The streets of Murakami, the capital of Koha, were alive.
Hakari and Akami walked side by side through the bustling avenues.
"This place smells amazing," Akami said, inhaling deeply. "Roasted bread… spices…"
The air was thick with the scent of cooked meat, fabric dyes, and sweat. Merchants shouted prices. Buyers argued back. Coins clinked. Laughter and chaos filled their ears.
They stopped near a clothing stall.
"Shii… too noisy," Akami muttered. "Let's go somewhere else."
As they walked away, Hakari spoke. "Why not eat while we walk?"
Akami's eyes lit up. "Good idea. Look—there!"
They approached a roasted meat stall.
"Sir," Hakari said politely. "Two portions of roasted horse meat, please."
The seller nodded, his voice calm and deep. "Wait a moment. I'll prepare it."
Hakari glanced around the market. His nose twitched as he smelled his own clothes.
"…Yeah," he muttered. "These stink. I really need new ones—"
Suddenly, his mouth shut.
His smile vanished.
Shock replaced it.
"W–what…?"
"Here's your meat," the seller said, snapping him back to reality.
Hakari blinked. "S–sorry. I was just…" He turned back. "Th–there was something… but now—nothing?"
"Brother?" Akami asked, worried. "Are you alright? Maybe we should leave. You need rest."
Hakari rubbed his temple. "You're right. It was probably nothing."
He handed over coins. "Here, sir."
The seller froze. "Four gold Kohat?"
His eyes sharpened. "Who are you children?"
Hakari stiffened.
Akami leaned in as Hakari whispered, "If he knows who we are, chaos will start. Just repeat what I say."
Hakari turned back. "We're from Vel—Velvat."
"You mean Velvet," the seller corrected flatly.
"Y–yes. Velvet. Merchants."
The seller laughed dryly. "You take me for a fool? Two royal children pretending to be merchants?"
"N–no, we—"
"That's enough," the seller interrupted. "I know who you are. Don't worry—I won't say a word."
He leaned closer. "But if you lie again, at least say Velvet correctly. And never call yourselves merchants."
Hakari bowed slightly. "Thank you."
The seller chuckled. "Bunch of kids."
They moved on.
"I'm tired," Akami said. "We should head back."
"Just a little more," Hakari replied, eyes drawn to the market.
"You really love this place," Akami said.
"Yes, I—"
Hakari stopped.
"What is it?" Akami asked.
"Wait," Hakari said quietly. "That man. Look."
A cloaked figure exchanged coins for a child. The boy's wrists were bound. Bruises marred his face.
Akami's smile vanished. "He's… selling a child."
Hakari's jaw tightened. "Let's go."
They approached.
"I want to buy," Hakari said coldly.
The man squinted. "Buy what? You look like nobility."
"I'm from Velvet."
The man froze. "The nation of flowers… a royal court?"
Hakari stepped closer. "What are you hiding?"
The man hesitated, then lowered his voice. "…Come."
They passed through a narrow gate into darkness.
"Further," the man urged.
Inside, cages lined the chamber. Chains clinked softly. The stench of rot filled the air.
Akami's breath caught. "These are… people."
"Children. And adults," Hakari whispered.
The man smiled. "Merchandise."
Akami's fists trembled. "He's trafficking them."
Hakari's eyes hardened. "…Yeah."
Meanwhile – Royal Castle
"Your Majesty," the minister bowed. "Our Command wielders have doubled this year."
King Yami sat still. "Strength does not mean safety. Speak."
"We are independent," the minister said carefully. "But… still dependent."
"On what?" the king asked.
The minister swallowed. "…On them. The Dictator."
The room froze.
King Yami rose, his presence crushing. "I warned you not to say that name."
"I–I'm sorry, my lord—"
"Say it again," the king said coldly, "and you die before nightfall."
The minister fell to his knees. "Understood."
And so began the tale of Koha.
A kingdom bathed in light, yet ruled by shadows.
One brother blessed by the sun.
The other cast into darkness.
Both walking toward a fate none could escape.