Welcome to a world where what you see may not be what truly is....where reality bends and shadows whisper secrets beyond your understanding..
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The whole forest had gone silent around him, as if the world itself had stopped breathing.
Even the wind seemed afraid to move. Only one thought echoed endlessly inside his mind repeating again and again until it felt unbearable.
"No….this isn't true…it can't be…."
His voice trembled as he stared at his own hands.
"I was a human once…I…I can't believe it''. The words felt unreal as he spoke them. The silence of the forest answered him with nothing.
Far away from the quiet forest, life in Shikuza's village moved as peacefully as ever. It was a bright and lovely day .The village bazaar buzzed with activity. Merchants stood behind wooden stalls displaying fruits, vegetables, fabrics, and shining metal tools.
The smell of roasted meat, fresh bread, and sweet spices floated through the air.
For a moment everything felt calm.
Then suddenly_
"Out of my way, everyone! Let me through to the castle! Move! Clear the path!''
The shout cut through the noise of the market place.
Heads turned.
A horse burst into the streets, racing forward at incredible speed. Its hooves struck the ground in rapid rhythm as it charged through the crowd.
People jumped aside quickly, some dropping their baskets as the horse thundered past.
The rider leaned forward in the saddle, urging the horse to go even faster.
It was Commander Keifer.
His long braided hair whipped wildly in the wind behind him as the horse thundered forward. Dust rose from the road as he rushed toward the castle that towered above the village.
One villager stepped aside and laughed.
" The prince's long-braided Commander again?'' Another villager shook his head with a smile.
"That man is always in a hurry. Looks like he's carrying an urgent message.''
But Commander Keifer didn't listen to them. His focus was only on the castle gates.
Within moments he reached the castle's gates.
The horse stopped sharply in front of the castle's big stone gates. Before the guards could even react, Keifer jumped off the saddle and rushed toward the entrance.
His boots struck the stone path as he hurried forward .
Then suddenly—
He stopped. "Wait a second, I remembered something….. I am the commander here''.
His expression grew serious.
I shouldn't be running like some ordinary person. I should enter like…..someone important.
He imagined how a legendary commander would walk.
Slow.
Confidence.
Powerful.
He pulled his shoulder back, lifted his chin, and stepped forward with what he hoped was a noble and dignified stride.
Commander Keifer raised his one foot dramatically.
But the next moment his boot slipped on the stone.
Thud!
He crashed his face on the ground with a loud impact. The rushed out of his lungs as he hit the ground.
For a moment he lay there, stunned.
Then he slowly lifted his head. Right in front of him the castle guard stood.
Their eyes met.
Time seemed to freeze.
Commander Keifer felt his face burn with embarrassment. He slowly pushed himself on his elbows, trying to maintain the dignity he had left.
" yes ... .that was completely intentional,'' he thought.
The guard stared at him for a moment. The guard bowed deeper, actually trying to hide his laugh.
Commander keifer quickly stood up, brushing dust from his clothes as nothing had happened.
Yes… good. Excellent. Everything is perfectly normal.
But inside, his thoughts were racing.
"This is bad… This is very bad.
He moved through the long corridors of the castle.
Finally, he reached the throne room doors.
Two royal guards stood at attention.
One of them spoke.
"The prince is inside."
Keifer nodded.
"Good."
He pushed the large doors open.
When his eyes fell upon the prince, the same noble aura greeted him as it always did. The prince stood beside the tall window, silently watching the distant forest beyond the castle walls. Long strands of black hair framed his face, while a delicate veil covered his mouth. Yet even that veil could not conceal the softness in his eyes or the quiet beauty and gentle nature that seemed to surround him like a calm breeze.
Greetings, my prince," Keifer said, lowering his head. "I bring great news for you… and for our entire village."
The prince turned slowly from the window, the light from outside falling across his dark hair. A faint smile appeared in his eyes.
"The way you were galloping through the streets," he said softly, "one would think the kingdom itself was in danger."
He folded his arms behind his back and looked at Keifer with quiet curiosity.
"So tell me, Commander… what news have you brought this time?"
Keifer spoke eagerly, barely able to hide his excitement.
"My prince, the King of the Roka Kingdom has agreed to a trade pact with us. They will send gold to our lands, and in return we will provide them with the rare herbs and precious flowers that grow deep within our forest."
The prince remained silent for a moment, considering the news. Then he nodded slowly.
"Yes… that would indeed bring prosperity to our village," he said thoughtfully. "Our people could benefit greatly from such an agreement."
The prince studied him for a moment before speaking again.
"By the way, Commander… your face seems unusually red today. Did something happen?"
Keifer froze for a second before quickly waving his hand.
"N-No, nothing happened, my prince!" he replied nervously. "It's just… the excitement. Yes… I suppose I'm simply overwhelmed with happiness."
Very well," he said calmly. "Sit and tell me… the treasure we discovered—are the villagers truly benefiting from it? Are their needs being taken care of?"
"Yes, my prince," Keifer replied respectfully. "Everything is being handled properly."
The prince looked thoughtful for a moment.
"We ourselves cannot go there," he said quietly. "All the supervision and work is being managed by Mr. Hoseok. By the way, prince, you haven't visited that place either, have you?
The prince gave a faint smile.
"Well… when a brave and capable man like him is handling everything so well, there is hardly any need for me to go there myself."
His eyes softened slightly.
"He was one of my father's most loyal companions."
A gentle knock echoed against the chamber door.
"Come in," the prince said.
The door opened slowly. As soon as the prince saw the figure standing at the entrance, his eyes lit up with quiet happiness.
But far beyond the castle walls… deep within the silent forest…
something stirred.
And somewhere in the darkness, a voice whispered again:
"I was a human once…"