Chapter Text
"Damn, this place is a lot bigger than I expected," Weisz stared up in awe, looking at the luxurious castle towering above him. The neatly kept stone walls stood tall, protecting those inside from the possible threat of dangerous intruders. Guards were stationed at various spots along the top, as well as the main entrance gate he was approaching.
Weisz clutched the parchment in his hand. He never thought in a million years he would ever step foot close - and yet here he was, about to enter Granbell Castle.
The armored men standing at their post in front of the gate were on guard when Weisz got closer, one of the two stepping forward.
"What business do you have here, son?"
He removed his hood and held up the paper in his hand, pointing to the writing scribbled across the page, "It says here the King is looking for someone that can track down something precious for him." He smirked, running his hand through his sleek blonde hair, "And I happen to be quite a skilled treasure hunter, you see."
The guard looked him up and down, assessing his legitimacy. He stepped back briefly to speak with the other guard. Finally, he motioned to the man positioned atop the wall by the gate to open up. He nodded and pulled a lever, which subsequently raised the large wooden door.
"You may enter, but you must surrender any weapons on your person first," he asserted. "The Royal Advisor will meet you in the foyer, please follow their lead. Do not stray from the main path under any circumstances."
"Don't have to tell me twice," Weisz scoffed, removing the quiver and bow strapped to his back. Passing them over, he meandered past the guard and into the unknown.
---
Inside the castle walls was even more pristine and elegant. Ornate metal sconces lined the walls, illuminating the grand hall - which was all but empty save for a few butlers and maids passing through. The slick marble floors were seemingly free of any and all footprints, as if polished every hour. It was almost a shame to walk on with boots as torn and crummy as Weisz's. He winced, hoping it wouldn't kill his chances at taking the request.
The reward itself was what intrigued him. He made a living off taking requests here and there across the Sakura Kingdom, but only ever made enough to get by. Certainly, such a request from King Ziggy himself ought to offer a handsome cash reward. He glowed, thinking of all the drinks that money could buy - could even purchase his favourite tavern, if he felt like it.
He stopped in his tracks when he saw a figure approaching from his peripheral.
"Good afternoon, I'm the Royal Advisor. My name is Michael," he greeted the blonde with a clear and professional demeanor. He looked down at the paper clutched in Weisz's hands, "I gather you're here regarding the request his Majesty had posted?"
Weisz threw his hands up, "You got me!"
"A humorous gentleman. His Majesty is sure to take a liking to you. Please, follow me."
Weisz followed the advisor into one of the many hallways connected to the foyer, each lined with long crimson carpets. The corridor they headed down also seemed to have many portraits and ancient tapestries decorating the walls on each side. Weisz shuddered. Everything was far too elegant for him, he felt out of place.
It seemed as if they were walking for hours - up stairwells and through various attached hallways that seemed almost like a maze. Though, it didn't surprise him considering the massive scale of Granbell Castle. Luckily Weisz was used to travelling places by foot, so it was more of a minor inconvenience than anything.
Finally, they were met with a large stained wood door, complete with embellished gold accents. A guard stood to the side, and nodded at Michael when their eyes met. He stepped forward and pushed the door open for them, revealing yet another heavily decorated room.
The ceilings were tall and completely covered in paintings, all of which were probably commissioned by various artists throughout the Sakura Kingdom. Despite the walls full of decor, the room itself was spacious and was minimally filled. Just a table and some chairs. Weisz posited that it was probably used for meetings and such. After spending so long in the confined hallways, it was a breath of fresh air.
A shadowy figure stood in front of the window on the other side of the room, and swiftly spun around upon hearing others enter. His crimson cape billowed out, in a manner that could only be described as regal. He stood tall, looking down at the two.
Michael quickly got on his knee and urged Weisz to follow suit.
"Good afternoon, your Majesty. This gentleman has come to fulfill your request, if you deem him fit for the job."
Ziggy stepped closer, smiling, "Thank you, Michael. You both may rise."
They stood, and Ziggy motioned to a pair of red velvet armchairs stationed in the center of the room. Weisz took the offer to sit - though he was hesitant to put his bottom on something that looked like it was created to be decorative rather than functional.
"So, may I ask your name, son?"
"It's Weisz," he said casually. Michael cleared his throat to remind him of the situation, and he quickly corrected his informal speech, "My name is Weisz Steiner, your Majesty. I'm an experienced treasure hunter."
"I see. It's a pleasure to meet you." He waved to the butler standing against the wall beside them, "Would you like anything to drink? Tea, coffee or the like?"
Weisz shook his head, eager to cut to the chase. "I appreciate the offer, but no thank you."
"Of course." Ziggy leaned back in his chair, crossing his leg, "Now I see you've responded to my request rather quickly m'boy. You seem eager, is that right?"
Weisz nodded firmly.
"Am I also perhaps correct in believing that you anticipate a large reward in exchange for successful completion?"
Weisz gulped. Of course that was the case, but should he say it? He certainly didn't want to come across as disingenuous though, so perhaps he should be transparent about his expectations.
"Yes, that's correct, your Majesty."
Ziggy chuckled, crossing his arms, "Fair enough. A request from the king would likely garner that response. I like your honesty, kid."
A weight lifted from Weisz's chest, and he could breath easily at that. "So may I ask what treasure it is you need me to track down for you?"
"It won't be easy, are you sure you're up to it?"
"There's never been a single thing that's escaped my grasp yet. I'm certain I can handle anything you throw at me."
"Tenacious, I see."
Weisz grinned, "I have to be in this line of work."
"Alright, then," Ziggy smiled and leaned forward, placing a photograph on the table in front of them. "What I need you to find is my son Shiki, Weisz."
"W-what?" He froze, eyes wide and mouth agape, trying to make sense of the words he'd just heard. King Ziggy's son? The Prince? He looked down at the photo of a young black-haired man with a bright smile and a scar on his left cheek.
"That's right. The kid just up and ran away," he frowned. "Days away from his own birthday too. He's always been a cheerful little devil, so I'm afraid this has come as a bit of a surprise to me."
"Shouldn't you send someone from the castle for something like this?"
"I suppose I could, but I believe it might be better to send someone that'd stand out less."
"That makes sense."
"I feel there may be more to it all though," he scratched his chin, looking off into the distance. "He actually left a note saying that he was leaving for good. I'm not certain what brought this all on, but there ought to be a reason he left. If that's the case, I reckon he won't come back with our guards so easily."
Weisz scrunched his face, "What reason could he possibly have for leaving such a privileged life like this behind? He's probably a real dumbass."
"His Majesty also felt it might be beneficial to send someone who could be considered a peer," Michael chimed in. "Which is why you seemed suitable upon first glance. You see, Lord Shiki grew up within the castle walls, without a single soul his own age to connect with."
"This is correct. His face is never without a smile, but I fear he may have grown lonely over the years."
Weisz knew loneliness all too well, but he wondered how someone like Shiki could even begin to feel the same despair if he had grown up in such luxury, surrounded by doting adults. He sighed.
"I understand. If you'll allow me the chance, I would be more than happy to locate your son for you, your Majesty."
"I will be forever indebted to you upon his safe return, Weisz. You can count on a gracious compensation."
"Thank you for bestowing me the honor," he bowed his head. He prayed to Mother that everything would go smoothly.
---
"So, Michael," Weisz opted to make conversation as the two walked side by side back through the corridors. "I take it you've known Prince Shiki a while then?"
"Yes, in fact I've had the pleasure of watching him grow into a virtuous and polite young man over the years," Michael beamed. "So the circumstances are a bit sad, but I have faith that you'll bring him back to us."
"You can count on me," Weisz smiled back at the advisor. "In the meantime, do you have any clues as to where he might have gone?"
"Usually, if he feels like travelling out of the castle for any reason he'll take a carriage - but this time it seems he left on foot," he articulated. "Most of his excursions are to go and see his aunties - a couple close friends of his Majesty. He has a particularly strong rapport with them, and often spoke of the gentle atmosphere they would provide when he needed it most."
"Is that so? Sounds like a place a runaway might take refuge. Whereabouts do they live?"
"They're witches that live in the mystical Forest of Eden, just east of the castle."
"I'm familiar," Weisz scratched his chin, picturing the route. "Hmm, about half a day by carriage I reckon. By foot that's definitely well over a day or so though - when was it that he left?"
"His Majesty spoke to Lord Shiki the evening before last," he recalled. "He was gone before the maids did their rounds the next morning, so it must have been that night."
"Gone for a day and a bit then. I wonder if he stayed overnight at an inn. It wouldn't be the smartest idea to have his face be seen about if he's looking to fly low - but then again who knows with this guy." He sighed, rubbing his temples.
The two of them reached the front of the castle before they knew it, and it felt to Weisz as if the return trip was seemingly shorter.
"Alright then, Michael. I'm off."
"Wait, Lord Weisz," Michael put a hand on his shoulder and reached into his coat pocket to pull out a polished silver chain with a violet gemstone hung in the center. "Please take this with you."
"What is it?"
"It's a precious item of Prince Shiki. Proof if necessary, that you can be trusted."
"If it's that precious," Weisz raised an eyebrow, "wouldn't it be better off staying here in a safe spot? What if something happens to it?"
"I trust that you'll keep it safe," Michael smiled.
"You're sure putting a lot of faith in someone you barely know."
"His Majesty has deemed you worthy of it, and so I shall do the same," he nodded his head in respect. "Please have a safe journey, Lord Weisz."
"Sure. Will do." He threw his hand up in a salute, "Next time we meet, I'll have returned his Majesty's precious treasure!"
He collected his things from the guard's station located at the front gate, and began his journey to reclaim the Prince.
---
The sky had gotten dark quickly, the only light source was the moon and stars speckled across the sky. The trees rustled in the wind, rust coloured leaves falling onto the path in front of Weisz. He pulled the hood over his head to keep his ears warm, and shoved his hands into his pockets.
Where most would call it a day, Weisz opted to continue his trek overnight. It had been just over a day now and he was confident that he would be able to catch up to Shiki eventually, so every minute spent traversing the land was crucial. After all, a Prince used to having everything be done for him ought to take plenty of breaks and certainly wouldn't be used to travelling such terrain.
"I wonder what he's really like though," Weisz thought, trying to keep his mind off the cold temperature. He pulled out the photo from his pocket, and looked it over once more. "Ziggy and Michael seem to hold him in high regard, but based on this stunt alone, I figure he oughta be a real piece of work. I hope to Mother he'll come along without any problems."
He kicked a small rock further down the pathway. He wondered what he would do if Shiki refused to come back with him. It's not like he could take him by force, if he were to get hurt for any reason, Weisz could kiss any reward he may receive goodbye at that point.
What if there was nothing he could do or say to convince him to return?
Weisz shook his head. "No use in worrying now. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."
He crested the small hill that the pathway weaved over, and the large expanse of forest came into view. An array of yellow, orange and red foliage spread across the entire area, signalling the changing of seasons. If he wasn't in such a hurry, Weisz reckoned the view ought to be even more picturesque come sunrise.
The tall trees were shrouded in a thick fog that Weisz desperately hoped would clear by morning. Otherwise, the woods might be troublesome to maneuver within. Certainly not ideal on the occasion that one is looking for something.
He took a deep breath, surveying the land below. It seemed like a straight shot from where he was. It was still a ways away, but if he kept up his pace he ought to be there before sunrise. The quicker he could get there the quicker he could hopefully complete his mission and receive compensation.
He rubbed his eyes, "Just a bit longer. Just push through it, Weisz. You've been through worse."
---
To his dismay, the fog of Edens Forest was even thicker than he anticipated. He could barely see a meter in front of him, so he relied only on the shapes and colours of the tree tops above him to figure out his way.
It wasn't the first time he'd travelled into these woods, but it was certainly the first time what he was looking for was located this deep within them. He recalled Michael's vague directions, "The two witches live in a small cottage in the heart of the woods. Their abode is all but invisible to most, unless you're a proven ally."
Great. How exactly was he supposed to find it then?
He looked down at the leaves and twigs under his feet, scratching the back of his head in confusion. At this point he couldn't tell exactly where he was situated, but after walking a couple hours or so from the edge of the woods he figured that he ought to have come across a small hint by now. But alas, nothing but the same earth coloured scenery.
Suddenly, something began to glow under his cloak. Pulling out the necklace Michael had given him, the purple gem at the end radiated. His eyes widened - what kind of sorcery was this?
The light from the stone seemed to have an effect on the fog, and his heart began to pound as it began to clear to form a path in front of him. Where it led was unknown, so Weisz couldn't help but follow it with extreme caution. After all, it could be a trap.
With each step forward he took, another patch of fog melted away. It felt magical, and Weisz reminisced about the times when he was young and naive where he dreamed of magic and mystical creatures. He grew to be quite skeptical about the realities of such things, but now within the depths of this forest, he wasn't quite sure.
He furrowed his brow, trying to make out the shadowy shapes beyond the fog. Each step closer brought him to the realization that he was indeed nearing a small cottage. Considering the lack of other lodgings, he concluded that it must be the exact place he was looking for.
Still, he couldn't help but be wary. He placed his hand to his side, underneath his cloak, where he kept a small blade.
"No need for hostility," a woman's voice carried through the foggy atmosphere. "If you approach with benevolence, it will be reciprocated."
"I'm to immediately trust a voice without a face? I don't think so."
"Perhaps you're right," a barefoot figure approached from the home beyond the fog. A tall, voluptuous woman with long green hair donning a traditional witches hat stood in front of Weisz. She smiled tenderly, clutching a staff taller than her in her hand. "I mean you no harm. Please stand down."
Weisz nodded at the woman and lifted his hand off his weapon.
"If I may ask, are you one of the sorceresses associated with King Ziggy and Prince Shiki?"
"I am. Please call me Witch," she bowed her head. "I was expecting your presence here, sir Weisz."
"You what? How do you-"
She turned to walk towards the front door of the cottage that was now in view, crystal clear and free of fog. Her neat hair tied into a braid flowed behind her as she moved.
"Come, we can talk more inside."
Curiously, he trailed behind and entered the quaint home of the mysterious woman - hoping to find some answers within its walls.