The royal palace was a breathtaking edifice of stone and brick, towering above its vast gardens in a pristine white splendor.
Bathed in sunlight, its walls gleamed like the spines of books etched with the pages of history.
The moment Willart Rose removed his mask, the armored royal guards rushed to swing open the colossal gates.
The groaning hinges resounded like the gears of fate grinding into motion.
Guided by Rose, Endi and his companions stepped into the heart of the palace.
When the heavy doors creaked open, a hall of alabaster grandeur awaited them.
Twin staircases rose on either side, unfolding like wings that reached toward the heavens.
Crimson velvet walls whispered the pride of a royal bloodline.
Carvings and frescoes shimmered as though the past itself glittered like stardust above their heads.
Endi gasped, like a castaway washed ashore upon the dreamlike coast.
"Welcome home, Prince Rose!"
The voices of the royal guards thundered in unison, like the crash of triumphant gongs.
"Eh? Lamia?"
"Lamia's safe! Thank goodness!"
"Oh! Lady Jessica too—she's completed her mission!"
The hall filled with excited voices, echoing like waves shattering against a reef.
Rose waved his hand with a smile.
"From this moment, a banquet in the grand hall! Bring out the feast—load the tables high!"
Their footsteps rang with the rhythm of hope as Rose led them toward the great hall.
"Whoa!! Rose, you actually live in a place like this?!" Endi exclaimed, snorting in excitement, his voice unable to contain his wonder.
"Haha, impressive, isn't it?" Rose laughed.
"Wait a second—'Rose'? You're speaking far too rudely! Show some respect!" Jessica boiled over like a kettle, while Lamia laughed softly like a murmuring brook.
At the top of the stairway spread the banquet hall: its emerald walls shone with murals, and a high ceiling glittered like a canopy holding captive the stars.
Opulent furniture filled the room. Chairs of the finest craft surrounded tables buried beneath cascades of dishes and fruit.
"Eat your fill, everyone! Tonight, we feast like pirates!" Rose bellowed like the captain of a ship.
Endi piled his plate high, like a boy at harvest festival.
Cain quietly sipped his juice, the golden liquid gleaming like distilled sunlight.
"Forgive me, Prince Rose," Lamia spoke meekly, her voice like reeds swaying in the wind. "As a servant, I should return to my duties after this meal…"
"Nonsense," Rose cut her off. "You were kidnapped not long ago—rest for now."
"She's right," Jessica added gently, her words guiding like the light of a lighthouse. "Take a break. Work will wait."
Lamia nodded, guilt shadowing her eyes.
Then Rose turned to Endi.
"By the way, I overheard you on the airship earlier. You want to join the army—or a knightly order?"
"Yes—no, I mean yes!" Endi straightened instantly. "I want to grow stronger and protect Lamia. And also… I want to save the people I saw suffering in the city below!"
His voice roared through the hall like the eruption of a volcano.
"Why?" Rose asked, eyes sharp as blades of trial. "Why fight for a woman you've only just met? I was born into royalty, so duty binds me to my people. But you? A boy with no past, no memories—why sacrifice yourself for others? What drives you?"
Endi set down his fork and answered with steady conviction.
"These last four years without my memories were hell. I was alone—completely. Meeting Lamia saved me. Meeting others since then gave me purpose. That's why I want to repay the kindness I've received. And when I see people in pain—those whose hearts are breaking just trying to live—I can't stand by. You don't need logic for something like that."
His words flowed with the resolve of a river carving stone.
"The one saved was me," Lamia whispered, eyes brimming. "Endi, I'll do anything to help you regain your memories—no matter what."
Her voice was the tenderness of stars murmuring to the night.
Jessica fought back tears. Cain's gaze lingered on Endi, pained, before flicking away like a lone wolf vanishing into fog.
Rose grinned.
"Endi, I've never met anyone like you. I like you all the more for it. I'll support you however I can to restore your memories. But as for enlistment—forget it."
"Eh!? Why not?!" Endi exclaimed.
"You've got strength, and guts to match. But you're not the type who belongs in an army or knightly corps. Rules, restrictions—they'd only crush your spirit. You're better free."
Endi blinked in confusion.
"I… don't understand."
Rose chuckled.
"Simply put, you're like me—you don't fit into groups. People like us work better alone. So, I want you to take orders directly from me, operating in secret."
"In secret… like a spy?!"
Endi's eyes lit like falling stars streaking across the night.
Rose nodded.
"Something like that. Can you handle it?"
"I can! Please—let me do it!" Endi's reply unfurled like the sails of a ship catching wind.
Rose's gaze shifted to Cain.
"And you? You strike me as the same sort of man. Though your nature's nothing like Endi's."
Cain smirked.
"I'll lend a hand. Use me as you like—it'll stave off the boredom."
"What was that tone!?" Jessica snapped, barking like a watchdog at his arrogance.
Rose muttered inwardly.
Cain… a man I can't quite read. I'd better keep an eye on him.
Suddenly, a royal guard rushed into the hall.
"Forgive the intrusion during your meal! Prince Rose—the king awaits you in the throne room. He has summoned your companions as well."
"…What?" Rose's brow furrowed, his voice turning grim.