Erythro: The Prophecy Unveiled

In Perstone City,

Amidst the bustling streets and constant movement, Madeline found herself lost in thought, crying loudly. Suddenly, she heard her name being called out. Startled, she looked up in search of the voice's source. She noticed several passersby stopping and glancing behind her, adding to her confusion. The voice seemed familiar, though she couldn't quite place it. With her eyes filled with tears, her vision was blurry, making it difficult to see clearly. She felt a presence nearby, and the sound of approaching footsteps echoed in her ears, growing louder with each step.

"Betty?" Madeline asked hesitantly, her voice tinged with hope. She wondered if it could be Betty, perhaps having found her in the crowd. A wishful thought crossed her mind that Betty might have already retrieved the missing money. Her heart pounded as she waited for a response, yearning for some reassurance in this moment of uncertainty.

She felt someone gently tap her head, accompanied by a soft voice asking, "What happened? Why are you crying?" Wiping her tears with her hands, her vision slowly cleared, and she saw the prince crouching down, his eyes filled with concern and questions. "Seb," she whispered, her voice hoarse from crying. "What are you doing here?"

"I should be the one asking you that," Sebastian retorted with a chuckle. He stood up, dusting off his pants before extending his hand to her. Madeline accepted his hand, and he helped her to her feet. As she stood, she felt a sense of relief and comfort in his presence, the weight of her worries lifting just a little.

"What are you doing here in Perstone?" the prince asked again, his voice filled with curiosity. Madeline blinked, unfamiliar with the name. "Perstone?" she echoed; confusion evident in her tone. "Yes, the Helios Ceremony, remember?" Prince Sebastian reminded her. "Oh?" Madeline exclaimed in surprise, the realization dawning on her. She looked around, her previous sadness quickly replaced by excitement as she took in her surroundings.

Prince Sebastian observed the transformation in the girl before him. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were still swollen from crying, but they now sparkled with curiosity and wonder. A small smile tugged at her lips as she gazed around. Sebastian couldn't help but laugh at the sight. Startled, Madeline looked up at him, puzzled by his amusement. "Your mood shifts so easily," the prince commented, his laughter infectious.

Madeline offered a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. Her sullen mood quickly returned as she cast her gaze downwards, staring sadly at the ground. Sebastian noticed the shift in her demeanor and asked with concern, "What happened? Did you escape from the castle?" Madeline shook her head gently and replied in a soft voice, "I was tasked to go to the market with Betty." "The market?" Sebastian echoed, his brow furrowing. "Isn't it located in Ardiell town? It's not far from here." Madeline nodded but looked even more vulnerable as she admitted, "I don't know how to get back."

Sebastian smiled upon hearing her confession and gently poked her cheek with his finger. "Alright," he said warmly, "let me accompany you to the market. But since we're already here, why don't we take a tour of the festival?" His excitement was evident, and he hoped to lift Madeline's spirits with the prospect of exploring the festivities together. "I know a place where they sell the most delicious treats. You'd love them! And there are so many activities too—music, games, and even a puppet show. It's the perfect way to spend the day." His enthusiastic narration about the festivities seemed to capture her attention, and he hoped it would help bring back the sparkle to her eyes.

But Madeline simply looked at him, unmoving. Seeing her hesitation, Sebastian gently took her small hand and started walking toward one of the stalls selling confectioneries. However, Madeline pulled her hand back and said, "But I need to get the money back."

"What?" Sebastian asked, confused.

"The money was stolen from us," Madeline explained, her voice trembling. "A boy bumped into me, and he was a thief. I will be punished," she added, reiterating the earlier incident with a worried expression.

Sebastian stared at Madeline for a moment, his previous smile fading. "A boy?" he asked, his tone serious. Madeline felt a pang of fear, thinking that the prince might be angry due to her carelessness.

"Can you describe him?" Sebastian continued; his voice steady but concerned.

Madeline took a deep breath and began to describe the boy to the prince. "He was about my age, with messy brown hair and a tattered coat. His eyes were sharp, and he moved quickly, almost like he knew exactly what he was doing. He bumped into me so fast, I barely had time to react." She paused, her voice trembling slightly. "I think he had a scar above his left eyebrow. I didn't see much more before he disappeared into the crowd."

"Your Highness, I've been looking for you everywhere," panted the prince's attendant, running up to them. He was breathless and clearly had been searching frantically.

"Oh, Larry," the prince responded nonchalantly. "Perfect timing. I have a task for you," he added with a smile. Larry, still catching his breath, looked confusedly at Madeline, noting her attire and thinking, 'She must be a castle servant.' He turned his attention back to the prince and asked, "What is it, Your Highness?"

The prince's smile faded instantly, replaced by a serious expression. In a commanding voice, he said, "Find the thief who stole from the palace." Larry's eyes widened in surprise at the prince's sudden display of authority. "Relay this to the other guards as well," the prince instructed firmly. This unexpected sternness left Larry momentarily stunned, as he was used to the prince's gentle demeanor. "Madeline, describe the thief to them," Sebastian said, turning to her with an encouraging nod. "Yes, your highness," Larry exclaimed with a nod.

The festive atmosphere of Perstone City was suddenly charged with a sense of urgency as word spread among the guards. They fanned out across the bustling streets, their eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of the thief. The lively music and laughter of the festival seemed almost incongruous against the serious expressions of the guards as they methodically searched each stall and alleyway.

Vendors and festivalgoers alike noticed the unusual activity, whispers of curiosity and concern spreading quickly. The guards moved swiftly, questioning anyone who might have seen a boy matching Madeline's description. The festival's colorful banners and vibrant decorations provided a stark contrast to the determined looks on the guards' faces as they combed through the city.

One of the stall vendors overheard a guard questioning a customer and chimed in, "I know that boy. I know where he lives." This vendor was the same man Thomas had encountered earlier. With the vendor's assistance, the guards followed the lead, making their way through the winding streets of Perstone City. The vendor led them to the entrance of a narrow alley where he had last seen Thomas.

At the alley's entrance, one of the guards spotted a boy matching the description: messy brown hair, a tattered coat, and a noticeable scar above his left eyebrow. The boy, sensing the scrutiny, attempted to slip away, but the guard was quicker. "Stop right there!" the guard shouted. In moments, other guards converged on the spot, surrounding Thomas. With no route of escape, Thomas stood frozen, his eyes wide with fear as the guards closed in on him, the vibrant festival continuing around them, unaware of the unfolding drama.

Larry, the prince's personal guard and attendant, was a middle-aged man of considerable brawn. His long, pitch-black hair was always neatly tied back in a ponytail. His hawkish eyes, brimming with determination and skepticism, missed nothing. His uniform was impeccably polished, and his shoes shone with the same meticulous care. Larry carried himself with a disciplined air, his appearance always reflecting the highest standards of order and precision.

In the presence of the prince, Larry exuded a gentle and protective aura, always ensuring the young royal felt safe and at ease. However, this gentleness was reserved solely for the prince. To others, Larry's demeanor shifted to one of strictness and condescension, leaving no room for disobedience or folly. His dual nature was a testament to his complex character, honed by years of experience and duty.

Larry's intellect was his most formidable asset. A former regent, his sharp mind had once guided the affairs of their empire. However, circumstances from his past led him to serve under the royals instead. Once a slave in Sunaria, Larry had been purchased as a mere servant. It was the prince's uncle, the head of the Carthage military, who recognized Larry's exceptional intelligence and elevated him to the esteemed position of regent and afterwards, became the prince attendant.

Larry stood at a corner in Perstone City, engaged in a quiet conversation with other guards. His hands were clasped behind his back, and his hawkish eyes scanned the surroundings with keen vigilance. Tasked by the prince with overseeing the capture of the thief, Larry took his responsibility seriously, ensuring that every detail was observed. His presence was commanding, and he exuded an air of authority as he monitored the ongoing search.

After some time, a guard hurried towards him, breathless and anxious. Leaning in, the guard whispered, "Sir, the boy has been found." Larry's eyebrow arched in surprise at the swift success. "That was fast," he remarked approvingly. "Very good. Bring him to the city jail. I will inform His Highness. Do not take any further action until I return," he instructed with a serious tone. His command was clear, leaving no room for deviation.