Carter: Quite not (he gestures with his palms midair). It's just strange how you restrain yourself from certain things, from what I've observed.
Cendric: Have you been watching me?
[There are more than five hundred score students in this dormitory estate, so why…?]
Carter: That is not the matter. Just tell us—if you're a Wendi, (shrugs) say the truth. You might even go unpunished if you report yourself to the authorities.
Some students: True!
Cendric: (Trying to keep cool) What can I do to prove that I am male…?
Carter: Remove your clothing. That won't be wrong if you are like us. Right, fellas?
Some students: Yë!!
A quiet moment follows.
Cendric: Fine. I will.
After untying his belt fabric, layer by layer, Cendric removes his top clothing. Pulling off the final layer, he does so slowly.
Ssk — the cloth falls to the floor.
Some are surprised at what they see… a flat chest.
Cendric: [It was wise of me to use the Illusion Cast before even coming here.]
Are you satisfied now? Or do you want to feel it too?
Carter: (Stunned) Wha—
The Head Senior of the West Dormitory, West Senior Tay'gun, approaches.
West Senior Tay'gun: Now that thou hast discovered thou wrongfully accused someone, what shalt thou say?
Carter: (Salutes to Cendric) I was wrong to doubt you. Please accept my utmost apology.
Cendric: (Silent, then grinning) I forgive you, my fellow. (Salutes back).
West Senior Tay'gun: Carter, you need to watch your nosy behaviour. That will affect your path to knighthood.
Carter: (Nods).
West Senior Tay'gun: (Glancing around) Now that this is handled, you may all return to your activities and stop being nosy.
Students: YË!!
Cendric mumbles a respectful "Thank you" to Tay'gun, who replies with a smile.
Just as Cendric is about to put his clothing back on, he is suddenly swept up and carried away by some students.
Cendric: Ah! Where are you taking me?
The playful students ignore his protests and toss him into the pond.
Cendric: You all—! (Trying to hold back).
Student 1: (Patting a brush against his palm) It is a disgrace to charming-hood for a charming fellow to be unclean.
Cendric: Huh…?
Student 2: Start bathing him!
Cendric: Ehn?!
Some students move as if to pounce.
Cendric: Wait!
The playful students halt.
Cendric: I can handle myself.
Cendric crawls to the bank, pauses, and—before anyone can say Jack Robinson—takes to his heels. The students chase him all over the grounds, causing quite a racket.
The noise rises again.
Watchman 1: It was nice while it lasted.
Watchmen: (Sigh).
---
Elsewhere…
Emperor Alf enters his private chamber and is caught unawares by the Queen Mother, who stands by his table.
Queen Mother: You have been out for a long time.
Elflord: Sama—
He discreetly hides his bloodstained left hand behind his waist as his glove slips into place. The scent of blood fades from his body.
Elflord: (Bows his neck) May I ask why you have come to honour me with thy presence?
The Queen Mother elegantly sets down the calligraphy feather.
Queen Mother: To put you to bed. What else?
Elflord: Ah. (Walking towards his desk) You needn't worry—
Queen Mother: You have not slept well since your return from the Secret Paths and Passages.
She sits on his bed, at the centre, her legs drawn beneath the blanket.
Queen Mother: (Motherly) Come, lie down and listen.
Giving in, he lies beside her, resting his head on her lap.
Queen Mother: Ah, where is my little son? (To her maids) Go seek my Ernest…!
Ernest: (Entering instantly) I am here, Mother!
Queen Mother: (Giggles) Now that was quick.
Elflord: I thought you would not come out of your hiding.
Ernest: I—
Queen Mother: Come.
Ernest approaches his mother from the opposite side of the bed.
Queen Mother: (Patting her side) Lie beside me.
Ernest: [Should I? Since Elder Brother came back, he hasn't been so chatty as before.]
No need, Dearest Mother. I do not wish to—
He is suddenly pulled down by the Queen Mother. Finding himself close to his elder brother, Ernest nearly panics—until Alf looks at him gently and, placing a palm upon Ernest's head, caresses his hair.
Queen Mother: Let me tell you both a tale.
---
About an hour and twenty-three minutes later.
In the Queen Mother's chamber.
Queen Mother: (Removing her bracelets) Has my son, the Elflord, said anything more about their journey?
Court Lady In: No, Your Majesty. According to what I gathered from the Imperial Court, nothing further has been said regarding the matter.
Queen Mother: My son and my nephew are hiding something. (Glancing out the window) The rain has stopped. He must be calm now.
Indeed, Alf lies fast asleep—peaceful as a sleeping beauty.
---
At dawn.
Knight Castle.
On the fields, training is underway.
The juniors are instructed to lift heavy timber—either single logs or sets of four bound together and carried by pairs. Many fail. Those who fall are made to crawl through the mud.
Unexpectedly…
---