Fredric gazed at the brilliant sun in the sky and its radiance illuminating the earth. He felt relieved to see that the world appeared more vibrant, as though peace had embraced it completely. The afternoon scene fascinated him as he observed the dusty dirt road and sparse trees surrounding their path.
He appreciated the world's beauty, perceiving something that not everyone could sense in such a scene. Wanting to share this moment with his companions, he turned back to see the two girls and Aeren following behind him.
They had come here to complete their guild quest. Due to Aeren's recent memory loss, Fredric couldn't abandon him, so he brought him along. Aeren had agreed without resistance, which relieved Fredric since he didn't question the matter and accompanied them willingly.
Aeren, observing the landscape like Fredric, attempted to appreciate the world's midday beauty bathed in sunlight. Though he had witnessed countless noons, he had never truly noticed how bright this one seemed, how beautiful it appeared with the parched road beneath his feet. All the trees had found their perfect positions, enhancing the location's splendor. The noon's beauty felt more peaceful than even a starry night sky. He had come seeking something that might inspire awe, and he had discovered it.
Though Aeren could perceive the noon's beauty, he didn't experience true awe—not the profound wonder that would compel him to seek this sight repeatedly. He understood that if he witnessed this scene again, he would recognise that nature always appeared this way, nothing particularly special about this noon. This realisation saddened Aeren's heart, though he concealed his emotions externally. He observed the three ahead of him, gathered in conversation.
While Aeren absorbed the noon's beauty, Fredric formed a circle with his companions and cast sound-cancellation magic around them. His eyes remained fixed on Aeren's position, feeling relieved that Aeren was studying their surroundings rather than focusing on them. He looked seriously at his companions, Nina and Sophia, determination evident on his features.
"Listen carefully and don't feel surprised or panicked," Fredric spoke this way to prevent them from panicking or screaming in alarm.
However, his statement made both Nina and Sophia's eyes twitch with confusion. A question formed in their minds. "What is it? Why are you being so serious?" Nina asked Fredric with bewilderment in her gaze, while Sophia nodded in agreement.
"Just trust me and listen," Fredric responded. This time they didn't question him further, simply nodding their heads. Noticing their acceptance, Fredric felt relieved and locked his gaze on Aeren.
"You see that man behind us?" Fredric pointed toward Aeren. Aeren's eyes were on them, and he could see Fredric pointing, but he didn't think much of it and simply observed the situation.
Both Nina and Sophia turned toward Aeren, noticing his attention on them. They nodded and spoke in unison, "Yes, we can see him." They answered without giving the question much thought.
Fredric studied both women, seeing they appeared relaxed and prepared to hear the truth. He exhaled deeply. "He is Prince Aeren Vorthis from our empire. Though he may appear ordinary, he remains a prince—nothing can change that fact." Fredric revealed this information, expecting to see panic, but to his surprise, they showed no reaction.
"Perhaps I'm overthinking this. Hah..." Fredric whispered to himself when he heard Sophia begin to speak.
"Oh, he's a prin..." Her eyes widened as realisation struck, and she began trembling. She started staring at Aeren in disbelief, unable to comprehend how she had failed to recognise him earlier. She continued shuddering, her legs barely able to support her weight.
Fredric could see Sophia's trembling, but he was surprised that Nina remained standing courageously, still gazing at Aeren. He was impressed by her composure.
"Nina, you have remarkable courage. Even knowing there's a prince before you, you still show no fear. That's impressive," Fredric complimented her as he watched, expecting a response. When he received none, doubt began creeping in. Before he could ask Nina anything, a new voice reached them.
"What are you all doing?" Aeren questioned as he positioned himself across from the group, watching them with a calm expression and polite tone. He noticed Nina's frozen face as she stared at him.
"And what's wrong with her? She looks shocked into stillness. What did you tell her?" Aeren could read others' emotions from their reactions and directly discern what they wanted from him, even in his human form. Noticing Nina's condition, he could tell she was too stunned to perceive reality clearly and could barely maintain her standing position.
Fredric also realised that Nina had lost herself in shock. He then noticed Sophia beside them, whose breathing was becoming increasingly rapid as she looked at Aeren. She could hardly stand, using magic to support her legs and remain upright.
"Nothing important, Aeren. You go ahead—we have something to discuss. We're close to the monster village, and we'll follow behind you. Right, Sophia?" Fredric answered Aeren, turning to Sophia to bring her back to reality.
Sophia didn't hear Fredric, still staring at Aeren. "Sophia..." Fredric shook her, snapping her out of her trance.
She turned toward Fredric. "Oh, yes," Sophia stammered with her words.
Aeren noticed all their awkward reactions but remained indifferent to their situation and the things that might further imprison him in worldly concerns. He ignored all their responses.
"Very well. If I encounter any monsters weaker than myself, I'll eliminate them," Aeren explained matter-of-factly and left them behind. He could see the Monster Village in the distance. Though he wanted to experience adventure, he didn't wish to become trapped by it and end up caged within the world's confines.
After Aeren departed, Fredric and Sophia watched his retreating figure. As she observed him leave, relief washed over her. "Damn it, Fredric! You should have mentioned this earlier. I nearly died from shock at hearing his name—it felt like his identity was echoing in my head. We've disrespected him; he'll definitely kill us. He's murdered many people before. We're going to die! Hahaha!" She was mentally breaking down as realisation hit her, barely maintaining her composure.
Watching both companions and seeing their despair, Fredric realised they had both lost control and forgotten their own identities as well as his. Seeing them in this state, he sighed before addressing them.
"Listen, he's lost all his memories. He doesn't remember anything about us, our names, or our meetings. We have to protect him, or we'll definitely face execution."
Fredric reminded them of the most crucial facts as they had lost their ability to function rationally. He emphasized that Aeren possessed no memory of their encounter or any recollection of their conversations.
"Hahaha! You should have said this from the beginning!" Nina laughed as she broke free from her frozen state of shock. She stretched her body while continuing to speak. "Ah, man! I almost felt the executioner's blade for a second, and now I can see rewards everywhere!" She displayed a wide grin with saliva glistening on her face.
"That's absolutely right! We're the prince's saviors, after all!" Sophia joined her, smiling shamelessly like Nina. Both beamed at each other, their happiness radiating from their expressions and clearly visible to Fredric, who could barely understand their logic.
These two fools were thinking about rewards while forgetting what might happen if Aeren regained his memories. Watching their jubilant faces, Fredric decided not to mention this harsh truth that might freeze them in terror once again.
Fredric silently began walking toward their destination, where he would complete the new quest assigned by the guild.