Hena sighed, her voice carrying the weight of history. "The village speaker represents three villages in the king's court. The title was created centuries ago to bridge communication between the king and the people. But as for the king… yes, he knows."
Hataki's voice turned sharp. "He knows and does nothing?!"
A heavy silence filled the room before Hena spoke again, her words like a chill running down their spines. "Because the speaker… is the king's firstborn son. His name is Kuroyami."
Yushin's eyes widened in shock. "The king's own son…?"
Hena nodded solemnly. "Yes, the speaker is the king's own son. But unlike the last king, this one doesn't care about his people."
Kaito's expression darkened. "Unlike the last king?"
"Yes," Hena confirmed. "Five years ago, another king ruled Sirocaan. He truly cared for his people. But he passed away due to illness. When his brother was chosen as his successor, everything changed. Taxes increased, commodity prices soared, and no matter how hard we worked, we were never paid enough."
Ginrou's voice was laced with disdain. "A man who sits on the throne for his own gain can never be called a king. Even if he wears the crown, he is not the ruler this kingdom needs."
Hena let out a nervous laugh, attempting to lighten the mood. "My bad… I think you're all exhausted. Let me prepare the futons so you can sleep well. When Souta returns, I'll cook a delicious meal for you all before bed. Eat up while it's warm."
Kaito glanced toward the door. "It's been a while since the kid went to get vegetables."
Hena's brows furrowed. "I'll go look for him. You guys, keep an eye on the house for a while."
Before she could move, Yoto spoke up. "I'll go find him. You stay here, Hena."
Hena's voice wavered with concern. "No, no, it's okay. If you're seen, the guards will come for you."
Yoto met her gaze, firm and resolute. "I'll be quick. It's late, and after what happened to those girls earlier, I can't let you go alone. It's safer if I go."
Hataki nodded in agreement. "Hena, stay. Yoto's right. He'll bring Souta back."
As Yoto prepared to leave, Nishi raised a hand. "I'll come too."
Yoto nodded. "Alright. Let's go."
They stepped into the night. Just before they left, Yushin managed to whisper, "Stay safe…"
Watching them disappear , Hataki frowned, deep in thought. What happened between those two? Why is Yoto suddenly avoiding her?
Yushin sat down beside Akemi, her expression clouded with sadness.
As Nishi and Yoto walked through streets, Yoto broke the silence. "Oye, Nishi."
"What?"
"It might be a problem if we look too alike. It could confuse people. Can you do something about it?"
Nishi thought for a moment. "I can't change my form—I came from you, after all."
Yoto grimaced. "Nishi, don't say it in such a weird way."
"But," Nishi continued, "I can do this."
He turned his face to the side, covering it with his hand. When he turned back, a black diamond-shaped mark had appeared on his forehead.
"There. Now people won't get confused ."
Yoto let out a nervous laugh. "Something is better than nothing."
Nishi grinned. "Since we look different now, why don't you call me 'brother'?"
Yoto's face remained stiff. "Not happening."
"Aaaaaa, why not? What's the problem?!" Nishi whined childishly.
Yoto let out an exasperated sigh. "Drop your voice. Even though there aren't any guards nearby, they'll come running if you keep yelling. Now shut your mouth."
Nishi's enthusiasm immediately deflated. "Fine…"
As they neared the shop, they spotted a man grabbing Souta by the neck, lifting him off the ground.
"It's because of you!" the man snarled. "I know it was your sister who resisted the guards! Because of that—because of that—my wife was taken away today! You got saved, and my wife was taken instead!"
Souta struggled for air but managed to gasp out, "I'm sorry for what happened to your wife, but I will never send my sister to the speaker's house. She's my only family. If it means death, I will die protecting her. I promised my father."
The man's face twisted with rage. "Then die now!"
He raised his fist, but before it could connect, Yoto's hand shot out, stopping the punch mid-air.
Yoto's grip tightened into a fist. His voice was low but sharp. "How can you raise your hand against a child?"The man's face twisted in rage as he released Souta, his fist swinging toward Yoto in blind fury.
Yoto dodged effortlessly, twisting the man's arm behind his back, forcing him to his knees with a pained grunt.
Souta called out, "Yoto, let him go."
Nishi's voice turned sharp. "Oye, kid. He tried to kill you. How can you tell us to let him go?"
Tears welled in Souta's eyes. "He's already in pain. His wife was taken away this morning because my sister was saved. Part of it is my fault."
Yoto looked at the boy in silent awe. At such a young age… how can he speak like that?
He released the man's arm and grabbed Souta's hand. "Come on. We're leaving."
The man gritted his teeth. "You're like your father… but you'll die just like he did."
Yoto's rage flared. He clenched his fist, ready to strike, but Nishi grabbed his wrist. "Not now, Yoto. Let's take Souta home. His sister is waiting."
Yoto exhaled sharply. "Come on, Souta. Your sister is waiting."
As Yoto led Souta away, the tension still clung to the air. The man's words echoed in his mind, igniting a fire within him. But now wasn't the time for retaliation. They had to get Souta home.
As they walked away, the man watched them disappear into the night. His eyes widened as realization dawned on him. That hood… Don't tell me—he's the one who saved that girl?
Back at the house, Hena rushed to Souta. "Souta! Why did you take so long? Did something happen?"
Souta laughed nervously. "Hahaha… I went to another shop on the next street. I couldn't find the ingredients at our usual place."
Hena sighed in relief. "Alright. Take a bath and clean up. I'll start making dinner."
Yoto watched as Souta walked away. What a responsible brother. He lied… just so she wouldn't worry.
A small chuckle escaped him as he smiled warmly.
As everyone ate, Eiji praised Hena's cooking endlessly, calling her an angel. Hena blushed, flustered by the compliments. Akemi, unimpressed, chopped Eiji on the head. "Just eat quietly. You're being too noisy."
Laughter filled the room, and soon, everyone settled down for the night.
Yet Yoto couldn't sleep. The images of what had happened that day haunted him. He stepped outside for fresh air and found Souta sitting in the backyard.
Yoto approached him. "Souta, it's late. Why aren't you asleep?"
Souta's voice was quiet. "I'm just thinking. Why do people have to suffer so much because of someone else's greed? How can I protect my sister in this world? How can I keep my promise to my father?"
Yoto knelt beside him. "Souta… you'll do just fine. I've never seen a kid as brave as you. You have a big heart."
Hataki listened from a distance.
Souta smiled nervously. "You flatter me, Yoto."
Yoto hesitated. "That man said, 'Die like your father did.' What happened to him? And where's your mother?"
Souta's smile faded. "My mother died when I was a kid."
Yoto's heart sank. "And your father?"
Souta's eyes glistened. "My father… was killed by the village speaker."
Yoto felt his stomach tighten. His breath caught in his throat as Souta's words sank in. The village speaker… a murderer? His fingers clenched at his side.