouldn’t be swayed by mere feelings. Pym put on a stern expression and said firmly,

“I’m sorry, but that’s not possible, Your Highness. Now that you’re to be married, you must stop acting spoiled. I now have the duty to look after you alone, and as such, I won’t partake in such a reckless plan.”

At that, the prince, who had been gazing out the window, lifted his head. Looking at Pym, who was pretending to be strict, he said with a perfectly calm expression,

“I don’t need your approval. If you oppose me, I’ll go even if it means killing you.”

“…….”

Pym’s face turned pale at the prince’s composed voice. He stared silently at Aion’s face, as if trying to gauge whether the words were sincere, but the prince’s expressionless face, as always, revealed nothing.

Pym bit his lip. His master was ruthless enough to casually threaten to kill the servant who had followed him all his life and to actually carry it out. After a cold silence, Pym let out a slow sigh.

“…Fine. How do you plan to escape, then?”

According to Yonaras royal tradition, the king’s bride could bring nothing from their homeland except one servant and their dowry. The Komnena guard escorting the bride would also stop before reaching the royal domain and hand over the bride to Yonaras’s soldiers.

Aion’s target was that moment. Unlike the Komnena soldiers, Yonaras’s soldiers would likely know little about his appearance. If he could switch places with Pym, disguised as himself, he could escape unnoticed—that was the prince’s plan.

Pym was terrified at being forced to cooperate in an unwanted plan. Seeing his worry, Aion ordered him to cover his head with a cloth. He added that if any soldiers asked questions, Pym should act as if too nervous to speak properly. With no other choice, Pym agreed to follow his master’s orders.

The prince and Pym kept watching for their chance, and finally, the procession stopped in a forest just before reaching the royal domain. There, the Yonaras army awaited to receive the queen. They greeted the new queen courteously and introduced themselves. Aion meticulously covered his face before the carriage door opened to avoid revealing his appearance.

As the bride stepped out of the Komnena carriage and boarded the one brought by the Yonaras army, the dowry was inspected for dangerous items, causing a slight commotion. During this, the prince swapped clothes with Pym and hid a horse from the Komnena escort in the forest bushes.

“Your Highness, we will now return to Komnena.”

The captain of the escort bowed respectfully to the figure in the carriage. By then, the prince and Pym had perfectly switched places. Pym, completely covered from head to shoulders with cloth, nodded slightly, careful not to reveal his face.

As the Komnena troops set out on their return journey, the Yonaras soldiers escorting the carriage signaled their departure. The carriage began to move smoothly without anything being noticed. Convinced he had cleared the biggest hurdle, Pym let out a heavy sigh and looked out the window.

‘Oh, Your Highness. I hope nothing goes wrong.’

Clutching his pounding heart, Pym gazed outside. Through the trees, he glimpsed the prince, cloaked in a robe, riding away in a different direction.

Around the same time, the prince and the punitive force arrived near the outer walls of the royal domain. They could feel the festive atmosphere of the wedding even from the village entrance—not just because of the heightened energy, but because twice as many people as usual were bustling through, and security checks had been significantly tightened, leaving many stuck at the checkpoints. Fortunately, the punitive force’s identity was clear, so they passed through the gates without much delay.

Right after passing through, the group decided to split up until the wedding. Ade, needed for the wedding’s security, led the soldiers back to the palace first, while the other knights planned to spend time outside the palace until the prince arranged their stay.

Zizlon had no specific duties but was required to attend the wedding as a guest. However, after days of camping, he was in no state to present himself properly. Since it was the day a new family member would join the palace, he wanted to make a good first impression. So, he resolved to bathe before heading to the palace.

Zizlon went straight to a bathhouse outside the palace, soaking in warm water and having a servant thoroughly groom his horse. After polishing his armor and getting a haircut, his renowned Yonaras beauty shone brightly. But the process took longer than expected, putting him at risk of being late.

“Drat, I let my guard down thinking it was a rare break. If His Majesty finds out I’m late, I’ll be scolded. What to do?”

He hoped no rumors would arise. Being late because of a bathhouse visit could spark odd gossip. With no other choice, Zizlon decided to sneak into the palace. It was absurd to sneak into his own home, but as the crown prince, he often had to resort to such odd actions to maintain the royal family’s dignity.

Wearing his helmet low, Zizlon led his horse into a secluded alley. Though he chose a quiet path, the alley was especially empty, likely because people were out on the main streets watching merchants from across the continent or acrobats performing tricks. His covert journey was smoother than expected. Zizlon approached the palace with light steps.

But then, someone caught his attention. He noticed a suspicious figure in a robe slowly approaching his direction. At first, he thought little of it, walking cautiously to avoid being recognized. But as he scanned his surroundings, he spotted someone with an unmistakably suspicious appearance and behavior. Narrowing his eyes, Zizlon tilted his head.

The figure, likely a man, was draped in a black robe that covered every inch of skin. It was already odd to wander a quiet alley in such attire, but the person kept nervously glancing around, as if anxious. What sealed Zizlon’s suspicion was when the man, spotting him, flinched and abruptly changed direction. Acting as if begging to be suspected, Zizlon couldn’t help but focus on him.

‘What’s this? Surely not someone plotting something sinister?’

Yonaras had enjoyed nearly a century of peace, with no major conflicts, not even succession disputes, since the previous king’s reign. With centralized power firmly established, no faction had dared challenge the king’s authority for a long time. Thus, Zizlon had no clue who might be plotting something strange.

But a strategist always had to consider the worst. If not domestic, it could be foreign. There was every possibility of an assassin from another kingdom, driven by wicked ambition.

If someone aimed to assassinate the king, today would be the perfect opportunity. The wedding would take place in the palace chapel, but afterward, the king and queen would parade through the capital to show their noble visages to the people. With the festival drawing crowds, there were plenty of gaps for someone with ill intent to slip into the capital. Nobles from across Yonaras and even foreign guests were attending, and despite tightened security, someone could easily sneak in disguised as part of their entourage.

“I’d better check.”

Zizlon muttered, staring at the alley where the suspicious figure had vanished. There was no harm in being thorough. Even if it was a misunderstanding, it would be a minor offense easily forgiven. Resolving himself, he tied his horse’s reins to a nearby post and quickly followed the figure into the alley before losing track.

A few hours earlier, the suspicious figure in the robe, Prince Aion, was exploring the royal domain of Yonaras.

“Come, come! In honor of the royal wedding, we’re selling bouquets at a special price today. We’ve got flower petals for the parade, too!”

“Hey, move that cart! You can’t sell here. Do you have a permit? Show it!”

“Daddy! When’s work done? Hurry, let’s go see the sights!”

After galloping across Yonaras’s vast plains, Aion finally reached the royal domain. Showing the Komnena seal and passing the checkpoint with luck, he let his horse loose and walked leisurely toward the palace.

The royal domain was brimming with energy ahead of the festival. Farmers and craftsmen busily supplied goods to the palace, preparing for the celebration in their own ways. They cooked food, decorated the town, and sang songs. Merchants from other regions set up stalls, loudly hawking their wares, while acrobats broke bricks and juggled knives. Though the festival hadn’t officially started, the streets were alive with vitality. The people all seemed happy. From their smiling faces, Aion could tell Yonaras was a healthy kingdom, inside and out.

Observing the scenes, Aion did feel a slight spark of interest. For one, the climate was entirely different from Komnena, with its constant dampness and chill at the mountain’s base. The dazzling blue sky, the cool breeze, and the exhilarating feeling of galloping through the open plains felt like becoming the wind itself.

But that was only a fleeting joy, not enough to make him love Yonaras. The plains he had enjoyed so much would likely never be ridden again. Loving something he could never have would only break his heart. Moreover, his time was desperately short. The hours flew by, his wedding loomed, and Aion was drawing closer to the palace. The brief freedom he’d savored today would soon be a memory.

Fortunately, Aion felt no particular despair. His life had always had more dull moments than joyful ones. The rest of his life would likely remain at that level. To continue this adequately boring, uneventful life, he needed to complete today’s plan successfully.

Aion had agreed to present himself at the palace as Pym, the prince’s servant. If Pym had entered without suspicion, he would likely have told the palace servants by now that his master was missing. If Aion could meet the servants searching for “the prince’s servant” and be guided to Pym without revealing his face, the plan would succeed.

To do so, he had to follow one critical rule: don’t let anyone see his face until he reunited with Pym. Aion was aware his appearance was far from ordinary. If anyone, especially a palace soldier, saw his face, it would cause a commotion. It would only be a matter of time before it became known that he had escaped before his wedding, which would unfortunately affect Komnena-Yonaras relations.

On his way to the palace, Aion deliberately slipped into a sparsely populated alley. Luckily, with the festival approaching, the small alleys were nearly empty. Soldiers seemed to be patrolling mainly along the main streets where the parade would pass. Aion’s plan was going smoothly—until he encountered a man in armor.

While walking cautiously, listening for the clank of soldiers’ armor, Aion noticed someone approaching from the opposite direction. The man wore fine silver armor with a red cloak, and his surcoat bore a golden seal. Aion recognized the Yonaras royal seal. Judging by the fine armor and large cloak, Aion guessed he was a high-ranking royal knight. It was a miscalculation; he hadn’t expected a soldier to bring a horse into such an alley.

Aion tried not to act unnaturally. Clutching his robe tightly to keep his face hidden, he scanned his surroundings with small movements to find an escape route. It seemed best to slip into another path before getting too close to the knight. Aion quickly darted into the one remaining alley between them.

But his blood ran cold. The moment he changed direction, he heard the knight’s footsteps quicken. He must have already aroused suspicion. Fortunately, the alley was narrow and complex, giving him plenty of chances to escape. Moving faster might draw more attention, but with some cunning, he could shake the knight off. Aion quickened his pace, almost running, zigzagging through alleys to confuse his pursuer.

“Huh? What’s with this guy?”

It was when he darted into the fifth right turn. Aion gasped silently at the sudden calamity. Two soldiers stood before him, looking puzzled. Focused on the knight behind him, he hadn’t heard the others. He had walked right into a trap. The two soldiers, dressed as a patrol, scanned the frozen Aion up and down.

“This guy… looks suspicious.”

“Come here. Show your face and state your identity.”

Aion clicked his tongue. There was no other way now. He abruptly turned and sprinted in the opposite direction. “Hey!” The startled soldiers chased after him.

“Stop! Who are you!”

The soldiers shouted at Aion’s back as they pursued. Ignoring them, Aion sped up. The narrow alley was a blessing. There were only two of them, and their armor slowed them down. With luck, he could reach the palace and lose them.

Now chased by three soldiers, Aion ran headlong toward the palace. “Stop! Stop!” The soldiers’ voices grew fainter as the distance widened. Just as Aion inwardly sighed with relief, it happened.

“Ah!”

Thud! Aion collided head-on with a massive silver wall. He staggered, momentarily losing his balance. Regaining his footing and looking up, he saw a gleaming silver breastplate. Before he could react, a strong hand grabbed his wrist.

“You! I’ve finally caught you.”

The knight he thought he’d lost was looking down at him. Of all times! Aion bit his lip in frustration. The silver breastplate and the surcoat with the royal seal were unmistakably the knight he’d first encountered. Of all the paths, he’d run straight into his arms.

“……!”

Aion clamped his mouth shut to avoid making a sound and struggled. He twisted his wrist, but the knight’s highly trained grip was too strong for him. The more Aion resisted, the tighter the knight held him.

“You! What are you doing, and why did you run when you saw me? Answer me. If you won’t speak, I’ll have to check your face, with all due respect.”

A masculine, resolute voice came from above his bowed head. Realizing Aion had no intention of cooperating, the knight reached out as soon as he finished speaking. Aion resisted to keep his face hidden, but his hood was futilely pulled off. He couldn’t withstand the knight’s strength. As the cloth covering his head fell away, his lustrous platinum hair spilled out.

“…Ah!”

At that moment, the knight, Zizlon, let out an involuntary gasp.

“…….”

The moment the figure’s face was revealed in the sunlight, it was blinding. His lush curls settled softly on his shoulders like wings, and a beautiful, frowning face turned toward him. The scene seemed to unfold in slow motion.

His skin was so pale and clear, it was almost translucent, like pure milk. His skin, his hair—everything was white. His emerald eyes, like a craftsman’s finest work, were unreal, like spring buds, gazing at him. Those sparkling eyes were breathtakingly beautiful. A refined nose, small lips, rosy cheeks—nothing was less than perfect.

The mesmerizing beauty left even the prince momentarily stunned. Fortunately, as the figure quickly covered their face, Zizlon snapped back to reality. It was indeed a startling beauty. Suppressing an unconscious urge to see the face again, he quickly regained his composure.

“Who are you? Are you a noble?”

“…….”

“Is there a reason you can’t answer? …Can you not speak?”

Unconsciously, Zizlon’s tone softened. The figure’s refined appearance had unwittingly lowered his guard. Still, the figure remained silent. Zizlon fell quiet, perplexed. Where had such a unique person come from? He knew of no guest with such striking beauty. Even setting aside the extraordinary looks, the fine clothing and pale skin, untouched by sunlight, suggested a noble upbringing. Why would such a person wander a secluded alley alone?

Then, it occurred to him that he might have frightened them. Initially, he’d assumed the figure was a man, but seeing the face, they could be a woman. Naturally, a noble lady would be startled if grabbed by a stranger, especially if she was lost and separated from her servants.

Come to think of it, he recalled hearing about a lord in the Gorgota region with a very beautiful daughter. She was said to be quite a tomboy, even running away from home once.

“Oh…”

After a moment, Zizlon gave an awkward smile, his guard completely down. If this was a lost noble lady, he’d done something regrettable. It would be stranger if she didn’t run from a menacing man chasing her.

Having tentatively concluded the figure’s identity, Zizlon pondered what to do next. Moments later, he released their wrist and removed his helmet. Aion, startled by the sudden release, was at a loss. Unable to think of escaping, he watched what the knight would do.

Tucking his helmet under his arm, the knight placed a hand on his chest and bowed politely.

“Don’t be afraid. As you can see, I’m a knight of the royal guard. If you’re lost, I can guide you. May I ask which house’s lady you are…?”

His tone was now gentle, unlike before. But his words barely reached Aion’s ears. By then, Aion’s attention had shifted entirely elsewhere. The sound of other soldiers’ armor was growing closer. The two soldiers chasing him must have reached the area. Surrounded by three soldiers, escape seemed impossible. Aion bit his lip hard. Should he run? But how could he silence this knight who had seen his face?

“Are you alright?”

The knight, in the middle of introducing himself, noticed something off and tilted his head. Looking closely, the lady’s face, paler than before, was staring rigidly somewhere in the alley. Zizlon followed her gaze. Then, he too heard the faint clank of armor and the murmur of soldiers. He glanced at her.

‘Is she being chased? But… why?’

Had she committed a crime and run into him while fleeing? Zizlon wondered but shook his head. No, that wasn’t likely. The approaching footsteps suggested only two or three soldiers, and they weren’t hurrying, even chatting casually. If anything, they were probably patrolling and, like him, checking on suspicious behavior.

So, this lady, likely from a noble house, was wandering alone but didn’t want help from soldiers, meaning she wasn’t lost. Nor was she a criminal, yet she feared encountering soldiers. That could only mean…

“Ha… really.”

Zizlon let out a hearty laugh. He had a rough idea. He wanted to help her, but unfortunately, there wasn’t time to ask politely.

No choice. After a brief moment of thought, Zizlon impulsively pulled her into his arms, trapping her. Startled, Aion reflexively struggled, but the knight held him firmly with his trained arms. Whispering to the squirming Aion, he said, “Shh.” It was a signal to be quiet. Aion, confused and pausing, froze in the knight’s arms as two soldiers emerged from the alley’s shadows.

“Is it here? I heard something this way.”

The two soldiers walked out, looking around. They had come to check after hearing voices. Soon, they spotted two figures leaning against a secluded wall. Recognizing one of them easily, their eyes widened.

“Huh…? Wow, the prince…”

Zizlon smiled meaningfully and put a finger to his lips. The soldiers’ gazes shifted to his chest, and their faces filled with shock. The figure they’d been searching for was in the prince’s arms. Her face was hidden, but her long hair and delicate hands shone strikingly white in the shadows.

“…….”

Gulp.

Seeing the soldiers’ wavering eyes, Zizlon gave a knowing smile. Then, shamelessly, he waved them away toward where they came from. The soldiers understood it as an order to leave. It was a clear dismissal. Exchanging quick glances, they pieced it together: the prince, in an alley, embracing a mysterious woman, asking for silence? The reason she fled from them was obvious.

Without needing to say it, the soldiers, making an obvious assumption, swallowed hard and cautiously backed away, glancing around as if being watched. Before disappearing into the alley’s shadows, they gave a solemn bow, signaling they’d keep the prince’s secret. As a highly respected prince, they felt a sense of loyalty. Zizlon nodded casually. The soldiers hurriedly retreated, their footsteps fading until they were gone. Zizlon let out a silent sigh.

‘Phew, I tried to avoid gossip by sneaking in, but now I’ve landed in even bigger gossip.’

Being unmarried was a small mercy. At worst, some old, rigid nobles might gossip about the prince’s debauchery. A few stern words from the king would be the extent of it, so helping the lady was worth it.

Zizlon felt proud of his decision. No, it might even be a good thing. He recalled his friends teasing him as a hopeless bachelor on the way back. If this rumor spread, it could be a nice jab at them. Imagining their shocked faces, Zizlon chuckled.

“My lady?”

Zizlon carefully loosened his arms and looked down at the woman in his embrace. She leaned her cheek against his breastplate, utterly still.