Eamon's POV

"The c-castle?" Sheira questioned.

"Yes. What's wrong with that?"

"It's impossible! How can the King do something like that?!" she exclaimed.

"Who said it's the King?!"

"Then why should we check the castle?"

"Have you forgotten?" I sighed. "Recall the King's words. With the badge we possess, we have the freedom to explore any part of this kingdom, including the castle. It's possible that the culprit is someone from within the castle itself."

"The King has granted us this badge, allowing us to go anywhere. As members of the military, we already have access to all areas. So, there's no need for the King to give us this badge," I added.

"The King has planned this carefully. He gave us this badge without specifying the reason in the letter. If the culprit were to read this letter, they could easily devise a plan and act accordingly."

"You have a point. I hadn't considered that," She realized, scratching her head.

"If the King is suggesting we also investigate the castle, he must have discovered something about the case," I said.

"We need to get to the castle quickly. The King could be in danger." She continued, "We should leave immediately, then!"

I nodded, "Let's move."

Why didn't I realize this sooner? Tsk. The King has been waiting for days. We need to make haste and get to the castle. I hope he's alright.

Sheira's POV

We both hurried towards the castle gate, ready to delve deeper into our investigation. Please, let him be safe!

***

"We've arrived. Let's go," Eamon uttered.

I trailed closely behind him, alert for any potential threats. An attack could come at any moment.

As we sprinted towards the castle's main entrance, a shout echoed from behind us.

"HALT!"

What? Who- the guards?!

At the sound of the command, Eamon and I froze in our tracks.

"We have permission!" Eamon shouted back, brandishing the badge bestowed upon us by the King.

An eerie silence fell over the scene.

Suddenly, more guards rushed towards us, forming a threatening circle around us. Are they serious? Are they going to engage us in combat?

Judging by their expressions, they seemed ready to strike at any moment.

They should let us pass with this badge! Eamon stood protectively in front of me as the guards began to unsheathe their swords.

Are they really doing this?!

Eamon remains in place, his right hand poised to draw his sword.

"What's our move, Eamon?" I asked.

"This is strange. We need to think quickly. What's the best course of action," He replied.

"We should engage them! The King himself ordered us to enter the castle, didn't he?" I offered an idea.

"We can't."

"Why not?" I questioned, confused.

"We can't cause a scene here. If the citizens see us fighting the guards, it will lead to more problems," he responded.

"But they'll listen to the King. He'll explain why we're here," I added.

"We can't risk it. There could be someone inside, ready to harm the King. If we make a mistake, it's over."

The right decision? Yes.

In the past, my decisions have led to disastrous consequences. The loss of my comrades. Because of my choices, many have fallen on the battlefield. If I make the same mistake now, Eamon might be next, and I don't want that to happen. I can't afford to make a wrong move. Not just for me, but for everyone. If we storm the castle, the King could be in immediate danger.

"I'll follow your lead, Eamon," I called.

Eamon's POV

We need to understand their intentions and their endgame. We can't fight them here, we must hold back.

"Sheira," I whispered.

"Yes?"

"Draw your sword," I commanded.

"What? Didn't you just say we shouldn't fight or cause a scene?" She asked.

"Trust me."

She unsheathed her sword. Good. Now, we wait for their next move.

"When they attack, use the bright orb in the sky to create a light," I added.

"But, there's no light here, remember? Our world is devoid of light," She replied.

I turned my gaze at her and said, "Trust me, our odds are slim, but it's worth a shot."

"Okay Eamon, I trust you," she said.

After a tense silence, a guard in front of us made his move and launched an attack.

Tsk.

Sheira's POV

Eamon swung his sword, parrying the guard's attack. He shields me, not just for my safety, but also for my reputation. If I strike back and hurt them, I'll be the one in trouble.

Eamon, please stay safe.

Suddenly, a massive orb appeared from the sky, radiating a blinding light.

"NOW!" he shouted.

I swiftly angled my sword, reflecting the intense light into the guards' eyes, temporarily blinding them.

"Follow me!" he tapped my shoulder before running in a certain direction.

We sprinted as fast as we could away from the castle. Eamon didn't slow down, so I matched his pace. He must know a safe place to hide.

"Keep up, I know a spot. Don't stop!" He said.

The guards were hot on our heels, but our speed kept us ahead.

Eamon led the way, taking multiple sharp turns.

After a considerable distance, Eamon led me to an old house tucked away in a secluded part of the kingdom.

We quickly entered and locked the door, and Eamon extinguished the lights to give the impression the house was abandoned.

We both let out a sigh of relief after our lengthy escape.

"We should be safe here, at least for now. But if they discover this place, it'll be a different story. Rest up, you must be tired," he uttered.

"Thanks," I expressed my gratitude.

I stretched out on an old couch, closed my eyes, and tried to unwind. Eamon took a seat, keeping a watchful eye on the outside.

"You should rest too, Eamon," I offered.

"I'm okay," he nodded while still keeping his gaze on the outside.

"By the way, what is this place?" I asked, breaking the short silence.

"This used to be my home," he replied gently.

"Oh, I see."

I remember he had a tragic past, and this house might be tied to it. I decided not to pry any further.

In the corner of the room, a traditional instrument caught my eye.

"What's that, Eamon?" I asked, pointing towards the instrument.

"That's a Guzheng," he answered.

"I didn't know you played an instrument. Can you play it?"

He nodded calmly.

"I love that song called 'Midnight Rose'." I continued, "Play for me when this is all over."

"If you're still alive."

"That's harsh!"

He turned his head towards me at my response, "Get some rest."

He walked to his room, which was adjacent to mine. We spent the night there, waiting for the outside situation to stabilize.

I headed to my room and lay down on the bed. The room was bare, save for the bed.

I breathed out a heavy sigh as I looked up at the ceiling.

Wait a minute. Earlier, he called me by my first name. Does that mean we're closer now?

Why am I thinking about this now?! I need to focus on the mission. But what's our next move?

To be continued...

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古箏（ㄍㄨˇ ㄓㄥ / Gǔzhēng）

---> a traditional Chinese instrument.