Endi and Rose ran through the hall, tears streaming as they fought against the sting of pepper spray. Their lungs burned, but their legs refused to stop.
Behind them, Darmaine writhed on the floor, screaming like a wounded beast.
"Gyaaaaaa! It hurts, damn it!"
Chandeliers blazed overhead as the two chased Nova's crew across the glittering Platinum Grill. Rose clicked his tongue in frustration.
"Tch. Pepper spray? What a cheap trick. Still, that little brat moved fast. I couldn't react at all…"
Endi, face wet with sweat and tears, turned to Rose.
"Prince Rose, I don't think Nova's really a bad guy. Maybe we should try talking first—before we fight?"
Rose's gaze stayed locked ahead, his reply sharp.
"If they were the kind who'd talk, I'd gladly oblige. But those bastards might be conspiring with the Old Doal army. If so, Lamia could be their next target."
Endi's chest tightened. Lamia's smile flashed in his mind, and his jaw set with resolve.
"If anything happens to Lamia or the others, I'll fight without hesitation. But before that, I have to talk to him at least once!"
With renewed determination, Endi quickened his pace. Ahead, the silhouettes of Nova's crew loomed in the distance.
Chaos reigned in the Platinum Grill. Shattered glass and screaming patrons filled the hall as Nova's gang stormed through.
Saizō stood frozen, trying to comprehend the mayhem.
"What the hell…?"
His eyes caught Endi and Rose dashing outside. The realization hit him like a bolt.
"No way… Oi, Kumashis! We're going after them!"
But Kumashis was nowhere to be found. Panic rising, Saizō rushed into the kitchen—only to be met with a bizarre sight.
There lay Kumashis, sprawled on the floor, clutching a fine bottle of red wine meant for noble patrons. His face was flushed bright crimson.
"Oi, Kumashis! Cut it out!"
The chef yelled, but Kumashis roared back drunkenly:
"Shut the hell up! You all look down on us waiters like we're slaves! We're human too! If you can't treat staff with respect, don't you dare eat out!!"
The cooks shrank back. Cain shot him a cold glare.
Losing patience, Saizō grabbed Kumashis by the arm.
"What the hell are you doing!? Endi and Prince Rose are out chasing the mafia! We're going too! Cain, you're with me!"
Dragging the drunk along, Saizō bolted out, Cain reluctantly following.
Just then, the fat, foul-mouthed customer who had insulted Kumashis earlier stumbled toward him.
"Brother, I'm sorry. My wife and daughter tear into me at home every day. I took it out on you… forgive me…"
Kumashis swayed, then suddenly swung his fist, sending the man crashing to the floor.
"Shut the hell up!!"
Saizō gawked.
"Are you kidding me!? Move your damn legs already!"
The entire kitchen—staff, cooks, and patrons—stood frozen in disbelief. Cain only sighed and followed as they charged into the night.
Out on the street, they caught up with Endi and Rose.
"Prince Rose! Where'd they go!?" Saizō shouted.
Rose bit his lip in frustration.
"Lost 'em. That orange-haired brat in the lead? That was Nova himself."
Saizō's eyes widened.
"That boy is their boss!?"
"Yeah. Anyway, sorry, guys. It's late. Go get some sleep. We'll meet at the palace by noon tomorrow."
With that, Rose vanished into the darkness.
Kumashis, meanwhile, was snoring loudly in the middle of the road.
"Wait, he's drunk!?" Endi exclaimed.
Saizō shrugged.
"Leave this useless oaf. Endi, Cain—the prince's prepared lodging near the palace for you. Follow me."
Endi's face lit up.
"Seriously!? That's amazing! I'll thank him tomorrow!"
Cain scowled.
"Oi, don't tell me it's one room for both of us."
"Relax. One each. Next to each other, though. Now move."
They followed Saizō into the night streets.
Meanwhile, deep in Panis Town's underground passage, Nova's orange hair burned under lamplight.
A lackey asked nervously:
"Boss, earlier you said the time has come… what did you mean?"
Nova sneered.
"Exactly what it sounded like. Tomorrow, we take the royal palace. Move—we've got Lavesta waiting."
The men paled.
"Taking the palace… that's suicide!"
"If the Three Commanders show up, we're dead!"
But Nova's eyes blazed with hatred.
"Cowards. Then run if you want. But remember what Nakatham did to us. Now's the time to settle the score."
His men fell silent, following him into the darkness.
Endi arrived at his lodging and let out a cheer.
"Whoa, this room's great!"
The small six-mat room wasn't luxurious, but it was clean and comfortable. Its proximity to the palace made it even better.
Still brimming with excitement, Endi banged on Cain's door.
"What now?" Cain muttered, annoyed.
"I'm starving. Cook something for me!"
"Hell no. Go to sleep." Cain slammed the door shut.
Endi slumped, then flopped onto his bed. Staring at the ceiling, he whispered:
"This time… I'll protect Lamia. And maybe… my memories will come back soon."
His words melted into the silence of the night.