______ SOMEWHERE ______
______ CARLOS _______
I've escaped… but where exactly am I? All I did was run forward as fast as I could. All that mattered was escaping, so I didn't set a destination. And now I'm stuck in this forest, I don't even know when I entered it! …(sigh) This doesn't look easy at all.
________ ??????? _________
Why the sighs, young man? Is this post-breakup shock? Hahaha.
______ POV CARLOS _______
(Shocked) I didn't even feel it! How… how did he sneak up like this? Seems I lowered my guard too much.
______ CARLOS _______
(Turning slowly) Who are you?
_______ ??????? _______
(Muffled laugh) I'm pleased you asked. Regardless of your weak strength, you at least have a brain—though I doubt that.
_______ CARLOS _______
You haven't answered my question yet!
_______ ??????? _______
As expected, you're truly stupid! But before anything else, I should be the one asking you this: what are you doing here?
______ IMPERIAL PALACE _____
______ The Butler _______
I'm truly sorry, my lord. We haven't been able to locate His Highness, Prince Carlos, yet.
______ KRISTOF _______
(Angry) What's the use of you all?! What were you doing all day while my son was escaping, huh?! Especially you—I appointed you to guard him. Where were you all day, huh?!
______ The Butler _______
(Fearful) I… I'm really sorry, my lord. I swear I will find him!
______ KRISTOF _______
Good, that's the determination I like. But remember, if you keep making mistakes like this, don't expect me to grant you the salvation you want. You should be grateful to be here… yes, after all, you're one of my pieces, like a chess piece I can use as I please. It's your duty to be useful, isn't it?
______ The Butler _______
Yes, my lord! I will never repeat it again. I'm truly sorry, it was my fault!
______ KRISTOF _______
Yes, continue as you are. I like it when you're serious about your work and execute my orders. But sometimes you want to betray me and seize the throne, though you always back down. Yes, after all, you're one of my pawns—act like that. Exactly like a loyal dog to its master, Jordan!
_______ JORDAN _______
Yes, my lord! I will find His Highness, Prince Carlos, no matter the cost!
_______ KRISTOF _______
Yes, search everywhere. But remember this: do not enter the great "O Vym" forest. As its name suggests, enter it and you will meet your end. Even royal and imperial families have never dared to enter.
______ JORDAN _______
Understood, my lord!
_______ KRISTOF _______
Now that you understand my orders well, Jordan, go find Carlos. Don't show your face until you do! Open the door for him!
________ /Door opens/ _______
_____ JORDAN _______
…...
________ KRISTOF _______
What's the matter? I already gave an order… or is there an objection? (glare)
_______ JORDAN _______
No, my lord… it's just that…
_________ KRISTOF _______
It is? What is it? Speak!
_______ JORDAN _______
I just wanted to ask… what if… what if His Highness, Prince Carlos, actually entered the forest? I've heard he's spent his entire life in the palace, knowing nothing about the outside world.
______ KRISTOF _______
…True, but he's not that foolish. His danger sense is excellent. He will notice the unnatural amount of energy emanating from the forest, so he will surely avoid it—or at least, let's hope so. And if he did enter, there's no other choice—we will have to surrender regarding him.
_____ JORDAN _______
...
______ KRISTOF _______
Now, have you gotten the answer you wanted? If so, return to your duties!
_______ JORDAN _______
Yes, my lord!
_______ POV KRISTOF _______
Yes… let's hope at least that he avoids it. For now, the people must remain under control. I'm not thinking of producing a new heir anyway. Women are troublesome… last time I messed with one, I ended up in the valley! (shudder)
______ KRISTOF _______
Hahaha… I really don't want to remember that.
______ JORDAN _______
Is there a problem, my lord?
_______ KRISTOF _______
You haven't left yet?! No, there's no problem. If you need help with your search, go to the royal library. You'll find someone to assist you—just show them this card. If you don't need anything else, go now; I have much work to do!
_______ JORDAN _______
…Understood, I will take my leave now.
________ /Door closes/ _______