The Crown Prince In Hiding

Back at the woodland cottage—or as Zeedee proudly called it, “the love nest” (though no one cared what it was actually called)…

“Wow… it’s only been two weeks.”

The place was covered in fallen leaves and grass, giving it the look of an abandoned tool shed rather than a place for living. Zeedee crouched down and sniffed the ground; the damp scent told her it had rained recently.

At least the place had been locked. That kept the inside relatively clean—just dust. So the two of them spent the evening cleaning up and putting things back in order before calling it a day.

(Voice of The Raven)

“I’m certain she’s still lurking nearby… Casca’s purpose for being here is clear.”

That voice echoed in Fury’s mind again as he awoke on the floor, with Zeedee sleeping beside him and the soft orange sunlight streaming in.

It was Sunday. One day before classes resumed.

Tomorrow would mark the return to responsibility, and his duties as a scholarship student under Professor Foden.

Dan slipped the blanket off himself and gently placed it over Zeedee. With a soft push to roll her aside, he got up and started his morning work.

Opening the door, Dan stepped into the light, picked up the bamboo ladder, and began climbing onto the roof to sweep away the leaves.

And then, as he swept, a memory replayed in his mind…

“Diablo don’t dream?”

You mean life goals?

“No, I mean dreams—like when you’re asleep.”

Then no, I still don’t get what you’re talking about, Casca.

“Dreams are like… another world you go to when you sleep. They feel real.”

All I see when I sleep is darkness.

“That’s because your brains aren’t wired to dream.”

And what use would that have for us?

“Humans invent because they dream.”

Really?

“Absolutely. The more obsessed you are with something, the more it’ll show up in your dreams. Dreams are a mirror—they show what a person truly desires.”

Fury never believed in that—until he became human.

The first thing he dreamed of… was Casca.

He paused, sweeping complete, the roof now clean.

“Maybe I should reinforce the roof…”

Rustle.

Suddenly, footsteps approached from the forest, walking confidently—no attempt to conceal them. Moments later, the figure appeared: Nora.

Dressed casually in black, black sweats.

Dan squinted down at her from the roof.

“Hey.”

“Hello, Mr. Fury.”

“How’s freedom taste?”

“…A bit different.”

“No more submitting daily reports over dinner—I’d say that’s more than just ‘a bit.’ And next time I’m in Snowhaven at night, I’ll feed myself. No need to extend the royal invite.”

“Come on… it wasn’t that bad.”

“I don’t want to be part of the family drama anymore. I’m done.”

Dan climbed down, leaning the broom against the wall.

“So, what brings you here?”

“Can’t I just come?”

“There’s gotta be a reason. Why walk all this way otherwise?”

“Just wanted to.”

“Wait, what?”

“Kidding, Mr. Fury. I’m escaping the chaos of the dorms.”

“Ah…”

Iskaryx.

People were still buzzing about Nora. She had become a full-on celebrity.

“You don’t think you’re bringing that chaos here too?”

“This place is quiet. Out of the public eye.”

Nora sat on the log pile out front, clasping her hands over her knees.

“Besides, it’s not like I couldn’t leave if I wanted.”

“True…”

Sometimes Dan forgot who she really was.

“You tell the dorm guards you were coming?”

“If I had, I wouldn’t be here, Mr. Fury.”

“Figures.”

“What’re you up to today?”

“Getting a fridge from the city. Also prepping for Professor Foden’s classes.”

A fridge.

One of the food-preservation appliances from Mathema—Nora had paid for it that day. It ran on a two-inch mana crystal, good for about a month before it needed replacing.

“Can you carry it alone, Mr. Fury? Want help?”

“Oh no, wouldn’t dream of bothering Her Royal Highness.”

“It’s not illegal, Mr. Fury.”

“Don’t you have other things to do?”

“Well, if I go with you, then I do have something to do.”

“I’m picking up a fridge, not trying to dodge a media circus.”

“That just means you’ve never seen my disguise in action, Mr. Fury.”

Nora smiled.

City.

Nora had tied up her long white hair and tucked it under a black cap. Believe it or not, that alone was enough—people barely noticed her.

It was the image people had grown used to: long white hair, black dress, royal presence. Strip that away, and she was just a girl in a hat.

“Mr. Fury, have you explored all of Artheris yet?”

“…Professor McClaff’s workload is already crushing. I don’t have time to ‘explore.’”

As they walked, they passed a theater—and a long line of people gathered outside.

It caught Fury’s eye. He stopped and stared.

“What’s that?”

“Looks like a popular play’s in town, Mr. Fury.”

“What’s a play?”

“Like reading a book—but the events are acted out in real life on a stage.”

“There’s stuff like that?”

“Wanna check it out, Mr. Fury?”

“Curious, but the crowd’s massive. Probably a waste of time.”

Grab.

“You do wanna see it.”

“Uhh… not really.”

“Mr. Fury, don’t be shy.”

“I’m fine, really.”

“Nope. If you want to, I can make it happen.”

And just like that, Nora dragged him along.

Moments later, thanks to a few subtle royal privileges, Dan found himself seated—slack-jawed—in the Super VIP balcony at the very top of the theater.

Full dining spread. Cushioned seating. Prime view of the stage. Total privacy.

All arranged by Nora.

Normally, she couldn’t care less about plays or entertainment. Anyone could guess that just from her personality.

But if Mr. Fury wanted something—and if there was a chance to repay a kindness—Nora would go all in.

“…Nora, I feel kinda guilty letting a kid treat me like this.”

“You’re overthinking it, Mr. Fury.”

Suddenly, the lights dimmed. Chatter faded.

And then—

BAMMMMM!!!

A full orchestra roared to life.

Startled, Fury’s body jerked upright and he yelled—

“WHOA?!?! WHAT THE—?! WHAT IS THAT SOUND?!?!”

He thought the theater had exploded.

Then he realized… it was music.

Dan wiped his sweat and exhaled.

When he turned…

He saw Nora with her hands over her mouth—trying not to laugh.