"Bai Yu…" Kiyel breathed, his voice filled with wonder as the towering pagodas came into view, their elegant silhouettes rising beyond the gates. The soft hues of dawn painted the sky in shades of gold and lavender, while the warm glow of lanterns illuminated the intricate designs of the structures. For a moment, the world seemed to pause, and Kiyel couldn't help but stare in awe. It's a famous place for martial artists and its his first time entering.
"Keep up," Yen's calm but firm voice broke through the moment, snapping Kiyel out of his reverie. Riding ahead, Yen's posture was as composed as ever, his dark cloak draped over his shoulders. Lili was cradled securely in his arms, her small frame completely hidden beneath the cloak as she slept peacefully, blissfully unaware of the journey.
"Yes, young master!" Kiyel replied, quickly urging his horse forward to match Yen's pace.
"You can still turn back," Yen said without looking at him, his voice devoid of emotion.
Kiyel straightened his back, his grip tightening on the reins. "I've already made my choice, young master."
Yen's sharp eyes flicked toward him briefly before returning to the road ahead. "Loyalty is wasted on me."
"Not for a servant," Kiyel replied, his tone unwavering. "Loyalty is our pride. I've chosen to serve you, and even if death comes, I will make sure it benefits you." He bowed his head slightly, his determination etched into every word.
Yen was silent for a moment, the sound of hooves on stone filling the space between them. Then, without a hint of warmth, he spoke again. "I have no use for your devotion. If you insist on staying, don't be a burden. Serve Lili instead. She seems to tolerate you." He tightened his hold on Lili and nudged his horse to quicken its pace, leaving Kiyel to trail behind.
Kiyel sighed, watching as Yen reached the gates and exchanged a few quiet words with the guards. A coin pouch changed hands, and moments later, the massive gates groaned open, revealing the bustling city streets beyond.
"What did you say to him?" Soh's voice chimed in as he and Juh rode up on either side of Kiyel.
"Yep, he looked extra annoyed," Juh added, grinning as he leaned over his saddle.
Kiyel glanced between the twins, unsure how to respond. They were so alike in appearance and energy that he often struggled to keep up with their rapid-fire chatter.
"Isn't Lili gorgeous?" Soh asked suddenly, his grin turning sly.
"Yep. Too bad she's taken," Juh said with mock sorrow, shaking his head dramatically.
Kiyel glanced at them, feeling his cheeks warm slightly at their conversation. "You're his servant. Have you met Lili before?" Soh asked, his eyes flicking toward Kiyel.
"Yep. They said they met at Athanasios," Juh nodded.
Kiyel hesitated, looking forward at the gates ahead. "I haven't, but I've heard about the lady the young master meets at night. That's Lili for sure," he said with quiet certainty.
"Ohhh~" the twins chorused, their eyes gleaming with mischief.
"I bet they were doing all sorts of intimate things," Juh teased, wiggling his eyebrows.
"No!" Kiyel's face turned crimson as he shook his head furiously. "The young master isn't like that! He's far too disciplined."
"But he's still a man," Soh said knowingly.
"Yep. A man is a man," Juh agreed, and the two high-fived in front of Kiyel's face, blocking his view.
"I'm telling you, he's a man of discipline," Kiyel insisted, though his voice wavered slightly. "I think there's a more chaste reason behind their meetings years ago."
The twins exchanged a glance, their grins widening. Before Kiyel could protest further, a new voice joined the conversation.
"Ah, the three stooges," Jian drawled as he rode past them, his smirk evident. "How charming."
The twins turned in perfect unison, raising their middle fingers at him.
Jian laughed, unbothered, and urged his horse ahead. Behind him, Nyx's deep chuckle rumbled as he caught up with the group, while Leon and Keios trailed leisurely at the rear, exchanging quiet observations.
As they passed through the gates, Kiyel found his eyes drawn to Yen, who rode just ahead. He held Lili protectively, his movements careful and precise, as though she were something fragile and irreplaceable.
"See that?" Soh murmured, nodding toward Yen and Lili. "They've always been like this."
"Yep. Like two halves of the same coin," Juh added with a wistful sigh.
"Destined lovers," Keios said softly, his tone carrying a rare hint of emotion.
Kiyel froze at the words, his gaze lingering on the pair. There was something undeniably unusual about their bond—something deeper than simple affection. It was as if an invisible thread tied their fates together. Unbeknownst to him that the others were thinking of it right now with him.
Before he could dwell on it further, Leon's voice broke through. "You're all just jealous."
The group exchanged looks, and one by one, they nodded in agreement. Nyx chuckled, and even Kiyel found himself laughing as the mood lightened.
The conversation shifted as they rode deeper into the city, their banter playful and unhurried. Soon, they arrived at a modest-looking building, its unassuming exterior giving little indication of what lay within.
Yen dismounted smoothly, carrying Lili inside without a word. The guard at the door opened it for him, his gaze lingering briefly on Kiyel before turning away.
"Our new recruit," Nyx grunted, offering the guard a nod as he followed Yen inside.
Soh and Juh hooked their arms around Kiyel's shoulders, steering him toward the entrance. The interior was simple yet functional, with rows of shelves, charts, and weapons neatly arranged. However, one sight immediately caught Kiyel's attention—a chicken perched in a corner, surrounded by empty bottles. Its unnervingly large eyes locked onto him with unsettling intensity.
"Uhh…" Kiyel began, but Soh quickly tugged him away.
"That's the wanted board," Soh said, gesturing to a large wall covered in posters. "Every guild has one. You'll see criminals, bounties, you name it."
Kiyel scanned the board, his eyes catching on a particular poster: Crown Prince—
RIPPP.
Juh snatched the poster and tore it in half, tossing the pieces aside without explanation.
"What was—" Kiyel started to ask, but the twins ignored him, pulling him further into the building.
"So… where's Arkon?" Kiyel asked eventually, his curiosity piqued. "Is he here?"
The twins exchanged a glance before pointing silently at each other. Kiyel sighed, his confusion growing.
"Move aside," a gruff voice said from behind them.
Kiyel turned, expecting Nyx. Instead, he was met with the sight of the chicken—now holding a bottle of wine in its claws.
"You… you're the chicken," Kiyel stammered, his jaw dropping. "You can… talk?"
The chicken tilted its head, its beady eyes narrowing. "You must be new here."