"Alright, Haru, I'll take my leave now. You should continue your work—and write this book with your full focus.
Oh, and I almost forgot… the Prince has summoned you to the palace tonight. Be sure to come."
Haru looked at him quietly, then nodded gently in understanding. After a brief pause, he lifted his hand in a soft, silent gesture—bidding him farewell.
And then, back in the village, we see Mr. Hoseok overseeing the newly discovered treasure as it is carried into the treasure chamber.
"Soldiers, hurry," he commanded firmly. "Take all of it inside and place it in the chamber at once."
The room itself was unlike anything ordinary eyes had ever witnessed. It was filled with treasures so rare and wondrous that no one had seen them before. The entire chamber shimmered—alive with the glow and brilliance of gold, jewels, and ancient relics.
The scouts carefully placed the treasure inside, completing their task with precision. Moments later, Mr. Hoseok stepped into the chamber as well.
"Well done," he said, a faint smile crossing his face. "You've all done excellent work. I'll make sure you're rewarded."
He gestured toward the door. "You may leave now."
The scouts began to file out, but one of them paused at the threshold.
"Mr. Hoseok… may I ask something?"
Hoseok turned slightly and nodded. "Of course. Go on."
The scout hesitated for a moment before speaking. "That room… in the corner of the wall—why is it sealed?"
For a brief second, silence filled the air.
Mr. Hoseok let out a quiet breath. "I don't know what lies inside," he admitted. "Nor do I know where its key is. Perhaps… the King never intended for anyone to enter that room."
The scout frowned slightly. "But why would the King wish for that?"
Hoseok looked toward the sealed corner, his expression unreadable.
"That," he said slowly, "is only my guess."
"Make way—the Prince is coming!"
A voice echoed from outside.
One of the scouts straightened at once. "Thank you, Mr. Hoseok. I'll take my leave now—it seems the Prince has arrived."
Mr. Hoseok gave a slight nod. "Yes… I'll come as well."
He stepped out of the chamber and into the village beyond. As his gaze fell upon the people gathered there, a quiet thought crossed his mind—It is because of you that this village, and all of us, are able to smile so freely.
He approached and bowed respectfully."Greetings, my Prince," he said. "How are you?"
"I am well, Mr. Hoseok," the Prince replied calmly. "And yourself?"
"I am well, Your Highness."
The Prince glanced toward the direction of the treasure chamber. "I've heard from the Commander that you've been working tirelessly on securing the newly discovered treasure."
He paused for a moment, his expression composed yet sincere.
"I imagine the King would be very pleased to see such dedication."
A faint smile appeared on Mr. Hoseok's face as he bowed his head slightly.
"Thank you, my Prince."
A few children from the village ran up and clung to the Prince's legs, their small hands gripping his robes.
"Prince, Did you bring us those sweets?" they asked innocently, their eyes shining with hope.
The Prince smiled softly and knelt down to their level.
"Of course," he said gently. "How could I ever forget to bring sweets for my little ones?"
He opened his bag and took out handfuls of sweets, placing them into their eager hands
"Here—enjoy them."
"Wow! Thank you, Prince! These are amazing!" the children exclaimed, their voices full of joy.
With bright smiles and laughter, they ran off happily, waving their goodbyes.Mr. Hoseok's gaze shifted to the Prince's belt, where a small glass bottle hung beside his bag. Without hesitation, he spoke,
"My Prince… what is that glass bottle for?"
The Prince glanced down at it, as if only just remembering.
"Ah… this?" he said thoughtfully. "Well, I'm heading into the forest—to visit my father's grave. It has been a long time since I last went."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"Not far from there, there is a lake… its water is red. I wish to understand why it is so."
Mr. Hoseok's expression tightened slightly in surprise.
"A red lake…?" he murmured. "We rarely go to that side of the forest. That is where those ghosts were sealed."
"I know," the Prince replied calmly. "But I still wish to see it for myself… to learn the reason behind it."
Worried, creasing his brow, Mr. Hoseok spoke carefully, "My Prince… you shouldn't go there alone. Perhaps I, along with a few guards, should accompany you. You are still young—it's far too dangerous to venture into such a place by yourself."
The Prince's eyes flashed with determination, and he spoke hastily, almost cutting him off.
"Mr. Hoseok, I am the Prince of this land. Whether I am young or old makes no difference.
My duty is to protect my kingdom and my people. Every challenge must be faced—and every threat ends—before it can grow."
I should go now, the prince said . Okay be careful, our shikuza. Mr. hoseok drew a deep breath, gathering his resolve.
Mounting his horse, the Prince urged it forward, racing swiftly toward the forest. On the far edge of the dense woodland stood a magnificent tree, its branches hanging low, heavy with blossoms that were a delicate mix of pink and white, scattered like soft clouds across the limbs.
The Prince guided his horse to a stop and dismounted, stepping carefully toward the grave.
A strange stillness filled the air—a silence so profound, so complete, that it carried with it a sense of peace unlike anything else. Every sense seemed to drink in the tranquility that hung over the place.
The Prince approached the grave and knelt beside it.
"Ah… Father," he murmured softly, his voice carrying both determination and sorrow.
"I am trying to fulfill my duty. I am doing everything I can to protect my villagers… in every way possible. I hope… I hope I am doing right by you."
He drew a deep, steadying breath, as if seeking strength from the quiet presence of his father.
"You and Mother… you entrusted me with such a great responsibility and then left," he murmured, a mixture of sorrow and resolve in his voice.
"Hmmm… I promise—I will give my very best. You know what I am capable of. I will not fail."
He paused, eyes closed for a moment, speaking softly as if sending his words across the veil of the next world.
"May you both be at peace… Mother, Father, in that other realm."
"Alright… it's time for me to go, Father," he said softly. "I must leave for now, but I will return—certainly, I will come back."
"What's happened to these flowers?" he wondered aloud, noticing them for the first time. "Why are the blossoms on Father's grave turned this way? And… all the flowers seem like this…"
He shook his head, dismissing the thought for now, and turned back toward the forest path.
"Good luck, my…""Ah… what… what just happened?" he whispered to himself, a shiver running down his spine. "What is this feeling…?"
He glanced around, eyes narrowing. "Is there something over there? Why does it feel… as if I am completely alone? No… that cannot be…"