Under the warm, golden light of the setting sun, a lady in a red and white gown ran joyfully through the woods. Her long black hair cascaded down, dancing with each step. Her giggles and the happy chuckles of the man chasing her filled the air. She glanced over her shoulder, but her face remained hidden.
Prince Khane's eyes snapped open, his breath catching as if he'd been startled. Sweat dripped from his face, his hair damp, and his heart pounded with a deep longing. He sat up from the hay bed, disoriented.
Morning light streamed through the open warehouse door, illuminating the empty space. Arnin and Immortal Elyon were nowhere to be seen. Prince Khane's thoughts cleared, and he remembered he had to give the fisherman the yesterday sales.
He stood up, adjusting his clothes, and stepped outside into the crisp morning air. But as he walked out, Arnin walked in, a stalk of grass dangling from his mouth.
"Where are you going?" Arnin asked, eyeing Prince Khane with curiosity.
"I need to return something to the fishermen," Prince Khane explained.
Arnin's face contorted in frustration. "Finally met my role model, but he's an airhead. Or maybe it's because you're not yourself right now."
He placed a hand on Prince Khan's shoulder. "Think, Khailian. If you go back now, won't the First Prince be waiting for you? One mistake, and everything falls apart."
Arnin's grip tightened. "I know life is hard for them, but don't risk it for the sake of returning the gains. The fishermen will make it back. Consider it your pay; you've tried for them. And moreover, I don't think they want to see your face."
He walked past Prince Khane, leading him into the warehouse. "Follow me; I'll show you something."
Prince Khane looked outside and didn't see any carriage, then he followed Arnin inside the warehouse.
"Where's the carriage?" He asked.
Arnin, squatting amidst scattered books, replied. "I was worried the gold pieces would get lost or stolen.
I've never handled such wealth before. I wanted to wake you, but Immortal Elyon offered to buy the carriage, so I handed him the pouch."
Prince Khane walked to him and leaned against the wall, arms crossed, facing Arnin. "I still don't fully trust that immortal. What if he runs off with the gold? What will we tell Miss Pherna then?"
Arnin remained focused on the martial arts books, arranging them into two neat piles, secured with them being his assets. He seemed oblivious to Prince Khane's concerns.
Arnin stood up, clutching his cherished martial arts books in both hands, the worn leather covers creaking softly.
His eyes, bright with intensity, met Prince Khan's. "These are the books I used to practice over the years.
I reviewed these while you slept to see if I'd find solutions to your problem. I pored over every page, every technique, every strategy.
I can try using my essence to aid you, but its effectiveness is uncertain, given your current state."
Prince Khane's curiosity got the better of him, his brow furrowing. "You said Alsan Peak would benefit me, but I never asked why or how. What's the reason?" He stepped closer, his voice low and urgent.
Arnin's gaze drifted toward the exit, the morning light casting a warm glow on his face. "I'll explain in the carriage. There's much to discuss, and we must be cautious.
I didn't sleep last night; Immortal Elyon shared stories of your past fights, the ones that made your name spread.
His voice dropped to a whisper. "He warned me about your enemies—many have seen your face, and few will believe the 'lookalike' lie. Should I craft a mask to conceal your identity?"
Prince Khane's expression turned solemn, his eyes clouding. "No need. Did the immortal mention my wife?" The question hung in the air and Arnin looked at him strangely.
Before today, he can remember himself saying wife' many times, but he couldn't remember the scenerios or even how she looked like.He tried but he couldn't.
And just last night, he had a dream where he and a lady played in the woods with happiness, but unfortunately it was only her back he saw.
Arnin scratched the back of his head, his brow furrowed in concentration. "No, he never mentioned a wife. And I've heard of Nameless many times, but marriage was never part of it."
His eyes widened. "You were married at a young age? As expected of someone in Phase 8, I suppose." He paused, studying Prince Khane's expression.
"Did you...miss this person, your wife?" Arnin asked gently, his voice tinged with empathy.
Prince Khane's face remained uncertain. "I'm not sure if I have a wife. I'll wait for Immortal Elyon and hear what he has to say."
Arnin nodded thoughtfully. "Should we go back to Bacain first, so you can see her? ." His gaze held a mix of curiosity and concern.
Prince Khane shook his head. "I don't know."
Little did he know that the wife he thought he had was the name of his sword.
As they waited, Arnin busied himself gathering his belongings. He walked to the door, depositing the martial arts books beside it. The worn leather covers seemed to glow in the morning light.
He returned, collecting his simple clothing—two days' worth, plus the one he wore. He had only three.
Outside, Prince Khane stood beside the door, lost in thought as he waited for immortal Elyon. The morning sun cast long shadows across the ground, and the scent of fresh bread and cooked food from houses.
Arnin secured his garments in a neat bundle, slinging them over his shoulder. "Since those are the only clothes you have, I'll lend you mine when you need to change.
They might be a bit short and tight, but I'm sure you'll manage," he said with a reassuring smile.
As they waited by the door, the sound of approaching horses grew louder. A sturdy carriage, adorned with intricate carvings, came into view.
Prince Khane and Arnin turned their heads.
Immortal Elyon sat within, accompanied by a coachman who seemed familiar. Prince Khane's gaze locked onto the coachman's face, and memories clicked into place—the bodyguard who had accompanied Pherna the other day.
The carriage halted before them, and Immortal Elyon leaped down, his movements fluid. "Get in first," he instructed.
Prince Khane hesitated. "Pherna's not here yet."
Just then, the window curtain of the carriage opened, revealing Pherna's concerned expression. "Enter now. I've heard Prince Eyrin is awake," she urged, her voice tinged with urgency.