The moment he heard Kai’s footsteps, Ben, in the stable, perked up his head.

Neighing softly, Ben wagged his tail like a puppy upon seeing Kai. The well-fed brown horse, resting in a warm place, shone with health.

“Ben.”

Kai approached and stroked Ben’s face, marked with a white diamond shape, and his dark night-colored mane. Ben was a birthday gift from his mother when he turned ten.

Familiar with Kai’s guidance, Ben walked out of the stable. Though not as robust as before, Ben was still happy to carry Kai.

The palace at night was very tranquil. Windows, still lit, flickered like stars in the night sky, and occasionally, the hooting of an owl sitting somewhere broke the silence.

Ben, carrying Kai, trotted through the palace at a pace neither too slow nor fast, familiar with every turn.

Kai, seated on Ben’s back, pinpointed various presences hidden around the palace.

Should there be any suspicious movement or someone approaching him, dozens of arrows would rain down in an instant.

Kai was always surrounded by those who protected and those who sought to harm him. Tonight, it seemed there were only protectors. Ben’s hoofbeats were more steady than usual.

Kai, stroking Ben’s smooth mane, let his body follow wherever Ben led.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

The sound of Ben’s hooves rhythmically matched Kai’s slow heartbeat.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

When Kai suddenly opened his eyes, realizing he had dozed off, Ben had taken him to a place they had never walked before.

“Ben, where have we come?”

Kai, unfazed, dismounted and gently stroked Ben’s back. They were amidst a line of smaller castles, likely the residences of princesses held as political hostages.

It was late night, most castles were dark, with occasional flickering lights in some.

Kai suddenly remembered the woman who had brought a modest gift. Unperturbed by the sight of a golden teapot, she had resignedly laughed. She was a princess in the Plant district, possibly living somewhere around here.

Looking around, Kai suddenly felt bothered and pulled Ben’s reins. But, unusually, Ben didn’t budge.
It was unusual for Ben, who had never defied Kai’s commands before, to be so stubborn.

“Ben, are you hurt?”

Kai examined Ben thoroughly, but could find no injuries.

“Let’s go.”

Despite Kai pulling the reins again, Ben stubbornly resisted and abruptly turned his head in the opposite direction.

“Ben!”

Kai was baffled. He found Ben’s sudden behavior amusing and was curious about the reason. Hesitating briefly, Kai eventually smiled in defeat and began walking in the direction Ben was heading.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

Ben’s steps quickened. Kai quickly mounted Ben, sensing that the horse might start galloping soon. His hunch was right; Ben picked up speed.

Soon, Ben stopped in front of an old castle.

Kai knew this place well. It was the Berdura Castle, located in the farthest corner of the Plant district. A place he hadn’t visited since his childhood, associated with experiences he didn’t want to repeat.

“Ben, let’s go.”

Though Kai pulled the reins hard, Ben stood firm and even ventured into the castle.

Kai reluctantly followed, vigilantly scanning the surroundings, a stark contrast to his usually composed demeanor.

Unlike the uneasy Kai, Ben seemed delighted.

“Why are we here?”

Kai suddenly noticed the desolate garden of Berdura Castle and stopped. As he was surveying the area, Ben began munching on something.

“Ben, what are you eating? You can’t just eat anything.”

Startled, Kai was about to remove whatever Ben was eating when he heard familiar voices again.

“He’s back again. But he’s changed a lot, hasn’t he?”

“Really, he has grown up so much.”

“Can he see us now?”

“No, it doesn’t seem like it. He doesn’t notice us even though we’re right in front of him.”

Once again, those infuriating voices reached Kai’s ears.