I feel like I'm rotting here.
Just two days, and here I am, by the Creator's will, walking beside the Duke.
I made this excuse for myself—I should apologize.
But Mari… should I apologize? Why is thinking about her now breaking me apart?
I mean, I didn't cross too many lines in my plan,
just to join a new one.
Escape.
Damn it, I'll escape.
All of Astravel knows me.
A chaotic conversation ran through his mind after Seongjin dragged him away from there.
He moved quickly, wildly, a storm of emotions twisting his thoughts,
he was angry,
and now, nervous.
His tension was more than his legs could bear.
So he dropped to his knees, trying to stay steady.
Seongjin did the same on his side,
shock forming in his gaze at Jin-ho's trembling.
Knights don't kneel for anyone other than the Emperor and his family.
Jin-ho placed a hand on Seongjin's shoulder in surprise, urging him to stand.
Seongjin:
"It's nothing new between us, Jin-ho. Is something bothering you? Or did you do something?"
In fact, his words struck like a hammer on hot iron.
Should he believe them or doubt them?
And why should he believe him now when he doesn't even consider him a friend?
But if he doesn't consider me a friend, then why stand with me against the Duke's son?
Jin-ho covered his face with his hands, praying not to die.
Even if it's an exaggeration, he doesn't care—
what he wants most is to return home,
to his friends, to all kinds of sports,
especially snow—he wanted to see it again.
So, unconsciously, he muttered, frustrated:
"Believe me, no matter what it is."
The other's reaction was confused at first,
but he answered without hesitation:
"
"I'll believe you and stand with you. And if you lie, I'll make your lie real. So keep that smile on your face, and don't disappear again."
Jin-ho wanted to ask, disappear again?
But he couldn't. He only wanted to forget what had just happened, cling to the storyline, to some hope, and to the thought that he wouldn't die.
He stood, taking a deep breath,
and reached out his hand to Seongjin kneeling beside him.
He whispered softly, with a trembling smile, as if trying to hide his turmoil—and failing.
Seongjin held his hand and helped him up, brushing off his knees as he said:
"Let's correct some mistakes, and apologize to others."
They began walking away from the place where he was
Yet countless questions stirred inside him.
Why that look?
A person looking terrified, not of death itself,
but of something hidden in their eyes, fleeting for seconds,
frowning instead of speaking.
Lifeless eyes, pale skin
Something is behind you… but I don't know what.
Seongjin's questions about Jin-ho, instead of yielding, grew with every minute.
He had witnessed, for two days straight, actions, words, behaviors,
completely unlike anything he was used to.
"Jin-ho, it's better for you not to enter now. Stay in my room until things settle."
Jin-ho turned his face, panicked:
"your room? Shouldn't I apologize?"
"Later. After the wound you caused in the Duke's heart heals."
He rubbed his head nervously as Jin-ho replied:
"Shouldn't I apologize so his heart heals?"
The other's eyes narrowed, hinting at a cunning plan.
"Go to my room. People like him don't need heart healing. Let him burn a little."
Jin-ho smiled sideways at the right words and chuckled softly:
"Show me the way then."
The same smile you gave me, I give back.
It's the effect and Affected , as Arora said. So why deny we know each other, Jin-ho?
It hurts.
He lowered his head, sinking into thoughts of the past.
They walked together, Jin-ho remaining silent because the other did too.
First, apologize.
Second, apologize.
Third, stay out of sight.
Plan B…
is about to begin.
Rafayal sat with one leg crossed over the other, thinking about how he had slapped Jinho—
something he truly didn't want to do.
His affection for Jinho and the place he holds in his heart were too big,
but he had been forced to silence him.
If the Duke's pride were harmed by a servant,
he wouldn't mind killing you for it.
He was deep in thought, nerves tight, when Sylvester said:
"Now that servant… wouldn't it be better to just dismiss him?
He's just a servant, yet he talked back to us—and to you, Your Highness."
Rafayal didn't even lift his head to look at him.
He simply shot him a sharp glare telling him to shut up and leave him to think.
Right now, Rafayal was the one shaping the entire mood of the room.
If he was happy, everyone rejoiced. If he was angry, everyone trembled.
"What kind of magic did that servant use to enchant all of you?"
Haniul muttered when he saw the imperial crest lower itself over a mere servant.
"Leave. All of you."
Rafayal sighed tiredly.
Everyone stood and bowed, and Rora dared to speak:
"My lord, forgive me. Shall I bring your meal here?"
He waved his hand dismissively, so she left with Mariana.
The moment the door closed, her father said sharply:
"Mariana, do not leave your room tonight."
"But…"
She said sadly, seeing Haniul gesture that he'd handle it.
"Take her yourself, Han,"
Sylvester ordered, eyes carrying something unpleasant.
Rora looked at him with suspicion—
and showing that in front of Haniul only made the situation worse.
Haniul walked with his sister while Rora remained standing.
"Rora, or whatever your name is—follow us,"
he called out.
She smiled slightly and went with them.
Mariana wondered curiously what he planned to do with her.
"You wanted her from the start, didn't you?
She'll stay with you so you won't feel lonely,"
he said coldly.
Mariana smirked and winked:
"So… do you love me or no my brother "
He put a finger to his lips, telling her to hush,
fake annoyance on his face.
She stifled her laughter until they reached the room.
She entered with Rora and he closed the door,
beginning his search for that "magician"—
Jinho.
He managed to win over my sister,
the prince stands by him,
and even the Captain of Estraviel's knights.
Ah-choo!
A sneeze echoed in the room as Jinho rubbed his nose,
looking around Songjin's room.
It was large, but its colors were different from the imperial palace.
Walls painted a cool green,
a pale blue ceiling with golden patterns of the kingdom's emblem,
a carpet warming the cold floor,
and a small table with fruit.
He grabbed an orange and peeled it.
Thinking about it… he hadn't eaten anything since morning
and barely slept in the carriage.
Maybe his extreme anxiety was partly exhaustion too.
After finishing the orange, he lay on Songjin's bed.
It was soft… almost inviting him to sleep.
His eyes slowly closed as a sense of calm and safety washed over him.
He fell into a deep sleep.
Meanwhile, Songjin was headed to Rafayal—
but ran into Haniul.
Songjin didn't want to talk to him, or look at him.
He walked past him, and Haniul asked quietly:
"Where did you take him?"
Songjin stopped, eyes cold:
"To a place that doesn't include you."
Haniul:
"The misunderstanding is solved. I'll apologize to him."
But his eyes were not the eyes of someone regretful—
they were arrogant from the start.
Songjin smirked and walked away:
"Go find him. Maybe the apology will be more sincere then."
"Tch."
Haniul clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes before searching for him.
Songjin entered Sylvester's office, confirming Rafayal was inside.
He bowed.
"I apologize for losing control downstairs."
"Raise your head. You did nothing wrong."
Rafayal leaned back, eyes closed,
a strand of blond hair falling over his forehead—
a sight any girl would want to see.
Songjin:
"Are you angry at Jinho?"
Rafayal opened his eyes, resting his cheek on his hand:
"That's a question I should ask him. Is he angry at me?"
Songjin:
"He has a pure heart. I'm sure he understood it was for his own good."
Rafayal:
"But his eyes… I didn't like them.
It felt like I didn't slap him—I drained the life out of him."
He stood up.
"Where is he?"
Songjin panicked:
"Your Highness, please don't go to him now.
Let him rest. Let's finish what we came here for first."
Rafayal:
"Where did you take him?"
He repeated the question, sharper this time.
Songjin had no choice:
"My room."
Rafayal:
"You took him into the lion's den,
and you ask me to wait?"
Songjin:
"Relax. No one saw us. The door is locked and the key is with me."
Rafayal sighed:
"I'll trust your words for now.
Have you eaten?"
"I don't want to.
And it's already afternoon—we should check the chamber next to theirs.
I challenged someone, and I intend to win."
Everyone went back to their tasks.
Rora tried to comfort Mariana.
Time passed. Evening came.
The sun disappeared,
and the crescent moon appeared all too quickly.
Mariana had sent Rora to ask about Jinho,
but everyone claimed not to know where he was.
Either he was kicked out—or sent back to the palace.
She'd keep that in mind.
Suddenly, she stood and walked out of her room,
shocking Rora, who sprinted after her.
"Your dress is too long, you'll fall!" Rora panicked.
"Is the prince in my father's office?" Mariana asked seriously.
"Yes—but what are you going to do?"
Mariana smirked confidently:
"You'll see."
Without warning, she opened the door.
Rafayal turned, alarmed—
"Mariana?"