Zephyr stood in silent awe, his eyes fixated on Prince Eldryn Donovan, whose regal elegance seemed to surpass even that of Seseri's current prince. 

         Oh he’s… Tall. Really, REALLY tall..

         A brief exchange of glances with Kagami revealed his brother already advancing to assume control of the conversation.

         Zephyr let out a low, almost involuntary, "Hey," his voice laced with admiration for the prince's captivating aura.

         Prince Eldryn, with a soft and understanding smile, directed his attention to Zephyr, "Hello there. Are you the one named Zephyr?"

         The calmness in his voice echoed a noble grace. Zephyr responded with a meek nod, a nervous grin creeping onto his face, "Yeah, yep, I am!"

         As Kagami joined them, he turned to Zephyr, who wore an expression teetering on the edge of nervousness.

         Kagami then bowed slightly, delivering a greeting with a firm, deep voice, "Hello, Prince."

         Eldryn, slightly taken aback by Kagami's display of respect, waved his hand dismissively, "Haha! No, no, there's no reason for you to bow, Kagami. I am grateful to know the Joadia brothers are escorting me to Eldoria. I couldn't ask for anyone better."

         A sense of gratitude and surprise washed over Kagami. He looked up, releasing his body from the held bow, "Thank you, prince. Shall we wait for you by the door?"

         Eldryn shook his head, "I've already prepared our departure," surprising both brothers.

         “But, what's up with all the fancy people? I thought you guys were having a feast or something?" Zephyr curiously inquired.

         Eldryn chuckled, "No, you've got it all wrong. It's my sister's birthday. Unfortunately, I am to leave today, but it is for the betterment of our kingdom."

         Zephyr's face fell, "Oh... Well, we can get going then?"

         Eldryn nodded, taking a step forward, "Yes, we can go now. Would you like to take the lead out?"

         "Of course, prince." Kagami promptly responded.

Turning around, Kagami led the way across the grand hall with Eldryn to his right and Zephyr to his left.

         The vast space echoed with the soft hum of conversation and the rhythmic steps of the trio.

         As they approached the towering doors, Kagami felt a nervous tension creeping up his spine.

         Walking beside the prince of the Donovan kingdom, any problem caused could prove disastrous.

         Yet, to Kagami's relief, the prince appeared lighthearted and kind, alleviating some of the mounting pressure.

         The grandeur of the moment lingered in the air as the trio ventured toward the ends of the door.

         Zephyr, eager to assist, hastened to open the castle doors for Prince Eldryn, a silent nod of gratitude exchanged between them.

         Meanwhile, Kagami, walking alongside the Donovan prince, ventured into a question with measured caution.

         "Prince, if I may ask, what is your purpose in Eldoria?"          

         Kagami’s eyes searched Eldryn's face for any hint of the purpose that lay beneath.

         Eldryn, after a contemplative pause, met Kagami's gaze. "To run some errands, and perhaps initiate a treaty," he responded honestly, revealing a glimpse of the diplomatic duties that accompanied his princely role.

         Kagami nodded in understanding, his gaze forward as they approached the awaiting wooden carriage.

         Casting a glance behind, he noticed his brother speeding up to join them, Zephyr grabbing Kagami's shoulder and pulling him back for a brief whisper.

         "You're nervous too, right?" Zephyr questioned, Kagami offered a quiet nod. "Yes. Very," He admitted with a calm demeanor.

         As Kagami ascended into the carriage behind Eldryn, Zephyr followed suit, flicking the curtains away and finding his seat occupied by the prince.

         Grumbling, Zephyr lowered himself onto the flat wooden floor, adopting a casual posture with one leg up and his arm resting on it.

         Breaking the silence, Kagami addressed the prince, "My apologies if this carriage is not to your expectations."

         Eldryn shook his head in response, crossing his arms. 

         "No, no. I am aware that people live differently, whether by choice or circumstance.”

         “I just have to deal with it; this isn't my first time in a carriage such as this, too," he reassured, acknowledging the diverse ways of life in various realms.”

         The atmosphere in the carriage shifted, the trio settling into the confines of the wooden structure.

         The rhythmic sounds of hooves hitting the dirt road outside accompanied the gentle creaks of the carriage, setting the backdrop for the journey that lay ahead.

         The wooden carriage rumbled steadily along the winding dirt road, surrounded by a sea of greenery.

         The rhythmic clopping of hooves against the earth and the faint jingling of harnesses blended harmoniously with the chirping of birds overhead.

         Inside, the atmosphere was a mixture of anticipation and curiosity, the Seseri knights, Prince Eldryn, and even the horses sharing the confined space.

         Zephyr, perched on the flat wooden floor, gazed out of the small, curtained window, his eyes darting from one passing tree to another. He couldn't help but marvel at the unfamiliar landscape unfolding before him.

         The vibrant hues of the foliage painted a picturesque scene, a stark contrast to the training grounds and castle walls of Seseri.

         Kagami, seated across from Zephyr, observed the passing scenery with a more stoic demeanor.

         His mind, however, was occupied with the weight of their mission. The carriage continued its journey, wheels creaking in cadence, echoing the complex dance of diplomacy that laid ahead.

         As the sun gradually descended in the sky, casting warm

hues across the landscape, Kagami sensed a shift in the air.          

         The carriage slowed, and through the gaps in the curtains, he could see the outlines of thatched roofs in the distance.

         "We're approaching a village," Kagami remarked, his voice cutting through the quiet murmur of the carriage.          

         Zephyr perked up, his curiosity piqued.

         The carriage came to a gentle halt, and Kagami was the first to rise. Stepping out onto the dusty road, he stretched his limbs, the stiffness of the journey dissipating with each deliberate movement.

         Zephyr followed suit, hopping off the carriage with youthful exuberance. Together, they created a contrasting duo – Kagami, composed and vigilant, and Zephyr, vibrant and eager.

         Behind them, Prince Eldryn gracefully exited the carriage, a regal figure against the backdrop of the rustic village.

         The villagers, recognizing the Seseri crest on their attire, began to gather cautiously, eyes filled with curiosity.

         Kagami, with a nod to Prince Eldryn, gestured toward the village. "Shall we take a moment to rest and replenish supplies?" He proposed.

         The inn was quaint with a wooden sign swinging in the breeze, indicating a place to satisfy their hunger and tend to the needs of both the knights and the horses.

         The innkeeper, a friendly-faced woman with graying hair, welcomed them warmly.

         "Good evening, travelers! How may I assist you?" She spoke, her eyes shifting between the knights and the distinguished guest they escorted.

         Kagami took the lead in the interaction, “We need a place to lay our heads for tonight, and some rations for our trip ahead.”

         The innkeeper, gracious and accommodating, responded with a nod, “Of course. That’s why I’m here, young man.”

         The prince, acknowledging the villagers' gaze, maintained a dignified composure.

         Kagami felt thankful to the elderly woman, bowing a tad before rising up.

         The knights and the prince found themselves seated in a cozy corner of the inn, a spread of simple yet hearty fare before them.

         The aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and local herbs permeated the air.

         Prince Eldryn engaged in polite conversation with the innkeeper, learning about the village's customs and the richness of its history.

         Kagami and Zephyr, meanwhile, savored the rustic flavors of the region, their focus on replenishing their energy for the journey ahead.

         After the hearty meal and the exchange of pleasantries with the villagers, Kagami, Zephyr, and Prince Eldryn made their way to the inn's modest but welcoming accommodations.

         The innkeeper led them to a room adorned with simple furnishings – two beds, a small table, and a dimly lit lantern casting a warm glow.

         The atmosphere in the room was a blend of anticipation and weariness. The mission had brought them to this interesting village, and the room was now a temporary haven for the Seseri knights and their princely charge.

         The innkeeper, with a courteous bow, left them to their privacy.

         Kagami, as the older knight, took a moment to assess the room.

         Two beds, though modest, would suffice for their short repose. There’s only two.. Only me or Zephyr can sleep tonight.

         Zephyr, sensing Kagami's contemplation, broke the silence. "How about we take turns napping?" He suggested, his youthful energy undeterred by the day's travels.

         Kagami nodded in agreement, acknowledging the practicality of the proposal.

         "Alright, you can sleep first," Kagami decided, gesturing to one of the beds. Zephyr's eyes lit up with gratitude. 

         Though, he had sensed the fatigue lingering on Kagami, a result of the night's restless endeavors.

         Worry etched across his features, Zephyr turned to Kagami. "Are you sure you'll be okay, brother?" He concerned, a touch of care in his voice.

         Kagami, appreciating the sentiment, reassured him, "Yes. Don't worry about me, brother. A short rest will suffice."

         With that, Zephyr eagerly settled onto the bed, his armored attire providing a stark contrast to the simplicity of the room.

         Kagami, mindful of the responsibilities resting on his shoulders, took a seat near the window, a silent guardian in the dim light.

         The soft sounds of the village night seeped through the window – a distant melody of laughter, the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.

         Prince Eldryn, laying on a bed himself, engaged in quiet reflection. The room held a tranquility that belied their duty.

         As Zephyr succumbed to the embrace of sleep, Kagami found solace in the silent vigil he maintained.

         The room, though unassuming, became a haven for a brief respite. The night would be short, and their journey would resume with the first light of dawn.

         In the quietude of the room, Kagami's thoughts drifted between the responsibilities that bound them and the uncertainty of the diplomatic horizon.

         As the night waned, Zephyr's watch duty commenced, a mantle of responsibility draped over his shoulders.

         The room, now illuminated by the soft glow of the lantern, held a tranquil ambiance.

         The village outside embraced a hushed symphony – nocturnal whispers of the wind, the rhythmic cadence of footsteps on cobbled pathways.

         Zephyr, despite his best intentions, succumbed to the lull of the night.

         The wooden chair, a silent sentinel by the window, became an unwitting accomplice to his unintended slumber.          

         His armor, a testament to the weariness borne by a day of adventures, glittered in the lantern's gentle radiance.

—

         The morning unfurled its gentle light upon the village, heralding the advent of a new day. Zephyr, ensnared in the tendrils of slumber, felt a nudge–a precursor to the abrupt awakening delivered by a sharp pang on his cheek. 

         Disoriented, he awoke to find Kagami looming over him, eyes ablaze with disapproval.

         Droplets of drool clung to the corner of Zephyr's lips as he gazed up from the chair, his eyes meeting Kagami's stern glare.

         Panicking, Zephyr raised his hands in defense, attempting to conjure an excuse.

         "Hold on, wait, I didn't know I even fell asleep–" His words were abruptly cut short as Kagami seized him, yanking him upright.

         Kagami, his expression etched with a blend of irritation and concern, held Zephyr in a firm grip.

         The younger brother, squirming under Kagami's scrutiny, averted his eyes, a sheepish grumble escaping his lips.

         "You need to start taking this seriously, Zephyr. We have a prince with us, and you're sleeping on watch!" Kagami's words resonated with silent admonishment, punctuated by the presence of the slumbering Prince Eldryn.

         Sighing, Zephyr met Kagami's gaze, a tacit acknowledgment of his lapse in vigilance.

         "Alright, fine," He conceded, aware of the gravity of their responsibility. Kagami, releasing his hold on Zephyr, circled his left wrist around, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

         "We have to leave as soon as the prince awakens, so get ready," Kagami instructed.

         A few moments later, Prince Eldryn flicked awake, his gaze shifting to find the two knights engrossed in their respective tasks.

         As he rose, Kagami and Zephyr promptly greeted him. "Shall we get going?" Eldryn inquired, prompting Kagami to nod and open the door for their departure.

         Descending the stairs of the inn, Kagami caught sight of the innkeeper and offered a grateful farewell. The warmth of the inn's hospitality lingered in his memory.

         Stepping outside, the trio found themselves the center of attention, as the townspeople, attuned to the departure of notable guests, gathered to witness their exit.

         The prince, seasoned in such encounters, graciously expressed his gratitude to the villagers, promising a future return. “Yes, thank you everyone.”

         Kagami, maintaining a stoic composure, navigated the sea of well-wishers, acknowledging their presence with a nod. 

         Meanwhile, Zephyr, being the extrovert, animatedly swung his hand, offering heartfelt goodbyes to the children and even the animals that had become accustomed to the knights' brief sojourn in the village. “Goodbye everyone! Seeya, have a good day!”

         As they exited the village, Kagami sensed an unusual presence, a heightened awareness that tingled across his skin like a feline intuition, leaving him on edge.

         The feeling whispered of watchful eyes upon them, yet he dismissed it, focusing on guiding Prince Eldryn toward the waiting carriage.

         It felt as if the very air around him tightened, an unspoken warning pulsating through his senses.

         Ignoring the instinct to look over his shoulder, Kagami quickened his pace, ushering the prince toward the safety of the carriage.

         However, a sudden crunch of breaking branches shattered the tranquility, causing Kagami's head to snap toward the source.

         His instincts kicked in as a rapid attack hurtled toward Zephyr.

         In a split second, Kagami's hand shot out, pushing Zephyr away, and simultaneously, he drew his longsword with fluidity.

         The clash of steel erupted as Kagami intercepted the assailant's weapon, sending sparks dancing into the air.

         In the momentary pause between the strike, Kagami surveyed the mysterious foe.

         A man in all black, the stranger wielded a dagger or perhaps a tanto, the glint of metal reflecting the tension in his narrowed eyes.

         "Who are you?"