《Rise of the Abandoned》


 Memories

    -114 Years after the apocalypse-


    "Big brother, wake up! Big brother, wake up!" said Jonan Westrian''s little sister. "We''re going to be late for the princess''s banquet! At this rate, Father will be angry with you!".


    "I''m awake, I''m awake, Luna. Calm down, there''s still time," Jonan said to his 10 years old sister.


    What are you talking about? We''re leaving right now! Get up quickly before Father finds out you''re not ready. You don''t want to sleep in the dungeon again, do you?!" Luna looked desperate as she tried to hurry her older brother out of bed, She didn''t want to see him suffer in the dungeon again.


    Jonan gently patted Luna''s head and said, "I''m getting up, don''t worry. Wait for me with Father¡ªI''ll be there in a moment, okay¡­?"


    Luna nodded and left the room.


    Alright, I need to hurry. Just like Luna said, I have no interest in going back to the dungeon, Jonan thought to himself as he quickly got ready.


    As Jonan finished getting ready and arrived at the carriage waiting just for him, his father turned to him.


    "Jonan, you''re late. Why is that? Do you want to sleep in the dungeon again? Was the last time not enough for you?! Huh, Jonan?!"


    A cold shiver ran through Jonan''s body, creeping between his bones and down his spine as he recalled the last time his father had locked him in the dungeon beneath their estate.


    4 years earlier¡­


    "Jonan, what are you doing here?" asked Greyfield, the head servant. "You''re not supposed to be here! The Duke specifically told you to stay in your room until further notice!"


    Jonan replied with a smirk, "My father says a lot of things¡ªthat doesn''t mean I have to listen. And it''s not like I''m doing anything extreme, I just came to read some books, that''s all."


    He then looked up at Greyfield with puppy-dog eyes and asked, "So¡­ what are you going to tell him?"


    Greyfield let out a sigh. "Just don''t get caught, my lord, or I''ll be in trouble too."


    "Don''t worry," Jonan said confidently. "He''ll never find out."


    A few hours later, night had already fallen, and Jonan was still engrossed in his reading¡ªespecially in a book about the world before the apocalypse.


    Suddenly, as he flipped a page, he heard someone else in the library.


    Who could that be? he wondered.


    Father? No¡­ it can''t be. He should be in bed at this hour.Mother? No way¡ªshe hates books.Luna? Definitely not, she fell asleep in the afternoon.


    Maybe it''s just one of the servants¡­?


    Curious but cautious, Jonan decided to take a peek in the direction of the sound.


    But what Jonan saw was nothing like what he had expected.


    Two older men stood in the library¡ªdressed in black. At their feet lay the lifeless body of a maid, her throat slit cleanly. It looked like they had killed her in an instant.


    Jonan''s breath caught in his throat. Panic surged through him, and in his shock, he stumbled back, letting out a small sound¡ªjust enough to give himself away.


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    The two men snapped their heads toward him. Without hesitation, they began moving in his direction.


    I have to run! I have to run! They''re going to kill me!


    His thoughts spiraled into chaos. Damn it, damn it! Why is this happening to me?! I just wanted to read some books! And the maid¡­ that''s Zilin¡­ she''s dead¡­


    What am I supposed to do?


    I''m going to die¡­


    Jonan''s body froze in place. He couldn''t move. His mind screamed at him to run, but his limbs refused to obey. All he could do was stand there, paralyzed, listening to the men''s footsteps growing closer and closer. He wanted to scream, to call for help¡ªbut no sound escaped his lips.


    And then¡ª


    Jonan''s mother emerged from behind the bookshelves. She shouted at the two men in black, her voice laced with confidence.


    "I''m right here! Come and catch me if you can. You won''t find a woman as beautiful as me anywhere else."


    As Jonan watched, he realized she was deliberately distracting the intruders. At the same time, she subtly gestured for him to hide.


    But Jonan couldn''t move. All he could do was listen.


    One of the intruders chuckled darkly. "Tell me¡­ are we allowed to use the merchandise? She''s definitely not a virgin, after all. What do you say?"


    The second intruder chuckled. "You''re right¡­ but first, go grab the boy. I''ll handle her."


    "Hurry up¡ªwe don''t want to wake the guards."


    When Jonan''s mother realized her plan had failed, she sprang into action. She charged toward Jonan, shoving the intruder in her way aside.


    Scooping her son into her arms, she sprinted through the library''s aisles, her heart pounding as she searched for a safe hiding spot.


    At least he''ll be safe, she thought, relieved that the library was so vast.


    She knelt beside Jonan, gently stroking his cheek and placing a soft kiss on his forehead.


    "Don''t come out, no matter what happens. And don''t make a sound, okay, my sweet boy?" she whispered.


    Jonan nodded silently, his wide eyes locked onto hers.


    The intruders finally cornered her.


    "You''ve got nowhere left to run, woman," one of them sneered. "I was going to wait, but it seems like you''re begging to be punished."


    Jonan''s mother spun around, trying to dash toward the other side of the aisle¡ªonly to crash straight into the second intruder. His hands clamped onto her, muffling her scream as he dragged her back.


    "Well, well," he chuckled, pulling her toward the center of the library. "Let''s see what we''ve got here."


    In one swift motion, he tore at her clothing.


    She struggled, thrashed¡ªfought with everything she had¡ªbut she was no warrior. They were stronger.


    Time lost meaning. The minutes stretched into an eternity as pain coursed through her body.


    When will this end? she thought, biting down on her lip to keep from crying out. I can''t take it anymore. It hurts. It hurts so much.


    But she wouldn''t scream. She couldn''t scream.


    Jonan must not see this. He must not hear this.


    Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.


    Then¡ª


    The library doors slammed open.


    The intruders barely had time to react before a shadow lunged toward them.


    It was the Duke.


    Still dressed in his nightclothes, his expression was carved from pure fury.


    Before either man could react, his fist crashed into the first intruder''s face, sending him sprawling onto the floor. In the same breath, he delivered a brutal kick to the other''s stomach, knocking the air from his lungs.


    The Duke moved too fast, too violently. The intruders weren''t prepared for this.


    Desperate, one of them grabbed Jonan''s mother, yanking her upright and pressing a blade against her throat.


    "One more step, and your wife dies, Duke," the man taunted, his voice laced with arrogance.


    The room fell into a suffocating silence.


    The Duke froze in place, his muscles tense, his fists clenched at his sides. His face burned with fury, veins bulging from his forehead.


    "How dare you lay a hand on my wife?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous.


    And yet, he didn''t move. Not yet.


    The intruder holding Jonan''s mother smirked, emboldened by the Duke''s restraint.


    "Hey," he called out to his accomplice, who was slowly getting back on his feet. "Finish him off."


    At that moment, just as the second intruder brought his blade toward the Duke''s throat, the Duke moved.


    Faster than the eye could follow, he caught the knife mere inches before it could slice his skin. With a swift, deadly motion, he wrenched it from the attacker''s grasp and hurled it across the room.


    The blade struck true.


    It buried itself deep between the first intruder''s eyes, his body collapsing lifelessly to the ground.


    But¡ª


    A wet, sickening sound filled the air.


    The second intruder had already acted.


    Jonan''s mother gasped as the cold steel of his dagger slid across her throat.


    Her hands flew to her neck, crimson spilling between her trembling fingers. She staggered, her wide, disbelieving eyes locking onto the Duke''s.


    And then¡ªshe fell.

 The Dungeon

    - 110 years after the apocalypse -


    A few days after the incident in the library, the Westerian family was still in shock¡ªespecially the Duke. Jonan blamed himself for what had happened and locked himself in his room. Day and night, his cries and screams could be heard through the halls.


    Then, one night, the Duke knocked on Jonan''s door.


    "Son," the Duke called out, his voice dark and heavy, "we need to talk."


    Jonan looked up, his swollen eyes barely registering his father''s presence. The Duke met his son''s gaze with a cold, unreadable expression.


    "Come with me," he said.


    Jonan didn''t say a word. He simply followed his father through the dimly lit corridors of their estate.


    It feels like we''ve been walking for hours¡­ Where is he taking me? Jonan wondered.


    Suddenly, the Duke stopped in front of an old, worn wooden door. Without hesitation, he pushed it open and turned to Jonan.


    "Get in," he ordered, his voice cold and commanding.


    Jonan hesitated but obeyed, stepping into the pitch-black room.


    Before he could turn back, the door slammed shut behind him. He heard the distinct sound of a lock clicking into place.


    "Father?! What are you doing?!" Jonan cried, pounding on the door. "Let me out! Please, Father, I''m sorry!"


    His desperate screams filled the air, but no response came. He continued to shout and plead until exhaustion took over, and eventually, he fell into a restless sleep.


    ¡ª


    When Jonan woke up, he had no way of knowing whether it was morning or night¡ªthe room was still as dark as before. He didn''t know how long he had been asleep or even where he truly was.


    I''m lost in this darkness¡­


    The room was larger than he expected. He could hear faint movements in the distance, strange creatures stirring in the shadows.


    And then¡­ the whispers began.


    They echoed all around him, taunting him. They blamed him for his mother''s death, mocking him over and over.


    But Jonan had no more tears left to shed.


    He stood up, his body weak but his mind set on survival. He needed to find food¡ªanything to keep himself from starving.


    "I wish there was a torch¡­ or anything I could use to see."


    Time passed, but Jonan couldn''t tell how much. Minutes? Hours? He had no way of knowing. The darkness made it impossible to track time.


    "I need to find something to eat¡­ anything¡­ before I starve."


    Then, he heard it. A faint, high-pitched squeak.


    "A mouse?"


    Jonan''s body tensed.


    Moving carefully, he used the walls to steady himself as he crept toward the sound. He stopped.


    "I don''t hear it anymore¡­ Where did it go?" he whispered to himself.


    He continued searching, carefully stepping forward. Then¡ªhis foot landed on something solid.


    "What did I just step on?"


    He bent down, feeling the object with his fingers.


    A knife.


    "Finally! This can help me. Now all I need to do is find that mouse¡­ and I''ll have something to eat."


    Determined, Jonan pressed forward. He kept walking, deeper into the dark, his hunger driving him forward.


    Then, he heard the squeak again¡ªcloser this time. He moved toward it, heart pounding.


    But suddenly, something changed.


    "What is that?!" Jonan gagged.


    A putrid stench filled the air, thick and suffocating.


    "I can barely breathe¡­" he muttered.


    Then, something wet dripped onto his head.


    "Why¡­ why does it feel like something is dripping on me?"


    Jonan froze.


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    Something was watching him.


    And this time, it wasn''t just his imagination.


    A presence loomed in the darkness¡ªsomething massive, something dangerous. A predator waiting for him to make a move. Waiting to strike.


    Jonan gritted his teeth, tightening his grip on the knife.


    I won''t die here. Not after everything Mother sacrificed for me.


    He took a slow, deep breath, shutting his eyes. If he couldn''t see, he had to rely on his other senses.


    The air was colder here. He could feel a faint breeze, hear the soft dripping of water from the ceiling. The overwhelming stench of decay clogged his nose, making him want to gag.


    Then¡ªhe felt it.


    The creature''s breath. Hot and rancid, right above him.


    Jonan acted without hesitation. He gathered every ounce of strength he had left and drove the knife upward¡ªstraight into the beast''s throat.


    A sickening crunch echoed through the darkness.


    The monster let out a gurgling screech as it thrashed, its body collapsing with a heavy thud. Blood sprayed in all directions, coating Jonan''s skin, his clothes¡ªhis entire body soaked in the thick, warm liquid.


    But none of that mattered.


    All he could think about was food.


    "I can eat."


    His stomach twisted painfully at the thought. Desperation took over.


    Jonan pried open his mouth and bit down on the monster''s flesh.


    The moment he swallowed, his body rejected it. He gagged, doubling over as he vomited onto the stone floor. His stomach cramped violently.


    But the hunger remained.


    Shaking, he forced another bite into his mouth. Chewed. Swallowed. Gagged again.


    Again.


    And again.


    Until finally, his body stopped resisting.


    By the time he finished, he was trembling. His vision blurred. His thoughts felt disconnected, unraveling.


    This can''t be real. This has to be a nightmare.


    He let out a shaky laugh, his mind teetering on the edge of madness.


    "Yes¡­ I''m going to wake up. Mother will be there. Lona and Father, too. We''ll all have breakfast together outside, just like we used to."


    Then¡ªhe heard it.


    A lock turning.


    The door creaked open.


    A blinding flash of light filled the room.


    A tall man in a refined black suit stood before him. His silver hair was neatly combed, and a thin French mustache adorned his face. Though his features were sharp and dignified, faint wrinkles lined his forehead. His deep brown eyes widened in shock.


    This man was Grayfield.


    "Young master! What happened to you?!" Grayfield cried out, rushing toward Jonan.


    He lifted the boy in his arms, his voice filled with panic. But Jonan didn''t respond. He had already lost consciousness.


    ¡ª


    Where am I?


    Jonan''s mind drifted between wakefulness and dreams.


    How much time has passed?


    A soft glow surrounded him, warmth replacing the unbearable cold of the dungeon. Slowly, his vision adjusted, shapes becoming clearer.


    I can see¡­ This is¡­ my room?


    His breath caught in his throat.


    So¡­ it really was just a nightmare?


    In front of him, Grayfield stood, tense and hesitant.


    "Young master¡­ How do you feel?" he asked cautiously. "You''ve been through terrible things these past few days, but it''s over now. The Duke has permitted your release."


    He leaned closer, studying Jonan''s pale face.


    "Can you hear me?"


    Jonan nodded. But as he did, the truth settled in his chest like a heavy stone.


    It was real.


    All of it.


    His mother was gone.


    He would never see her again¡ªnever hear her voice, never feel her warm embrace. The mother with golden hair and vibrant green eyes¡­


    She was gone forever.


    Jonan parted his lips, his voice weak, "Grayfield, how long have I been here?"


    Grayfield replied, "Four days, young master."


    "I want to be alone for a while," Jonan said, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Grayfield nodded silently and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.


    Jonan stood up, his body trembling and weak, his legs struggling to hold his weight. He took a deep breath and looked around his room¡ªthe bed he had slept in, a large bed with four pillows, a thick wool blanket, and elegantly carved wooden legs. His gaze wandered to the decorated walls, the intricate patterns on the wallpaper, and the paintings of his family hanging closely together.


    Then, his eyes fell on the mirror.


    He did not recognize himself.


    His body was thin, his skin pale, and his once-sharp features now looked hollow. His eyes, once bright, were sunken with heavy dark circles beneath them. The only things that remained unchanged were his green eyes and brown hair, though even that seemed duller than before. Is this really me? he thought.


    A knock on the door broke the silence. It was Luna, his younger sister.


    He turned toward her¡ªher tiny frame dressed in a cute pink dress, golden hair flowing down with a delicate pink bow clipped onto it, and the same green eyes as his, wide with worry. She hesitated for a moment before rushing toward her brother and wrapping her small arms around him in a tight embrace, her body trembling against his.


    Tears welled in her eyes as she clung to him, her voice barely holding back a sob.


    "Luna¡­ it''s okay," Jonan said in a weak voice as he returned her embrace, his arms wrapping around her gently.


    And so, they stayed like that for long minutes, wrapped in silence, as if afraid that letting go would shatter the fragile moment between them.


    As Luna slowly pulled away from her brother''s embrace, she spoke in a quiet voice, "Father wants you to go to his office."


    She lowered her gaze, her fingers clutching the fabric of her dress. "He''s been... different these past few days. Father really scares me."


    Her green eyes, usually filled with light, now held a shadow of fear.


    "And¡­ he was the one who threw you in there. So please, be careful, big brother..."


    Jonan gave a small nod and said, "It''s okay, Luna. There''s nothing for you to worry about."


    He offered her a faint smile, though it didn''t quite reach his eyes. Then, without another word, he turned and left the room, making his way toward his father''s office¡ªthe Duke''s office.


    He soon found himself standing before the two grand doors of the office. They were old wooden doors, yet still in pristine condition, their surface adorned with intricate golden engravings. A silver handle gleamed in the dim light.


    Jonan hesitated for a brief moment before raising his hand and knocking twice¡ªtwo weak, almost hesitant knocks.


    His father opened the doors and stood before him.


    The Duke¡ªa tall man with smooth brown hair and piercing emerald-green eyes¡ªstared down at Jonan. A small, neatly trimmed mustache sat above his lips, and his broad, well-built frame carried an air of authority. His expression was cold, unreadable, yet intimidating.


    Jonan felt a shiver run down his spine.


    What is he going to do to me this time? he thought, his fists clenching slightly at his sides. And why did he throw me into that dungeon? Father has never acted like this before¡­


    Back to the present.


    I can''t believe it''s already been four years since the first time Father threw me in there¡­ the dungeon.


    Jonan stared blankly ahead as the carriage rocked gently along the road. I''ve been locked in there more times than I can count, but honestly? I''ve gotten used to it. To tell the truth, it''s much easier than living under the same roof with him.


    He stole a glance at the man sitting across from him¡ªhis father, the Duke. The same cold expression, the same distant eyes. He''s changed since then. I don''t even think he sees me as his son anymore.


    Beside him sat Luna, his younger sister, her small hands resting on her lap. Unlike their father, she still looked at him with warmth, though there was a hint of worry in her green eyes.


    The three of them were on their way to the princess''s banquet.

 The Princess Banquet

    - 114 years after the apocalypse -


    "Big brother, wake up¡­ big brother!" Luna said, her voice carrying a hint of irritation as she nudged Jonan.


    Jonan stirred, opening his eyes to see his younger sister''s impatient expression.


    "I''m up¡­ everything''s fine, Luna," he replied with a tired smile.


    The carriage came to a halt, and the doors were opened. Jonan, the Duke, and Luna stepped out, their eyes set on the grand estate where the banquet was being held.


    Before they could enter, Jonan heard the voice of an announcer from inside, his words echoing through the hall.


    "Presenting the arrival of Duke Darius Westrian and his family!"


    A wave of applause filled the air as they stepped through the grand entrance. Jonan took in the sight before him¡ªa massive hall, its walls adorned with intricate gold embellishments. At its center stood a magnificent staircase, its railing gleaming with gold detailing.


    On either side of the hall, noble families stood, clapping politely as the Westrian family made their entrance. At the very top of the staircase, overlooking the entire banquet, stood the royal family.


    Jonan couldn''t see the royal family clearly¡ªthey were too far away¡ªbut that hardly mattered.


    How can they afford to waste so much gold while the kingdom is falling apart? he thought bitterly.


    His gaze swept across the extravagant decorations, the gilded railings, the excessive luxury surrounding them. It''s hard to believe we''re on the verge of civil war when looking at a place like this.


    Letting out a quiet sigh, he forced himself to look ahead and continued walking forward.


    The Duke left Jonan and Luna behind, making his way toward a group of nobles, his expression unreadable as he joined their conversation.


    In that moment, Luna grabbed Jonan''s hand and tugged gently.


    "Jonan, I''m hungry! Come taste all these dishes with me," she said eagerly. "I think I saw seafood on the table!"


    Jonan let out a small chuckle at her enthusiasm.


    "Alright, alright," he said with a faint smile, allowing himself to be pulled along as they made their way toward the buffet.


    A few minutes after Jonan and Luna reached the buffet, a loud announcement echoed through the grand hall.


    "Presenting the royal family¡ªHis Majesty, King Alan Vestia, Her Majesty, Queen Sierra Vestia, and their only daughter, Princess Naora Vestia!"


    The moment their names were called, the entire hall fell into synchronized applause. Nobles and servants alike bowed their heads in deep respect as the royal family made their entrance.


    Jonan turned his gaze toward them, taking in their appearances.


    King Alan Vestia was a short, rotund man with emerald-green eyes, his long and thick beard covering most of his plump face. His movements were slow, yet his presence alone commanded authority.


    Beside him walked Queen Sierra Vestia¡ªan elegant and breathtaking woman, her large blue eyes resembling polished lapis, her golden hair flowing smoothly down her back. She moved with effortless grace, her long legs carrying her like a figure sculpted from royalty itself.


    Then, there was their daughter¡ªPrincess Naora Vestia.


    Her green eyes, unlike her father''s, did not shine but instead held a shadowed depth to them, a quiet intensity. Her golden hair, soft and well-kept, framed her flawless face, her skin smooth and untouched by imperfection. She was slender yet well-proportioned, a delicate balance between fragility and strength.


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    Jonan felt his breath catch for a moment.


    She is¡­ the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.


    Princess Naora noticed Jonan''s reaction from afar¡ªthe way his eyes widened slightly, the faint blush that crept onto his face. It intrigued her.


    With slow, elegant steps, she began walking toward him and Luna.


    Jonan stiffened the moment he realized she was approaching. His mind raced, confusion washing over him. Why is she coming toward me?


    His heart pounded in his chest¡ªnot from excitement, but from bewilderment. He wasn''t supposed to be someone worth noticing. Yes, he was the Duke''s eldest son, but everyone knew his true standing in the family. Everyone knew what his father thought of him.


    She must know that too.


    So why? What reason could the princess possibly have to approach him?


    "Of course, Your Highness," Jonan replied respectfully.


    The princess let out a soft sigh and smiled. "Ah, I''d also appreciate it if you spoke more casually. It would make things more comfortable for me."


    Jonan hesitated for a moment before giving a small nod.


    "Now," Naora continued, her voice carrying a subtle emphasis on his name, "tell me a little about yourself, Jonan."


    "Me?" Jonan hesitated for a moment before answering. "Hmm¡­ I like to read."


    "Read?" the princess echoed with curiosity. "And what do you like to read about?"


    "I enjoy history books," Jonan admitted, his voice slowly losing its stiffness. "Mostly about the world before the apocalypse."


    Without realizing it, he had started speaking more casually to the princess.


    "I just love their stories so much," he continued, a spark of enthusiasm creeping into his voice. "It all sounds like a fantasy tale to me¡ªmachines that could fly people across the world, devices that let you talk to someone across the seas¡­ It''s so fascinating, isn''t it?"


    Naora chuckled, a smile forming on her lips as she watched his excitement.


    "You''re a very interesting person, Jonan," she said, her voice carrying an amused warmth. "And yes, I agree¡ªit''s quite intriguing, the lives people had before the apocalypse. Perhaps one day, we should sit and read about them together."


    Jonan felt heat rise to his face, his cheeks tinged with pink.


    "If that is Your Highness''s wish, I would not refuse¡­" he said, his voice slightly flustered.


    Gathering himself, he hesitated before asking, "If I may¡­ what do you enjoy doing in your free time, Your Highness?"


    The princess''s eyes gleamed with excitement. "I love hunting," she said without hesitation. "Rabbits, squirrels, even deer¡ªit''s quite easy, really."


    Jonan''s eyes widened in surprise. "Alone?" he asked, astonished.


    Naora chuckled. "Of course not! I always have guards with me," she admitted. "But I''m the one who hunts. I love the thrill of releasing an arrow, watching it fly toward its target¡­ and the greatest satisfaction comes when you know you''ve struck true."


    Her lips curled into a pleased smile. "But my favorite part?" she added, her voice filled with passion. "Eating what I''ve hunted with my own hands. There''s nothing quite like it¡ªit''s simply amazing."


    Jonan watched as she spoke with enthusiasm, her excitement shining through every word. The way her eyes lit up, the slight smirk on her lips, the confidence in her voice¡ªhe couldn''t help but think to himself, Wow¡­ she''s so beautiful¡­


    "Well, I must go and greet the rest of the guests," Princess Naora said with a small smile, her emerald eyes meeting Jonan''s for a lingering moment. "But I''d be happy to talk with you again, Jonan."


    With that, she turned gracefully and walked away.


    Jonan straightened up and bowed once more. "Until next time, Your Highness."


    As he watched her leave, a thought lingered in his mind. I hope I get the chance to talk to her like this again someday¡­


    "Big brother! Big brother!"


    Luna''s voice barely registered in Jonan''s mind as he remained lost in thought. Annoyed by his lack of response, she took matters into her own hands¡ªpinching his arm, hard.


    "Ahh! Why did you do that, Luna?!" Jonan winced, rubbing the sore spot.


    Luna crossed her arms and huffed. "Why do you think? I''ve been calling you over and over, but you were just standing there staring at the wall!"


    Jonan blinked, realizing his mistake. "Oh¡­ my bad," he muttered, a faint blush creeping onto his face.


    "Jonan is in love," Luna teased, her voice playful as she smirked at her brother.


    "Stop that," Jonan hissed, his expression tense. "She''s the princess¡ªjust hinting at something like that is dangerous."


    Luna''s smirk only grew. "Oh? So you''re not denying it, huh, Jonan?" she said in a knowing tone.


    Jonan let out a sigh, rubbing his temple. "Luna, that''s enough. If you keep saying things like that, I could get into trouble."


    "Alright, alright," Luna said with a giggle, clearly enjoying his flustered state.


    Just then, their father, the Duke, subtly gestured for them to come.


    "Hmm, looks like the banquet is over," Luna noted.


    Jonan gave a small nod and followed her. As he walked, he couldn''t shake the thoughts running through his mind.


    I''m going back there¡­ to that place again. But at least, for a short while, I enjoyed myself here.


    His gaze flickered toward the grand hall one last time before stepping away.


    I hope to see you again, Princess Naora¡­