#327 knocked on the door and waited for a response.

At a 'Come in,' they opened the door, placing a fist to their left shoulder and keeping their head low. They closed the door behind them and stepped forward an inch. The room was dark, not even a candle lit. #327's pulse thundered in their ears, but they kept their expression firm as not to show their fear.

“Sir, I hate to admit it, but two of our agents have let you down. They had a visual and followed them into the forest, but at the sight of the boy's winged fox, they fled.” #327 flinched at a deep groan.

“Thank you for telling me. Replace those agents with another two in the marketplace, two with a strong resolve.”

“Yes, sir.”

“As for those two disappointments, lock them up for their treachery. Give them a long sentence. Call it treason if you must.”

“Already done, sir. Did it as soon as they came waltzing back here.” The scuffling of a chair rang through the air, followed by heavy footsteps. #327 focused on the dark shadow nearing them. A hand reached out, landing on #327's shoulder, and squeezed.

“Thank you, 327. I can always count on you to do what is right.” The corner of #327's mouth quirked up at his words, a weight being lifted off their shoulders.

In a soft voice, #327 said, “Thank you, sir. I hope to make you proud long into the future.”

“I'll be counting on you.”

~

After sleeping in yet another tree, Enya decided to try another marketplace. She headed towards the forest's edge, making it there in half a day, and waited for the night to arrive. Enya sat high in a tree overlooking the marketplace. Peopled crammed into the street, lining up at the numerous stalls. They all chatted happily, as if family. Enya couldn't stand it. How could they be so cheery when the kingdom was about to fall to ruin?

Enya shook her head. No, I can't blame them for wanting to enjoy their lives. They don't realize what's going on inside the castle.

Enya's gaze wandered across the cheerful faces, one sticking out in particular. In the same suit from yesterday, Noah stood in front of a stall, talking to a middle-aged woman. His bright expression brought a frown to Enya.

I bet he's smooth talking her right now.

As Enya thought this, the woman handed Noah a bag with a smile. Noah shook his head, wide-eyed, and tried to hand it back to her, but the woman insisted he take it. The woman reached across the stall and ruffled Noah's hair as he bowed his head.

What did she give you? Enya wondered. As Noah walked away, he stopped a few feet away and looked up to the sky. Enya followed his gaze. It's already this late? The sun began to set, casting an orange glow across the land.

Enya climbed down from the tree and sauntered into the marketplace, strolling up to the nearest stall. The old man crinkled his eyes to get a good look at her.

“How may I help you, Missy?” he asked. Enya glanced at his merchandise.

“Hello. Do you have any articles—I mean, clothes for sale? Preferably ones that aren't too worn down, please.”

The man scrunched up his face in thought before saying, “Yes, I think I have one. It's a pair of shoes I received some time ago that I think may fit you nicely. However, they are boy's.”

“That is okay. May I see them, kind sir?” The man walked to the back of his stall and dug through a box. He came back with a pair of closed-toe shoes perfect for climbing. The corners of Enya's lips curved upwards. “These are perfect. How much?”

“Hmm, since you are so young, I will ask for two Anpan.”

That is all? Enya searched through her bag for five of the yellow coins, the only currency in the kingdom. She gave them to the old man. “Thank you for your generosity.” The old man glanced at his hand, a soft smile gracing him. He grabbed Enya's wrist before she could leave and placed the extra three back in her hand.

“You are so kind, but I do not need the extra Anpan. Instead, keep it for yourself. It may come in handy someday.” Enya blinked her eyes at him, shocked.

But, I do not need them. You are a commoner, working even at this age to care for yourself. Enya held her hand out and said, “Please, take it. I do not need them, and I would feel terrible if I left with them.”

“You might, but I would feel worse for taking them from you. Please. My time is short, while yours is not. Keep them.”

Enya frowned, There's no way I'll convince you, so I might as well. Enya bowed her head. “If you will not take them, I will make sure to come back again, then. Look forward to seeing me, Mister.”

“Yes, I will.” Enya walked away, waving goodbye as she did.

Near the forest entrance, Enya bent down and placed her new shoes on. The old man was right. They fit perfectly. The light fluttering in her chest drew Enya's attention for a moment, but only for a moment. The sound of light chatter rang in her ears. Enya turned to see Noah chatting up a young girl with yellow hair.