*The next morning, the clock was ticking. Darian prepared for his upcoming visit to the Dukedom. As a royal, he needed to find someone to accompany him, but with his reputation being nonexistent, he had to persuade someone to join him on his travels. However, the foolish prince seemed to be favored by Lady Luck. Herself, he found Reina tidying up his sparsely furnished room. Her movements were still timid, but less frantic than they had been just two days prior.*
"Reina," Darian said, adjusting his cloak. "I am traveling to the Blayland Dukedom today. Since no one has volunteered, could you come with me?"
Reina dropped the cloth she was holding. Her eyes were wide. "Your Highness, but a lady-in-waiting is usually assigned for travel. I am only a cleaning maid."
"I see your point, Reina, but I am in a hurry," Darian replied, softening his voice deliberately. It was the perfect moment to secure her loyalty. Reina, I apologize for my past mistakes. While I cannot erase them, I assure you that I will strive to be better than I was before.
The simple, unforced apology, coming from the prince who had terrorized her, shook her visibly. Her fear subsided, replaced by a flicker of confused hope. Okay, Your Highness. I will come with you."
"Thanks." Darian smiled, a genuine, if slightly calculating, expression. Goodwill acquired.
The carriage ride was long, the luxurious royal vehicle contrasting sharply with the neglected state of its passenger. Darian looked out at the rolling hills and forests, absorbing the reality of the novel's setting.
"Is everything to your comfort, Reina?" Darian asked.
"Yes, Your Highness," she replied, sitting across from him, her posture stiff and formal.
"Good. Well, where are you from?"
Darian asked, initiating a mundane conversation to ease her tension further and gather background information.
"I am from a village on the west side of the capital, Your Highness."
"I see. Do you have anyone else?"
"Yes, your highness, I have a sister and an old father, back at home," she said, her voice warming slightly.
"I see. Well, good to hear." Darian paused, noting that the carriage was passing a particularly scenic area. Min Jun recognized this area, and a creepy smile appeared on Darian's face.
He knocked sharply on the carriage's inner wall. The vehicle immediately slowed and stopped. Darian leaned out to address the driver. "You! Wait here. We will be back shortly."
Min Jun started to walk towards a location he had in mind. Riena had no idea where he was planning to go, yet she followed without questioning anything, but she was scared because it was the 3rd prince Darian she was walking with, a person who had no morals or empathy.
The darkness between the trees. They walked for a quarter of an hour into the deep woods, the path becoming increasingly overgrown. Eventually, Darian's careful navigation led them to a hidden spot: a fissure in the rock face that.
Opened into a dark cave. "Come. Let's go inside," Darian instructed. He needed to be quick. "Something is waiting for me there," he said to himself.