The Next Morning
Reth stepped into the room.
Interrogation Room
Lady Seris sat in the center, hands chained. Magical runes glowed around her. Even like this, she looked proud—sitting straight, chin up. Her robes had been patched up, and her hair was tied in a plain braid. No longer dressed for court, but still composed.
Asthia stood nearby, arms crossed, face unreadable.
Reth leaned against the wall. The door shut behind him with a soft hiss.
[Threat Perception: Passive – Subject Emotion: Steady][Command Active: Observe. Do Not Speak.]
Asthia started right away. No greeting.
"We found letters. Caught a rebel courier. Traced everything back to you."
Seris gave a tight smile. "Fake evidence. Very convenient."
"You met with rebels," Asthia said. "Twice. Even left the capital once."
"Coincidence," Seris replied. "And poor witnesses."
Asthia stayed calm. "Three separate sources gave your name. They don't know each other."
Seris laughed softly. "That just means someone coached them well."
Asthia stepped closer.
"I don't care if you confess," she said. "The court gave me seven days. I'll only need two."
For the first time, Seris looked at Reth.
Just a glance—but long enough to notice.
"So this is the one who killed Varen?" she said, like she was pointing out a stain on the floor.
Asthia didn't look at her. "Eyes on me."
Seris smiled. "Why? He's more interesting."
[Loyalty Sync Fluctuation: 18.0% → 17.7%]
Her tone was calm, but the insult was sharp.
"No honors. No battles. Just a tool," Seris said. "That's your legacy now, Princess—using someone else to do your dirty work."
Asthia stepped closer. The air grew tense, like heat before a fire starts.
"Say one more thing about him," she said quietly, "and I'll remind you what happens when I lose patience."
Seris didn't blink.
"Just curious how long your leash is."
Asthia turned to the guards. "Reset the wards. No food today."
Seris said nothing. Her silence was louder than words.
Afterward
They left the room without speaking.
In the hallway, Asthia walked ahead. Quiet.
Then she said, low and calm, "She wanted a reaction."
Reth didn't answer.
"She didn't get one," Asthia added. "Good."
They walked up to the higher levels. Sunlight came through soft curtains, pale and warm.
Asthia stopped by a window and looked out across the palace.
Then she said, almost to herself, "I'm going to the market."
Reth blinked. Nobles didn't go there. Especially not someone like her.
She didn't explain. Just started walking.
[New Command: Accompany Princess Asthia – Outer Market District][Objective: Stay within three paces. Watch. Don't stand out.][Reward: 10 EXP]
Outer Market District – Later That Morning
They left the palace quietly, through a side gate. The carriage had no symbols. Curtains drawn. Plain and unnoticed.
By the time they arrived, the morning fog had cleared. The sun warmed the stone streets. The air buzzed with voices, wheels, and merchants shouting.
This part of the city was clean, but not fancy. Market stalls, tiled roofs, and hanging spices filled the area.
Asthia walked calmly, hands behind her back. No servants. No guards but Reth.
She didn't hide who she was—but she didn't announce it either.
People stared.
Some bowed. Most just watched in confusion.
Asthia stopped at a fruit stand. Purple fruit stacked neatly. The vendor, an older woman, blinked when she saw Asthia's silver hair and red eyes.
"Princess…" the woman said.
Asthia waved her off. "Not today."
She picked a fruit, paid with a silver coin, and took a bite. Juice ran down her thumb.
Reth stood nearby, quiet. Many eyes still watched.
Asthia looked at him. "Uncomfortable?"
"No," Reth answered truthfully.
"Good," she said. "First rule of surviving a crowd—don't act like prey."
They walked past more stalls—silks, spices, street performers. At a small fountain, children played while parents haggled nearby.
Asthia stopped again. Not to buy. Just to watch.
Her gaze stayed on the children. For a moment, something in her face changed. Softer. Then the cold mask returned.
She turned to Reth. "Tell me something. Anything."
He paused. "About what?"
"About you."
He picked something safe. "I like quiet places."
Asthia chuckled. "You live in a palace full of daggers. Might not be the best fit."
She took another bite of fruit. "Still… not a bad answer."
[Command Fulfilled: Engage in Small Talk][+3 EXP]
Soon after, they turned back toward the palace. The streets narrowed. The noise faded.
By the time the gate closed behind them, it felt like the market had been a dream—and this, the real world.
Back at the Palace
They walked through the cool halls, lit by torches.
Reth stayed a few steps behind. But the silence between them felt… lighter.
He spoke. "Princess."
She didn't stop. "Mm?"
"The rebels… what do they actually want?"
That made her pause.
She glanced at him over her shoulder. Not angry—just thoughtful.
"You've heard the charges."
"Yes," Reth said. "But charges aren't the same as motives."
She faced forward again, walking slower. Her voice calm.
"They call themselves many things. Patriots. Reformers. Pilgrims. But really?" She exhaled. "Most are just cultists."
Reth frowned. "Cultists?"
"Not the blood-circle kind," she said. "The kind who worship 'freedom' like it's some lost god."
They walked in silence for a bit.
"Freedom from what?" Reth asked.
Asthia's voice grew softer. "From rules. From the empire. From the walls."
He blinked. "So they want… to leave?"
"Some do," she said. "They think there's a paradise out there. Or gods. Or truths we've forgotten." Her voice grew bitter. "They say we're caged. That we've been locked in for centuries."
Reth thought for a moment.
"Has anyone ever tried?" he asked. "Leaving?"
She stopped. Turned to him fully.
"Of course," she said. "Every few decades. Some vanish. A few return… wrong."
"Wrong how?"
"Some forget who they are. Others speak nonsense. One tore off his own skin the next day."
Her voice was calm. Like she was describing the weather.
"There are things beyond the walls, Reth. But I won't risk everything chasing fairy tales."
He looked down, where the torchlight flickered across the stone floor.
"The rebels still try?"
"Always. They believe this empire is only the beginning. That we should expand. That the walls are a cage." She turned, walking again. "Maybe they're right. But belief doesn't make them smart."
Silence fell again.
Asthia paused at her door.
"Curiosity suits you," she said. "But be careful. This empire doesn't forgive the wrong questions."
She stepped inside and shut the door.
[EXP Gained: +5 – Political Inquiry Logged][Current EXP: 108 / 200][Loyalty Sync: 18.8%][Side Quest Progress: Survive 7 Days – Final Day Begins Soon]
Reth stood in the hall for a while.
Her words stayed with him.
Freedom like a forgotten god. This empire is a cage. They believe we were meant to expand.
He wasn't sure what was worse—
That the rebels might be wrong.
Or the thought they might be right.