In the heart of the imperial Salsal's resplendent garden, beneath the grandeur of the king gazebo, a congregation of aristocrats and noble juniors had assembled. These were not just any elite gathering, but a coterie of privileged youth chosen by the young prince himself, those in whom he placed the utmost trust. Known as the Prince Raibod entourage, these scions of high birth had inherited esteemed positions within the royal hierarchy, passed down from their forebears.

As they convened in the opulent space, Homan, a preeminent figure among the royalists renowned for his tactical acumen in imperial circles, addressed the select few gathered within the expansive confines of the gazebo. Homan, distinguished for his eloquence and intellectual prowess, had orchestrated this rendezvous with his acquaintances.

"There's an air of unease surrounding the prince of late," Homan declared with a sense of gravity, his words hanging in the ambient air. Faramarz, a man of considerable affluence and influence owing to his father's well-regarded position, validated Homan's assertion with a demeanor that exuded seriousness, arrogance, and caution.

"Recent? I daresay, that's an understatement! Ever since our arrival at this accursed palace, the prince's behavior has undergone a disconcerting transformation. It's as if he has become an entirely different person," affirmed Faramarz, his self-assured stance reflecting the entitlement bestowed upon him by his lineage, as the firstborn of a prominent minister in the royal court.

"Where might the young prince be at this moment?" Mahon, a refined courtier positioned a few steps below the others, inquired with a touch of sophistication.

Faramarz, while savoring a sweet retrieved from a crystalline container, responded with feigned ignorance, "How should I know? In fact, I was just about to seek his whereabouts from all of you!" A wry smile played on his lips.

Abruptly, the entrance door of the royal Alachin swung open, and Kadal, the prince's closest confidant, made his entrance. "I am privy to His Highness's location. He returned to the palace a few hours ago," he announced calmly.

"Really? He's back already? I thought he was still wandering in the forest!" Faramarz exclaimed recklessly, rising from his seat.

"Choose your words wisely, Faramarz! Referring to His Highness's movements as 'wandering' is not only insolent but disrespectful," cautioned Kadal, his tone stern and serious.

"I merely spoke a semblance of truth, and you know it! Besides, the rumors circulating about His Excellency behind his back are far more damning. It goes without saying, but I did warn His Highness!" Faramarz staunchly defended his statement.

"Enough! Indecorous remarks concerning His Highness will not be tolerated. Though you are of noble lineage, Faramarz, do not overstep your bounds," interjected Homan, displaying impatience with their fruitless argument. "Do you possess accurate information on his current whereabouts, Kadal?" he redirected the conversation.

Kadal, seemingly realizing the potential exaggeration in his previous statement, responded, "His Highness has indeed returned to the castle and is presently consulting with the court physician."

"The court physician? Is my liege unwell?" Mahon expressed genuine concern.

Kadal, feigning disregard, divulged, "Apparently not. When I encountered His Majesty, His Highness seemed to be in perfect health. However, once again, his attire was disheveled, and he was drenched from head to toe."

Faramarz erupted, his frustration palpable. "See? Now you understand my concern! Venturing into the wooded expanse, taking leisurely strolls amidst wildlife with no regard for his princely stature, especially as one in the imperial succession! What's more, he returns with a haphazard appearance. Clearly, His Highness's conduct does not befit a court official."

"How dare you speak ill of His Majesty in such a manner! Show some respect, sir!" Kadal admonished him, maintaining a civilized manner. "Enough of this quarreling, both of you! This will lead us nowhere," Homan cried with annoyance.

Mahon, who had been silently observing the discourse among the nobles, proposed a more sensible approach. "What if we seek counsel from someone closer to His Majesty? Perhaps that steadfast guard officer whom His Highness has trusted since youth. What was his name?"

"You mean that insufferable prig who parades around like a know-it-all? I detest that presumptuous attitude, and for the life of me, I can't fathom what His Highness sees in him! Well, regardless, I can't recall his name either," Faramarz retorted with displeasure.

"Dara. His name is Dara, and he serves among the convoy guards. Currently, he's stationed at the tower," Homan clarified.

Amid Faramarz's silent vexation, Kadal seized the opportunity. "Let's summon him without delay!"

While the noble assembly continued their discussion, tension, and irritation permeating the air, the soft knocks of a servant on the front door resonated. "Enter!" declared Kadal, who considered himself the prominent figure among them.

The door swung open, and a cadre of servants entered, bearing trays laden with wine glasses and hookahs. The principal retainer paid due respects to the assembled nobles and made a formal announcement: "My lords, Officer Dara from the guard tower is here and requests an audience."

Homan couldn't help but smirk at the ironic timing, saying, "Quite the coincidence, wouldn't you agree?"

"I care not for coincidences! I detest mingling with those crude commoners!" rebuffed Faramarz, disinclined to entertain the notion of collaborating with someone outside their social stratum.

Homan, determined not to let the opportunity slip away, argued, "I see it as a sign! Call it fate or destiny, but I'd rather proceed with this plan than waste our time here bickering over etiquette. What say you? Let's vote! I'm in favor."

"Nay!" retorted Faramarz promptly, maintaining his stance against the proposal.

Mahon, who had initially suggested seeking Dara's counsel, averted his gaze from Faramarz and affirmed, "Aye!"

Homan turned to Kadal, seeking the deciding vote. "It's all up to you, big guy! What's the verdict?"

Kadal, crossing his arms over his chest, conceded with a hint of reluctance, "I despise that man's disposition more than anyone, but, as they say, desperate times..." He trailed off, leaving his sentence unfinished.

With that response, Homan rose from his chair and directed the head retainer, "Allow the officer entry!"

A tangible tension roamed the room as Officer Dara, with his robust stature, stood before the seated nobles, enveloped in the haze of the oversized indoor gazebo filled with the lingering scent of hookah smoke.

"Relax, officer," commanded Kadal, his authoritative tone cutting through the uneasy silence. "What matter brings you here at this hour?" Kadal, it seemed, had not intended to disclose his hand so early. However, glancing at the imposing figure before him, a subtle hint of intimidation flickered across his demeanor. Dara's colossal chest and bulging muscles, coupled with the unwavering determination visible in his gaze, gave even Kadal pause.

Dara began to speak, his resonant voice filling the room. "It concerns His Majesty, my lord. I was on my way to the tower when I learned that His Highness had returned from his usual excursions, much earlier than usual."

"Get to the point, you fool!" Faramarz impatiently interrupted, breaking the uneasy silence.

Dara paused momentarily, then continued, "As I was saying, my lords, I am troubled by His Highness's habits. It's not that I desire him to return late, but such persistent behavior, returning drenched and reeking, is both unhealthy and cause for concern."

Homan swiftly intervened, preventing Faramarz from another outburst. Without hesitation, he assumed the leadership role, attempting to establish a rapport with Officer Dara. "And what do you think is the reason, Dara?" he queried, using the officer's first name in an effort to create a more congenial atmosphere. Homan, being the son of a businessman, understood the importance of fostering friendliness to put others at ease.

Dara, however, remained elusive in his response, stating, "I'm not aware of any misdeeds His Highness might be involved in, but I implore you to allow me to investigate the matter more thoroughly."

Kadal, adopting a derisive tone, suggested, "So you wish to conduct an investigation into His Highness behind his back?"

Undeterred, Dara provided a comprehensive explanation. "Certainly not, my lord! I intend to stay by His Highness's side, like glue, so to speak. I'll make myself at his disposal throughout the day, expressing our collective concern for his well-being. Only with His Majesty's authorization will I accompany him in his pursuits."

Homan, seeking clarity, inquired, "If that's the case, what role do you see for us in this?"

"I will need your support and complete approval, naturally! For one, I can't abandon my post at the tower without authorization from higher-ups like yourselves," Dara carefully phrased, choosing his words with subtlety.

Homan, scratching his chin in contemplation, declared, "Well, we can certainly do something about that."

Faramarz, however, couldn't contain his displeasure. "What's with you, Homan? Who said I'm willing to cooperate with this brute?" he lashed out, unhinged.

"For God's sake, Faramarz! Stop talking for once in your life!" Homan's fierce scream echoed through the room. He shifted his attention to the fearless officer before him, assuming an air of superiority over the mere soldier. "Now, you! What if we grant you additional freedom? How can we be certain you won't bite the hand that feeds you? In what way can I be sure you won't betray our trust?" Homan's inquiry conveyed both skepticism and authority.

Dara, however, wasn't ready to cede full authority to these affluent individuals. "What do you mean, my lord?"

"I mean, we expect a full report after this. Do you understand?" Homan pressed on, maintaining his assertive stance.

Dara held his ground. "With all due respect, my lord, my loyalty lies with His Highness... but," he paused, seizing the chance to assert himself. He couldn’t afford to lose this opportunity to vanity: "I'll promise you this much. If I sense even a hint of unsavory exploits on the part of His Highness that might compromise his safety or stature, I'll be inclined to divulge it to you immediately, my lords. Is that acceptable?"

Kadal, sporting a smirk, commented, "Well, you certainly know how to play with words. But I comprehend your proposition overall, and it seems fair. Make sure to keep us informed of your progress."

Faramarz attempted one last objection, but Kadal promptly interrupted him with a commanding shout, "You're dismissed, soldier!" The exchange concluded, leaving Dara poised to embark on his mission under the watchful eyes of the concerned nobles.