Steam filled the air as Ki and Zephyr soaked in the hot spring after their early duel. Sunlight poured in through the tall windows, illuminating the stone statues lining the walls.
"Aw… ow… my chin still hurts," Zephyr groaned, rubbing his jaw. "You really didn't hold back." He glanced at Ki, who leaned against the edge of the spring, his back turned.
Ki exhaled slowly. "I have too many questions right now."
"Huh? About what?" Zephyr asked.
For a moment, Ki recalled the dark creature that swallowed them… that endless void. He shook his head. "Never mind."
He stood, grabbed a towel, and draped it around his neck.
"You're leaving already?" Zephyr frowned.
"It's almost lunch. You should get dressed too."
"Give me a minute. My whole body still hurts, you know."
Ki stepped out of the bathhouse. Outside, a group of maids were whispering among themselves. The moment they noticed him, they straightened up and pretended to work. Once he passed, the murmuring returned.
"Do you think he's cool?" one whispered.
"But Zephyr is more handsome," another argued.
"Yeah, but Ki is stronger," a third added dreamily. "I wish I could marry someone like that…"
Zephyr stepped out just in time to hear everything. He smirked. "Sorry, ladies, but my heart's already taken." Sophie's face flashed in his mind. "And Ki doesn't even seem interested in girls anyway. Later!"
The maids immediately burst into whispers again.
"So Ki really isn't into girls…?"
Ki entered the living room and found Septh seated across from Sophie. Zephyr joined shortly after.
"Good afternoon, Sophie!" he greeted brightly.
Sophie ignored him.
Zephyr slowly slumped into his chair like a defeated corpse. The four of them ate in silence.
Later, they gathered in Zephyr's room. Septh tried on different dresses in front of the mirror, twirling slightly. Ki lay on the bed reading, while Zephyr sat on the balcony railing, gazing at the city.
"I wonder what it looks like out there…" he muttered.
"I can show you," Sophie said as she entered the room.
Zephyr's eyes lit up. "Really!?" He rushed over and grabbed her hands.
"Yes. You are guests, not prisoners. You're free to walk around the city."
Septh clapped excitedly. "Let's go!"
They dressed up. Septh and Zephyr changed… Ki stayed in his hoodie and jogger pants.
The massive gates of the castle opened, and for the first time in a long while, they stepped outside freely. Septh and Zephyr stared in awe. Ki quietly observed everything.
Stone buildings lined the streets. Vendors shouted from their stalls. People filled the road. The scent of food lingered in the air.
They explored shops, tasted unfamiliar dishes, and wandered through busy marketplaces. Laughter blended with the crowd.
Suddenly, a girl stumbled in front of Septh. Apples scattered across the ground.
"Oh!" Septh rushed to help. As the last apple was returned, the girl stood and hurried away. Septh noticed chains wrapped around her arms and ankles.
"What was that?" she asked Sophie.
"She's a slave," Sophie answered casually.
Septh froze. "Slaves… still exist here?"
"Yes. In many countries, including ours. Slavery isn't illegal."
"Why hasn't it been banned?"
Sophie continued walking, explaining as they followed. "Our kingdom has no rivers or farmland. Our income comes from merchants who pass through our central location. Many of them own slaves. If we ban slavery, many merchants would leave… and the kingdom would suffer."
"I see…" Septh whispered.
They stopped by a bakery next. Sophie's eyes sparkled at the sight of pastries. They ate until they were full.
As they walked again, Ki lagged behind.
A weapon shop caught his attention.
Without a word, he stepped inside.
Daggers. Swords. Armor.
His eyes locked onto a pair of beautifully crafted daggers displayed behind glass. The shopkeeper approached, asking if he was interested.
"Just looking," Ki replied quietly before leaving.
Outside, he realized he had lost the others.
"Ki!"
Septh waved from down the street.
He jogged toward them.
"Don't wander off like that," she scolded softly.
Sophie looked up. "It's getting late. Let's return."
They all agreed.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they headed back to the castle together.