The King of Gaelvorn rises from his seat without removing his royal cloak, unlike the other rulers who have uncovered their head coverings as a sign of transparency during the assembly. The hood still conceals half of his face, leaving only a sharp gaze visible beneath the shadow of dark fabric.
In a firm voice that echoes through the hall, he declares that none of the five individuals show any signs of possessing magic. His eyes sweep across the chamber before he adds a question that breaks the tension.
"Where is the child?"
All eyes turn toward the King of Gaelvorn. The room falls silent.
Rose looks more closely, making certain.
She freezes.
"Father?!" she murmurs behind the cloth tightly binding her mouth.
Santiago beside her hears clearly despite the gag. Bartra, Grizz, and Gruzz hear it as well. Their gazes shift toward the entrance, where one of the guards stands—Olivia.
Olivia's stare toward the captives is filled with deep disbelief.
She steps into the chamber where Rose and the others are being held.
"My friends, how could this happen? Where is Hiroshiki Raze?!" she asks, moving closer until she stands before them. "Was Johan not sent? Why is he not among you?"
Bartra and the others glance toward Rose. Santiago lowers his head before speaking.
"Johan is gone. Hiro has disappeared. Raze, you say?" Santiago asks at the end.
Realization dawns upon Olivia.
"Ukh… Hiro is Raze's son."
Santiago and the others fall still.
"Raze's… son?" Grizz utters.
"That Mad Warrior?" Gruzz adds.
"How is that possible?" Bartra asks.
"And Oliver—does he know about this?" Santiago inquires.
Olivia shakes her head.
At the far end, Rose remains silent, hugging her knees without reaction, her gaze empty. Her brother is gone. Hiro has vanished. Her uncle is imprisoned. Her father no longer recognizes her. This is what she faces now.
"Are you alright, Rose?" Olivia asks.
---
Upon arriving at the veil, I realize I have already been laid upon a bed inside. The feigned act must have caused sleep during the journey.
I open my eyes. The sound of the carriage moves away, though payment has not yet been given.
Framed photographs hang upon the wall. The people in the pictures enter the room alongside another figure—a teenage boy of around thirteen, by my estimation—and a doctor, approximately one hundred and twenty centimeters in height.
"What has happened to you, young man?" the Doctor asks.
I open my sweater. My body is wrapped in bandages soaked through with blood, concealed beneath navy fabric.
"Oh! This could lead to infection and cost your life!" he exclaims, approaching with stitching instruments and medical tools.
The teenage boy slowly unwraps the bandages. The more he removes, the more I hiss in pain; the cloth clings to dried blood.
"Ukh," I mutter.
"Just a moment more," he says, needle and thread ready in his hands.
"Will it hurt that much?" I ask, remembering how unbearable it once was.
The Doctor smiles broadly.
"Huhuhuh, certainly!"
—
Sleep is difficult now. After being stitched again, the pain surges as though beginning anew.
Lying on my back brings no comfort. I rise—ukh—and begin walking while holding onto nearby objects for support. Exiting the room, I see many patients suffering from various illnesses. I step outside the veil into the yard.
A large shady tree stands there. It reminds me of the shelter near my home village. I walk slowly, intending to rest beneath it.
"Do you need assistance?!" someone calls from behind, near the entrance of the veil.
I turn slowly. It is the teenage boy.
"No need, young man. I can manage."
I turn back and attempt to continue, but dizziness forces me to stop.
The boy approaches and supports one of my arms, walking beside me.
At last we reach the shade beneath the tree. The wind feels pleasant. Sleep seems possible now.
"What is your name, young man?" I ask, turning toward him.
"Nero," he replies.
"Nero? Allow me to introduce myself. Hiro is my name."
"You are that person, are you not?" he asks.
"Hmm?" I murmur.
"The Professor did not realize it was you before I presented yesterday's newspaper. He has been too occupied to read the recent editions. I intended to show it to him, but then you arrived," Nero explains.
"Sit," I say. He sits beside me. "I will be leaving soon, so could you do it later?" I ask quietly.
"These days have been very heavy," I add softly, lowering my head. "Did you obtain a newspaper today?"
"Yes. I made sure to," he says, retrieving a folded paper from his pocket. "They are even more limited today. Here."
"Thank you again." I accept and open it.
I close my eyes, inhale, and exhale slowly before opening them again.
"Shall I read it?" Nero asks.
I look at him briefly.
"If you do not mind."
He nods and takes the newspaper.
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE SIX LANDS
SPECIAL EDITION – Issued by Central Government Authority
ELITE SOLDIER JOHAN PROVEN A TRAITOR
EXECUTED ON SITE DURING FUGITIVE OPERATION
Nimurelle — The government officially announces that Johan, long known as one of the finest knights within the world's military ranks, has been declared a traitor and executed on the spot.
The decision follows the discovery of evidence showing Johan's involvement in protecting and conspiring with fugitives connected to the use of forbidden crystals. The incident occurs during the operation to apprehend five individuals suspected of direct association with the enemy of the world.
According to the official statement released by the central authority, Johan defies orders and attempts to obstruct law enforcement. Such actions are considered betrayal of the Six Lands' accord established to preserve global peace.
The government emphasizes that no tolerance will be granted to anyone who conceals, protects, or uses absolute magic crystals. Past status and service offer no immunity from punishment.
"The order of the world stands above individual interest," the statement declares.
Citizens are urged to remain calm and report any suspicious activity related to crystals. Security will continue to be maintained through firm and measured action.
As a reminder, anyone who opposes the world's decision and sides with the enemy shall face appropriate consequences.
—
"So that is how it is," I say, my gaze empty.
I slowly rise.
"H-Hey, I will leave this place. I do not wish to endanger you—"
"You may stay here," Nero interrupts.
"Hmm?"
"No one will know you are here, sir. Few residents receive newspapers these days. You may remain as long as you wish. We will help you."
"How can payment be made? I am not certain my wealth is sufficient."
Nero smiles faintly.
"Train me, once you have fully recovered.
—
The special edition accompanies the rulers of Gaelvorn on their journey home. Inside a carriage moving slowly through the hills, the King of Gaelvorn opens the freshly delivered paper. A bold headline stretches across the page: "Johan, Elite Soldier, Betrayed and Executed on the Spot."
At first, it appears to be ordinary information. Yet his breath grows heavy, and his heart beats differently, as though a faint memory begins to rise to the surface. He turns toward the window, watching the carriage's reflection beneath the evening light. For a moment, he sits in silence. His cloak parts slightly, revealing the pale pupil beneath the shadow covering half his face.
"What is this… where am I?" he murmurs softly, looking back at the newspaper.
"My son."