At the site where the fire pillar had risen, Ponaparto and Valentino arrived—only to find a man already standing there.
It was Moschino.
His gaze was fixed on a circular scorch mark seared into the earth.
It looked as though something had landed silently and vanished in an instant.
"Oi, Moschino! You're here too, huh?"
Ponaparto called out, but Moschino gave no reply. He simply stared at the charred ring.
In his mind flickered Jessica's old report—the tower in Mildonia engulfed in mysterious flames.
And the Indra's devastating beam, swallowed whole by fire.
The fragments of these events began to overlap, forming an ominous outline.
The furrow in his brow told of deep, uneasy thought.
"Huh!? What are you three doing here!?"
Endi arrived, panting, sweat dripping down his brow and soaking his collar.
"Fufufu… you came as well," Valentino murmured.
"Yes, I saw the fire pillar from nearby… um, what happened here?"
"Fufufu… I don't know. Other than this burn mark, nothing's left. This area isn't much traveled either."
Though his mouth was hidden by a scarf, Valentino's words carried a chill. One could tell he was smiling, and it was the kind of smile that froze the spine.
"Hey, Endi… do you know where Cain is?"
Moschino turned slowly. His usual careless grin was gone. His face was expressionless—no, cold.
The pressure made Endi shrink back.
"I don't know either. I haven't seen him at all lately. Um… Cain, did he do something?"
"You suspect him too, don't you?" Ponaparto muttered, as if voicing everyone's unspoken doubt.
"What? You can't mean this was Cain's doing!?"
Endi's voice cracked, as if someone had grabbed him by the throat.
"We never should've let him roam free. From here on, I'll lead a search for him. Endi, you'll help."
Moschino's words stiffened Endi's face.
"Wait! Why are you suspecting Cain!?"
But Moschino offered no reply.
Just then, Jessica and Moene arrived, their faces drawn with tension.
"What's your business here!?" Ponaparto barked.
Jessica answered calmly.
"I thought I should report this… Shortly before the fire pillar rose, Captain Nova was seen walking in this area alone. He hasn't been seen since. And…"
"And what!? Spit it out!"
Ponaparto's voice was sharp with impatience.
This time, Moene spoke.
"Just now, a report came that Vice Captain Rabesta was found near the training grounds, collapsed and bleeding. Thankfully his life isn't in danger—Lamia is treating him now."
"What!? Rabesta!? I was with him just moments ago—what happened!?"
Endi shouted in alarm.
"According to the report… when he regained consciousness, Rabesta said, 'It was Alpha.'"
"Alpha…? No way…"
Endi's face paled.
"Fufufu… who's Alpha?" Valentino asked lightly.
"He's a new servant who recently started working at the palace. I know him. He was clumsy, timid… it's hard to believe Rabesta could've been hurt by someone like him."
Jessica's voice wavered in disbelief.
"But why would Alpha attack Rabesta…?" Moene muttered, confused.
"Damn it! What the hell is going on!?"
Ponaparto's roar exploded, his foot stomping hard enough to send sand flying.
"Fufufu… this is turning into something serious," Valentino mused, arms crossed as though watching a play.
"We should search immediately for Cain and that boy Alpha," Moschino said coldly.
"Fufufu… that's important, but first we should tighten security around the palace."
At that, Moschino gave a short laugh.
"…True. As expected of you, Valentino—always level-headed."
Little by little, order returned to the scene.
"In any case! First priority is the safety of His Majesty, Prince Rose, and the citizens! Endi! You protect Lamia!"
Ponaparto barked, and Endi nodded firmly.
"Yes!"
"Valentino and I will guard the palace! Moschino, you'll lead the search for Cain and Alpha!"
Ponaparto divided the roles with precision.
"Endi, we'll stay with you to protect Lamia." Jessica and Moene offered quietly.
"No, shouldn't you stay by Prince Rose?"
"Don't worry, Esta's with him. And besides, the young master's a lot stronger than he looks!" Jessica smiled, though Moene's brow furrowed with worry.
"I'll take responsibility for Lamia and Rabesta. Moene, stay with Rose if you're worried. Jessica, you should look for Nova."
Endi's words were steady, his eyes unwavering.
"Endi… will you really be alright alone?" Moene's voice trembled.
"I'll be fine!"
Endi's answer came sharp, like wind cutting through.
"Oi, enough chatter! Get to your posts!" Ponaparto roared in frustration.
But at that moment, everyone froze.
"Eh!? Lamia!? What are you doing here!?" Endi's voice cracked in shock.
Lamia was running toward them, pale-faced—with Rabesta at her side. His complexion was weak, but he could stand.
Jessica and Moene were struck dumb.
"Everyone… please, listen calmly. A message just came from the Royal Guard…"
Lamia struggled to steady her breath, her voice shaking.
"What is it!? What happened!?" Ponaparto's shout ripped the air.
"His Majesty, King Regalo… has passed away."
Lamia covered her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Silence fell, heavy and absolute.
The color drained from Endi and the others' faces, as though the very world had collapsed in a single instant.