On the same day, the northern main gate slowly opened. The two massive doors made of polished granite slid sideways in perfect harmony, revealing not just one, but several people waiting behind them.

  The resounding boom that followed when the doors fully opened could be heard throughout the city of Aurathis. The people there always scrambled for spots around the bridge to see who was arriving this time. It had become a tradition for the citizens to welcome anyone permitted to set foot upon the bridge that led directly to the pace.

  The guards stationed around the bridge had already prepared themselves before the surge of people came to watch. Even so, most of the citizens still maintained order. The older ones appeared calmer and did not push against one another, while the teenagers and children competed for the very front near the stone railing.

  “Father, Father! Carry me!” whined a little boy while tugging at his father’s trousers.

  He was lifted onto his father’s shoulders, the wind brushing through his hair as his eyes sparkled at the neatly arranged view of Aurathis filling his sight. But when his gaze dropped downward, his hand immediately pointed toward the fish pond as he shouted in delight.

  “Father, look! There are fish!” His father simply smiled at his child’s reaction as the colorful fish swam in the long pond stretching beneath the bridge.

  The pond, decorated with lotus pnts, separated the bridge from the area where the citizens had gathered. It seemed the children who did not understand why they were there were more interested in the fish than anything else.

  “That is King Rowan!” the people around the boy cheered. They all sounded delighted by the figure atop the bridge riding his horse. Some whistled loudly, others threw flowers in his direction. Yet all that excitement failed to draw the little boy’s attention.

  Even though it was known that Aurathis had previously been attacked, King Rowan did not bring his personal guards to cross the sacred bridge with him. They were ordered to take the streets instead and gather at an inn, as it seemed the king of Dedonia’s visit would not st only a single day.

  “Ahhh, the scent of Aurathis… truly intoxicating!” Rowan grinned with his eyes closed, then let out a long breath. His eyes slowly opened, gazing at the magnificent white pace towering high before him.

  The rhythmic sound of horseshoes striking the ground continued until the king finally chose to halt his horse. Something was amiss. The people there were confused when King Rowan suddenly stopped. Even his personal guards reacted upon seeing their king behave that way.

  Ahead of him, the pace doors remained tightly shut. There was no special welcome from Suna himself, not even a single strand of his hair in sight.

  “Where is your king, people of Aurathis?” Rowan called out, turning his mount to face the crowd around the bridge.

  Yet none of them answered. Even the knights of the Aegis Order remained silent, truly unaware of what had happened to their own king.

  “This has happened before, right?” someone whispered from within the crowd.

  “If I remember correctly, that was a long time ago, even long before the emergence of Silthroat,” another replied.

  King Rowan began clenching his fists tightly, his jaw tensing as his gaze sharpened. He felt mocked by the absence of a proper welcome from the host. Every person he looked at only worsened his mood.

  The sound of doors booming open came from behind Rowan, and he immediately directed his horse to face forward again. Before him, the two grand pace doors slowly opened by the hands of two guards. Soon after, the guest finally met the host. Their attire contrasted sharply. Suna in his signature dominant white, and Rowan in his striking purple. One stood upright with unwavering confidence while the other remained atop his horse with a sly smile etched across his face.

  “My apologies for the dey in welcoming you, King Rowan,” Suna said with a slight bow of his head.

  “Hahaha, no need to be so formal. Just call me Rowan,” Rowan responded as he dismounted his horse.

  He slowly approached Suna, so close that the surrounding guards fell silent at Suna’s hand gesture signaling them not to overreact.

  “The agreement still stands, does it not?” Rowan whispered.

  “There is something we need to discuss regarding that. It would be better if we move elsewhere first.”

  Suna then instructed one of his guards to take Rowan’s horse to the royal stables, and the servants were ordered to prepare a room immediately.

  “Please, allow me to show you around first—”

  “No need,” Rowan cut him off.

  “Why not go straight to the main matter? Have you forgotten the purpose of my visit?” he added in a tone that caused Suna’s eyelid to twitch.

  “There is a minor issue regarding that…” Suna replied, his voice suddenly hesitant.

  “An issue? Speak.”

  “The Girl of Light is currently suffering from a fever,” Suna answered with a ft expression.

  The sentence triggered a brief ugh that Rowan failed to restrain, though within seconds he managed to control his spontaneous reaction.

  “A fever, you say? Ehe… hehehe, ahahahaha!”

  In the end, Rowan could not hold himself back after hearing what he found utterly ridiculous. He ughed as if possessed, his dignity slipping along with it.

  “Tell me, oh King Suna, ruler of the kingdom of Altheria… how many kings out there have you allowed to touch h—”

  “SHUT UP!”

  His voice echoed within the room occupied by only the two of them. The situation had completely reversed. The improper ughter shifted into a fixed stare directed solely at Suna.

  “Look at that, who was just barking. Is such a temper befitting of a king?” Rowan challenged.

  “Then why provoke my emotions, Rowan,” Suna said, his jaw still trembling.

  “Oh? It seems you are indeed facing many troubles. Very well, I shall retract my earlier words.”

  “However, I must admit I went too far in testing you just now. As fellow monarchs, I apologize to you.” Rowan's right arm extended toward Suna, his grip open yet rexed. A casual gesture that could influence the diplomatic retionship between the two kingdoms. Not wishing to complicate matters, Suna grasped Rowan’s hand firmly, applying considerable pressure. They remained in that position slightly longer than appropriate before a female servant arrived to deliver a message.

  “Your Majesty,” both kings shifted their focus to the servant.

  “The chamber for the royal guest has been prepared. Shall I escort—”

  “Oh! Certainly! Come, show me the room.” Rowan was the first to release the handshake and immediately followed the servant. It seemed the two of them shared a connection that few people outside were aware of. Even so, Suna showed no concern for whatever might happen next.

  That matter might have ended there, yet his eyes remained fixed on the southern forest visible through the pace window. His thoughts were still occupied with considerations about what he would do regarding the recent incident. What truly happened at the Valoric residence? Had Mira betrayed him? And why was Yoei there… those questions would likely continue to haunt him until this important visit concluded.