*Narrator:*
The golden rays of the setting sun bathed the kingdom in a warm, ethereal glow. The tranquil river, its waters shimmering like liquid gold, murmured softly as Princess Yumehime strolled along its bank. Her silken gown fluttered gently in the breeze, the royal knight, Sir Edward, a few paces behind her, ever vigilant.
*Sir Edward (with quiet authority):*
"Princess Yumehime, please—stay away from the river's edge."
*Narrator:*
His tone carried concern, and his hand hovered near the hilt of his sword, as if the serene landscape held hidden dangers.
*Yumehime (with a playful smile):*
"Oh, Edward, you worry far too much. Look at it."
*Narrator:*
She gestured to the peaceful scene before them.
*Yumehime (continuing, lightly):*
"It's so peaceful. What could possibly happen?"
*Narrator:*
But as if summoned by fate, a shadow drifted downriver, caught in the glimmering reflection of the dying sun. Isabella's eyes widened, and she stopped abruptly.
*Yumehime (gasping, alarmed):*
"What… what is that?"
*Narrator:*
She took an involuntary step closer to the water.
*Yumehime (voice rising in alarm):*
"Uhaaaaaaaa! Edward, look! A body!"
*Narrator:*
In a heartbeat, the knight was by her side, his keen gaze following her trembling finger. Indeed, a figure floated face-down in the water, motionless. Without hesitation, Sir Edward waded into the river, his armored boots splashing against the current as he pulled the body onto the shore with a grunt of effort.
*Yumehime (kneeling beside them, her heart pounding):*
"Is he…?"
*Narrator:*
Suddenly, the man coughed, water sputtering from his mouth as his chest heaved with a desperate gulp of air. Yumehime gasped in surprise, her hand flying to her lips.
*Yumehime (exclaiming in shock and relief):*
"He's alive! But how? What could he possibly be doing here, in the river?"
*Narrator:*
Sir Edward checked the stranger for injuries, his brow furrowing.
*Sir Edward (calmly assessing the situation):*
"He's in rough shape, but nothing fatal... at least not yet."
*Yumehime (firm, with a sense of duty):*
"We need to treat him immediately. And then report this to Father."
*Narrator:*
Sir Edward nodded, hefting the unconscious man onto his shoulders with ease.
*Sir Edward (urgently):*
"Yes, Your Highness. But we must hurry before night falls."
*Narrator:*
As they made their way back to the palace, Yumehime's mind whirled with questions. Who was this
stranger? What had happened to him?
---
*Narrator:*
At the palace, Sir Edward quickly briefed the king. In the grand throne room, King Henry sat, his piercing eyes narrowing as Sir Edward relayed the events.
*Sir Edward (steady but tense):*
"Your Majesty, we found this man floating in the river. He was unconscious, but he lives. The princess ordered we tend to his wounds first."
*Narrator:*
King Henry's sharp gaze flicked from Edward to Yumehime, then back to the unconscious man now laid upon a stretcher. His expression darkened, his lips a thin line of displeasure.
*King Henry (low and measured):*
"Who is he? And how did he come to be in my kingdom's waters?"
*Sir Edward (respectfully):*
"We do not know, Sire. He bears no obvious markings of any kingdom or allegiance. But his survival in such a state is… odd."
*Narrator:*
The king's eyes lingered on the stranger's face for a long moment before he spoke again.
*King Henry (finally, gravely):*
"Very well. See to his care. But when he awakens, I want him brought to me immediately. I will have
answers."
*Sir Edward (bowing):*
"Yes, Your Majesty."
*Narrator:*
Once Edward was gone, King Henry turned to Yumehime, his expression stern.
*King Henry (with a father's worry and a king's authority):*
"You were near the river again, weren't you?"
*Narrator:*
Yumehime looked down, her playful demeanor from earlier vanishing in an instant.
*Yumehime (softly):*
"Father, I didn't mean to—"
*King Henry (interrupting, voice rising):*
"That river is not a place for idle walks. Anything could happen out there. You are the princess of this Kingdom. You cannot take such risks so lightly."
*Narrator:*
Yumehime swallowed hard, the rebuke stinging more than she expected.
*Yumehime (apologetic):*
"I understand, Father. I'm sorry."
*Narrator:*
King Henry sighed, the anger in his eyes softening, though his voice remained firm.
*King Henry (firm, but softer):*
"I cannot lose you to carelessness, Yumehime. You must be more cautious. Next time, listen to your knight."
*Narrator:*
She nodded, her gaze fixed on the floor.
*Yumehime (quietly):*
"I will, Father. I promise."
*Narrator:*
King Henry gave her one last look, as if weighing whether her words would hold true.
*King Henry (finally, dismissing):*
"Good. Now go and rest. We'll deal with this stranger in the morning."
*Narrator:*
Yumehime curtsied and left the room, but as she walked down the palace corridor, the image of the
mysterious man in the river lingered in her mind, his face a riddle she couldn't yet solve.