Two days had passed since the incident at the Palace.
The city was still on high alert, with citizens reporting any suspicious activity to the knights. The incident had made waves far beyond the city, with world leaders tightening their security and investigating the missing people in Ruina.
It was a strange kind of chaos in the air, one that was hard to ignore.
Shiebe: Man, it sure is noisy out there.
Shiebe stood by the window, gazing at the mass of people filling the streets. Their faces were weary, each one seemingly lost in their own thoughts. It was hard to blame them. After everything that had happened at the palace, no one was sure who to trust anymore.
Knock Knock
Shiebe turned his head, pausing for a moment. His hand instinctively hovered near the door, memories of the servant who had tried to kill him flashing in his mind.
Shiebe: Who is it?
Maz (off-screen): It's me. I've got good news!
A voice full of enthusiasm filled the room. Shiebe hesitated before opening the door, finding Maz standing there, looking far too chipper for the day.
Shiebe: Good news?
Maz: Yup!
Maz marched right in without waiting for an invitation, and Shiebe let out a sigh. It wasn't like it was anything new. They'd been through worse.
Shiebe: So, what's the news?
Maz: Eros... invited us to this town's hot springs!!
Maz raised a fist in triumph, practically bouncing with excitement. Shiebe sat down on the bed, his face a mix of confusion and mild annoyance.
Shiebe: That's it? That's your big news?
Maz, unphased by Shiebe's lack of enthusiasm, grinned even wider.
Maz: Come on, man, you're missing the point! Think of all the hot babes there!
As expected. Shiebe rolled his eyes. He was beginning to understand Maz's priorities.
Shiebe: We're too young for stuff like that, though.
Maz: Ha, ha, ha!
Maz laughed as if Shiebe had just made a joke that was way too easy to call out.
Maz: Let me correct you, buddy. YOU'RE too young. I'm still 8 physically, but I can handle it!
Shiebe blinked at Maz, slightly confused, but as he thought more about it, he realized something:
Shiebe (monologue): Technically, I'm 7 physically, and sure, I've got the mental age of a 15-year-old... But in this world, that doesn't seem to matter much. Age means nothing here. I've seen enough to know that my mental maturity doesn't give me any kind of edge when it comes to fitting in or being treated differently.
Shiebe shook off the thought as Maz continued.
Shiebe: But... Zaneff and Eros' wives don't seem to notice you, though. With all that... enthusiasm.
Maz looked almost insulted by the observation, but then grinned.
Maz: Eros' wives are Eros' wives. As for Zaneff… well, I think we both know why she's not interested.
Shiebe frowned in confusion.
Shiebe: Why?
Maz: —Actually, forget I said that.
Maz gave Shiebe a teasing grin and walked toward the door.
Maz: Get ready. We're leaving in a few hours.
Shiebe stood at the entrance of the bustling hot springs area, looking around at the flurry of people streaming in. The crowd was much bigger than he expected. He felt a little out of place — a small, red-haired kid in a crowd of adults, most of whom were taller and older than him. His eyes darted from one person to the next, trying to make sense of the cacophony of voices.
Shiebe (muttering): Man, this is way busier than I thought.
Maz, ever the social butterfly, had already dashed ahead to mingle with the other visitors, excitedly waving his arms around like a maniac.
Maz: Hey, check this out! It's like a festival!
Shiebe's eyes twitched slightly, still not quite used to Maz's boundless energy.
Just then, Zaneff walked up next to him, looking just as out of place as he felt.
Shiebe: Is it always this crowded?
Zaneff: Yeah, especially when the weather is nice like this. It gets pretty lively.
She smiled softly at him, but Shiebe noticed the tension in her expression, something about her demeanor seemed off, like she was trying to focus on something else. He didn't press it though; after all, there was plenty going on to distract him.
Suddenly, an excited voice broke through the noise.
???:Hey, look! It's the Monarch and his wives!
???:No way! The Monarch's here? This is crazy!
The crowd began to part like the Red Sea as Eros made his way through, followed by his wives, his presence drawing everyone's attention.
Shiebe had never seen so many people look at someone like that. It was like the entire world had momentarily shifted focus to Eros.
Eros: Thank you, thank you! Please, no need to crowd. We'll be on our way.
He waved casually, and the crowd complied, making way for the group as they walked toward the hot spring entrance.
Shiebe: It's crazy how popular he is...
Zaneff nodded, though she seemed a little distant.
Zaneff: Y-yeah...
Shiebe tilted his head slightly. Something was off. He noticed the way Zaneff's gaze lingered on Eros for a moment too long, before quickly shifting away when he looked over at her.
Shiebe: Hmm... is something wrong, Zaneff?
Zaneff snapped out of her thoughts, offering him a quick smile.
Zaneff: No... not at all. Just... thinking about things.
Before Shiebe could probe any further, Maz appeared out of nowhere, his face practically glowing with excitement.
Maz: Alright, alright, we're here! Let's have some fun already!
He threw an arm around both Shiebe and Zaneff, pulling them close with all his usual enthusiasm. Shiebe couldn't help but chuckle as Maz nearly dragged them toward the hot spring entrance.
Maz: You know, we've never really spent time together like this. But after that fight we had, I know you two are strong! So let's have some fun and enjoy ourselves!
Shiebe: Yeah!
Zaneff: Y-yeah...!
The steam from the hot springs wafted through the air, its calming scent of minerals and warmth inviting the group to relax after a busy day. As they approached the entrance, Shiebe began to look around, a little confused by the layout.
Attendant (pointing to separate entrances):The men's baths are this way, and the women's baths are on the other side.
Shiebe blinked, looking between the two entrances, then back at the others. A sense of confusion spread across his face. He glanced at Maz and Zaneff, his brow furrowing as if trying to piece something together.
Shiebe (frowning, quietly to himself):Wait, what?
Maz, who was already eager to get in, didn't seem to think much of it, but when he noticed Shiebe staring at the signs, he raised an eyebrow.
Maz (grinning):What's wrong with you, Shiebe? You look like you've seen a ghost.
Shiebe didn't respond immediately. Instead, he glanced between the men's entrance and the women's entrance again, still clearly puzzled.
Shiebe (hesitantly):I don't get it. Why are we... separated?
The words came out before he could stop himself, and immediately, everyone around him froze.
Zaneff (looking a little shocked):You... don't know?
Shiebe turned to her, blinking in confusion.
Shiebe:Know what?
Maz couldn't help but laugh, his loud guffaw echoing in the near-empty space.
Maz (laughing):Oh man, Shiebe... you really don't know?
Shiebe's face flushed with embarrassment as he looked from one person to another, trying to find an explanation. Everyone else seemed to understand something he didn't, and it was starting to make him feel more awkward.
Shiebe (blushing):I'm serious. I've never been to a hot spring before... I didn't know they were separated by gender!
There was a pause, and then, to Shiebe's horror, everyone started laughing.
Maz (grinning from ear to ear):Oh, that's priceless. You've never been to a hot spring? You really are a sheltered little guy, huh?
Shiebe's face turned even redder as he mumbled under his breath.
Shiebe (quietly):It's not like I had the chance...
Eros (chuckling softly):Well, I guess that makes sense. You've been cooped up in that mansion all your life, huh?
Shiebe turned to Eros, his embarrassment turning into frustration.
Shiebe (defensively):I didn't have a choice!
Zaneff, still a bit shocked but amused by Shiebe's reaction, smiled gently.
Zaneff (teasing):Guess we've learned something new about you, Shiebe. No hot springs, huh?
Maz (snickering):Yeah, and you didn't even know the basic rules of the bathhouse!
Shiebe crossed his arms, looking away, his cheeks still bright red. He wasn't used to being the center of attention, especially for something as trivial as not knowing the customs of hot springs.
Shiebe (grumbling):I don't see why it matters...
Maz (still teasing):It matters, trust me! You get it once you've been here for a while. But seriously, Shiebe, the baths are always separated by gender. You think everyone's just getting in the same pool?
Shiebe scratched the back of his head, still trying to process the information.
Shiebe (mumbling):I guess... I just didn't know...
Eros (smiling softly):Don't worry about it. You're not the only one who's never been to a hot spring. Some people are more focused on work than play.
Maz's grin softened slightly, his expression shifting into one of playful understanding.
Maz:It's okay, Shiebe. You're not missing much anyway. Except for all the super cool bath etiquette you have to learn. You know, like... trying not to stare at people's—
Shiebe (cutting him off, blushing):Maz!
The others chuckled as Shiebe's embarrassment reached new heights.
Maz (winking):Oh, you'll figure it out soon enough. Just don't go making any awkward mistakes, okay?
As the laughter died down, Shiebe turned to face the attendants, who were waiting patiently. His face was still a little red, but he had started to relax.
Shiebe (muttering to himself):So, we're... really separated by gender in here...
Eros (calmly):Yep. You're going to the boys' side, Shiebe, and we'll all meet up later.
Shiebe (frowning):Well, that's... awkward...
Maz (grinning):You'll be fine, buddy. Just remember, it's all about... relaxation. You'll learn how to relax once you get in.
Eros (nodding):Right. Now, let's head to the boys' side. There's no shame in it. We're here to unwind, after all.
The Boys' Side of the Hot Springs
The moment Shiebe stepped into the hot springs, he couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. The warm water felt amazing against his skin. It was everything he had hoped it would be. Still, the awkwardness of his earlier realization lingered in the back of his mind.
Maz, of course, was already making himself at home, slouching comfortably in the water.
Maz (grinning):See? Told you it wasn't that bad. Just relax and don't think too hard about the whole "gender separation" thing.
Shiebe, still processing, shook his head in disbelief.
Shiebe (muttering):I really didn't know...
Eros (smiling lightly):It's fine, Shiebe. Everyone starts somewhere. You're just learning, that's all.
Maz suddenly leaned forward, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Maz (teasing):You know, Shiebe, if you had been around more... you'd know all these basic things already. You're still a rookie.
Shiebe grunted, clearly not in the mood for more teasing, but Maz's energy was contagious, and despite his embarrassment, he had to admit that the water felt great. Maybe this whole "hot spring" thing wasn't so bad after all.
The Women's Side
On the other side of the bathhouse, Zaneff and the ten wives of Eros were soaking in the hot spring. It was a far more peaceful atmosphere, with the women chatting softly among themselves. Zaneff, however, was still thinking about Shiebe's reaction.
Wife 3 (teasing lightly):Zaneff, you were the one to explain this whole thing to him, right?
Zaneff laughed nervously, her face turning a bit pink.
Zaneff (shifting awkwardly in the water):I... I didn't know he was so out of touch with these things. He's such a strange one.
One of the other wives raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on her face.
Wife 4:You like him, don't you?
Zaneff turned bright red.
Zaneff (flustered):W-What? No! I mean...
The other wives laughed softly, enjoying teasing her, while Zaneff buried her face in the warm water, hiding her blush.
It had been a quiet afternoon inside the library. Shiebe, always a diligent student, was sitting at one of the wooden desks, deeply engrossed in a book. He wasn't the type to waste time, even though, at his age, many would have expected him to be out playing or doing something else. Zaneff had happened to walk past the library, and she'd caught sight of Shiebe sitting there in deep concentration. A small part of her was drawn to him, and she found herself standing at the entrance, watching him from a distance.
Zaneff (hesitating, but gathering her courage):H-Hey, Shiebe...
Shiebe jumped at the sound of her voice, his face a picture of surprise. He hadn't heard her approach.
Shiebe (flustered):Ah!... Oh, it's just you, Zaneff.
He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head, his cheeks slightly flushed from the scare.
Zaneff (apologetically):S-Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you...
Shiebe waved off the apology, his expression softening as he smiled up at her.
Shiebe (casually):No need to apologize. Did you need something?
Zaneff felt a little self-conscious, her words coming out more hesitantly than she intended.
Zaneff (blushing, looking at the book):I-I just wanted to see what you were reading, if you don't mind.
She lowered her head, her voice almost a whisper as she spoke. Shiebe looked down at the book in his hands and then at Zaneff, offering her a small smile.
Shiebe (modestly):Oh... well, it's a bit embarrassing to say this out loud, but I'm studying the different emotions that people face in life.
Zaneff blinked, surprised. She hadn't expected that answer at all. She had assumed it might be something academic, like a book on syreums or geography. But emotions? It piqued her curiosity.
Zaneff (softly):Do you struggle with expressing your emotions, Shiebe?
The question hung in the air for a moment. Shiebe's eyes darted away from her gaze, focusing on the paper he had been writing on. His shoulders tensed slightly, as though the question had struck a chord.
Shiebe (awkwardly, avoiding eye contact):N-No. A friend I knew back in my hometown had an issue with expressing his feelings... I just wanted to understand what kind of emotions he might have been hiding from me.
The children's book in the library had caught his attention, and he had written down what he had learned in an attempt to understand his own emotions better.
Zaneff sat down next to him, her curiosity piqued by his words. She looked at him, waiting for him to continue.
Zaneff (gently):Tell me more, Shiebe. What happened with your friend?
Shiebe's face hardened slightly, his expression darkening as he recalled the painful memory.
Shiebe (quietly):Well... my friend had an illness. He couldn't leave the house. His parents weren't around to care for him, and I was the only one who kept him company. But even so... I could tell there was something deep inside him that he couldn't express. A mix of emotions—anger, sadness, fear... but neither of us knew how to handle them. Then one day, he was gone.
Zaneff (softly, placing a hand on his shoulder): I see...
As Zaneff sat there beside him, her soft touch on his shoulder, Shiebe's mind raced. Her understanding, her kindness—it was all so overwhelming. He had never spoken so openly about his feelings before. He had spoken about a "friend" who had suffered, a "friend" who had dealt with emotions too complex to understand. But deep down, he knew the truth. That friend... was him.
Shiebe's Inner Monologue (softly, to himself):
That friend… he wasn't someone else. He was me.I've spent so many years hiding my pain, telling myself it was someone else's burden to bear. I've always felt like an outsider, even when I was surrounded by people who cared about me. But it wasn't their fault. It was mine, for keeping everything inside. For not allowing anyone in.
His eyes drifted downward, focusing on the book in front of him as though the words on the page could provide some comfort, some distraction. But his thoughts were far from the text. They were buried in the memory of a life he could never forget.
Shiebe's Inner Monologue (cont'd):
I remember him so clearly. He was always there, in the back of my mind, when I thought about the pain of being alone. That feeling of being trapped in my own world, unable to escape. I never had anyone to turn to, except myself.His parents weren't there for him. They were never there for me either. And even though I had people who cared, like Zaneff, like Eros, like Maz... I always felt like I was drowning in something I couldn't explain. Emotions that were too complicated, too overwhelming for anyone to understand.He... I... I couldn't express myself. I was never able to show anyone how much it hurt. How deeply it hurt to lose everything—my childhood, my innocence, my freedom.Then one day, it was too much. He... I... vanished. Not physically, but emotionally. I shut everyone out. The pain became too big to carry.
Shiebe's fists clenched at his sides, his breathing growing shallow. The weight of the memory pressed against his chest, and he fought to keep his emotions in check. But it was hard—so hard. He had buried these feelings for so long, and now, in the presence of someone who understood, it was like a dam breaking inside of him.
Shiebe's Inner Monologue (cont'd):
Zaneff... she's the first person who's ever really seen through me. She saw past the walls I built around myself. She knows. I can tell.I've never been able to talk about this, about the emptiness I felt. About the part of me that was always too scared to admit I was broken. But she just... listened. She didn't judge me. She didn't try to fix me. She just... understood.I never wanted anyone to know how weak I was. But now... now I'm realizing that it's okay. I'm not perfect, and maybe that's not such a bad thing. Zaneff's not afraid of me—of the real me. She accepts me, broken pieces and all. And that's something I never thought I could have.
Shiebe blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the wave of emotion that threatened to overtake him. He had come so close to revealing everything. To confessing that the person he had been talking about—the one who couldn't understand his emotions, the one who had felt abandoned—was him. But could he really say it out loud? Could he admit to Zaneff that the pain he had been hiding for so long was his own?
Zaneff's soft voice broke through his thoughts, and he looked up, seeing her gaze fixed on him. Her eyes were warm, filled with empathy and something else he couldn't quite place. It was the way she looked at him that made his heart race, a feeling he hadn't known how to process before.
Zaneff (gently):Shiebe, you're not alone anymore. I promise you, I'll be here for you.
Shiebe's Inner Monologue (softly, a quiet resolve):
I'm not alone anymore.Maybe it's time I stop hiding the truth. Maybe it's time to let someone in, to let them see the real me...
Shiebe closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. The weight that had been crushing his chest seemed a little lighter now, as though admitting the truth to himself was the first step toward healing. Maybe one day, he'd be able to say those words aloud—not just to Zaneff, but to himself.
Zaneff (earnestly):The pain of losing someone, and not being able to do anything for them... I may not have experienced it myself, but I can understand what's going through your head. I won't sit here and let you be tormented by the past, Shiebe.
Her words were firm, and her gaze never wavered. Shiebe looked up, surprised by the intensity in her voice. She stood up as she spoke, as though to emphasize the strength of her resolve, but quickly sat back down when she realized she had been standing the whole time.
Zaneff (embarrassed):S-Sorry... I got a bit carried away...
Shiebe couldn't help but laugh softly, the warmth of her gesture not lost on him.
Shiebe (smiling):It's okay, Zaneff.
Zaneff's heart swelled with a feeling she couldn't quite put into words. He had never opened up to her like that before, and hearing him share his pain made her realize just how much he had been through.
Shiebe (curiously):What about you, Zaneff? What's your dream?
Zaneff's eyes softened, and she smiled, her cheeks slightly pink as she thought about her future.
Zaneff (earnestly):I want to get into Henokai Academy and become a council member... I want to help others in need.
Shiebe (nodding):I see. Like your father, right?
Zaneff's expression faltered at the mention of her father. She shook her head, her voice quiet but firm.
Zaneff (determined):No... My father only cares about power. He's not a true leader like Eros. I want to be better than him. I want to use my position to actually help people.
Shiebe smiled at her conviction, impressed by her resolve.
Shiebe (grinning):That's just like you, Zaneff.
Zaneff's smile softened, her heart warming at the support she felt from him.
Zaneff (teasing lightly):What about you, Shiebe? What's your dream?
Shiebe thought for a moment before answering, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
Shiebe (reflectively):If I had to set a goal... I'd say I want to be surrounded by people I love, helping others who are like my friends. People who lack power, and people who feel alone.
Zaneff smiled warmly, her heart fluttering at the purity of his words.
Zaneff (softly):That's just like you, Shiebe.
The moment lingered between them, but then Shiebe suddenly glanced at the clock on the wall.
Shiebe (casually):Oh, look at the time. We should probably head out for dinner.
Zaneff blinked, as if snapping out of a trance.
Zaneff (smiling):Ah, right. Let's go.
Back to the Present - The Women's Side of the Hot Springs
As Zaneff finished recounting the story to Eros' wives, the women were visibly moved, wiping away tears as they listened to the depth of Shiebe's struggles. They had no idea how much pain he had carried with him, how much he had hidden from the world. But now, hearing Zaneff's words, they could see the resilience in him. The strength that had allowed him to survive despite everything.
Wife 1 (softly):To experience something like that at such a young age... It's hard to even imagine.
Wife 2 (teary-eyed):And yet he still has such a pure heart. He wants to help others, even after all that pain.
Wife 3 (emotionally):He's stronger than he knows. He'll make it. I believe in him.
Zaneff looked down at the water, her thoughts once again turning inward. She couldn't help but wonder if Shiebe had truly understood just how much she cared for him. How deeply she wanted to see him achieve his dream.
Zaneff (softly, to herself):I hope he can achieve it... I really do.
And for the first time in a long time, Zaneff felt the weight of her own resolve, her determination to see Shiebe find happiness and purpose. She was more than ready to help him, to support him in ways that no one had before.