Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ren Koushi was born to a noblewoman named Yan, whose beauty captivated Ren Koutoko, the younger brother of the Emperor. Her radiant presence seemed destined for greatness, and it was no surprise she caught the eye of royalty.

But life within the imperial family was rarely kind. Koushi, the youngest of Koutoko’s children, was born into a world that quickly grew indifferent to him. At five years old, he was seen as little more than an afterthought. Koutoko, though initially enamored with Yan, soon grew tired of her. Her health had waned after giving birth, her once-vibrant beauty dulled by fragility. Bitterness took root in Yan’s heart, and the boy became the scapegoat for her suffering.

Though surrounded by family, Koushi’s world was a lonely one.

Koushi could not recall a single proper interaction with his siblings. At most, he had seen fleeting glimpses of them from afar. No words exchanged, no glances met. They lived their lives, and he lived his.

Until today.

“Meow~!”

The sound drew Koushi’s attention instantly. His sharp violet eyes lit up with curiosity as he scanned his surroundings. A black cat with white spots emerged from the bushes, her golden eyes shimmering like tiny suns. Koushi’s lips curled into a wide, delighted smile.

“Kitty…” he whispered in awe, creeping toward the cat with careful, outstretched hands.

The cat, rather than fleeing, tilted her head curiously. Her golden eyes blinked at him as if trying to decide whether to trust the small human approaching her.

When Koushi finally scooped her up into his arms, his joy overflowed. “Kitty! You’re so cute!” he exclaimed, holding her close. The cat responded with a soft meow, prompting a gleeful giggle from the boy.

But the moment was short-lived.

“What are you doing?”

A sharp voice sliced through the air, startling Koushi. He flinched, his arms loosening their grip on the cat, which leaped gracefully to the ground before darting away.

The boy turned, wide-eyed, to face the intruder.

A tall teenager stood before him, draped in flowing robes of red, white, and black. His long red hair was tied neatly in a top knot, and his narrow crimson eyes bore into Koushi with an icy indifference. One eyebrow arched slightly, betraying a flicker of curiosity.

Koushi knew him instantly. Though they had never spoken, he had seen this figure many times before.

“Ani-ue…”

The voice came from someone else—a second figure stepping into view. This one, younger and less severe, had long, messy red hair tied back in a loose ponytail. His soft pink-tinged eyes sparkled as he studied Koushi. “This is our little brother, Koushi,” he remarked with a hint of amusement.

Koushi froze. His chest tightened as his older brother’s words sank in. He knows my name… Embarrassment flushed his cheeks, and he quickly averted his gaze.

The older teen, Ren Kouen, frowned slightly. “He is? I thought Kouha was our youngest sibling.” His tone was dismissive, though his eyes lingered on Koushi.

“Ani-ue-sama,” the younger one—Ren Koumei—chided gently. “How can you not remember him? And for the record, Kougyoku is the second youngest, not Kouha.”

“Does it matter? Isn’t there only a day separating those two?”

Koumei sighed, exasperated. “You know the details, but you still pretend not to care.”

Meanwhile, Koushi stood awkwardly, fiddling with his fingers. “Sorry to interrupt…” he mumbled, his voice barely audible. He began to back away, intent on escaping the scene altogether.

“Stop.”

Kouen’s commanding voice froze him in his tracks. Koushi turned, his pale face betraying his nervousness.

“Koushi, is it?”

The boy nodded hesitantly, his violet eyes wide with uncertainty.

Kouen regarded him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he spoke, his tone even. “Koumei and I are going to have a picnic at the lake.”

Koushi blinked, unsure of how to respond.

Koumei stepped in, his tone more encouraging. “What Ani-ue means to say is: Do you want to come with us?”

The question left Koushi stunned. He pointed to himself in disbelief. “Me?”

“Yes, you,” Koumei replied, offering a reassuring smile.

Koushi hesitated, glancing around. “That’s okay, but…” His face fell. “Kitty’s gone… I wanted her.”

The brothers exchanged glances. After a brief silence, Koumei knelt down to Koushi’s level, his tone gentle. “How about this: we’ll have someone look for her once we’re done with the picnic. Does that sound fair?”

Koushi’s face lit up, his lips curling into a bright smile. “Mmm! Thank you!”

Kouen muttered under his breath as the trio began walking. “He’s polite, at least.”

Koushi trailed beside them, a strange warmth blooming in his chest. For the first time, he felt something almost foreign—acceptance.

Koushi sat quietly on the edge of the luxurious, gilded boat. Its opulence was absurd—far more decorated than even his over-the-top bedroom back at the palace. Yet, despite the beauty around him, his focus remained on avoiding the gaze of the third man aboard.

“What’s wrong, Koushi-kun?” The question, light and teasing, broke through his thoughts. “Are you having fun?”

Koushi hesitated, swallowing nervously before glancing toward the source of the voice. A teenager with unruly dark blue hair and piercing slanted blue eyes was watching him with a playful smirk. A mole beneath his chin made his features even sharper. Ren Hakuren, the second prince of the empire—and Koushi’s cousin.

The outing was apparently a planned escape from the stresses of invasion campaigns, a moment of peace for his older brothers Kouen and Koumei. It also served as a small celebration for Kouen, who had recently conquered two dungeons, making him the first in the Ren family to possess more than one Djinn.

Hakuren’s older brother, the first prince Hakuyuu, had sent his apologies for being unable to attend. While Kouen had seemed visibly disappointed at the absence of his favorite cousin, he masked it quickly and instead focused on enjoying Hakuren’s company.

When Koushi didn’t reply, Koumei spoke up on his behalf. “Koushi is just shy,” he explained warmly, his tone sincere. Koushi blinked in surprise. His brother had known him for less than an hour but already understood him better than most.

“Like Hakuryuu,” Hakuren commented cheerfully, unfazed by the boy’s silence. “You’re about the same age, right?” He scratched his chin thoughtfully, his gaze flickering with an idea. “Maybe I could set up a playdate for you two. He’s very shy and could use more time around kids his age.”

Kouen’s eyes lit up. “Good idea,” he said with a rare smile. Clearly, the thought of Koushi bonding with Hakuryuu, the youngest member of his favorite siblings’ family, pleased him.

Koushi bowed his head respectfully. “I’m honored,” he murmured softly.

Hakuren laughed, reaching over to ruffle Koushi’s crimson hair affectionately. “You don’t need to try so hard! Come on, it’s me—Hakuren! Your favorite cousin, remember?”

Koushi’s face flushed with embarrassment, and he fidgeted under the attention. Koumei and Kouen exchanged subtle glances, a faint sense of pride in their younger brother’s polite demeanor evident in their expressions.

The conversation among the teenagers soon resumed, leaving Koushi to his own thoughts. Feeling bored, he wandered to the edge of the boat and leaned over to peer into the lake. The water was so clear, he could see fish weaving through the swaying seaweed. He watched, mesmerized, until a glint of light caught his eye.

Something shiny was at the bottom of the lake.

“Wow…” Koushi whispered, curiosity sparking. He leaned further over the edge, his small hands stretching toward the water.

The object seemed to call to him, shimmering tantalizingly. He bent farther, farther, and—

SPLASH!

The sudden noise startled the three teenagers from their conversation. They turned in unison, their eyes wide as they realized the small crimson-haired boy was no longer on the boat.

“KOUSHI!!”

Under the water, everything was chaos. The lake was darker and deeper than it had appeared. Koushi’s lungs burned as water flooded in, his tiny arms and legs flailing desperately. His vision blurred, and the world spun as panic overtook him.

‘I’m drowning!’ The thought struck him with a mix of fear and disbelief. His movements slowed as his consciousness began to slip away.

{Morax…}

A voice, distant yet powerful, echoed in his mind.

Koushi gasped awake, his violet eyes snapping open. His body jerked upright, and he struggled to catch his breath. Sweat drenched his crimson hair and clung to his pale skin, and his chest heaved as he fought to calm down.

Seconds passed as he processed the events that had just unfolded. He looked down at his trembling hands—small, pale, and fragile. He blinked, his thoughts racing.

“Did I… drown?” he whispered hoarsely to himself. The realization sent a chill down his spine. “I’m… alive?”

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts, followed by the creak of a door opening.

“Koushi-sama…”

He turned his head slowly toward the sound. A young woman with long dark green hair stood hesitantly in the doorway, her silver eyes wide with concern.

“You’re awake…” she breathed, relief and nervousness mingling in her expression. She stepped closer, wringing her hands as if unsure of what to do next. “Do you… need any help?”

Koushi opened his mouth, his voice scratchy. “…Water.”

Her silver eyes widened. “Oh! Of course—how silly of me!” She hurried across the room, fumbling to pour a glass of water. Rushing back, she pressed the glass into his hands.

Koushi drank greedily, draining it in seconds.

“Another?” she asked anxiously.

“No,” he replied, his voice calmer now.

The maid nodded and stepped back, her hands still fidgeting nervously.

“How long was I unconscious?” he asked after a moment.

“Four days…” She spoke hesitantly, then gasped, her eyes widening as she remembered something. “Oh! I need to inform Kouen-dono that you’ve woken up!”

Before Koushi could respond, she bolted from the room.

Alone once again, Koushi glanced around. His room was just as he had left it—dirty, empty, and unwelcoming. Yet he couldn’t help but reflect on the maid’s behavior.

Unlike the other servants in this palace, who were cold and dismissive, she had shown genuine respect and care. Her presence felt… unfamiliar. Was she one of his maids? He doesn’t remember her. She’s too nice to be one of them.

The next day, Koushi sat stiffly in the guest room, dressed in the most luxurious attire he’d ever worn. A white robe secured by a purple sash beneath a finely tailored coat with intricate purple edging.

Why such formality? Because Kouen, Koumei, and the First and Second Princes were coming to visit him. They wanted to check on his health after the incident at the lake.

Koushi felt as though his nerves would devour him whole. His fingers hovered dangerously close to his lips, the urge to bite them growing stronger with every passing second. Why were they all so concerned about him? The thought of all four of them gathered in the same room made his chest tighten with anxiety.

Ping—the dark green-haired maid who had introduced herself as his caretaker, courtesy of Kouen—gestured nervously for him to prepare himself. Taking a deep breath, Koushi stood just as the doors opened.

First to enter was a tall young man with soft dark blue hair and piercing blue eyes. His expression was serious, his features sharp and commanding. Behind him followed three others—faces Koushi recognized from the ill-fated boat trip.

The relief on Kouen, Koumei, and Hakuren’s faces was immediate and obvious. Koushi’s cheeks flushed at the sight of their concern, the attention flustering him.

“Koushi, are you okay?” Koumei asked gently, his voice the first to break the silence.

“I am.” Koushi bowed deeply, his small frame trembling slightly. “Thank you for your presence and concern. Please excuse the humble hospitality of this household.”

“Very cute,” Hakuren commented with a cheerful grin. Koushi flushed deeper, closing his eyes in embarrassment.

“Polite,” Kouen agreed with a nod, crossing his arms over his chest. His approval made Koumei smirk, giving his older brother an amused glance.

“I’m glad you’re okay.” The deep, commanding voice of the First Prince, Hakuyuu, sent a shiver through Koushi. He swallowed hard as the older prince’s sharp blue eyes settled on him. “Hakuren made it sound worse than it was.”

“It was bad!” Hakuren protested indignantly. “He stopped breathing! I had to give him first aid!” His gaze softened as he looked at Koushi,”We were going to lose a potential friend for Hakuryuu.”

At the mention of his youngest brother, Hakuyuu’s eyes narrowed slightly before he exhaled quietly, his expression unreadable.

“Oh, I almost forgot!” Koumei suddenly exclaimed, his voice carrying a note of hidden excitement. He reached into his robe and pulled out a small bundle.

Koushi tilted his head curiously. “A…cat?” His violet eyes widened as Koumei unfolded the bundle to reveal the black-and-white feline from the other day.

Koumei smiled. “I promised to find her for you, didn’t I? Here you go.” He stepped forward, gently placing the golden-eyed cat into Koushi’s arms.

The boy’s reaction was instant. He cradled the cat close, his amazement evident as a bright, childish smile spread across his face. “Kitty!” he exclaimed joyfully, his voice soft but brimming with emotion.

Hakuren watched with a thoughtful smile, then glanced at Hakuyuu. “See? He’s so cute, just like Hakuryuu. Don’t you agree he’s a good match for him?”

Hakuyuu appeared to consider this, though his lack of response prompted an eye-roll from Hakuren. “Stop being so difficult, Aniue-sama.”

Hakuyuu ignored him entirely.

“Is it yours?” Kouen asked, stepping closer to Koushi.

The sudden attention made Koushi a little nervous, but he replied honestly. “Oh no, I found her the other day, but she ran away. I… I wanted to keep her.” He hesitated before adding, “I love cats, but my mother hates them. She’s allergic, so it’s bad for her to be around them.”

“Oh…” Koumei’s expression turned guilty. “I didn’t know. For her health, it might be best if we take the cat elsewhere.”

Koushi’s face fell, disappointment shadowing his features, though he nodded in reluctant agreement.

Noticing this, Kouen’s sharp eyes softened. “How about this?” he suggested.

Koushi perked up slightly, meeting his brother’s gaze.

“I’ll take care of the cat,” Kouen continued, a rare, gentle smile tugging at his lips. “You can visit me whenever you want to play with her. Does that sound good?”

“Really? You’d do that for me, Kouen-sama?” Koushi’s eyes widened in wonder, his voice filled with hope.

Both Koumei and Kouen frowned at the honorific.

“Sama?” Kouen repeated disapprovingly, his tone firm. “I’m your brother. You don’t call your brother that.”

Koushi blinked, startled. “Huh? So…what should I call him?” He had thought using “sama” was the most respectful option.

“It’s Kouen-niisama for you,” Koumei corrected with a soft, reproachful tone.

“Oh…” Koushi felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment. Of course they didn’t want to be addressed so formally—they were being so kind to him, after all.

“Say it,” Kouen instructed, his tone brooking no argument.

Koushi hesitated before murmuring shyly, “…Kouen-niisama.”

The smile that spread across Kouen’s face was small but radiant.

Koushi hesitated again, glancing at Koumei. Realizing what his eldest brother wanted, he quickly added, “Koumei-niisama.”

Kouen gave a single, satisfied nod, his approval clear.

In the background, Hakuyuu and Hakuren exchanged knowing glances.

“They’re adorable, aren’t they?” Hakuren said, laughing lightly.

This time, Hakuyuu didn’t argue. He gave a small, rare smile, one of quiet understanding, and nodded.

“Koushi-sama…”

The crimson-haired child paused in his reading, looking up from the picture book in his lap to the maid, Ping.

“Your mother has woken up,” she said softly. “She wishes to see you.”

Koushi frowned. He closed the book reluctantly and placed it aside, his small shoulders already sagging under the weight of the inevitable interaction. Without a word, he followed Ping to his mother’s room.

“I’ve heard…”

Yan’s voice was as cold as her pale, sad eyes. Her wrinkled yet delicate features still held traces of her former beauty, but her gaze was devoid of warmth.

“What is it, Mother?” Koushi asked earnestly, forcing himself to meet her hateful stare.

“You almost died. Is that true?”

He nodded frankly. “Yes. I drowned.”

“I wish you had.”

The words hit him like a blade. Koushi bit the inside of his cheek, his violet eyes shifting away in a futile attempt to mask the wave of misery that passed over his face.

He had long known what his mother thought of him. Yan was convinced that he was stealing her vitality, that his very existence drained her life away. When he was just two years old, she had even tried to kill him. Though he couldn’t remember who had saved him that day, he had never forgotten the chilling intent behind her actions.

Was this why she had summoned him? Just to curse him again?

“Ping,” Koushi said quietly after leaving his mother’s room. “I’m hungry.”

The maid’s silver eyes glistened as though on the verge of tears, the weight of what she had just witnessed clearly affecting her. But she quickly composed herself and nodded. “Of course, Koushi-sama! Do you have anything in mind?”

Koushi paused, then smiled faintly. “I want something spicy.”

Ping’s face brightened, and she beamed. “As you wish!”

When Hakuren had mentioned that Koushi might be a good friend for his younger brother Hakuryuu, Koushi had assumed it was just polite conversation. He hadn’t expected Hakuren to actually arrange a playdate.

Yet here they were.

Hakuryuu, a dark-blue-haired boy with wide blue eyes, stood beside Hakuren, clutching his older brother’s robe as though it were a lifeline. His small frame trembled, and his cheeks flushed pink when his gaze accidentally met Koushi’s violet eyes. He quickly looked away, his grip on the robe tightening.

To call Hakuryuu shy was an understatement. He made no effort to engage, his attention focused entirely on staying as close to Hakuren as possible.

“Come on, Hakuryuu~!” Hakuren said with a playful whine, attempting to pry his younger brother’s hand off his robe. “Koushi is nice! Be good friends, okay?”

Hakuryuu’s blue eyes filled with tears, and his lower lip trembled.

“Wait, wait!” Hakuren panicked, raising his arms defensively. “Don’t cry! I won’t force you, okay?”

The boy sniffled and gave his brother a suspicious glare, though he seemed reassured by Hakuren’s frantic nodding.

Koushi, however, frowned slightly. Spoiled, he thought to himself, though he kept his expression neutral.

Koumei, standing beside them, chuckled softly. “Be patient with him, Koushi. Hakuryuu-sama barely acts himself, even around Ani-ue and me.”

Koushi nodded, and a small flicker of warmth bloomed in his chest at Koumei’s approving smile.

Deciding to step in and help Hakuren, Koushi approached Hakuryuu. “Do you want to play?” he asked gently, pretending not to notice the boy’s wary glances.

Hakuryuu didn’t reply, but his pout deepened. Hakuren gave him an encouraging pat on the back, which earned him another annoyed glare.

“Maybe…” Koushi mused aloud, “something like a hassle?”

That caught Hakuryuu’s attention. His blue eyes sparkled with curiosity, and he tilted his head slightly. “What kind of hassle?”

Koushi grinned, baring his teeth playfully. “A sword one.”

Hakuryuu’s expression lit up, excitement replacing his shyness. Meanwhile, Hakuren sighed dramatically.

“Already figured out his weak spot?” Koumei remarked with amusement, earning a mock glare from Hakuren.

“I’ve never carried a sword in my life,” Koushi declared loudly, eyeing the wooden weapon in his small hands.

“Of course not. You’re five,” Koumei replied dryly. After a moment, he added, “Hakuryuu-sama never carries sharp weapons, either. Hakuren-sama and Hakuyuu-sama just pretend to take him seriously to avoid making him sad.”

“Meow~”

Koushi turned with a smile as Momo, the golden-eyed cat, leapt gracefully from Koumei’s sleeve and perched on his shoulder. “Momo! Are you here to cheer me on?”

Koumei sighed, lifting the cat off Koushi’s shoulder. “No distractions,” he said firmly, holding Momo aloft like an unruly toddler. The cat and boy exchanged glares, their silent battle of wills making Koumei wince.

Nearby, Hakuryuu was nearly bouncing in place, his cheeks flushed with excitement as he nodded eagerly to whatever Hakuren was telling him.

“Can we start already?” Koushi asked impatiently, interrupting the moment.

Hakuren stepped back, motioning for them to begin. “One, two, three—start!”

Koushi gripped his wooden sword tightly as Hakuryuu charged toward him with surprising enthusiasm. The younger prince raised his sword high, aiming for a decisive blow. Koushi tried to dodge, but his foot caught awkwardly on the ground.

Thwack!

The wooden blade came down squarely on Koushi’s head, and he fell face-first onto the ground with a muffled “OHFF!”

Silence filled the arena.

Then, Hakuryuu broke into a wide, triumphant smile, his chest puffing out with pride.

Koumei clamped a hand over his mouth, his face red as he stifled a laugh. Hakuren wasn’t as composed, turning away as his shoulders shook with suppressed amusement.

Koushi’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. They’re laughing at me!

“You were a good opponent!” Hakuryuu announced with exaggerated sincerity, extending a hand to Koushi like a gracious victor.

Koushi stared at the offered hand before taking it reluctantly. “Thanks,” he muttered, his tone laced with hidden irritation.

“Another round?” Hakuryuu asked eagerly, his eyes shining with anticipation.

Hakuren turned to Koushi. “Is that okay with you, Koushi-kun?”

Koushi sighed inwardly but nodded. “Sure,” he replied. Not that I can say no anyway.

Hakuryuu had grown strangely fond of Koushi—really fond.

The crimson-haired boy wasn’t sure how to feel about it. If he was being honest, it made him… nervous.

“No! Not like that!” Hakuryuu shouted in frustration, throwing his arms in the air dramatically.

Koushi sweatdropped, pausing mid-motion as he worked on attaching the arm of the puppet they were making. “How is it wrong, Prince?” he asked flatly. His craftsmanship was flawless!

“Does it have to look like this?” Hakuryuu huffed, snatching the doll from Koushi’s hands. He stuck out his tongue in concentration, carefully placing the stick at the top of the doll’s head in a completely nonsensical way. Then, he held it up expectantly, a proud smile plastered across his face.

“Wow. Very innovative.” Koushi clapped with an expression as blank as a sheet of paper.

Predictably, the prince didn’t notice the sarcasm. He puffed out his chest arrogantly, basking in what he assumed was genuine praise.

Knock! Knock!

The sound startled both boys. They exchanged cautious glances. Hakuryuu’s playroom was supposed to be off-limits to servants, at his insistence, so who could it be?

Knock! Knock!

The knocking grew louder, more insistent. Both boys’ eyes drifted to the massive window on the far side of the room.

There, framed against the glass, was a boy.

He looked about eight years old, with red-ringed eyes shadowed by dark circles (poor thing—circles at such a young age?). His medium-length black hair framed his sharp face, while a long ponytail extended all the way to his ankles. Purple makeup lined his eyes, fading toward the inner corners of his lids.

Judal.

The Magi. The spoiled oracle.

Koushi had never met him before, but he had heard plenty—most of it bad. He already didn’t like him.

Hakuryuu, however, brightened at the sight of him. “Judal!” he exclaimed happily, leaping to his feet and rushing to open the window.

Judal jumped inside with the grace of a cat, though his expression was anything but calm. “You’re too slow, Crybaby Prince!” he grumbled.

Hakuryuu didn’t seem fazed by the insult. He grinned widely. “Sorry, I was busy with Koushi.”

“Koushi?” Judal repeated sharply. His crimson eyes scanned the room until they landed on Koushi, who sat motionless with an air of caution.

“Yes.” Koushi nodded politely, though his discomfort was obvious. “I’m Ren Koushi.”

“Who?”

“Koushi,” he repeated, slower this time.

Hakuryuu helpfully interjected, “He’s Kouen’s and Koumei’s little brother!”

Judal’s expression shifted to one of realization—and then disgust. “What the hell is he doing here? Don’t tell me you two are friends or something, you stupid prince.”

“We are,” Hakuryuu replied sincerely, his wide blue eyes unflinching.

“Gross.”

“I’m here,” Koushi stated in a monotone voice, but he was ignored.

“Hey, let’s go sneak out,” Judal suggested—or rather, ordered.

“Sure!” Hakuryuu agreed instantly, then turned to Koushi with a hopeful expression. “Can Koushi come too?”

‘I don’t want to,’ Koushi thought.

“No,” Judal snapped.

‘Thank God.’

“If Koushi doesn’t come, I won’t go,” Hakuryuu declared with unwavering determination.

‘Oi.’

“Oi!!”

And so, against his better judgment, Koushi found himself sneaking out of the palace with the two boys.

How they managed it without being caught was beyond Koushi’s comprehension. Judging by how smoothly Hakuryuu and Judal handled the escape, this wasn’t their first time pulling such a stunt.

What shocked Koushi most, however, was how calm Hakuryuu was about the whole thing. The shy, clingy prince wasn’t running to his brothers or parents to confess. Instead, he seemed to fully trust Judal’s lead.

“Don’t worry. Judal will protect us,” Hakuryuu said with a childish seriousness that would’ve been funny if Koushi weren’t so bewildered.

“Only you, you stupid prince,” Judal corrected haughtily. “I made no promises to this disgusting kid.”

Koushi resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

“Then I’ll protect you, Koushi!” Hakuryuu declared, grabbing his arm tightly and pulling him along.

Judal glared at the sight, his crimson eyes narrowing dangerously. Koushi couldn’t help but hide a small, amused smile. Was Judal… jealous?

It only took them fifteen minutes to reach Rakusho, the bustling capital city closest to the palace.

Koushi’s eyes widened in awe at the sight before him. The colorful market stalls, lively music, and throngs of people were a stark contrast to the quiet, restrictive life he knew within the palace walls.

“Amazing, isn’t it?” Hakuryuu asked, his face lighting up with excitement. He paused, his brows furrowing. “Though it’s more crowded than usual…”

Judal, striding ahead confidently, scoffed. “That’s because of the tribes’ meeting, you stupid prince. How do you not know that?”

Hakuryuu flushed red. “Shut up! My brothers don’t let me listen to state affairs, okay? How could I know?”

Koushi, meanwhile, struggled to navigate the crowd, his small frame making it difficult to keep up.

“What’s wrong, shrimp?” Judal sneered.

“It’s crowded,” Koushi muttered reluctantly.

“Oh no, you’ll get lost like this!” Hakuryuu exclaimed in panic. Without hesitation, he turned his back to Koushi and knelt down. “Ride,” he said simply.

Koushi blinked, utterly confused. “What?”

“You’re the youngest, so it’s my duty to take care of you!” Hakuryuu insisted.

“You’re a prince!”

“I’m also your cousin and friend!”

Koushi tried to argue further, but Hakuryuu fixed him with a stern, childish glare. With a sigh of defeat, Koushi wrapped his arms around Hakuryuu’s shoulders and climbed onto his back.

Hakuryuu stood effortlessly, securing Koushi’s legs with his arms before walking forward confidently.

Judal stared at the pair, his expression unreadable, before grumbling, “Idiots,” and shuffling along behind them.

Despite their closeness in age, Hakuryuu was noticeably stronger than Koushi, a result of their vastly different upbringings. While Hakuryuu had been nurtured and trained, Koushi’s neglect had left him smaller and frailer.

Judal trailed behind, his movements lazy and unhurried. “Wait, you idiots! You’re too fast!”

“Maybe you can hold Hakuryuu-sama’s hand,” Koushi suggested innocently, glancing back at him.

Judal bristled. “As if!”

“It’s okay, Judal. You can, so we don’t lose each other,” Hakuryuu offered optimistically, extending his hand.

Judal stared at him, then cursed under his breath and marched ahead, pretending not to care.

Koushi shook his head slightly. How do these two even get along?

As they wandered through the busy marketplace, Koushi noticed Hakuryuu’s expression brighten when they passed a fried dumpling stall.

“Do you want to try some, Hakuryuu-sama?” he asked.

Hakuryuu frowned, hesitating. He stared longingly at the sizzling pan of dumplings. “I want to,” he admitted, “but I can’t. The poison taster isn’t here, and my brothers would scold me if I ate anything unsupervised.”

Judal wrinkled his nose and waved dismissively. “Then just go back to the palace and have the cooks make some for you. Problem solved. Let’s keep moving.”

But Koushi, from his perch on Hakuryuu’s back, suggested, “I can taste it for you.”

Hakuryuu’s eyes lit up. “You will?!”

“You will?!” Judal repeated, his tone dripping with disapproval.

“Of course,” Koushi replied sincerely.

“Fried dumplings, please!” Koushi called out to the stall owner, raising his hand.

The vendor gave them a strange look but didn’t question it after Judal flashed some gold coins. He quickly prepared a plate and handed it over.

Taking one of the dumplings, Koushi ignored the expectant looks from both boys as he popped it into his mouth.

“GET DOWN!”

Before Koushi could react, Judal grabbed them and shoved them into a side alley with surprising force. Koushi landed flat on his back, groaning loudly as Hakuryuu crashed onto him.

“What was that for?!” Hakuryuu grumbled, rolling off Koushi.

“One of the stupid generals is here!” Judal whispered harshly, nodding toward a nearby man in military garb.

Hakuryuu’s blue eyes widened in recognition. “Shu Kokuhoyo? What could he be doing here?”

“Who cares? Idiot,” Judal muttered.

While they whispered, neither noticed Koushi lying still on the ground, looking utterly lifeless.

“Ah, he’s dead,” Judal said casually, breaking the silence. “Guess there was poison in the dumplings after all.”

Hakuryuu’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh no! Koushi is dead!!” He rushed to Koushi’s side, frantically pressing on his stomach.

“What are you doing?” Judal asked with disdain, kicking Koushi’s shoulder lightly. “He’s dead. Just leave it.”

“DON’T SAY THAT, JUDAL!” Hakuryuu snapped angrily, redoubling his efforts to “save” Koushi. “I’ll make him vomit the poison!”

“STOP!” Koushi growled suddenly, rolling away from Hakuryuu’s well-intentioned assault. He sat up, glaring at them with a flushed face. “I’m fine! I was just in pain because someone fell on me!”

Hakuryuu sighed with visible relief, wiping away his tears. “Thank goodness! I really thought you were gone…”

Judal, on the other hand, seemed unimpressed. If anything, he looked disappointed.

The boys moved on, continuing to explore the city. They stopped to listen to a street musician playing a shamisen, both Hakuryuu and Koushi mesmerized by the sound.

“I want my brothers to hear this,” Hakuryuu said wistfully.

Koushi nodded in agreement. “I want my brothers to hear it too.”

Judal, however, shuddered. The mental image of Kouen listening to music with a serene smile on his face was too unsettling. “Creepy,” he muttered.

As they continued through the crowd, Hakuryuu accidentally bumped into a man.

“What the hell?!” the man snapped, glaring down at the boy. “Do you know who I am to bump into me like that?!”

Hakuryuu blinked, his brow furrowing at the man’s outburst.

“And do you know who I am?” Judal retorted, his crimson glare sharp and terrifying despite his age.

The man flinched but quickly recovered. “Brat! How dare you talk to me like that?!”

Judal raised his wand, clearly ready to attack. Koushi quickly grabbed his arm.

“Stop! If you use magic, someone will notice us, and we’ll get arrested!” he hissed. “The Left General is still around, isn’t he?”

Judal pushed him away, clicking his tongue in irritation. “Shut up.”

Before they could argue further, Koushi suddenly froze. His violet eyes darted around the crowd, panic creeping into his voice. “Wait… Hakuryuu-sama… he’s not here.”

“What?” Judal’s eyes widened, his annoyance shifting into thinly veiled concern. “Where the hell did that crying idiot go?!”

“Oh no!” Koushi gasped. “He’s lost! Or even worse—kidnapped!!”

Judal slapped Koushi on the head. “Shut up and stay here! I’ll fly around and find him.” Without waiting for a response, he leapt into the air and disappeared.

Koushi stood still for a moment. Then, unable to bear doing nothing, he wandered into the crowd.

Koushi’s panic grew with every passing minute. His mind raced with terrible scenarios. What if Hakuryuu really was kidnapped? What if Kouen-niisama and Koumei-niisama hate me for losing him? Or Hakuyuu-sama and Hakuren-sama?

Tears pricked at his eyes as he stopped in the middle of the bustling street, feeling utterly helpless.

“Oi, you…”

Koushi blinked, looking up to see a tall man with long brown hair tied into a ponytail and a cigarette hanging from his lips. His silver eyes gleamed with arrogance and disdain as they bore into Koushi.

“What’s your problem?”

“I-I…” Koushi stammered, pulling back warily. “My friend is lost.”

“Is he lost, or are you?” the man asked with a smirk, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Koushi frowned. “No. He’s lost.”

The man crouched down to Koushi’s height, his silver eyes glinting. “Maybe I can help you find him,” he said, his voice smooth and persuasive.

Koushi hesitated. “You will?”

“Of course.” The man stood, extending a hand. “Let’s go.”

Something about the man’s demeanor set off alarms in Koushi’s mind, but he swallowed his fear and placed his small hand in the stranger’s.

“I’m Woon. What about you?” the man asked as they walked.

“Koushi,” he replied quietly. After a moment, he asked, “How are you going to help me find my friend?”

“Well,” Woon said, blowing out a puff of smoke, “I’ve heard there’s been a kidnapping ring operating in the area, smuggling kids to the Reim Empire.”

Koushi gasped. “What if they took Hakuryuu-sama?!”

Woon’s brow arched slightly at the honorific. “Hakuryuu-sama, huh?” he muttered under his breath.

Realizing his slip, Koushi quickly added, “Wait… you’re not part of one of those gangs, are you?”

Woon smirked. “Nah, kid. My gang doesn’t mess with kids.”

Koushi’s grip tightened instinctively, and Woon chuckled. “Relax. We’re heading to the port. If the kidnappers are here, their ship will be there. That’s where we’ll start.”

Koushi nodded, his determination outweighing his unease.

When they reached the bustling port, Woon released Koushi’s hand and crouched to his level. “Stay here,” he said firmly. “I’ll ask around and see if anyone has seen your friend.”

Koushi nodded obediently, but as soon as Woon turned his back, his curiosity got the better of him. Stay still? Impossible.

Wandering cautiously through the port, Koushi’s sharp eyes caught sight of a suspicious man pushing a cargo cart away from the baggage check. Something about the man’s hurried, furtive movements set off alarm bells in Koushi’s head.

Could it be? His eyes widened. Glancing toward Woon, who was too far away to call for help, Koushi decided to act. He hurried after the cart, his heart pounding in his chest.

Climbing onto the cart was harder than Koushi expected. He panted as he hoisted himself onto its roof, his hands trembling slightly.

The cart came to an abrupt stop, and the two men driving it turned around, their faces contorted in shock.

“What the—?!”

Koushi ignored them, his attention fixed on the only large bag in the cart. Tearing it open with desperate strength, he gasped as Hakuryuu’s unconscious form was revealed, his dark blue hair disheveled and his small frame bound tightly.

“Hakuryuu!!” Koushi cried, shaking the boy gently. “Wake up!”

The two kidnappers froze, panic flashing across their faces.

“W-Wait, this isn’t—” one of them stammered, his hands flailing as he tried to explain.

“You’re not allowed!” Koushi snapped, his voice trembling but firm.

Summoning all his courage, the crimson-haired boy charged at the man, ramming his head into his chest with surprising force. The man stumbled backward, falling off the cart with a loud thud.

Koushi quickly turned back to Hakuryuu, struggling to untie him. He managed to remove the mask covering the prince’s mouth, but Hakuryuu remained unresponsive. Pulling him from the cart with difficulty, Koushi cradled him protectively.

“You brat! Bastard!!” the second kidnapper snarled, pulling a knife from his belt.

Koushi let out a terrified squeak, stepping back instinctively as he shielded Hakuryuu.

The commotion drew the attention of bystanders, who began recoiling in fear at the sight of the armed man.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

A deep, commanding voice cut through the chaos like a knife.

The kidnapper barely had time to turn before Woon’s fist connected with his face. The blow sent him crashing to the ground, unconscious. The gathered crowd gasped in shock at the swift takedown.

“WOON!!” Koushi exclaimed, relief flooding his voice.

Meanwhile, the second kidnapper tried to flee, only to be intercepted by a figure with sharp red eyes and flowing black hair.

“You bastard!!”

“Judal!” Koushi called out happily as the Magi made quick work of the escaping man.

While Judal was busy “punishing” the second kidnapper, Koushi gently removed the cloth covering Hakuryuu’s face. The little prince stirred, his eyelids fluttering open.

“Hakuryuu-sama! Are you okay?” Koushi asked anxiously, his hands trembling.

Hakuryuu blinked at him, his wide blue eyes filling with tears. “Koushi!!!” he wailed, throwing his arms around the crimson-haired boy and burying his face in his shoulder.

Koushi stiffened, awkwardly patting Hakuryuu’s back in an attempt to calm him down.

Judal loomed over them, his hands on his hips and a deep frown etched across his face. “Stupid, crybaby prince. What do you think you’re doing, letting them kidnap you?”

“Prince, you say?”

A new voice interrupted, smooth and unfamiliar.

The three boys turned simultaneously, their postures stiffening.

Woon stood a short distance away, a wide smile playing on his lips. “I suspected as much. I’m glad I was right.”

Judal stepped in front of Koushi and Hakuryuu protectively, his crimson eyes narrowing as he glared at the man. “And if he is? What are you planning to do about it?”

Woon raised his hands in mock surrender, his silver eyes gleaming with amusement. “What~? Don’t worry yourself, Oracle-san.”

Judal’s glare intensified, clearly recognizing the man’s tone.

“Judal!” Koushi interjected, still struggling to pry Hakuryuu off him. “Woon is a good guy! He helped me find Hakuryuu-sama!”

Woon smirked at the boy’s endorsement, while Judal’s frown deepened.

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

A sharp, authoritative voice sliced through the tension, making the three boys freeze.

When they turned to face the newcomer, all color drained from their faces.

“The general!!” Hakuryuu and Judal shouted in unison, their voices laced with panic.

Shu Kokuhoyo’s piercing gaze bore into them. “The palace and the entire capital have been searching for you,” he hissed, his tone dark with anger.

Judal, ever the opportunist, wasted no time. He shot into the air with a mischievous grin, sticking his tongue out as he called, “Goodbye, losers!”

“JUDAL!!” Koushi and Hakuryuu yelled after him, their voices equal parts reprimanding and exasperated.

The Magi disappeared into the sky without a trace.

Woon crouched slightly, tilting his head toward Koushi. “You owe me one, Koushi-kun,” he whispered with a wink before vanishing into the crowd.

Koushi stood frozen, his wide violet eyes following Woon’s retreating form.

“Hakuryuu-sama…” Shu Kokuhoyo growled, his expression thunderous as he turned to the dark blue-haired prince.

Hakuryuu shrank under his glare, mumbling nervously, “I-I’m sorry…”

Beside him, Koushi braced himself, his small frame trembling as he awaited the full extent of the general’s wrath.

“Ah! Hakuryuu!”

The Emperor’s wife, Ren Gyokuen, cried out as she rushed forward to embrace her son. Tears streamed down her face as she hugged him tightly. “Where were you?!” she demanded, her tone both reproachful and relieved.

Standing nearby, Koushi couldn’t help but feel a flicker of amusement. So that’s where Hakuryuu gets his crying personality from, he thought.

Hakuryuu’s siblings immediately swarmed around him. The First and Second Princes, along with the First Princess Hakuei, fussed over their little brother, alternating between scolding him, hugging him, and ruffling his hair.

“Koushi…”

The sharp growl of his name sent a chill down his spine. Turning slowly, he found Koumei and Kouen staring at him with dark expressions.

Thinking quickly, Koushi decided to take a page from Hakuryuu’s book. He let crocodile tears well up in his violet eyes and fall abundantly down his cheeks.

“Uh… Koushi?!”

“Don’t cry, don’t cry!”

“Everything is alright!”

Their reactions were so frantic and uncharacteristic that Koushi almost smiled through his fake tears. Hakuryuu really is onto something with this trick, he thought.

Later that evening, Koushi leaned against his window, exhaling a tired sigh as he closed his eyes.

“They spoiled you over there, huh?”

“Ah!!” Koushi let out a startled squeak and opened his eyes to find Judal hovering upside down outside the window, grinning mischievously.

Judal laughed at his reaction and flipped upright, perching comfortably on the window’s edge. “I must say, you handled it pretty well back there in the capital,” he said with a smirk. “Not that I needed your help, of course. I could’ve handled it on my own.”

“Thank you very much,” Koushi replied dryly.

For a moment, the two sat in silence, the awkwardness thick between them.

Judal broke it with a toothy grin. “I agree.”

Koushi tilted his head, furrowing his brows. “On what?”

“On you!” Judal puffed out his chest arrogantly. “This Magi, Oracle, and Great Creature approves of you, Shrimp! Be thankful!”

Koushi blinked, unsure how to respond. As Judal’s smile began to twitch with impatience, Koushi hurriedly said, “Oh, thank you very much, Great Magi! What an honor!” He didn’t even bother to hide the sarcasm in his tone.

“Ahahaha! Of cour—” Judal froze mid-laugh, his face flaring with anger. “At least be honest about it!” he yelled, kicking Koushi squarely in the chest.

Koushi yelped as he tumbled to the floor with a groan. “I was honest!” he protested, clutching his chest in pain.

Judal’s glare said otherwise.

Life as the center of attention (sort of) was strange for Koushi.

He spent most of his days with Hakuryuu, which often led to tampering and being annoyed by Judal.

Hakuryuu’s siblings frequently checked on their little brother, meaning Koushi also saw them often. He found Hakuei to be his favorite for her warmth, while Hakuyuu’s unnerving calmness and Hakuren’s hyperactive energy left him feeling uncertain.

Of his own siblings, Koushi had only met Kouran and Kounami, the twin girls, in addition to Kouen and Koumei. Kouran and Kounami, being full-blood sisters to Kouen and Koumei, occasionally visited the younger boys.

“Do you want more, Koushi?”

Koushi paused in his attempts to solve the crossword puzzle Koumei had given him, looking up shyly at one of his sisters.

He nodded, smiling slightly. “Please, Kouran-neeasama.”

Kouran beamed at his politeness and handed him a plate of sweets. He accepted them eagerly, murmuring his thanks.

“You’re struggling with Mei-nii’s puzzle, aren’t you?” Kouran asked gently, her tone filled with amusement.

Koushi frowned, his brows furrowing in frustration. “It’s too hard. How can I solve a verse crossword when I don’t know any verses?”

Kounami chuckled from where she sipped her tea. “That sounds like Mei-nii. He assumes everyone is born a genius like him and doesn’t bother to take it easy.” She waved dismissively. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re only five—you don’t need to solve it.”

Koushi frowned deeper at her words of consolation. “But what if Koumei-niisama thinks I’m stupid? Maybe he won’t like me anymore because I’m not smart enough…”

The twins stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter.

Koushi’s cheeks burned with embarrassment, steam practically rising from his head.

“Ah, Koushi,” Kouran said fondly, ruffling his crimson hair. “Trust me, Mei-nii wouldn’t stop loving you over something silly like that. He’s too smart for that.”

“Besides,” Kounami added with a kind smile, “who says you’re not smart? You’re still a little kid. The fact that you can even read and write at your age is wonderful. Maybe puzzles aren’t your strength, but when you grow up, you’ll find something that suits your talents.”

Koushi nodded slowly, her wisdom sinking in. He absentmindedly ignored Momo licking his hand as he thought.

Sisters are good, he decided. They were kind, delicate, and had beautiful voices and faces. Perhaps, after the neglect from his mother, he tended to seek the approval of women more than his brothers.

(“I couldn’t solve it…” Koushi admitted softly, handing the puzzle sheet to Koumei while looking away in embarrassment.

“I see.” Koumei’s gentle smile was almost audible in his voice. “You did a good job.” He patted Koushi’s head, his touch warm and comforting, making the younger boy’s cheeks flush.

“Oh, right. Your reward,” Koumei said suddenly, snapping his fingers as if annoyed with himself for forgetting.

“My reward?” Koushi tilted his head in confusion.

“Mhm!” Koumei nodded with an unusually broad smile. He ruffled his wide sleeves and pulled out something shiny. “I know you like shiny things, so I got this for you.”

Koushi gasped, his violet eyes widening as he took the gold pocket watch with trembling hands. He brought it close to his face, marveling at its gleam.

“Take care of it, okay?” Koumei said, patting his head again. “It’s from me and Ani-ue.”

Koushi nodded eagerly, his amazement shining through his expression. Koumei chuckled softly, clearly pleased.)

Because Koushi’s presence in the palace had become somewhat known, no one scolded him anymore when he wandered into places he wasn’t supposed to. And he loved exploring—his curiosity was insatiable.

One day, his wandering brought him to an unfamiliar section of the palace. It was quiet, almost eerily so.

Uh…

Before he could think much of it, his violet eyes met a pair of big pink ones belonging to a girl standing at a distance.

She was thin, with long pink hair styled into three fringe braids, and wore a white Chinese-style dress paired with short shorts.

They blinked at each other in perfect sync.

“INTRUDER!!” the girl suddenly shouted, drawing a real sword with shocking speed.

Koushi’s mind raced to catch up as the girl lunged forward, slicing through the air where he had just been standing.

He stumbled back in horror as strands of his crimson hair floated to the ground. His pale face snapped upward, meeting the girl’s furious, determined expression.

The girl raised her sword again, ready for another strike, but froze when a commanding voice rang out.

“Kouha! Stop!”

Both children turned simultaneously toward the source. Sitting at a small white table in the middle of the garden, sipping tea as if nothing unusual was happening, were Ren Kouen, Ren Hakuren, and Ren Hakuyuu.

Kouha frowned, her grip tightening on the sword. “Why? He’s an intruder!”

“Kouen-niisama!!” Koushi wailed tearfully, running to his older brother and clutching his leg as if it were a lifeline. He looked up at him with wide, glistening eyes. “The crazy girl tried to kill me!!”

Kouen’s expression was unreadable, though the faint glint of amusement in his crimson eyes didn’t escape Koushi.

“He’s a boy,” Hakuren corrected cheerfully, seemingly enjoying the situation even more.

“Kouen-niisama?!” Kouha snapped. “Girl?! Crazy?! That sneaky little bastard—” She—He stormed toward them, sword raised again.

Koushi’s face paled.

“Kouha, this is Koushi,” Kouen said simply, cutting through the chaos. “Koushi, this is Kouha. You’re brothers.”

The two froze, staring at each other in amazement.

“We were having a tea party,” Kouen continued, ignoring the tension. He looked down at Koushi, still clinging to his leg. “Do you want to join us?”

Koushi hesitated, but Kouen’s reassuring nod made him reluctantly agree.

Kouha turned out to be… surprisingly fun. Sure, he was bloodthirsty and chaotic, but that was just part of his charm. He even declared himself Koushi’s favorite brother—not that Koushi agreed after the attempted murder.

Lately, something strange had been happening—his shiny treasures, the ones gifted by his siblings, were disappearing from his room. Naturally, this made him upset.

When he complained about it, Hakuryuu suggested hiding the items in a secret place. Judal, of course, didn’t care.

Even his brothers approved of Hakuryuu’s idea, though Koushi overheard Kouen muttering something about “disloyal servants.”

The question was: Where to hide them?

He thought long and hard until he overheard Gyouken instructing her servants to take care of the Emperor’s garden.

What if I bury them there?

Determined, he packed his shiny things into a large box and wandered the palace grounds, Momo napping contentedly on his head.

Just as he was about to choose a spot, his eyes caught sight of Judal walking by, completely unaware of his presence. Curiosity overtook him, and he followed the Magi.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Koushi flinched, nearly dropping the box. He turned to Judal with a sheepish smile. “Following you?”

“Stupid shrimp,” Judal muttered, rolling his eyes. He resumed walking, completely ignoring Koushi.

Taking this as silent permission, Koushi hurried to walk beside him.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“None of your damned business.”

“I see.”

The Imperial Palace consisted of multiple interconnected buildings, like an extravagant apartment complex. When Koushi referred to “his palace,” he meant the neglected wing given to his mother for birthing him.

Judal led him to one of the other palaces, sneaking inside through a window. Koushi followed with difficulty, almost falling before Judal used his magic to catch him mid-air.

Koushi let out an “Ahhh!!” as the Magi carelessly dropped him onto the floor. Momo leaped from his head, glaring at Judal for interrupting her nap.

“J-Judal-chan!!”

Koushi raised his head, rubbing his chin in pain, only to find himself face-to-face with a girl.

She had long dark pink hair, bright pink eyes, and was nervously glancing between him and Judal.

“Judal-chan?” Koushi repeated, tilting his head in confusion.

“Don’t call me that,” Judal snapped, his glare sharp enough to cut. “Only Kougyoku can.”

“J-Judal-chan… who is this?” Kougyoku stammered, hiding behind her green sleeves.

Judal gestured lazily. “Your brother.”

The two siblings stared at each other in amazement.

Koushi quickly stood up, brushing himself off. “Ah! Kougyoku, right? I’m Koushi,” he said, extending a hand.

She hesitated, looking at his hand warily before shaking it. “Koushi…” she repeated.

He smiled. “I’m your little brother! Koumei-niisama said I’m the youngest ever, so that makes sense, right?”

She nodded slowly.

Pointing at Momo, who was still glaring at Judal, he added, “That’s Momo. She’s my cat, but Kouen-niisama takes care of her for me.”

Judal rolled his eyes and hit Koushi on the head with his wand. “Stay calm!”

“I didn’t do anything!” Koushi protested, though he quickly shut his mouth when Judal glared at him.

“Judal-chan!” Kougyoku scolded. “Don’t be mean to my little brother!”

Judal huffed. “I’m the one showing you around the capital. Choose your side carefully.”

Kougyoku glanced between them nervously before sighing. “Sorry, Koushi…”

Koushi groaned as Judal hit him again with his wand.

Despite everything, Koushi followed them to Rakusho. He wasn’t about to miss the fun.

As they navigated the crowded streets, Kougyoku stumbled, nearly falling before Judal caught her.

“Be careful, old hag!”

“Uh… sorry…”

An idea popped into Koushi’s head. With determination, he offered his back. “Get on! I’ll carry you!”

“Is… is that okay, Shi-chan?” she asked shyly.

Shi-chan? “Of course!” he nodded.

Blushing, Kougyoku climbed onto his back—and in less than a second, Koushi fell flat on his face.

“SHI-CHAN!!!” Kougyoku cried, rushing to help him up.

Judal burst into hysterical laughter, hovering in the air as tears gathered in his eyes.

“Why did it work with Hakuryuu and not me?!” Koushi groaned.

Kougyoku, misinterpreting his words, began to cry. “I’m too fat for you!”

Judal’s laughter stopped abruptly, replaced by a dark scowl.

“Not at all!” Koushi shouted, horrified. “I’m just too weak! I’ll eat more and train more so I can carry you, Yoku-neesama!”

“Yoku-neesama…” Kougyoku whispered, her eyes sparkling. She nodded. “Yes! Grow up well, Shi-chan!”

Judal interrupted, flying between them. “It’s over! Let’s go!”

“Jealous, Judal-chan?” Koushi teased absentmindedly.

“Huh?” Judal’s expression darkened.

“Ah! It hurts! Stop!!”

“Judal-chan! Stop hurting Shi-chan!!” Kougyoku yelled, scolding him as she tried to intervene.

A year later 

Koushi woke up to the sound of hushed whispers.

The air felt heavy, suffocating, as if the palace itself was in mourning. Servants passed by his room, their faces dark with grief. Some cast him glances filled with pity, others with unreadable expressions, but none of them offered an explanation.

Confused and uneasy, Koushi sat up just as Ping entered, her silver eyes brimming with tears.

“Koushi-sama…” She swallowed hard, her voice trembling. “There has been a fire in the main castle.”

His heart stopped.

“The Emperor…” Ping’s voice cracked, and she looked away, struggling to continue. “The Emperor has died. And the First and Second Princes too…” Her hands shook as she added in a whisper, “The Third Prince is severely injured, but he’s alive. The First Princess is okay.”

“E-eh?” Koushi stammered, his blood running cold. His violet eyes widened in horror. “Hakuyuu-sama and Hakuren-sama… dead? Ryuu is… injured?”

His breathing grew rapid and shallow, panic seizing his chest.

“Koushi-sama, breathe!” Ping said urgently, gripping his small shoulders. “In… out… in… out…”

He followed her instructions, his breaths gradually slowing until he could think clearly again. But the weight of her words remained.

The Emperor. Hakuyuu. Hakuren. Gone.

A Few Days Later

Koushi stood among the sea of mourners, his six-year-old frame feeling impossibly small in the vast funeral hall.

Gyouken’s wailing cries echoed around him as she clung to Hakuei, both mother and daughter shrouded in grief. Koushi averted his eyes, unable to bear the sight. Instead, his gaze fell upon the shrouded image of Hakuren.

“Hakuren-sama!” Koushi greeted the Second Prince with a respectful bow, his smile brightening at the sight of him.

Hakuren grinned, though his face betrayed exhaustion. “Just got back from a meeting. These old hags never give me a break…” he muttered, earning a reproachful hiss from his servant.

“Your Majesty!”

“Hey, I didn’t curse them this time!” Hakuren retorted, feigning innocence.

Ignoring the scolding, he rummaged through his pockets, his expression lighting up when he found what he was looking for. Pulling out several chocolate tablets, he placed them in Koushi’s small hands.

“Take these! Share them with Hakuryuu and Judal, okay?”

Koushi’s face lit up, and he nodded enthusiastically.

Hakuren laughed, ruffling the boy’s crimson hair fondly.

Koushi’s chest tightened as he stared at Hakuren’s shroud. Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring the image of the prince he had admired so much.

Shifting his gaze, he found himself looking at the shroud of Hakuyuu.

“No, not like that.” Hakuyuu’s stern voice guided Koushi’s hands on the hilt of a practice sword. “Put your fists together, the front of your right hand here,” he instructed.

Koushi nodded with determination, his face serious as he mimicked the prince’s grip.

Hakuyuu’s lips twitched, as though he were holding back a smile at the sight of the young boy’s focus.

“Good,” he said, his voice softening. “You’re my favorite student. A quick learner. Just like your big brother, Kouen.”

Koushi’s face flushed with delight. He wasn’t sure which pleased him more—the praise or the comparison to Kouen.

Hakuyuu, noticing his reaction, looked away with a faint blush coloring his sharp features.

Tears spilled freely from Koushi’s eyes as he turned away, unable to look at the shrouds any longer.

His gaze fell next upon the Emperor.

“Come on, Koushi! My father may look angry, like Ani-ue, but he’s a nice man!” Hakuryuu insisted, pulling Koushi’s hand with stubborn determination.

“Ryuu…” Koushi moaned, dragging his feet. “I don’t like it! I’m scared of older men!”

Hakuryuu pouted, his grip tightening. “He won’t hurt you! My father is good! Come on!”

“Hakuryuu…” Hakuei interjected, her voice gentle but firm. “Don’t force Koushi-kun. If he’s uncomfortable, let him be.”

Hakuryuu hesitated, looking between his sister and cousin with teary eyes.

Sighing, Koushi relented. “Fine. I’ll do it…” he muttered.

Hakuei smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry for Hakuryuu’s stubbornness,” she said softly.

“It’s okay, Hakuei-sama,” Koushi replied, waving off her concern. “Ryuu is my prince and my friend. I have to go along with him, whether I like it or not.”

The siblings’ faces lit up at his words, Hakuei patting his head fondly.

When Koushi finally met the Emperor, he knelt quickly, avoiding eye contact.

“This is the Koushi I told you about,” Hakuryuu announced proudly.

Ren Hakutoku’s deep voice rumbled. “Kouen and Koumei’s brother, huh?”

Koushi raised his head briefly, meeting the Emperor’s sharp gaze. His uncle’s features were strikingly similar to Hakuyuu’s, yet more intimidating.

“Koushi,” the Emperor nodded.

“Your Majesty,” Koushi responded, bowing his head respectfully.

An unspoken exchange passed between them, one that left even Hakuryuu and Hakuei puzzled.

The weight of those memories pressed heavily on Koushi’s chest. The loss of the Emperor, Hakuyuu, and Hakuren felt unbearable.

But it was Koumei and Kouen who seemed the most devastated. They stood near the shrouds of the First and Second Princes, their faces dark and unreadable. They had insisted on seeing the remains, an act that only deepened their grief.

To them, Hakuyuu and Hakuren had been everything—mentors, role models, the cornerstones of their lives.

Unable to endure the oppressive atmosphere any longer, Koushi slipped away, weaving through the crowd until he was outside the hall.

“Ryuu…” he whispered, his voice trembling with desperation. Determined, he decided to check on the injured prince.

At Hakuryuu’s Room

It took time, but Koushi eventually convinced the guards to let him inside. Stepping in, he was surprised to see Judal sitting silently by Hakuryuu’s bed.

“Judal…” Koushi called softly.

The Magi turned, his crimson eyes devoid of their usual mischief. “What are you doing here?” he asked flatly.

Koushi approached slowly, his gaze falling on Hakuryuu’s bandaged form. “The funeral is… so depressing,” he muttered.

For once, Judal didn’t mock him. “It is,” he replied quietly, his tone unusually calm.

Koushi sank into a chair beside the bed. “How is he?”

“Like hell,” Judal muttered bitterly, his expression hard.

Silence hung between them. Koushi’s frown deepened as he stared at Hakuryuu. How would he react to the tragedy? Would he cry and scream like his mother? Or would he try to be strong, only for his eyes to betray him like his sister’s?

Koushi’s hands clenched in his lap. The future felt heavier than ever.

The discussions were long and contentious, but in the end, it was decided: Ren Koutoku would take the throne.

With the deaths of the Emperor and the First and Second Princes, the Council determined that neither the surviving prince nor the princess was of appropriate age or experience to rule. Koutoku, the younger brother of the late Emperor, was the natural choice.

This decision, however, came with severe consequences for Hakuei and Hakuryuu. They were stripped of their status as heirs, and the throne disappeared from their grasp forever.

For Koushi, the changes were equally monumental. His eldest brother, Kouen, became the First Prince and heir to the throne, while Koushi himself was officially recognized as the Fifth and last Prince of the Kou Empire.

Although Hakuei and Hakuryuu retained their titles as princess and prince due to their mother, Ren Gyokuen’s marriage to both the late Emperor and Koutoku, their positions were significantly diminished. Hakuei remained the First Princess, but Hakuryuu was demoted from Third Prince to Fourth.

After three long, anxiety-filled months, Hakuryuu finally woke up.

His recovery was slow and fraught with emotional turmoil. He cried often and was perpetually nervous, casting wary, mistrustful glances at his mother more than anyone else.

“Spit it out,” Koushi said one day, his voice uncharacteristically firm as he watched Hakuryuu fidget in the garden.

The younger prince blinked, startled. “What?”

“You’re distracted,” Koushi said bluntly, his violet eyes narrowing. “There’s something on your mind, right? I’m your brother now, Hakuryuu. You can trust me more than ever.”

Hakuryuu’s expression shifted, a mix of shock and hesitation. “I… I don’t know about that,” he muttered, his good eye glistening with unshed tears.

“Huh?”

“I mean…” His voice cracked as he looked away. “Just because you’re my brother doesn’t mean I can trust you unconditionally.” He sniffled, his eye filling with tears. “If I can’t trust my own mother, how can I trust my brother?”

Koushi’s heart clenched at the raw pain in Hakuryuu’s voice.

“Ryuu…” he said gently, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “What’s wrong? Believe me, you can trust me.”

Hakuryuu didn’t respond, so Koushi tightened his grip on the boy’s shoulder. Still unconvinced, he cupped Hakuryuu’s face in his hands, forcing the younger boy to meet his gaze.

“Ryuu,” he said, his voice steady and determined. “You can trust me. It’s me. Koushi.”

Hakuryuu stared at him, his breathing uneven, before tears spilled from his eye. “KOUSHI!!!” he wailed, throwing his arms around his older brother and clinging to him tightly.

“Calm down, calm down…” Koushi patted his back soothingly. “How about we go somewhere private?”

Hakuryuu nodded, his face buried in Koushi’s shoulder. Gently, Koushi took his hand and led him away to a quiet spot.

In the privacy of the secluded garden, Hakuryuu finally spoke. His words were halting, choked by tears and anger, but Koushi listened intently.

“The fire…” Hakuryuu began, his hands trembling. “It wasn’t an accident. It was her. My mother.”

Koushi’s breath caught.

“Before Hakuyuu burned to death, he told me. He said Mother did it. I didn’t believe him at first, but when I asked her about it…” He trailed off, his good eye darkening. “She didn’t even deny it. She said it was ‘nothing of note.’”

Koushi’s violet eyes widened in shock, but he said nothing, letting Hakuryuu continue.

“D-Do you… believe me?” Hakuryuu asked weakly, his voice trembling.

“Absolutely,” Koushi said without hesitation.

Hakuryuu’s shoulders sagged in relief.

“It’s… difficult,” Koushi admitted. “But it’s not something to lie about.”

Hakuryuu nodded repeatedly, his eye wide with unspoken gratitude. “I… I don’t know what to do,” he confessed, wringing his hands nervously. “How could anyone else believe me? My mother… She’s so nice to everyone. There’s no way anyone would suspect her.”

“I understand,” Koushi said with a firm nod. “Did you tell Hakuei-sama?”

“Of course not!” Hakuryuu exclaimed, his voice rising. “I have to protect my sister from her!”

“Ryuu…” Koushi said, his tone reprimanding yet gentle. “She’s your older sister. She has a right to know. She can help us with… whatever we need to do about your mother.”

“No.” Hakuryuu’s voice was final, leaving no room for argument.

Koushi sighed, reluctantly relenting. “What about Judal?”

Hakuryuu froze, his expression darkening. “Judal…” he said slowly. “He’s the Oracle. And the Oracle is affiliated with Al-Thamen. Her organization.” His hand clenched into a fist, trembling with rage. “My brothers and father were kind to him. And this is how he repays them?”

Koushi frowned. “I know Judal is… difficult, but I don’t think he’s involved.”

“How do you know?” Hakuryuu demanded.

“He’s your friend,” Koushi insisted. “Our friend.”

Hakuryuu’s lips curled into a bitter sneer. “Gyouken is my mother.”

The statement left Koushi momentarily speechless. But then he persisted. “It’s Judal. Maybe… maybe he doesn’t know anything about this. If you tell him, he’ll learn the truth.”

Hakuryuu hesitated, his brow furrowed in thought. Then, with a deep breath, he reached out and gripped Koushi’s hands tightly.

“You’ll tell him,” Hakuryuu said with determination. “We’ll tell him together. If we’re going to go against someone like her—someone who can deceive everyone—we’ll need all the power we can get.”

Koushi’s gaze softened as he nodded. “Together,” he agreed. “When you’re ready.”

Hakuryuu’s shoulders relaxed, and for the first time in months, a faint glimmer of hope flickered in his eye. “Together,” he repeated, his voice quiet but resolute.

“Are you ready for bed?”

Koushi raised his head to see Ping smiling sweetly at him. Her gentle demeanor always put him at ease, and he nodded with a small smile in return.

“Good.” She waited for him to lie down, then tucked the quilt over him and patted his chest lightly. “Sweet dreams,” she whispered.

“I hope so,” he murmured, exhaling as his eyes fluttered shut. Tomorrow… he thought. I promised Ryuu I’d stay by his side when he told Judal the truth.

CRACK!!!

“KYAAAAAAAAAH!!”

Koushi’s eyes snapped open, his heart pounding as Ping’s scream echoed in his ears. He jumped out of bed, panic flooding him. “What?! What’s happening?!”

The sight before him froze him in place. Ping was pinned to the wall, her feet dangling above the floor, her hands clawing uselessly at her throat as she gasped for air. She was being strangled by an invisible force, her wide, terrified eyes fixed on the figure in the center of the room—a stranger clad in a dark robe, his hand raised toward her.

“W-Who are you?!” Koushi stammered, recoiling in horror. He shot frantic glances between Ping and the man, his anxiety spiking as Ping’s face grew pale.

“Ah, you’re awake,” the man said casually, dropping his hand. Ping collapsed to the ground, coughing violently and clutching her neck.

Koushi rushed to her side, his small hands trembling as he inspected her. “Ping! Are you okay?!”

She gasped, her voice weak but urgent. “Master…” She clutched his hand tightly, her silver eyes burning with determination despite her fear. “Run… away!!”

Koushi winced, his breath hitching.

“You’re too slow.”

Before he could react, an invisible force yanked him into the air, pulling him away from Ping.

“AHH! NOOO!!” Koushi screamed, thrashing wildly, but it was no use.

“Koushi-sama!!” Ping’s desperate cry was the last thing he heard before the robed man slashed the air with his hand.

A gaping wound tore across Ping’s chest, and she fell limply to the ground, her blood pooling around her.

“PIIIING!!!” Koushi shrieked, his violet eyes wide with disbelief and horror.

“Be quiet, would you?” the man muttered, annoyance flickering in his tone. He tapped his staff lightly against Koushi’s head.

Darkness enveloped him.

Koushi woke up in complete darkness.

His breath quickened, panic swelling in his chest as he realized his arms were bound tightly behind him. He struggled against the restraints, but they didn’t budge.

The sound of scratching broke the silence, and a door creaked open, spilling soft white light into the room.

“You’re awake. Good,” a deep voice stated.

Blinking rapidly, Koushi’s eyes adjusted to the light. A teenage boy with long dark green hair and a black patch over his left eye stepped into the room. He set a plate of food down in front of him.

“Eat,” the boy ordered.

Koushi stared at him with wide, wary eyes, his body trembling.

The teen rolled his visible eye. “Don’t give me that look.”

“I’m… tied up,” Koushi pointed out, shaking his cuffs to emphasize the point.

The teenager froze, his cheeks flushing red as he realized his mistake. He muttered something under his breath before stomping over and yanking the cuffs open with unnecessary force.

“Don’t even think about escaping,” he warned, jabbing a finger at Koushi. “This place is guarded from all sides.”

Koushi nodded weakly, wincing at the pain in his wrists. He eyed the plate cautiously before hunger overpowered his fear. Slowly, he began eating—greedily.

“Oi, slow down,” the teen scolded. “You’ll end up—”

Cough! Cough!

The boy sighed heavily and rubbed his temples. “—Choking,” he finished.

He patted Koushi’s back firmly, but before he could pull away, Koushi’s eyes flared with determination.

Without warning, Koushi lunged forward and sank his teeth into the boy’s arm as hard as he could.

“ARRRGHHH!!!” the teen screamed, shoving Koushi away. Blood dripped from his bitten arm as he gaped at it in disbelief. “You brat!”

When he turned back, Koushi was gone.

“Where the hell did you go?!”

Koushi sprinted down the hallway, his small frame weaving through the shadows. His heart hammered in his chest as he ran faster than he thought possible.

What do I have to lose? he thought desperately.

Reaching the end of the hallway, Koushi burst through a door and froze as he realized where he was. The unfamiliar architecture, the eerie silence—this wasn’t just any palace.

It was the Priests’ Palace.

His stomach twisted. Hakuryuu’s warnings about his mother’s organization echoed in his mind.

I’m not safe here.

Determined, Koushi adjusted his course. If he couldn’t return to the castle, there was only one option.

He had to reach Rakusho, the capital.

“Stop where you are, brat!!”

The angry shout spurred Koushi forward, his bare feet slapping against the stone.

“You’ll get me killed if you escape on my watch!” the teen yelled. “It’s my first mission! Don’t screw it up for me!”

Koushi ignored him, channeling everything Judal had taught him about evasion and stealth. He climbed a wall and jumped down the other side, landing in the open streets of Rakusho.

“Damn it, why are you so fast?!” the boy shouted behind him, but Koushi didn’t look back.

He slipped into the bustling crowds of the capital, weaving through merchants and shoppers until he lost sight of his pursuer.

Finally, he ducked into an alley and leaned against the wall, his chest heaving.

His hands clutched at his pounding heart, and his violet eyes darted around the alley as he tried to calm his racing mind.

I can’t go back. Not like this. It’s not safe.

He swallowed hard, wiping the sweat from his brow. There was only one person he could turn to now.

Woon.

A year ago, when Woon helped Koushi rescue Hakuryuu from kidnappers, their paths began crossing more frequently.

“By chance,” Woon had claimed, though Koushi wasn’t convinced.

Still, he didn’t mind. Despite the gangster’s oddities, Woon was kind to him in his own gruff way, and Koushi eventually decided to ignore his quirks.

Now, as he stumbled through the capital’s streets, pale and trembling, there was only one place he could go: the bar where Woon’s gang, the Bounty, spent most of their time.

The door to the bar slammed open, drawing all eyes to the disheveled boy standing in the entrance.

About fifty men inside paused mid-drink, mid-laugh, or mid-game to stare at him in stunned silence. Then—

“Hah! It’s the prince!”

“Look at you! You finally came back!”

“Hahaha! Thought you got too arrogant after your promotion!”

“Oi, Koushi-sama! Lend me some money!”

“No, no, get me a job in the palace instead!”

Ignoring their laughter and shouts, Koushi’s panicked violet eyes darted around the room until they locked onto Woon, who was sitting at a gambling table with a glass of alcohol in hand.

The gang leader raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Koushi stormed toward him.

“What’s the problem, kid?” Woon asked, his tone outwardly indifferent.

At the question, Koushi’s eyes filled with tears.

“Boss! What did you do to our Koushi?!”

“Yeah, come on! We agreed to give him a break from your nonsense!”

“Leave him alone, whatever you’re doing!”

Woon raised his hands in mock surrender, his expression one of genuine confusion. “I didn’t do anything! Seriously!”

Sniffling, Koushi opened his mouth and spilled everything in a rush.

“The evil organization led by Ryuu’s mother kidnapped me! They tried to kill me, but I escaped and ran through the capital to hide!” His breathing came in shaky gasps as he wiped his tears harshly. “I don’t know what to do, Woon! I want to tell En-nii, but those guys will catch me at the palace and kill me for real this time! What should I do?!”

A heavy silence fell over the bar before chaos erupted.

“What?! Kidnapped?!”

“Koushi! Are you okay?!”

“Of course he’s not, you idiot! They probably tortured him!”

“And we thought he was busy being a prince while we were drinking…”

“I can’t believe this happened while we were goofing off!”

Koushi, overwhelmed by the commotion, tried to calm his crying, his embarrassment growing.

“Oi, kid.” Woon’s gruff voice cut through the noise, and he reached out to ruffle Koushi’s hair—though a little too roughly. “Don’t worry. Woon will take care of it.”

“You will?!” his subordinates shouted in unison.

“How? Are we going to kill the late Emperor’s wife?!”

“There’s no way!”

“No!” Koushi shouted, his voice cracking. “She’s too evil! She’ll kill all of you!”

“If Koushi says so…”

“But what do we do?”

“Get him out of Kou,” Woon said simply, taking a swig of his drink. He waved a hand lazily. “Xuan, stop gawking. His hair’s covered in blood. Fix it.”

Koushi hesitantly touched the dried blood on his head, wincing as Xuan approached with a medical kit. The doctor gently cleaned the wound, muttering about carelessness.

Koushi’s gaze shifted to Woon, his voice trembling. “Get me out of Kou?”

“It’s the only solution. If the palace isn’t safe, neither is the empire.”

“But…” Koushi hesitated, a lump forming in his throat. “I don’t want to go alone. I don’t want to leave my siblings… or you.”

Woon smirked, his silver eyes glinting. “Who said you’d be alone?” He gestured toward the gang. “We’ll be with you. Right, boys?”

“YES!”

“How could we leave our Koushi alone in this cruel world?!”

“We’ll protect you forever!”

“You guys…” Koushi’s eyes brimmed with tears again, and the gang collectively panicked, shouting reassurances.

The next day, Koushi stood on the deck of a ship, staring at the shrinking silhouette of Kou in the distance.

“Are you okay?”

A hand settled gently on his head, and he didn’t need to look to know it was Woon.

“No,” Koushi admitted bluntly. Then, with faint humor, he added, “I owe you twice as much now.”

“Meow~”

Both turned in sync toward the sound and stared as Momo emerged from below deck, strutting confidently.

“MOMO?!” Koushi exclaimed in disbelief, scooping her up into his arms.

The cat opened her mouth and dropped a familiar object into his lap.

“It’s… the pocket watch from Mei-niisama and En-niisama!” Koushi’s voice cracked with emotion as he clutched the watch tightly. “I don’t know how you saved it or got onto the ship… but thank you!”

Tears welled in his eyes as he hugged Momo tightly.

Woon sweatdropped. “I’m terrified of that cat.” He sweatdropped further as Momo stared back at him with wide, blank eyes.

Chapter Text

Two Days Ago

Ren Gyokuen leaned back in her chair, her expression one of utter boredom. She toyed with the ends of her hair, her lips curling into a lazy sneer.

“So what? Leave him alone,” she murmured dismissively. Then, as if struck by inspiration, her lips parted in a maniacal smile. “Two angry kids are better than one.”

“But it’s that brat called Koushi,” Ithnan interjected, his narrowed eyes flickering with faint irritation. “Don’t you remember him? He has a familiar…” He paused, his voice dripping with disdain. “Magui.”

Gyokuen’s smile faltered, her lips pursing in visible disapproval. “Right. That.”

Ithnan smiled, a sharp edge to his expression. “Let me take care of him then,” he offered, his voice smooth. “No killing.”

Light blue eyes stared at him blankly for a moment before she waved her hand indifferently. “Do whatever you want. If it makes my dear Hakuryuu more miserable, I’ll accept it.”

The Next Day

Ithnan’s gaze darkened as he towered over his subordinate, his voice low and threatening.

“No matter what, do not let him escape,” he ordered. His piercing glare drove the point home. “Break his feet if you have to.”

Bailon paled visibly, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “Y-Yes, sir!”

Ithnan leaned closer, his expression ice-cold. “And if he does escape…” His lips twisted into a cruel smile. “I’ll kill you.”

Bailon flinched, his voice cracking as he stammered, “Understood, sir!”

Today

Ping stumbled through the palace halls, her breathing labored and her face pale with exhaustion. She pressed a trembling hand to her chest, blood seeping through her fingers and leaving a crimson trail behind her.

“Master… Kouen-sama…” she whispered hoarsely, repeating the name like a mantra.

Reaching his chambers, she didn’t hesitate—she slammed the door open, collapsing onto her knees inside.

“KOUEN-SAMA!” she gasped, her voice desperate and strained. “FORGIVE ME FOR BARGING INTO YOUR ROOM AT SUCH A TIME!”

Kouen jolted awake, sitting up abruptly in his bed. His crimson eyes narrowed in confusion, but the metallic tang of blood reached his nose, sharpening his senses. His gaze landed on Ping’s trembling figure, the blood soaking her clothes.

“Ping,” he said, his voice commanding but tinged with concern. “What happened to you?”

“F-Forgive me…” she muttered, her words choked with panic and pain.

Clicking his tongue in frustration, Kouen grabbed the metal vessel containing Phoenix, his Djinn. The room filled with a soft golden light as he directed its power toward Ping. Her wounds began to close, the blood disappearing as if it had never been.

Ping let out a shaky breath, hugging herself tightly as her strength returned.

“Ping.” Kouen’s voice was calm but firm, though his crimson eyes burned with intensity. “What happened?”

Ping’s head dropped to the ground as she shouted, “I’m sorry! They took him! I couldn’t do anything!!”

Kouen’s expression darkened. “Who?”

She lifted her head, silver eyes wide with terror and grief. “Koushi-sama,” she whispered.

At the mention of his youngest sibling, Kouen froze. His fists clenched tightly, the tendons in his hands straining. “Where?”

“I don’t know!” Ping cried, her voice cracking. “I don’t even know if he’s still alive! I don’t know what they want from him!” Her words dissolved into sobs. “I’m so sorry! Forgive me!”

For a moment, silence filled the room, heavy with unspoken tension. Then, to her shock, Kouen knelt beside her and placed a steady hand on her shoulder.

“I’m glad you’re okay, Ping,” he said softly, his voice steady despite the storm brewing in his crimson eyes.

Ping’s tears flowed freely as she buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with relief and guilt.

Kouen knew about Al-Thamen.

He understood their danger, their cunning, and their insidious reach. He also knew how powerless he was against them in his current state.

Years ago, he, Hakuyuu, and Hakuren had discovered the organization’s existence and vowed to destroy it. But Al-Thamen had struck first, eliminating the Emperor and the brothers Kouen had idolized above all else.

The brothers who were his guiding light.

The brothers he had sworn to support from the shadows.

But fate had a cruel sense of irony. Not only had Al-Thamen stolen his two closest brothers, but now they had taken his youngest sibling, Koushi.

“What are we going to do, En-nii?” Koumei’s voice trembled with barely contained fury. His fists clenched tightly, his eyes red with unshed tears. “Koushi…” He spoke the name softly, his voice breaking. “We don’t even know what they’ve done to him. Are we just going to stand here and watch another funeral?”

Kouen stared silently at the wall, his jaw clenched tightly. He didn’t answer—because he didn’t have an answer.

If he acted recklessly, the losses would not stop with Koushi. He would lose Koumei, Kouha, Kougyoku, Kounami, Kouran, and the rest of his siblings.

Al-Thamen thrived on chaos. The only way to fight them was with careful, calculated steps.

And yet, the weight of his failure pressed down on him like a crushing tide.

Days passed without a single sighting of Koushi. The silence was unbearable.

Kougyoku cried openly, her sobs echoing through the halls. She no longer hid her tears behind her sleeves, and Koumei silently stroked her back, his face dark with anguish.

Judal stood next to her with a confused and disbelieving face as he looked around cautiously. His face slowly turned dark and he looked down, clenching his palms tightly

Kouha hovered nearby, his expression uncharacteristically tense. He glanced around cautiously, his brows furrowed. “This is a joke, isn’t it, En-nii?” he muttered. His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white. “It has to be.”

The third prince tugged desperately at Kouen’s sleeve, his wide, terrified eyes fixed on his older brother. “Nee, En-nii. Answer me.”

But Kouen said nothing.

Hakuei maintained a composed façade, though her face betrayed her grief. Kounami and Kouran kept their heads bowed respectfully, their reddened eyes evidence of countless tears. The younger princesses—Kouhana, Kourin, and Kouzue—fidgeted nervously, their expressions ranging from sorrow to confusion.

From a distance, Hakuryuu stood frozen, his breathing shallow and rapid. His pale face and wide eyes mirrored the terror and dread he felt deep within.

The priest’s somber voice cut through the stillness of the hall.

“We gather today to say goodbye to another family member,” he announced, his expression heavy with sorrow. “We lost him too soon. Too young. Rest in peace, Fifth Imperial Prince, Ren Koushi.”

The murmured chant of “Rest in peace” spread through the hall like a mournful wave.

At the head of the hall, Emperor Koutoku sat indifferent and bored, his posture slouched as if the ceremony were a mere inconvenience. Yet no one dared to comment on his behavior.

By the closed shroud, Gyokuen approached Kouen with a carefully crafted mask of grief.

“Kouen…” she whispered, placing a trembling hand over her heart. Her teary eyes shimmered as she spoke, “I’m so sorry for your loss. Koushi-kun was… such a sweet boy.”

Kouen’s crimson eyes met hers, cold and unyielding. He didn’t respond.

Undeterred, Gyokuen leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tender embrace. “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here,” she murmured.

Kouen’s jaw tightened as he resisted the urge to push her away. He remained silent, his body stiff under her touch.

From the corner of the room, Hakuryuu watched the exchange with a blazing fury. His face turned red with anger, and his fists trembled. He bit his lip so hard it drew blood, his good eye narrowing in hatred.

“So it wasn’t Judal…” he whispered venomously. His gaze burned into Kouen. “It was you, Kouen. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO KOUSHI?!”

The Kou Empire’s Magi lounged lazily by an open window, idly tossing a peach in the air. Judal’s grin was wide and boyish as he savored his good mood.

“You’re in a good mood,” Koumei observed without looking up from his paperwork.

“Of course I am,” Judal replied smugly.

Kouha, sprawled across a chair nearby, raised an eyebrow. “Bet you messed with Kougyoku’s mood again. Poor thing. Why do you give her such a hard time?”

“Probably,” Koumei muttered, still focused on his papers.

Judal ignored them both, his grin widening.

“Come on,” Kouha groaned, sitting upright. “Spit it out already. What’s got our dear Oracle so happy?”

Judal leaned back, tossing the peach into the air once more. “The Fourth Dungeon, Morax, has been captured.”

Kouen’s pen paused mid-stroke, his crimson eyes narrowing with interest.

“That’s Kougyoku’s target,” Kouha said with a frown. “Why are you so happy about it?”

Judal let out a contented sigh. “Because the person who captured it is Thirteen years old.”

Kouha whistled. “Thirteen? That’s the youngest ever!”

Kouen set down his pen, his full attention on the Magi. “Is that true?”

Koumei’s brow furrowed. “But why does that make you so happy?”

The Magi raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting for them to catch on.

The second prince’s eyes widened in realization. “Ah! That breaks Sinbad’s record, at the age of fourteen!”

“Exactly!” Judal exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air. “That stupid king must be crying himself to sleep right now!” His red eyes shining.

(In Sindria, Sinbad sneezed violently.

Jafar glared at him. “Pretending to be sick won’t get you out of paperwork, Sin.”

“I’m not pretending!” Sinbad whined.)

Kouen’s crimson eyes gleamed with quiet determination. “Magi, I want that child.”

Judal’s grin turned sly. “I’ll think about it.”

”En-nii.. Judal..”

Before Woon became the leader of the Bounties gang, a band of gamblers and thieves who preyed on the rich, he was Cheng Woon—a farmer, a husband, and a father.

Woon’s life was simple and peaceful, nestled on the outskirts of what was then the Kan Kingdom. While the surrounding lands were embroiled in bloody conflict, with tribes and armies fighting for control, Woon’s village chose neutrality. They lived quietly, untouched by the war. Or so they thought.

“BABA!!”

The shout rang out across the field. Woon paused mid-plow, his brows furrowing as a boy with flaming red hair and bright red eyes darted over the fence. With a surprisingly graceful leap, the boy landed and clung to his father’s legs.

Woon wiped the sweat from his brow, leaning against his plowstick. “What did you do this time, Shawn?” he asked, though his voice was more amused than stern.

Shawn looked up at him, his red eyes wide with indignation. “I didn’t do anything! Mama’s just mad like that!”

Woon sighed, crossing his arms. “You’re always getting into trouble. There’s no way your mother’s mad at you for no reason.”

Shawn shuffled his feet, his cheeks puffing out in a pout. “S-So what if I tried to feed the chickens and they ran away?”

“WHAT DID YOU DO?!”

Shawn flinched, clearly regretting his confession.

Woon shook his head, exhaling sharply. “Shawn,” he grumbled, “be easy on your mother. You don’t want your little brother or sister getting hurt, do you?”

At this, Shawn’s demeanor shifted. His eyes widened in alarm, and he shook his head frantically. “Of course not, Baba!”

“Then be a good boy.”

“Roger that!” Shawn straightened up and saluted, his expression serious.

Woon chuckled, ruffling his son’s hair. “Come on, let’s call it a day.”

When they arrived home, Woon’s wife, Salma, greeted them with a warm smile. Her long red hair framed her delicate features, and her piercing under her lower lip caught the light. She rested one hand on her swollen belly, her other hand stirring a pot on the stove.

“You’re early,” she teased, though her eyes softened as Woon leaned down to kiss her cheek.

“Blame your son,” Woon replied, rolling his eyes fondly.

Salma laughed, shaking her head. “What did you do now, Shawn?”

“Nothing!” the boy protested, scurrying behind his father.

Woon crouched, placing his hands on Salma’s stomach. “How’s our little man today?” he asked, grinning boyishly.

“Our little girl, you mean,” Salma corrected, smirking.

“No! Boy!” Shawn interjected, diving between them to place his hands over his mother’s belly.

“Mo~ Shawn,” Salma sighed dramatically. “Don’t you want Mama to have someone to protect her from all you male monsters?”

“If it’s not a boy, I won’t love it!” Shawn declared stubbornly, crossing his arms.

Woon chuckled, pulling Salma into his embrace. “Don’t worry, love. I’ll love the baby no matter what.”

Salma flushed, their eyes meeting in a tender exchange that made the boy squirm in protest.

“Eww! Stop that!” Shawn wailed, tugging on Woon’s arm. “Don’t be gross, Baba!”

“Gross?!” Woon exclaimed, laughing. “These white hairs are all your fault, you little troublemaker!”

Salma laughed until tears filled her eyes, her hand resting over her mouth. “He’s right, Woon. You’re getting old.”

“Brat!” Woon chased Shawn around the house, their laughter filling the air.

It was the last time Woon laughed so freely.

The attack came without warning.

Woon emerged from the rubble, his body battered and bloodied. His legs gave out beneath him, and he fell to his knees, staring at the destruction that had once been his home.

“Shawn…”

His voice cracked as his eyes fell on the lifeless form of his son. Shawn’s head had been crushed beneath a fallen pillar.

“Salma…”

His wife lay nearby, her body pale and still. The blood pooling around her told the story—she had died from hemorrhage, unable to escape the chaos.

“AAAAHHH!!!”

Woon screamed, his fists clenched as he pulled at his hair. Rage and despair tore through him, but there was no one left to hear his anguish.

The Kou Empire had done this. Their greed for land and power had consumed everything.

In the years that followed, Woon became a ghost of the man he once was. He bowed his head, pretending to serve the very empire that had stolen his family.

What else could he do? To defy Kou was to invite death, and Woon didn’t have the strength to fight them.

He told himself he was a coward, but he buried the thought deep, clinging to the gang he built as his new “family.”

Until one day, color returned to his world.

It happened in the streets of Rakusho.

Woon’s cigarette slipped from his lips as his silver eyes landed on a child with crimson hair and violet eyes.

It was Shawn.

Or so it seemed.

The boy’s face was a mirror of his son’s, his shy smile a haunting reflection of a life Woon had lost.

The boy’s name was Koushi.

The more time Woon spent with Koushi, the more it hurt—and healed him. The boy wasn’t Shawn, but Woon couldn’t shake the belief that Koushi was his son’s reincarnation.

Shawn had been mischievous and loud, while Koushi was quiet and reserved. But their differences only made Woon more determined to protect him.

Koushi had grown up hated and neglected, a victim of the palace’s cruelty. Woon vowed to shield him from the world’s darkness, even if it meant taking him away from the people he loved.

This time, he wouldn’t fail.

This time, he would protect the child fate had given him.

Woon would die for him. He would kill for him. He would wage war for him.

Because this time, he had a second chance.

This time, he would save him.

“Boss…”

Woon looked up from his perch near the ship’s railing, cigarette dangling between his lips. Mindy, one of his more loyal subordinates, approached with a tense expression.

“What is it?” he asked, his voice carrying a rough edge of impatience.

Mindy frowned, jerking her thumb over her shoulder toward the cabin. “It’s Koushi. He’s… really depressed. What should we do?”

Woon sighed deeply, plucking the cigarette from his mouth. “What do you expect? He left his family behind, hasn’t set foot on land in weeks, and—” he glared up at the control cockpit “—some idiot thought it was a good idea to teach themselves navigation overnight. Now look at us. Lost in the middle of nowhere.”

“Don’t blame Rhea, Boss. We’re not pirates, so of course we don’t have a navigator,” Mindy defended with a sheepish grin.

“Get lost.”

“Yes, Boss!”

As Mindy retreated, Woon leaned against the railing, running a hand through his tied-back brown hair. The endless expanse of ocean stretched out before him, unbroken and indifferent.

How could he help Koushi when the kid was clearly homesick, terrified, and haunted by the fear of drowning?

Woon stood by Koushi’s bed, staring at the blanket-covered lump that hadn’t moved for hours. He crossed his arms, debating his next move, before finally asking, “Are you sleeping?”

A muffled voice replied sarcastically, “What do you think?”

“Sleeping, then.” He smirked and sat on the edge of the bed with a deliberate creak, drawing an irritated groan from the boy.

“Go away,” Koushi growled, his voice muffled by the blanket.

“Come on, Koushi,” Woon coaxed. “We’ve reached land!”

That wasn’t a lie. After days of pointless drifting and countless arguments, the gang had managed to identify the landmass ahead as the Reim Empire.

“…” Koushi stayed silent for a moment before muttering, “It doesn’t matter.”

Ignoring him, Woon continued, “The crew’s still debating, but Nao thinks it’s definitely Reim. Rhea thought it might be the Kina Kingdom, which is ridiculous—we set sail from Rakusho in the northeast! Nao even had to explain to half the idiots onboard that the Earth is round.”

“Go away!” Koushi snapped louder this time.

Woon’s patience finally wore thin. He ripped the blanket away, hoisted the boy onto his shoulder like a sack of rice, and strode out of the cabin, completely ignoring Koushi’s indignant protests.

“Boss! Koushi!” the gang cheered as they caught sight of the pair.

“Meow!” Momo leapt from a nearby perch, landing gracefully on Koushi’s back.

Clinging tightly to Woon’s neck, Koushi grumbled, “Put me down.”

Ignoring the boy’s protests, Woon smirked and nodded to Nao, who stood proudly at the helm.

“Well, Boss, it’s confirmed—this is the Reim Empire!” Nao announced, beaming with satisfaction.

The crew erupted into cheers, their excitement palpable. Nao raised a hand for silence and added dramatically, “Reim is the largest country in the world, protected by none other than the Great Priestess and Magi, Scheherazade!”

Koushi’s interest was immediately piqued. “A Magi? Like Judal?”

Momo licked his cheek as if responding, and Koushi couldn’t help but laugh softly.

The gang, however, collectively shivered. Muttered curses about Judal’s chaotic personality rippled through the group.

Nao, undeterred, grinned. “Yes, like Judal! But I doubt their Magi is anything like ours, wandering around causing mischief and scaring people half to death.”

Koushi frowned, puffing his cheeks defensively. “Judal’s evil, but he’s actually a good person!” he declared. After a pause, he added sheepishly, “Sometimes… right, Momo?”

The cat blinked at him blankly, eliciting laughter from the crew.

Woon finally set Koushi down, keeping a hand on his shoulder to prevent him from retreating. “This is our chance to explore, kid. Most of us have never been outside Kou, so let’s make the most of it.”

Lesha chimed in, “They’ve got amphitheaters for plays and music!”

Tai added enthusiastically, “And the Colosseum! Gladiators and slaves fighting to the death!”

Kai-Ming’s eyes sparkled. “The gambling halls!”

“And mixed baths!”

“…”

“BOOOO! Lihao!”

“Idiot pervert! Don’t say that in front of our innocent Koushi!”

“Yeah! What if he grows up to be a creep like you?!”

“You hypocrites were drooling over it earlier!”

“TREASON!”

“AHAHAHAHA!”

In the middle of their chaotic argument, Koushi’s quiet laugh broke through, turning heads.

He was laughing. Truly laughing.

The sound was contagious. One by one, the gang’s expressions softened, and they began to laugh along with him, filling the ship with warmth and joy.

In the face of the endless ocean, Woon allowed himself a rare, satisfied smile. Koushi was still homesick, still scared—but for now, the laughter felt like enough.

Koushi found Reim captivating.

The streets were alive with energy, a stark contrast to the rigid and orderly environment of Kou. There were no guards patrolling every corner, no oppressive silence punctuated by the heavy boots of soldiers. Instead, Reim breathed freedom. Its streets were vibrant, the air filled with the sound of laughter, lively conversation, and the melodies of street performers.

“It’s so… open,” Koushi muttered, his violet eyes wide with wonder as he held tightly to Lesha’s hand.

Lesha chuckled, shaking his head. “Different from Kou, isn’t it? No one barking orders, no generals looming around.”

Koushi nodded, though the mention of Kou sent a pang through his chest. It was a bittersweet reminder of the family he’d left behind.

As they walked, the narrow streets widened into a bustling square. Vibrant banners fluttered in the breeze, and lanterns of every color hung from ropes crisscrossing overhead. The air was rich with the scent of roasting meat, sweet pastries, and spices unfamiliar to Koushi. Vendors called out, urging passersby to sample their wares or admire their crafts.

“What’s all this?” Lesha asked a nearby local, his tone curious but casual.

The man, a cheerful blond with a broad smile, turned to them. “Ah, you must be visitors!” His chest puffed with pride as he gestured around. “This is preparation for the Spring Festival! It’s one of our biggest celebrations, marking the start of the season.”

Koushi’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “A festival? When does it start?”

“Today’s May 3rd,” the man replied. “The festivities kick off on the 6th and last for three days. You’ve come at the perfect time!”

Koushi’s jaw dropped. “May 3rd?” His lips spread into a wide grin. “It’s my birthday! I’m seven today!”

The man laughed warmly, reaching out to ruffle Koushi’s crimson hair. “Well, happy birthday, young man! May the new year bring you luck and happiness!”

“Thank you!” Koushi beamed, his cheeks glowing with joy.

“Oh, is that your cat?” He noticed the cat resting on little Koushi’s shoulder and began stroking its head gently.
 
He cheered, "Yes! This is Momo!"
 
"Hey Momo! How cute!"

Lesha, however, froze. His smile faltered, and a bead of sweat trickled down his temple. Without a word, he scooped Koushi up and hurried away, ignoring the boy’s confused protests.

“Lesha! What’s wrong?” Koushi whined, squirming in his grip.

“Sorry, kiddo, but we’ve got something to do,” Lesha muttered evasively as he quickened his pace.

They reached the ship in record time. Bursting into the cabin where the gang was lounging, Lesha shouted breathlessly, “GUYS! IT’S KOUSHI’S BIRTHDAY!”

A heavy silence fell over the room.

“…WHAT?!”

The gang erupted into chaos.

“How did we forget this?!”

”How are we supposed to know?!”

“Damn it, we’re terrible at this kind of thing!”

“What are we supposed to do? We don’t know how to throw a birthday party!”

Woon, leaning against a table with a cigarette hanging loosely from his lips, sighed heavily. “Relax, you idiots. It’s not like we’ve done birthdays before.” He exhaled a cloud of smoke and rubbed his temple. “Alright, listen up. We’re going to figure this out. No one’s going to ruin Koushi’s day. Got it?”

The gang fell silent, nodding solemnly.

“Good. Now, think. What does Koushi like?”

“Shiny things?” someone offered.

“Food!” another chimed in.

“Cats?”

Koushi couldn’t shake the feeling that everyone was behaving strangely, even more than usual. Their nervous glances, restless movements, and awkward attempts at normal conversation left him unsettled. Weren’t they supposed to be enjoying their time in the Reim Empire?

Instead of having fun, they seemed tense and on edge, which only made Koushi feel worse.

“Woon,” he called out to the gang leader, who immediately stopped his haggling with a fishmonger and gave the boy his full attention.

“What’s wrong?” Woon asked, his sharp silver eyes scanning Koushi’s face.

The boy pointed toward a group of striking individuals walking through the bustling marketplace. They were clad in shining metal armor, complete with shoulder plates, a metal skirt, shin guards, and sandals. Their majestic presence turned heads and hushed conversations as they passed.

“Who are they?” Koushi asked, his violet eyes wide with curiosity.

Woon scratched his chin, pretending to ponder. “Dear, I have no fucking idea.” He shrugged, completely unbothered.

“I’ll tell you,” the fishmonger cut in, crossing his arms and glaring at Woon, “if you stop harassing me about the price.”

“Not a chance.” Woon snapped, cigarette bouncing between his lips. “You think just because we’re not from here you can scam us?”

“But Woon, I really want to know who they are,” Koushi pleaded, tugging on the man’s sleeve.

The fishmonger looked between them, amused. His stern demeanor softened under Koushi’s earnest gaze, and he sighed. “Fine. I’ll tell you if it shuts you up.”

He leaned against his stall, nodding toward the departing group. “They’re the Empire’s Fanalis Corps. They’re on their way to conquer the Dungeon in the northern part of the capital.”

Koushi’s violet eyes sparkled with awe. “A Dungeon? Like the one En-niisama conquered?”

His excitement quickly faded into a frown as he thought about his older brother. “En-niisama…” he murmured sadly, his shoulders drooping.

Woon stiffened at the mention of Kouen, scratching his face awkwardly. “Enough of that,” he grumbled, handing over coins for the fish and grabbing the boy’s arm. “Let’s go.”

Dragging Koushi back to the port, Woon tossed the bag of fish to Linhuo and turned to face the boy with crossed arms. His silver eyes narrowed, and his brow furrowed in mock severity.

“All right,” he said. “Today’s your birthday, and we’ve been trying to figure out how to make you happy. So, what do you want?”

The entire gang froze in horror, gasping dramatically.

“Boss! How could you?”

“You ruined the surprise!”

Woon turned to glare at them. “Are you kidding me? We’ve been racking our brains for hours, and none of you idiots have any good ideas. We don’t do birthdays, and we sure as hell don’t know how to plan one! What do you expect me to do?”

“…” The gang looked away, collectively ashamed.

Koushi smiled gently, his gaze softening. “That’s… so sweet of you,” he said, his voice tender. “You don’t need to do anything. It’s enough just for you to wish me a happy day.”

The gang erupted into cheers.

“Happy birthday, Koushi!”

“To a hundred years of life!”

“Happy birthday, little prince!”

Koushi laughed, his cheeks flushing with warmth. “Thank you, everyone.”

Woon couldn’t hold back his grin. He ruffled Koushi’s crimson hair fondly. “Happy birthday, Koushi.”

“Thanks!” Koushi beamed, then hesitated, his cheeks turning pink. “But if you insist on giving me a gift, there’s… something I’d like.”

Their eyes lit up in anticipation.

“Anything, Koushi!”

“What is it?”

Koushi looked at Woon for reassurance. When the man nodded, the boy smiled shyly. “I want to enter the Dungeon. The one the Fanalis Corps is going to.”

The air went still.

“…”

“…Huh?!”

Woon’s cigarette nearly fell out of his mouth as the gang erupted into protests.

“That’s so dangerous!”

“Are you trying to die on your birthday?!”

“But I want to!” Koushi declared, his violet eyes burning with determination. He looked directly at Woon, his expression resolute.

Woon sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “I can’t believe you, you brat.”

It took some time to navigate their way to the dungeon, but eventually, Woon, Lesha, and Koushi arrived at the imposing gates. A group of red-haired men and women stood gathered in front of the entrance, their presence exuding raw strength and discipline.

“Fanalis, huh?” Woon muttered under his breath. His silver eyes flickered with a momentary sadness, tinged with nostalgia.

The Reim Empire was remarkable in that way. While most of the world saw the Fanalis race as nothing more than commodities or slaves, Reim had granted them a form of agency within their own specialized legion. Yet, the ugly truth of slavery still lingered here, even for the Fanalis.

Lesha crouched beside Koushi and whispered enthusiastically, “Have you ever heard of the Fanalis, Koushi?”

The boy tilted his head, his crimson hair swaying. “Yes? Aren’t they the legion we were talking about earlier?”

The blond man’s face lit up. “They’re more than that! The Fanalis are a hunting tribe from the Dark Continent!”

Koushi’s violet eyes widened with astonishment. “The Dark Continent?” he repeated, the words sounding exotic and mysterious.

Lesha nodded eagerly. “Yep! They’re known for their incredible physical strength and heightened senses. They’re considered the strongest race in the world!” His smile faltered as he added, “Unfortunately, they’re also often kidnapped and forced into slavery…”

“That’s terrible,” Koushi murmured, his young voice heavy with emotion. He frowned deeply, clearly struggling to comprehend such cruelty. “How could people do something so horrible?”

Lesha sighed, ruffling the boy’s hair. “That’s just how the world works sometimes, kid. It’s unfair, but there’s not much we can do about it.”

“Stop chattering,” Woon interjected sharply, his tone low and serious. His gaze was fixed ahead, where the Fanalis had paused their conversations and turned their sharp eyes toward the trio. “They’ve noticed us.”

Their movements synchronized like a pack of wolves sensing prey. Woon straightened, gesturing subtly for Lesha and Koushi to follow his lead. They approached with measured steps, exuding an air of nonchalance to avoid provoking hostility.

“Who the hell are you?” growled a Fanalis, stepping forward aggressively. His scarlet hair matched the fierce glare in his eyes.

“Lo’lo,” a commanding voice called out, silencing the group.

A taller man emerged from the center, his long crimson hair flowing behind him like a flame. His piercing red eyes held authority, and a large sword rested at his side. He was striking, both in appearance and presence.

“Be nice,” the man reprimanded gently, crossing his arms. “Don’t you see you’re scaring the child?”

The other Fanalis immediately softened their postures, their fiery aggression dimming as they glanced at Koushi, who clung tightly to Woon’s robe. Their faces morphed from hostility to something akin to guilt, resembling puppies chastised by their master.

The leader ignored their reactions and turned his attention to Woon. His expression softened into a warm, reassuring smile. “What can I do for you, sir? Are you lost?”

His tone was patient and kind as he continued, “This area is restricted for civilians. Judging by your clothing and demeanor, I’d guess you’re not from Reim, so I’ll forgive the intrusion this time.” He nodded toward one of his subordinates. “Yaqut, please escort them back.”

Before Yaqut could take a step, Woon raised his hands, a disarming smile spreading across his face. “Fanalis-san, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. We’re not lost.”

The leader raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh?”

“What the hell are you doing here, then?!” snapped a young voice.

Woon blinked down at the little girl who had suddenly appeared, clutching the leader’s arm protectively. She looked no older than eleven, with her red hair tied in two pigtails and an indignant scowl on her face.

“Myron,” the leader said gently, patting her head to calm her.

“But big brother! You told them to leave, and they didn’t! That’s so rude!” she huffed, puffing out her cheeks.

“Yes, Myron-chan! Tell them!” another Fanalis called out from the group, only to freeze when the leader shot them a sharp glare.

Woon watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. Where did a man like this find such an infinite reserve of patience?

The leader extended his hand toward Woon, his smile as warm as ever. “Let’s start over, shall we? I’m Mu Alexus, leader of the Fanalis Corps and the first son of the Alexus family.”

Woon’s expression flickered with recognition. Alexus. The name carried weight in Reim. Though the empire was technically a republic, the Alexus family was among the elite who had helped establish its foundation.

So, they’re Fanalis, too? That explains a lot.

Woon shook his hand firmly, mirroring his polite smile. “I’m Woon, a simple tourist from the Kou Empire.” He gestured toward his companions. “This is Lesha, my friend. And this little troublemaker is Koushi, my boy.”

Lesha waved awkwardly, while Koushi peeked shyly from behind Woon’s robes.

“Nice to meet you,” Mu replied sincerely. “Now, can you tell us why you’re here?”

“Well, isn’t it obvious?” Woon shrugged indifferently, his silver eyes flicking over the group. “We want to enter the Dungeon.”

Mu raised an eyebrow, his skepticism apparent. He glanced at the shy crimson-haired boy peeking out from behind Woon. “I think it’s not wise to bring a child that young into a Dungeon.”

“Excuse me,” Woon said with mock confusion, gesturing to Myron, “but isn’t this also a child?”

The little Fanalis girl puffed up instantly, her face going red. “Are you comparing me to that shrimp?!” she growled, fists clenched.

“I-I’m not a shrimp!” Koushi retorted, his small fists balled up in an effort to defend himself.

Woon and Lesha exchanged impressed glances, barely holding back their laughter. It wasn’t often that Koushi stood his ground like this. Perhaps he missed Judal calling him that name and didn’t want anyone else to take ownership of it—even if it was meant as an insult.

“You are!” Myron snapped, pointing a trembling finger at him. “I can knock you out with a single puff of air!”

Koushi flinched but held his ground, his violet eyes narrowing. Before the argument could escalate further, Mu raised a hand, silencing his younger sister.

“Myron,” he said firmly, his tone sharp enough to make her scowl and back down, “behave.”

“Although your argument is… creative,” Mu continued, turning back to Woon with an apologetic smile, “I’m afraid I still have to decline. This Dungeon belongs to Reim, and we’ve been tasked with ensuring no civilians approach it.”

“Listen, Alexus-san—mind if I call you Mu?” Woon’s casual demeanor was both disarming and unnerving.

Mu blinked in surprise but nodded politely. “Of course.”

Without missing a beat, Woon draped an arm over Mu’s shoulder as if they were old friends. Mu didn’t seem to mind, but the Fanalis behind him bristled, their glares practically daggers.

“See, it’s my dear Koushi’s birthday,” Woon said with a dramatic sigh, shaking his head as if reliving a great tragedy. “And this stubborn boy only wants one thing—a Dungeon exploration for his special day. We won’t get in your way or touch a single thing. We just want to tag along and enjoy the experience.”

Mu rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his expression calm and considerate. After a few moments, he shook his head again with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, but I can’t allow that.”

He knelt slightly to meet Koushi’s gaze. “Happy birthday, Koushi, but—”

“Sniff… sniff…” Koushi’s face scrunched up as fat tears rolled down his cheeks. He began to sob loudly, his shoulders shaking with each gasp.

Woon’s jaw nearly dropped. Koushi wasn’t just crying—he was wailing. Woon had seen him shed a tear or two before, but this was on an entirely different level.

“Koushi…?” Lesha whispered in shock, his brows furrowing in concernz

Mu’s composure faltered, his hands hovering in the air awkwardly. “Wait, wait, don’t cry!” He glanced helplessly at his subordinates, but they all looked away, suddenly fascinated by the ground.

“I want… I want to enter the Dungeon, Mu…” Koushi hiccupped between sobs, his voice cracking pitifully.

“Hey!” Myron stomped forward, her arms crossed. “Don’t get all buddy-buddy with my big brother! It’s Mu-sama or Alexus-sama to you!”

Her outburst only made Koushi wail louder, and the others turned on her with glares of disapproval.

“Myron!” Lo’lo hissed, smacking the back of her head.

“Ahhh!” Mu wiped a hand down his face, his resolve visibly crumbling. “Fine, fine! You can come with us! Just stop crying already!”

“What?!” Myron shrieked.

“This is my final decision.” Mu’s tone brooked no argument, and the Fanalis begrudgingly lowered their heads in submission.

Koushi instantly stopped crying, his face lighting up with pure joy. “Really?! Thank you, Mu-niisan!”

“Ugh…” Mu clutched his chest as if struck, his cheeks reddening. Between his little sister and Koushi, he was clearly weak to children’s charms.

“HEY!” Myron roared from behind. “That’s my niisan! Stop stealing him! Lo’lo, stop holding me back! I’m going to kill that fake crybaby!”

“Wow…” Lesha murmured, stroking Koushi’s hair with admiration. “That was incredible. Where did you learn to do that?”

Koushi turned to him with a radiant smile. “I’m a natural at it.”

Woon narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “You’ve never used that on us, have you?”

Koushi’s smile grew even brighter, the sparkle in his eyes disarming them completely. “Eh? What do you mean?”

Woon and Lesha exchanged nervous glances, both silently deciding to drop the matter.

“WELCOME TO THE EIGHTH DUNGEON, HUNTING AND ARCHERY ELF, BARBATOS!!”

The voice boomed with a mix of cheerfulness and menace, reverberating through the air as soon as the group stepped into the dungeon.

All six members—Mu, his younger sister Myron, and their subordinate Lo’lo, along with Woon, Koushi, and Lesha—immediately went on high alert.

“Who?” Myron asked, stepping protectively in front of her brother.

Her tiny frame trying to shield the towering Fanalis leader made everyone else sweatdrop. How exactly was she going to protect him?

“Probably the Djinn itself,” Mu replied with a soft chuckle, patting her pink hair. “Ignatius-Ojisama told us about it, remember?”

Myron’s cheeks flushed at the gentle reminder, and she quickly stepped back, muttering a defensive, “I knew that.”

“Barbatos!” Mu called confidently into the vast, shadowy expanse of the dungeon. His voice carried authority as he declared, “I will conquer this dungeon, and you will be mine!”

Lo’lo’s face lit up with encouragement. “That’s right, you bastard! It’s Mu we’re talking about!”

Lesha leaned toward Woon and whispered nervously, “Is it really okay to talk to a Djinn like that? What if they get angry and make this even harder?”

Woon shrugged indifferently. “Not our problem if they piss him off,” he muttered. Koushi clung to his robe tightly, overwhelmed by the dungeon’s sheer scale and eerie atmosphere.

The dungeon stretched endlessly, a massive labyrinth that seemed to lack both a ceiling and a visible end. Dim lighting gave the place an ominous glow, and statues of various animals loomed in every direction. The floor was strewn with hunting tools—bows, arrows, and other weaponry.

The Djinn’s voice ignored Mu’s proclamation entirely. Instead, it declared, “PLEASE, CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON.”

Lo’lo and Myron bristled at the perceived slight against their leader, but Mu held up a hand, calming them with a stern glance. “Stand down,” he ordered.

The Fanalis already carried their swords, but the other three members of the group had to select their weapons from the scattered arsenal.

Koushi hesitated, clearly upset at the lack of swords. Swords were the only weapon he had ever trained with, under Hakuyuu’s patient supervision. Lesha knelt beside him, explaining gently, “A sword isn’t really a hunting tool, Koushi. It goes against the Djinn’s theme. Pick something close, like a dagger.”

Reluctantly, Koushi chose a small dagger, its blade gleaming faintly in the dim light. He turned it in his hands awkwardly, clearly unfamiliar with its weight and balance.

Woon chose an axe, and Lesha selected a bow and arrows.

Barbatos’s voice rang out again, this time with an amused lilt: “SIX? THAT SOUNDS BORING.”

Before anyone could respond or question his statement, the Djinn snapped his fingers. The group vanished instantly, leaving only the Djinn’s echoing laughter behind. “THIS WILL BE FUN.”

Koushi, too absorbed in examining his unfamiliar dagger, didn’t immediately notice the change in scenery. He frowned, trying to move the weapon like a sword. “How does this even work?” he muttered in frustration.

“I don’t know. I’m a sword user too,” an amused voice answered.

Startled, Koushi looked up to see Mu Alexus smiling down at him. His cheeks reddened slightly as he realized they were alone.

“Wait… where are Woon and Lesha?” Koushi asked, his eyes darting nervously around the twisting, winding maze of corridors.

“It seems the Djinn has separated us,” Mu replied casually, scratching his chin. “Just the two of us, huh? A maze…” He let out a small chuckle. “Lo’lo’s going to have a rough time. He’s hopeless with directions.”

Koushi edged closer to Mu, seeking protection. “Aren’t you worried about Myron-chan?”

Mu raised an eyebrow at the nickname but didn’t comment. “What I’m worried about is what Myron will do to you if she hears you calling her that.” He smirked. “But no, I’m not worried. She’s Fanalis. She can handle herself. I just hope she’s not stuck with Lo’lo.”

“Nooo! Give me back my big brother, you stupid, asshole Djinn!” Myron screamed, her voice echoing through the maze. She spun in circles, yelling into the void with unrestrained fury.

Woon stood a few paces behind her, one hand covering his amused smile. Sure, he’d been paired with a loud, temperamental kid, but at least he wasn’t alone. “What are you laughing at, old man?! Do you want to die?!”

He winced at the insult. “Who are you calling an old man?! I’m still young!”

Myron glared at him but didn’t respond, too busy kicking at the ground in frustration.

Lesha was frozen in place, standing a cautious distance away from Lo’lo, who radiated barely-contained hostility.

“If you get in my way,” Lo’lo growled, dragging a thumb menacingly across his neck, “I’ll kill you.”

Lesha swallowed hard, sweat dripping down his face. He had always admired the Fanalis from afar, but being stuck with this particular one was far from ideal.

Why couldn’t I have been paired with the nice leader instead? he thought miserably.

The Djinn’s voice reverberated through the maze, unseen but clearly amused by the chaos he had orchestrated. “LET’S SEE HOW YOU HUNT WHEN THE HUNTER BECOMES THE HUNTED…”

“I have a question,” Koushi said, breaking the silence as they wandered aimlessly through the twisting maze.

“Go ahead,” Mu replied, his tone light but attentive.

“You have a Magi here in Reim, right?” Koushi asked, his frown deepening as he pondered his thoughts. “Isn’t the Magi supposed to be here with you? To make sure you’re a king’s vessel?”

Mu furrowed his brows in surprise. “Why do you think that?”

Koushi hesitated. He couldn’t exactly admit that he knew Kou’s Magi, Judal, or that he had seen his brother Kouen enter a dungeon under Judal’s supervision. That would lead to questions about his true identity—questions he wasn’t ready to answer. Instead, he opted for a safer explanation. “Woon told me that in Kou, the Magi goes with their king’s candidate to make sure they secure the Djinn.”

Mu hummed in acknowledgment. “That makes sense for Kou,” he admitted. “It’s probably how they operate. But it’s different here in Reim.”

He gave Koushi a kind smile before continuing. “You know about Magi, right? They’re figures who appear during critical junctures in history, directing the flow of countless lives. They’re known as the ‘Creators of the World’ and the ‘Chosen of Kings’ because of their immense power. By swinging their wand, a Magi can raise a tower containing the power of the king. They’re meant to choose rulers who embody righteousness—leaders whom others will naturally flock to.”

Koushi nodded, taking it all in with wide, thoughtful eyes. “A very special person,” he murmured, thinking of his older brothers, Hakuyuu and Hakuren. They had always seemed different—radiant in a way that even Kouen couldn’t compare to.

He realized now why his eldest brothers had never been granted a Djinn, even though they had all the qualities of kingship. His heart sank. It was probably because of Gyokuen’s manipulations. She must have warned Judal against them, steering him toward candidates she could control.

Mu’s voice brought him back to the present. “Our Magi, Scheherazade-sama, is unique. She’s dedicated her life—over two hundred years—to supporting the Reim Empire’s prosperity.” His voice carried a deep pride and reverence. “She’s a Magi, yes, but the world also knows her as a high priestess and a magician.”

Koushi’s eyes widened. “Over two hundred years? How can a human live that long?”

Mu shrugged casually. “It’s Scheherazade-sama,” he said, as if that explained everything.

After a brief pause, he added, “To answer your question, Scheherazade-sama is far too busy to accompany me to a dungeon. She trusts me to handle it on my own. That said, she insisted that Lo’lo and Myron accompany me, just in case they might… become part of my household.”

“Household?” Koushi repeated slowly, unfamiliar with the term.

“Oh, you don’t know?” Mu’s eyes brightened, happy to explain. “A household consists of people who share a bond with the Dungeon Capturer. They’re granted the power of the Djinn to assist the king in battle. The bond could be through family, loyalty, or even a shared adventure in the dungeon.”

Koushi’s violet eyes lit up. “So if you conquer this dungeon… I could become part of your household?”

Mu grinned widely, ruffling Koushi’s hair. “Exactly! You’re sharp, kid. Most kids your age wouldn’t understand a word of what I just said.”

Koushi’s cheeks flushed crimson at the compliment, and he smiled shyly.

Their moment of calm was interrupted when Mu suddenly froze, his expression hardening. He stepped protectively in front of Koushi, his sharp gaze scanning the maze.

“Something’s coming,” he said in a low, steady voice.

Koushi gripped his dagger tightly, fighting the tremors in his hands as fear surged through him.

“Wait, what? Your wife was a Fanalis?!” Myron exclaimed, her red eyes wide with shock as she stared at Woon.

He nodded fondly, though his expression darkened with a hint of sadness. “She was.”

The eleven-year-old girl was silent for a moment before looking away, her voice quieter. “My mother was a Fanalis too.”

Woon tilted his head, intrigued. “Oh? That makes sense—you’re Fanalis, after all.”

“No, I mean… my mom was Fanalis, but my dad wasn’t,” Myron clarified.

“Ah, I see,” Woon said, his silver eyes softening. “Like Shawn.”

“Shawn?” she asked, tilting her head curiously.

“Shawn was my son,” he explained, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Myron gasped. “Wait, that fake-crying brat?! He’s half-Fanalis like me? No way! He doesn’t look or feel like one at all!”

Woon chuckled, amused by her reaction. “No, no. Koushi isn’t my real son. I’m just looking after him.”

“Oh.” Myron relaxed but then muttered, “Good. A brat like him couldn’t possibly be one of us.” After a pause, she hesitated before asking, “What happened to your wife and son? If… if it’s okay to ask.”

“War,” Woon replied simply, his voice heavy.

Myron winced, guilt flashing across her face.

“Salma, my wife,” Woon continued, “wasn’t like most Fanalis. She wasn’t a slave. She was a fisherwoman.”

“A fisherwoman?!” Myron repeated in disbelief.

“Yep,” Woon said, his lips curving into a faint smile. “I met her after my ship sank in a storm on my way to Balbadd. She found me washed ashore, took me in, and cared for me. My arm was dislocated, and she nursed me back to health. I fell in love with her and asked her to come with me to Kou. She agreed… said she had no family left in Balbadd.”

Myron’s shoulders trembled before her face lit up with a bright smile. “That’s so romantic!”

Woon laughed heartily. “You think so? Salma always said I was a hopeless romantic!”

Her next words made him nearly choke. “Since you have experience with a Fanalis wife… are you interested in taking me as your second wife? I come from a noble bloodline, after all!”

“What?!” Woon spluttered, his eyes wide with shock.

“Do you think the others are doing okay?” Lesha asked nervously, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Lo’lo snorted. “Doesn’t matter. I pity whoever got stuck with the leader’s bratty sister.”

Lesha nodded in silent agreement.

“What is that sound?” Koushi asked nervously, clutching his dagger as a deep growl echoed through the maze. His voice wavered. “It sounded like a… roar?”

Mu’s ears twitched as he froze, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. “Roar of… a lion.”

Before Koushi could react, a massive lion appeared out of nowhere, saliva dripping from its snarling jaws as it leaped toward them with terrifying ferocity.

“Eeeeeek!” Koushi let out a high-pitched squeak, instinctively jumping backward in fear.

Mu didn’t even flinch. In one swift motion, he brought his sword down, slicing the lion’s head cleanly in half. Blood sprayed everywhere, painting the Fanalis leader’s stoic face.

He turned to Koushi, his expression soft despite the gore dripping from him. “Are you alright, Koushi-kun?” he asked, his tone gentle and concerned.

Koushi gulped, nodding furiously as he tried to ignore the mix of awe and terror that churned in his chest. Scary! he thought, realizing that for a brief moment, Mu was far more frightening than the lion itself.

“Thunder…” Mu muttered, his voice trailing off.

Before either of them could react, a cacophony of roars, growls, and snarls erupted from all sides. A menagerie of predators—lions, wolves, tigers, and more—charged at them from the shadows.

“Looks like Barbatos takes his title as the Djinn of Hunting a bit too seriously,” Mu remarked with unnerving calm. Then, with a grin that sent shivers down Koushi’s spine, he raised his sword. “Stay close, kid.”

“You know, I’m not great at cooking,” Myron said nonchalantly as she sliced through a tiger’s neck, spraying blood across her feet, “but if you marry me, the servants at my family’s palace can handle it. You’ll eat like a king every day!”

“Little girl!” Woon growled as he dodged a charging bull, nearly tripping over its massive body. “Shut it! I’m not marrying you! Are you nuts? What on earth are they teaching kids here in Reim?!”

“They teach us to take what we want!” Myron declared with a feral grin, the blood on her face making her look even more terrifying. She added with determined cheer, “Even if it means taking that fake-crying brat as my stepson, I don’t mind!”

Woon snarled, venting his frustration by hacking at a tiger’s neck repeatedly until its head fell with a heavy thud. “Shut up! I said no, and that’s final!”

Myron’s cheeks flushed, and she placed a hand on her chest as she whispered to herself, “I think I’m… in love.”

“I told you to stay out of my way, you idiot!” Lo’lo shouted as he punched a charging wolf mid-leap, snapping its neck with a sickening crack.

Lesha clung to his neck in sheer terror, his pale face drenched in sweat. “I can’t! I’ll die if I let go!”

“Then I’ll kill you myself!” Lo’lo growled, his crimson eyes glowing with fury.

Unlike Lo’lo, Mu didn’t seem to mind Koushi clinging to him for dear life. In fact, he had told the boy to hold on.

Koushi, however, felt deeply embarrassed. He hated being so helpless, unable to defend himself or contribute to the fight. I’m just a burden, he thought miserably.

If only he had a sword—his comfort zone. Daggers felt foreign in his hands, and Hakuyuu’s training seemed so far away now. He resolved to buy a sword as soon as they got out of this Dungeon.

“They don’t stop…” Koushi whispered after what felt like hours of fighting.

“So we’ll just kill them nonstop,” Mu replied, a frightening glint of amusement in his eyes as he sliced through another predator. He looked as though he was enjoying himself, as if he had waited years for this moment.

For Koushi, it was nothing short of exhausting. The endless roars, blood, and adrenaline drained every ounce of energy from his small body.

After three grueling hours, the predators finally stopped coming.

Mu surveyed the area, making sure no more enemies remained. Satisfied, he hung his bloodied sword at his waist and picked Koushi off his back, holding him comfortably at his side.

Koushi flushed at the gesture but didn’t object. He clung to Mu’s neck, still shaken but grateful. “What now?” he asked.

“I think…” Mu squinted at the labyrinth of paths ahead. “We need to find the final exit in this maze.”

Koushi groaned, “That’ll take hours!”

“Maybe even days,” Mu teased with a grin.

“Mu-niisan! Don’t joke like that!”

“Ahahaha! Sorry, sorry!”

“Are you okay?” Woon asked, kicking a fallen rhino’s carcass to ensure it was dead.

“I’m fine! My husband!” Myron chirped happily, skipping over to him.

Woon’s face darkened with anger and embarrassment. “How many times do I have to tell you?! I’m not your husband!”

Myron ignored his protest, scanning their surroundings. “Looks like the animals have stopped coming.”

Woon sighed, scratching the back of his neck. “Guess it’s time to head into the maze.”

“Great idea, husband!”

He groaned in defeat.

“You…” Lo’lo muttered, his voice unusually soft as he wiped blood from his face.

“Me?” Lesha asked cautiously, his eyes darting around for the next predator.

“You…” Lo’lo raised his gaze, crimson eyes gleaming with something unfamiliar. “You saved my life.”

Lesha blinked, completely stunned. “I did…?”

The realization hit him. Despite Lo’lo’s constant threats, the Fanalis had been protecting him throughout the battle. Every time danger loomed, Lo’lo had put himself in harm’s way to shield him.

It had been pure instinct on Lesha’s part—stepping forward and plunging an arrow into a hyena that had caught Lo’lo off guard. But to Lo’lo, it clearly meant everything.

“You saved me,” Lo’lo repeated, his voice tinged with awe and gratitude. A huge painful new scar on his cheek.

Lesha’s cheeks flushed. “Uh… I guess… maybe we should head into the maze now?”

Lo’lo’s expression softened, a rare smile tugging at his lips. “Sure. Good idea.”

“Mu-niisan.”

“Hm?”

“Haven’t we already passed this place?”

“Huh? Really?!”

“Don’t worry! My parents have a big age difference too!”

“What is it? Thirty years, like in our case?”

“No, it’s seven. But still!”

“…You’re gonna get me in big trouble,”

“Does it hurt?” Lesha asked hesitantly, glancing at the fresh wound on Lo’lo’s cheek. “Maybe we should rest and take care of it…”

Lo’lo turned to him, eyes gleaming with pride. “You’re worried about my well-being? I’m touched! But don’t worry, it’s nothing I haven’t faced before.”

Lesha swallowed hard. “If you insist…”

Surprisingly, all three groups emerged into a grand room at the same time, each entering through a different tunnel. The massive chamber was filled with towering piles of gold, glittering jewels, and gleaming treasures.

For a moment, there was silence as everyone stared at each other in astonishment.

Then—

“Big brother!” Myron shouted, launching herself at Mu with an ecstatic cry. She wrapped herself around his face in a tight hug, causing him to stagger back.

“Myron…” Mu sighed her name, patting her head despite her overzealous affection.

“Koushi!” Woon and Lesha called out in unison. The crimson-haired boy ran to them, throwing himself into their arms.

“I’m so glad you’re okay!” Koushi cried, hugging them tightly.

“Oh, Koushi, that was the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me!” Lesha sobbed, clutching the boy protectively.

“I’m just glad you’re both safe,” Woon said with a warm smile, patting Koushi’s head.

The tender reunion was interrupted by Mu’s sharp voice.

“Lo’lo! What happened to your face?!”

The other Fanalis smirked, crossing his arms proudly despite the ugly gash on his cheek. “It’s the mark of a warrior! Nothing to worry about.”

“Ah! Disgusting! It makes you even uglier!”

Mu slapped her on the head, making her yelp. “Don’t be rude.”

Suddenly, a figure materialized before them—a blue Djinn with short, messy cyan hair and a flowing white robe. His sharp, mischievous grin made the room feel even more alive.

“WELCOME!” the Djinn boomed.

“Barbatos, I presume?” Mu asked confidently, wiping sweat, blood, and grime from his brow.

“THAT’S ME!” Barbatos replied cheerfully, his voice echoing through the chamber. He wasted no time. “WHO WANTS TO BE A KING?!”

Mu stepped forward without hesitation, his confident smile unwavering.

The others watched in awe and anticipation. Well, most of them. Koushi’s wide, sparkling eyes were fixed on the piles of treasure, and a small line of drool escaped his lips.

“I SEE,” Barbatos said, looking at Mu appraisingly before scanning the rest of the group. His gaze lingered on Myron, Koushi, and Woon.

“NOT THAT I CAN CHOOSE A CHILD,” he said, nodding toward Myron and Koushi.

“OR AN OLD MAN,” he added, making Woon bristle.

“Oi!” Woon barked indignantly, but Barbatos ignored him.

“OR EVEN A COWARD,” he said, glancing briefly at Lesha, who wisely remained silent.

Barbatos returned his attention to Mu. “ALTHOUGH, BEING A FANALIS, YOUR MAGOI IS EXTREMELY WEAK COMPARED TO A NORMAL HUMAN. YOU’LL FACE A HARD TIME USING MY POWER. ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THIS?”

“I am,” Mu replied, his voice firm and unwavering.

Barbatos grinned maniacally. “GOOD. I EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM YOU, MU ALEXUS!”

With a snap of his fingers, Barbatos floated higher, surveying the group. “YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES. TAKE WHATEVER YOU WANT.”

Woon’s stomach churned as he eyed the mounds of gold and treasures. He had promised not to take a single coin in exchange for Koushi’s entry, but temptation gnawed at him.

Koushi, meanwhile, wandered through the glittering piles with wide-eyed awe, his small hands twitching as if he could hardly resist grabbing something shiny.

Woon sighed, walking over to ruffle the boy’s hair. “The things I do for you, boy. The things I do.”

“Eh?” Koushi tilted his head in confusion.

“Just don’t touch anything, alright? We made a deal. No treasures for us.”

The boy’s face fell, his shoulders slumping. “Yes…”

“Oi! Fake crybaby!” Myron’s voice rang out as she waved a gleaming trophy from across the room. “Come help me carry this!”

“Eh? Me?” Koushi blinked, pointing at himself.

“Yes, you! Is there another fake crybaby here?” Myron snapped, her face turning red with irritation. “Show some respect! I’m your future stepmother!”

“…?!”

Everyone froze, the air growing thick with tension as all eyes slowly turned toward Woon.

The man’s face turned ghostly pale, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

“Myron,” Mu said slowly, his usual smile replaced with a narrow, ominous expression. “What do you mean by that?”

“Eh? Isn’t it obvious?” Myron replied with oblivious cheer. “I’m going to marry Woon.”

“Huh?!” Lo’lo and Mu both turned their blank, threatening stares toward Woon.

“No!” Koushi shouted, his small voice ringing with indignation. “You can’t marry Woon, you tomboy! Woon will marry a beautiful, kind, and caring woman like Hakuei-neesama!”

“Huh?! I am beautiful and cute, you brat! My mama always says I’m the cutest girl in the whole world!”

“Well, your mother’s a liar! She only says that because you’re her daughter!”

“YOU BASTARD!!!”

The room erupted in chaos as Myron lunged at Koushi, the boy dodging her with surprisingly nimble movements. Meanwhile, Woon lit another cigarette, trying to pretend he wasn’t part of this insane situation.

Barbatos floated above them, laughing hysterically. “THIS IS THE MOST ENTERTAINING GROUP I’VE HAD IN CENTURIES!”

Fortunately, the misunderstanding between Mu and Woon was resolved, with the Fanalis leader laughing heartily at Woon’s pale, terrified expression. He clapped a heavy hand on Woon’s shoulder, saying, “You need to be more patient with my stubborn little sister. She’s… persistent.”

Woon’s lips twitched in annoyance, muttering, “Stubborn is an understatement.”

As they exited the Dungeon, they were met with the sight of Mu’s subordinates still camped outside, waiting for their leader.

“How long has it been?” Mu asked casually, scanning their expectant faces.

“Three weeks!” one of them replied with a grin.

“Three weeks?!” The Kou Empire group paled instantly.

“Didn’t you know?” Myron tilted her head, her expression smugly innocent. “Time moves differently in a Dungeon.”

Lesha’s face turned to panic as he slapped his forehead. “Oh no… the others must be terrified we’ve been gone for so long!”

“Oh?” A curious Fanalis piped up. “A group of men from Kou came asking about you a while ago. Were they your friends?”

Lesha’s expression softened with relief. “You told them we were safe?”

The Fanalis shrugged nonchalantly. “Not really. We kicked their asses and sent them on their way.”

“…You what?”

“Anyway!” Mu interrupted, slapping Woon’s back playfully. “Go back and reassure your friends, then meet us in the square. We’re heading to the capital tonight, and I’m inviting you to dinner at my family’s house!”

“Dinner with Mu-niisan?!” Koushi’s eyes sparkled with excitement, leaving Woon no choice but to agree reluctantly.

When Woon, Koushi, and Lesha returned to their ship, they froze at the sight.

“…What happened here?” Lesha asked, his voice trembling as he stared at the disheveled wreck that had once been their vessel.

“I leave for three weeks and…” Woon’s cigarette trembled between his lips as he struggled to contain his anger.

“Woon,” Koushi whispered nervously, clinging to the older man’s robe. “Who are these… homeless men on our ship?”

The once-proud crew looked as if they hadn’t bathed in months. Their clothes were torn, their faces haggard, and their posture defeated.

“B- BOSS!!!” The group cried out in unison, tears streaming down their faces.

“KOUSHI!! LESHA!!!” they wailed, collapsing to their knees dramatically.

“WE THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!”

“WE WERE DISPLACED AND EXPELLED FROM EVERYWHERE!”

“I CAN’T BELIEVE MY EYES!”

“Eeeeek!” Koushi recoiled as one of the crew tried to hug him. “Don’t touch me! You stink!”

“KOUSHIIII!!!” one sobbed. “YOU’RE REAL!”

“STOP IT!” Woon bellowed, slamming his fist on the railing so hard it cracked. His dark, furious glare silenced the sobbing men instantly.

“What do you think you’re doing?! Just because we’re traveling on a ship doesn’t mean we’re pirates! When was the last time you took a shower?!” He pointed angrily. “All of you—go bathe. Now.”

“Yes, Captain!” They scrambled to obey.

Woon wiped his face tiredly, muttering under his breath, while Koushi looked at him with sympathetic amusement.

“Meow~!”

Koushi jumped slightly as Momo leapt into his arms.

“Momo! Did you miss me?” He hugged the cat tightly, his mood lifting instantly.

Lesha patted Woon on the shoulder. “Boss, why don’t you go answer the Fanalis’ invitation? I’ll take care of things here. When you return, the crew will be as good as new!”

Woon gave him a grateful nod. “Thanks, Lesha. Good luck.” Picking up Koushi, he added, “We’ll go get cleaned up too. Covered in sweat and blood like this…”

“Mixed baths?” Koushi asked suspiciously.

“We can’t shower with those guys on the ship, can we?”

“…You just want women to feel sorry for you.”

“Hey! Where did you even get that idea?!”

“Where’s Lesha?” Lo’lo asked gruffly as Woon and Koushi arrived at the meeting point.

“He volunteered to stay behind and clean up the ship,” Woon replied nonchalantly, shaking hands with Mu.

Lo’lo frowned, glancing at the plaster on his cheek. “He did…?”

“You took a shower!” Myron exclaimed, her wide grin unsettling. “You smell so good and look so handsome!”

Woon’s entire body tensed. Hugging himself, he muttered, “Is it normal for a kid to be this… harassing?”

“Myron.” Mu’s warning tone cut through her enthusiasm. “You’re making our guest uncomfortable.”

The group traveled in three carriages, with Mu, Myron, Lo’lo, Woon, and Koushi sharing one.

“Your family won’t mind us showing up unannounced?” Woon asked, leaning back lazily and blowing smoke out of his mouth.

“Not at all,” Mu replied with a confident smile. “My parents will be thrilled that I’ve made new friends.”

“Mu-niisan…” Koushi whispered shyly, clutching Momo in his lap. “Are we friends?”

Mu laughed, ruffling the boy’s crimson hair. “Of course we are! We faced death together, didn’t we?”

Koushi smiled, his heart lifting.

But his joy wavered as memories of his brothers flooded his mind. He missed En-niisama’s calm and quiet strength, Mei-niisama’s brilliance, and Ha-niisama’s boundless energy. Even Yoku-neesama’s fretting felt like a distant comfort.

And Ryuu…

He prayed Ryuu was okay, that he’d found someone to confide in—maybe Judal, even. He hoped the two had grown closer in his absence instead of letting misunderstandings push them apart.

“What’s the matter with him?” Myron’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Not again…” Woon muttered in exasperation, noticing Koushi’s melancholy expression.

Koushi’s mood lifted again as quickly as it had dropped. He gazed out the carriage window, his amazement at the sights returning as Myron arrogantly lectured him on random facts about the Reim Empire.

“Hey!” Koushi exclaimed as she jabbered on. “I’m not a shrimp, you know!”

“Sure, fake crybaby,” Myron shot back with a smirk, making Woon chuckle quietly despite himself.

The reception at the Alexus estate was nothing short of spectacular, befitting a noble family of such stature.

As the carriage carrying Mu and his companions entered the grand courtyard, a vibrant crowd of well-wishers erupted into cheers. People sang and congratulated the young Fanalis leader, their voices echoing against the towering castle walls.

Mu, ever the charismatic leader, leaned halfway out of the carriage window, waving the sword that housed the Djinn he had conquered. His broad, confident smile had an almost magical effect on the crowd.

“Thank you! Thank you all for trusting me!” he shouted, his voice warm and sincere.

A few young women in the crowd fainted on the spot.

“Mu-niisan is really famous…” Koushi said, wide-eyed and impressed.

“Of course!” Myron declared proudly, flipping her long red hair back—right into Lo’lo’s face. Ignoring his irritated glare, she continued arrogantly, “That’s MY Big Brother Mu! The most famous and desirable bachelor in the entire Reim Empire!”

“YOU BRAT!” Lo’lo bellowed, grabbing her hair in retaliation. Myron let out an indignant scream, fighting back just as fiercely.

Watching a grown man wrestle with an eleven-year-old girl was not something Koushi thought he’d see today. Yet somehow, it felt… oddly normal around these people.

When the carriage finally stopped at the grand entrance, Koushi hesitated as he stepped out. The crowd’s curious and scrutinizing stares bore down on him and Woon. He clung to Woon’s sleeve nervously, aware that their presence here as non-Fanalis outsiders was highly unusual.

Standing prominently at the entrance were two striking figures.

The man had long, light blond hair tied into a neat ponytail. His sharp blue eyes carried a piercing gaze, though they seemed to skim past Woon and Koushi as if dismissing them outright. His straight posture and formal demeanor radiated authority.

Beside him stood a red-haired woman with a bright, welcoming smile. Her wavy hair framed her soft features, and her red eyes sparkled with warmth. She wore pink lipstick and bore two piercings beneath her lips.

“Mom, Dad,” Mu said, stepping forward with a wide, boyish grin. “I did it.”

His mother immediately cupped his face in her hands, her laugh as sweet as her expression. “Haha, as expected of my son!”

“I never doubted you,” his father said, his sharp features softening for a moment.

Watching this loving reunion stirred something in Koushi. Ah… so this is what it’s like to have parents who adore you.

He clenched his small fists, willing away the ugly pang of jealousy. Mu-niisan is too kind to me. I shouldn’t feel this way about him.

“I also helped Big Brother!” Myron interjected, desperate for her share of attention.

“Of course you did,” her mother said warmly, pulling her into a tight hug. “Ah! I missed you so much!”

Her father nodded gravely. “Mu couldn’t have done it without you.”

Myron’s face lit up at the praise, and Mu let out a sheepish chuckle, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

“Ahem…” Woon cleared his throat loudly, drawing the family’s attention.

“Oh!” Mu blinked as if only just remembering the existence of his guests. “Right! Sorry about that.”

“Clearly,” Woon replied dryly.

“Mom, Dad,” Mu began again, gesturing toward Woon and Koushi. “These are Woon and Koushi. We met in the Dungeon and helped each other. We’re friends now!”

He introduced his parents in turn. “This is my father, Alexander Alexus, and my mother, Isha Alexus.”

Isha was the first to approach, her warm smile brightening as she extended her hand toward Woon. “Nice to meet you! Thank you for helping my two babies in the Dungeon!”

For a moment, Woon froze. Her gentle demeanor and kind eyes were painfully reminiscent of his late wife, Salma. He quickly composed himself, shaking her hand with practiced indifference. “No thanks needed. It was nothing.”

But his heart clenched. Why does everything about this family remind me of what I’ve lost?

Isha turned her attention to Koushi next, patting his crimson hair affectionately. “It’s so nice that Myron has a friend her age! Thank you for keeping her company.”

Koushi gaped at her, startled by her genuine kindness. When Woon smacked the back of his head lightly, he stammered, “Y-Yes! Of course!” before retreating to hide behind Woon’s leg.

Myron scowled. “We’re not friends! He’s just a weak shrimp! Don’t compare me to him!”

“Be nice,” Isha chided, making her daughter pout.

Alexander, though less expressive, nodded in approval. “Join us for the celebration,” he said simply, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

Woon, however, crossed his arms. “Celebration? Mu said it was dinner.”

“It’s the same thing!” Mu grinned unrepentantly.

“You’ll have to get used to it, Woon,” Myron interjected smugly. Her next words, however, made Woon’s blood run cold. “After all, when you marry me, there will be lots of celebrations!”

“EXCUSE ME?!” Alexander’s booming voice echoed across the courtyard. His sharp blue eyes were wide with disbelief and, perhaps, horror.

Isha gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “What did you just say?!”

Mu, meanwhile, burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Woon sighed, tilting his head back to glare at the heavens. Death would be kinder than this.

Once the misunderstanding was resolved (with Alexander eyeing Woon suspiciously for the remainder of the evening), the dinner proceeded smoothly. Isha engaged Woon in lively conversation, her natural charm easing his earlier discomfort. Meanwhile, Koushi accompanied Mu to the stables, where he eagerly admired the estate’s magnificent horses.

“Do you like animals?” Mu asked, watching the boy’s eyes light up as he stroked the sleek mane of a white stallion.

“I love them!” Koushi exclaimed. “Especially horses and cats.” He laughed, adding, “My older cousins used to let me ride horses with them back in Kou.”

“I love Reim!” Koushi declared cheerfully as they walked hand-in-hand back to the ship.

Woon, despite his exhaustion, couldn’t help but smile. “Really? What do you like about it?”

“Mu-niisan! He’s amazing!” Koushi’s cheeks were flushed with happiness.

“I see.” Woon ruffled the boy’s hair fondly. “Then get some sleep when we’re back on the ship. You’ll need your energy to have more fun with Brother Mu tomorrow.”

Koushi looked up at him with wide, uncertain eyes. “Are we staying in Reim forever?”

Woon paused, considering his words carefully. “Do you want to stay?”

Koushi lowered his gaze, his voice soft. “I miss Kou. Reim is amazing, but… it’s not home.”

Woon sighed, his expression unreadable. “We’ll have adventures all over the world, kiddo. Reim is just one stop along the way. Okay?”

Koushi hesitated, then nodded. “Adventures? Like Sinbad?”

Woon chuckled, exhaling smoke into the night air. “Yeah, like Sinbad. Except we won’t end up with you as the king of some kingdom, alright?”

Koushi laughed, his worries melting away. “If I was king, I’d be the best one!”

“Sure, sure,” Woon replied, smirking as they continued their walk.

Six Years Later in the future

The boy, now thirteen, trudged through the verdant hills of the Dungeon, his body battered and his spirit weighed down by exhaustion. His short crimson hair was matted with sweat and blood, and his violet eyes glimmered with unshed tears as he limped forward.

The night sky above him was a surreal expanse of luminous stars and massive planets, their brilliance lighting the terrain more vividly than any moonlight.

Scattered across the grass were treasures of all kinds—gold, silver, rare gemstones, and luxurious items. The sort of wealth that would dazzle anyone’s eye, particularly Koushi’s, who once adored all things shiny. Yet, tonight, none of it mattered.

“Fuck… fuck… Woon… everyone…” he muttered through gritted teeth, his breath ragged. His tears mingled with the blood streaking his face, but the anger in his expression burned brighter than his despair.

With an anguished roar, Koushi fell to his knees, slamming his fists against the ground.

“Stop it! What do you want from me? I don’t want to conquer this stupid Dungeon! Get me out! GET ME OUT!” His voice cracked, filled with a mix of fury and despair. Then, his rage subsided into a quiet sob, his forehead pressing against the grassy floor. “I want Woon… Lesha… and everyone…”

The memory of Woon forcing him into the Dungeon to save his life resurfaced, vivid and searing. His chest tightened painfully. The image of Woon’s determined face, the chaos outside, the screams—it all looped in his mind like a cruel dream.

“They’re all probably dead…” he whispered, his voice shaking. He remembered the time dilation between the inside and outside of a Dungeon. Minutes here could mean years outside. His friends, his family—they were gone.

Suddenly, a voice pierced the silence.

“REN KOUSHI.”

Koushi stiffened, his head jerking up slowly. His vision blurred by tears, he blinked rapidly, trying to focus on the towering figure before him.

A Djinn stood there, unmistakably otherworldly. Her head was that of a cobalt-blue bull adorned with a multitude of golden earrings, each glinting faintly. Her imposing form radiated an aura of immense power, her arms crossed as she regarded him with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Koushi rubbed his eyes roughly with the edge of his worn shirt, trying to ground himself. When his vision cleared, the Djinn was still there, staring at him with unwavering intensity.

“Get me out,” Koushi croaked, forcing himself to his feet. His legs trembled beneath him, but he met her gaze with defiance.

The Djinn’s lips curled into a sinister smile. “After I’ve waited for you for so long?” Her voice was smooth yet tinged with mockery. “There’s no way, Ren Koushi. Rukh doesn’t make mistakes.”

Her cryptic words ignited a spark of confusion and frustration in the boy. “What are you talking about?” he demanded, his jaw tightening.

The Djinn’s smile widened, a predatory glint in her golden eyes.

Koushi’s fingers gripped the hilt of his sword, his voice rising in defiance. “Then surrender yourself to me! Quickly!”

With a burst of raw determination, he unsheathed his blade and pointed it directly at her.

The Djinn didn’t flinch. Instead, her smile grew more ominous, her laughter low and resonant.

“You think you’re ready to claim me?” she asked, tilting her head in mock amusement. “Show me, Ren Koushi. Prove to me that you’re worthy of wielding my power.”

The words hung in the air like a challenge, their weight pressing down on him.

Koushi tightened his grip on his sword, his heart pounding. The fear and exhaustion threatening to overwhelm him gave way to a fierce resolve.

If everyone risked their lives to get me here, then I’ll prove I’m worth it.

He steadied himself, glaring at the Djinn with unwavering determination. This fight wasn’t just for him—it was for Woon, Lesha, and everyone else who had believed in him.

The battle was about to begin.