Mr. Kim turned toward Mr. Hoseok and said softly,
"I often find myself missing the days of our childhood… especially the people who once stood beside us."
Mr. Hoseok looked at him, lost in those same distant memories.
"Yes… those days were good… but they were cruel as well. Between humans and ghosts, we lost far too much."
Mr. Kim lowered his head, his voice barely a whisper.
"Yes… we lost more than we can ever reclaim…"
But deep within his heart, he knew the truth—
it wasn't only the ghosts who were to blame.
Humans had been just as responsible.
"Did you say something?" Mr. Hoseok asked, glancing at him.
"Oh—no, nothing," Mr. Kim replied lightly. "Just lost in thought."
After a brief silence, Mr. Hoseok spoke again, a faint smile touching his lips.
"I remember how much the three of us used to play together as children… you, me, and Zhal. Though… you always kept your distance from him. You never really liked playing with him, did you?"
Mr. Kim let out a quiet chuckle, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Ah… that was just childhood. What can you really make of such things?"
"Sometimes… I wonder," Mr. Hoseok said quietly, "if he were still alive today… the three of us would be sitting here together."
Mr. Kim gave a faint nod, his expression dimming.
"You're right… I've thought the same."
A brief silence settled between them before he added, his voice low,
"But he left us far too soon…"
"But… we still have a part of him—"
Mr. Hoseok suddenly faltered, his words catching in his throat.
"Yes…" Mr. Kim said quietly, stepping in. "We do have one thing left."
A brief pause followed, heavy with unspoken meaning.
"Shikuza."
"Though he doesn't resemble his father in appearance," Mr. Kim continued, "the way he speaks… the way he carries himself… even his habits—"
He exhaled softly.
"They all belong to King Zhal."
"Yes… you're right," Mr. Kim said.
"Alright then, I should get going, Kim," Mr. Hoseok replied. "I'll finally read that book in peace… and see what it has to teach me."
"Very well… but make sure you come back," Mr. Kim called out from behind him.
Mr. Hoseok stepped outside, the air feeling strangely still. He paused, lifting his gaze toward the sky.
"Father…" he murmured softly,
"was it truly real… or just your suspicion?"
A faint breath escaped him.
"I've been trying to uncover the truth for so long.
"Very well… then I'll keep trying until my very last breath," Mr. Kim said firmly.
With that, he turned and stepped outside, leaving the room behind.
The wind carried his words into the silence.
…and somewhere far away, as sun was shining at its peak,
three others opened their eyes.
Sumin jolted awake.
"What is this light…?"
Without wasting a second, he rushed outside—and froze.
"It's already noon…?!"
He spun around and stormed back into the tent, shouting at the top of his lungs,
"Wake up! Get up, both of you! We're already late—we have to move, now!"
He ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
"How did I sleep this long…? I can't believe I was this careless…"
But neither of them stirred.
"I said wake up!"
Haru shot up abruptly, eyes wide, glancing around in confusion.
"And if you don't get up right now, Keifer—"
Before he could finish, Keifer sprang to his feet in a single sharp motion.
"Hurry up and get ready!" Sumin shouted.
Without waiting, he quickly got dressed and stepped outside.
The cart drivers had already stumbled out of their tents, awakened by his yelling—but instead of preparing, the three of them were leaning against each other, half-asleep, trying to steal a few more moments of rest.
Sumin's expression darkened.
"I said—prepare the carts!"
His voice rang out, loud and commanding.
The three guards instantly snapped to attention.
"Yesss, Captain!" they responded and rushed towards the carts but they bumped in each other
Sumin pressed a hand against his forehead, exhaling sharply.
"I can't deal with you all…"
At that moment, Haru and Keifer finally stepped outside.
"Alright, hurry up and get on your horses," Sumin ordered.
But his eyes landed on Keifer—and he froze for a second.
"Keifer… you didn't tie your hair?"
Keifer yawned lazily, stretching slightly.
"I'm sleepy… I just want to rest."
Sumin let out a small sigh, then turned and walked back inside the tent. Moments later, he returned holding a ribbon.
"Turn around," he said flatly.
Without waiting for a response, he stepped behind Keifer and began tying his hair—though in a rather… unusual and slightly messy way.
"Alright, get on your horses. I'll pack up the tent."
Everyone quickly mounted their horses while Sumin finished securing everything, placing the packed gear behind the cart. Once done, he climbed onto his own horse.
"Let's begin our journey—"
He paused suddenly.
"Wait a minute… Keifer, just to be sure… you're not going to need another—"
Keifer cut him off immediately, puffing his cheeks in annoyance.
"No! I'm fine. Worry about yourself instead. We're already late—so let's go."
Sumin smirked slightly, his tone turning teasing.
"I was just being careful."
Without another word, he nudged his horse forward, leading the group ahead.
They continued along the road that stretched endlessly ahead, guiding them toward their destination.
Gradually, the dense forest began to thin… until it finally faded away, giving way to wide, open plains. The air felt lighter here—calmer, but unfamiliar.
After traveling a little further, shapes began to appear in the distance.
Buildings.
Houses.
A kingdom rising beyond the horizon.
Sumin slowed his horse. At the entrance of the kingdom, two royal guards stood ready, along with a commander and a captain.
As Sumin and the others approached, one of the commanders stepped forward and spoke with a calm, measured voice:
"You are most welcome. We have been waiting for you."
He offered a slight nod.
"The king is expecting you. Please, come this way."
.