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Chapter 6
The shadows wrapped a dark piece of fabric around Shio's eyes, blinding him completely.
He flinched as the knot tightened behind his head.
Shio: "Isn't this a bit rude?"
No one answered. He only felt their hands push him forward. After a few steps, the sound of wooden wheels reached his ears. They guided him into a carriage.
The ride was long—three hours of silence, broken only by the creak of wheels and the clop of hooves.
At some point, the man sitting across from him finally spoke.
Shio: "You're loyal… to your leader, aren't you, Max?"
Max: "Maybe. Why do you care?"
Shio: "Just wondering what kind of man keeps following orders he doesn't question."
Max: "Maybe one who knows when not to speak."
Shio chuckled softly but said nothing more.
When the carriage finally stopped, someone pulled the fabric from his eyes.
Light poured in—and before him stretched a magnificent grey stone castle, towering high against the sky.
Its walls were alive with flowers spilling down like waterfalls, long vines of purple and white roses hanging from the stone. The breeze carried their soft fragrance, and butterflies drifted lazily above the path of silver stones that led to the grand gates.
Shio stood silently for a moment, eyes wide.
Shio (in mind): It's… the same. Exactly how I described it… in my novel.
Max: "This, Shio, is the property of Lady Elizabeth. Keep that in mind before you open your mouth."
They walked through the gates. The castle interior was cool, quiet, echoing with their steps.
As they crossed a corridor, a young woman passed them—her hair soft peach and pink, shimmering in the light. Her emerald eyes looked distant, kind yet empty, like someone living half in a dream.
Shio smiled unconsciously.
Shio (whispering): "Cotton candy…"
Max: "Quiet. That's Lady Athena—Lady Elizabeth's daughter."
Shio (in mind): Athena…
They walked until they reached a heavy wooden door.
Max knocked twice, and a calm voice answered from inside.
Kaelous: "Enter."
They stepped in. Papers lay scattered across the floor, the room smelling faintly of ink and dust.
A man sat on top of a desk, posture careless, one leg hanging loosely.
He had wavy brown hair that brushed his neck and deep purple eyes—sharp, calm, yet filled with something alive and unreadable.
The moment Shio entered, everyone around him knelt immediately.
The man raised his hand, his gaze steady.
Kaelous: "Rise."
They obeyed in silence, heads lowered. Then Kaelous's tone shifted slightly, still calm but commanding.
Kaelous: "Leave us."
Without hesitation, Max and the others bowed once more before slipping out of the room, closing the door behind them.
The air grew still. Only Kaelous and Shio remained.
Kaelous: "I am Kaelous.
Shio(mind):Le Amaranthe
Kaelous:" As you know… let's say I have a feeling you're not from here. Who are you—and how did you get here?"
Shio: "I'm Shio… and believe me, if I knew how I got here, I'd tell you. My brother is here too. Let's say… not by our own will."
Kaelous: "Hmm… I didn't think you came here yourself. So, I can't control you then. That's new… interesting. Still, it's strange that you came to me. What reason could you have? To tell me my future?"
Shio: "Of course not. I'd never do that. It's not right to tell a being with feelings what fate awaits him. If it's good, he'll stop trying to grow. If it's bad, he'll lose all hope.
But… I came because I want to change it. And to do that… I want to join your side. May I?"
The suffocating air around Kaelous vanished suddenly. His lips curved into a genuine smile, and his tone changed—light, friendly, almost playful.
Kaelous: "Well then! Welcome! I doubt you'll ever bow to me, so let's just say… you're my friend!"
Shio: "Yes!"
Kaelous: "Though… it seems my new friend plans to use me, doesn't he?"
Shio: laughing, raising his hands "You caught me!"
Kaelous: "What do you want?"
Shio: "I want to create magical tools… but as you can see, I'm broke."
Kaelous: "Oh… that's quite a simple thing to ask. I expected something bigger."
He grinned, swinging his leg lazily from the desk's edge.
Kaelous: "Very well, Shio. You shall have it. And call me Kyle, not Kaelous. Friends don't need titles."
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End of Chapter 6