Sans shuddered as the room blurred and dissolved back to reality. At the entrance stood Prince Marlow, whose head swiveled side to side like a ferret seeking food.

“Where is breaking? Who? What? When?”

Chenbo stood nearby, holding his helmet between his hands. His face was fraught with worry.

“Thank goodness.”

Chenbo whispered to Sans with a sigh of relief.

“What’s wrong?”

Sans asked back in confusion.

“You’ve been standing there looking quite lost for a couple minutes now. Are you okay?”

Chenbo stepped closer, giving Sans a proper inspection. Despite the fact that Chenbo was at least a head taller than Sans, his humble demeanor prevented him from appearing imposing. Sans chuckled with a small smile.

“I’ve never been better. What brings you here? How may I help you, Prince Marlow?”

Understanding that Chenbo was only following the prince around, Sans directed his question to Prince Marlow.

“Oh, good of you to finally respond! No matter! It’s time to drink the kingdom under-“

Chenbo let out a fake cough.

“I mean—forget that. I’m here to cordially invite you to a certain party! Hehe, yes! A party! One that will last until my father returns, a string of magnificent days and legendary nights. Each waking hour filled with daring feats and untold glory!”

Prince Marlow giggled and cackled to himself as he stamped his walking stick on the ground. Sans gave Chenbo a strange glance, hoping for an explanation. Fortunately, his friend easily understood.

“The prince uh… has a penchant for drinking. He secretly bought out the largest tavern in the city for the next few days. The entire personal guard will be there, along with quite a few notable figures—many of which are his friends. And of course, I will also be there.”

“Ah…”

Sans reached behind his head, placing his hand across his stiff neck. With a slow motion, he gently rolled his head in a circle, relieving the built-up tension.

“I really should stay-“

“Come! Everything is in your honor after all!”

Prince Marlow hastily and eagerly interjected.

“You wouldn’t believe the struggles my father and that old bag have gone through. The mental anguish! …That my father had to bear, knowing that his son was to be forever blind! You’re a savior! You must come.”

As the prince spoke, he theatrically waved his arms through the air as if he were chanting a gospel of sorts.

“Ehh… fine…”

Sans reluctantly acquiesced, if for any reason but to stop the prince from further embarrassing himself.

“Perfect! We shall see you there. Ask any of the guardsmen to escort you when ready. I’ll have Bobo stationed at the entrance to greet you upon arrival. Heh.. a joyous time of revelry indeed! Bobo! We retreat.”

The two exited the room while Sans sent them off by the doorway.

“A disaster has been avoided. If my father found out I spent such a sizable sum… and the guest of honor wasn’t even there… I dread to think of it.”

The prince shared his sentiments to Chenbo, who merely shook his head in disappointment. It seemed that not voicing his opinions was for the best.

Sans stretched his arms overhead in exhaustion. Since stepping foot into the palace, an immense pressure to perform ceaselessly smothered his body and mind. Whether in the craft of alchemy, or now in the art of illusion mastery, there was always something seemingly imperative for him to do.

The young man watched Prince Marlow saunter away with his walking stick. For some reason, the palace seemed chilly—if not lonely. A certain craving wrestled itself into his heart; that of the relaxing and warm embrace of water.

“Wait Prince Marlow, before you go.”

The prince turned his head to either side as if he were searching for Sans.

“Yes? What is it?”

“As I have been working day and night on your cure, I am exhausted and reek of herbs and minerals. Is there a bath I could use for myself?”

“Oh! A bath, is it? Freshening up before the party yes? Heh, I can read you like a book. Let me think…”

Prince Marlow pondered, tapping his chin rhythmically as his mouth twisted from side to side. Suddenly, his complexion brightened.

“Ah-hah! There’s a wonderful bathhouse just down the hall. It’s been vacant all these years—honestly, I don’t know why we still maintain it. Those formations aren’t cheap, a waste of resources if you ask me.”

Chenbo stepped forward with a light cough.

“Prince Marlow, if it’s the one with golden flowers, the king has said that room is off-limits for use.”

“Nonsense! The king isn’t even here! What good is having a lavish bathing area if no one is to use it? Ignore my father’s rubbish. I’m the prince, and I declare that you can use the room freely! If anyone has a problem with it, send them to me directly.”

Prince Marlow’s chin lifted as he assumed an arrogant tone. It was a motion that came as natural as breathing to him, likely one engrained into his life since childhood. If not for his ironic case of blindness, he would appear as if he were looking down on the world.

Chenbo let out a sigh before turning to Sans.

“The room is down the hall; it has golden flowers decorated on the door. Considering that you’re the only one who can cure Prince Marlow, I’m sure the king won’t mind if you use it. In the year that I’ve been here, I have never heard of someone entering that room besides for its monthly upkeep, which is handled by the king and the royal advisor. That should give you some peace of mind.”

Prince Marlow tapped his walking stick impatiently as Chenbo explained to Sans.

“If that’ll be all? Bobo, let us be off! I heard Madam Altores’ son has finally come home! My old drinking partner returns. Quickly now, take me to him, we must make up for lost time!”

Chenbo promptly steered the blind prince away by his shoulders.

“That little bastard has been avoiding me for weeks. Why, I’m going to have him spill it all! I bet he’s been chasing some girl. Wait, should I prepare for a wedding? Bobo, your thoughts?!”

Prince Marlow’s incessant babbling soon faded into the distance as the duo disappeared around a corner, leaving Sans alone in quiet comfort.

A door with golden flowers?

With the description in mind, along with an intense urge for tranquility, Sans set off down the hall, eyes peeled for any signs of gold. It didn’t take him long to find the door, as in comparison to the others it stuck out beautifully.

The craftsmanship is… intricate.

His eyes consumed the detailed flowers as if he were in a golden field of peace. Without further delay, he entered the room and allowed the door to seal itself behind him.

Wooden mats covered the floor of the entryway, which was small and quaint. The lighting was dim, courtesy of a few lamps that smoldered eternally along the walls. Black curtains, also detailed with golden flowers, separated the entryway from the rest of the bath.

Despite only just entering, Sans could feel the heat and moisture in the air like a warm blanket. His body filled with excitement as he parted the curtains. A light entry chime sung once in the air before fading away, but he paid no attention to it. Instead, his gaze was fixated on the impossible scene before him.

A sprawling path of gold led to a pool of crystal-clear water, which was encased by luminous crystals. The palace walls, which should have been made of rock and stone, were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a vast and mesmerizing horizon, decorated with brilliant stars and golden flowers, stretched in every direction.

“Is this really a bath?”

Sans stepped toward the calm and still water with a silly grin. Wisps of steam escaped the surface of the pool, which seemed to extract a deep sense of yearning from the young man. With a practiced motion, he channeled energy to his senses and scanned the room with a new perspective.

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This is an incredible use of illusion formations! It’s as if the king captured the outer world and stuck it inside a private bath house. I wonder how many spirit shards it costs to maintain this room. And to think that no one uses it…

Sans stripped himself clean of all garments, storing them inside his storage ring.

Maybe Elsie was right. Maybe I should master illusions. Kaima imparted all those memories onto me—I can sense I’ve only scratched the surface.

Finally, he tiptoed his way into the pond of absolute purity.

“Ahhh…”

He shuddered as a wave of sensation washed over his soul. Warmth, comfort, and peace. Reminiscing over the delights of an empty mind, he floated in the water, wishing he could melt away all the stress and problems that plagued his life.

Floating with his eyes closed, the flow of time seemed to wax and wane like a frequent breeze. He did not bother keeping track of it, almost praying that he would be forgotten and lost forever in this pleasant moment.

Sans opened his eyes, staring at the celestial view above.

Time… what is time? Why does it always seem to rush forward? I wish it would stop.

Each star twinkled, creating a breathing mist that painted itself across the dark tapestry. He smiled as he relished everything all at once. The wonderous sight above, the warm and soothing embrace of water, and the pleasant chime that sung once more in his ears.

Everything is in a perfect harmony of… wait… a chime? Someone’s here!

Sans ducked lower into the water and huddled against the bath’s ledge.

Is the king back already?! What unfortunate timing! How do I explain myself? That damn prince…

He was flustered and annoyed, but fully alert. His eyes darted to the entryway just in time to find himself locked on by a familiar gaze.

Fiery black hair framed a savage and sardonic smile as Princess Ling stood between the parted curtains. Her body, no longer concealed by armor or clothes, was defined with muscled curves. From head to toe, scars of all sizes riddled her lightly tanned skin, somehow making her seem more fearsome than before.

“A deceptive rat finds its way into my personal bath.”

Her voice dripped with lethality as it echoed throughout the room like a declaration of war. Sans’ heart thumped wildly as he thought of a response.

Curse that idiot prince! How could he not know this was his sister’s bath?! Are they really that distant?

Sans raised his hands innocently, never allowing his eyes to stray away from hers for even a second. At the same time, he sunk his body deeper into the water as if it would help him disappear from sight.

“Perhaps you thought yourself invincible within this palace. A talented alchemist, come to perform miracles for the king. Who would dare harm such a person? Who would be crazy, so out of control, so… chaotic.”

Princess Ling’s voice darkened as she reached a hand outward and to the side.

“Did you think you could get away with it? Did you think you could attempt to charm me and still live? You’re a dangerous one…”

Sans hesitantly stood up, but before he could reply, a massive great sword materialized into Princess Ling’s outstretched hand. The blade’s tip sunk into the ground, causing cracks to spread throughout the floor.

“I’ve dealt with such brazen attempts before. However, none were nearly as profound as yours. I thought long and hard since we last met, how I would deal with you. You must have meticulously planned for that night. You must have known I would be there, and that my eyes are not as all-powerful as the king believes. I will admit, such a twisted method had me genuinely confused.”

Princess Ling balled her free hand into a tight fist. Veins and taut muscle traced upward along her arm and throughout her body. Looking closely, Sans could see the air around her warp and twist, while steam escaped her nostrils and mouth.

“It was a brilliant illusion that you cast. A weak illusion, layered over a much more formidable one. But I can sense you are not strong enough to accomplish such a feat. A charm style illusion with such strength… impossible for a weakling such as you. You used a rare artifact, didn’t you? How much did it cost? A fortune?”

Sans’ heart sunk as he listened to her allegations.

Unlucky… unlucky, unlucky, unlucky! Layered illusions? What is she rambling about?! I need to end this farce.

He hastily scrambled out of the bath and deftly flicked a towel around his waist. Perhaps Princess Ling was more warrior than woman, but Sans was nothing of the sort. With outstretched arms, he cautiously and slowly approached his would-be executioner one step at a time.

“Listen here, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t know who you are, I didn’t know anything about your eyes, or anything of the sort. I didn’t know this was your bath, and I just want to leave peacefully.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Princess Ling clenched the handle of her sword and pulled it out of the floor. Her gaze turned cold, and her expression solemn. She elegantly swiped the air twice, forming an X shape.

Before Sans could take another step, two phantom blows landed across his chest. His hair chaotically blew backward from the wind pressure, while his eyes widened in shock. He could feel a stinging sensation radiate diagonally from shoulder to hip.

“I will not give you a chance to activate your artifact. But now I am curious, what disgusting vermin hides behind that dull visage.”

Sans let out a sigh as he watched Princess Ling posture for another strike. Unrestrained energy flowed throughout her body, causing the floor beneath her feet to shatter and crumble. He reminisced on his initial assessment of the princess. A complete and total battle maniac.

Can I beat her in a fight? This pressure… zero chance.

The overwhelming amount of strength she possessed was the product of all her hard work and training, something that Sans respected greatly despite the circumstances.

Who in the world resorts to violence without confirming anything?

He realized there was already a massive misunderstanding at play. There air shook and solidified simultaneously as Princess Ling took a heavy step forward. Her ember-touched hair flicked about wildly as she bared her teeth.

“N-Now wait just a minute-“

Before he could say anything else—her eyes flashed a brilliant gold. She had already activated her ability, Eyes of Purity.

----

It was customary for Anthor royalty to embark on an odyssey through the tower, both for power and life experience. Princess Ling was no exception to this and, in the process, had long been introduced to the evils of mankind.

Just how many devious plots had she foiled? How many more would she have to survive? Love potions, assassinations, back stabbings… she had seen it all. Jaded and desensitized to the dangers of royalty, she decided to throw her entire being into her adventures.

Perhaps she wasn’t the strongest, nor the smartest, but she knew that every challenge she conquered, every battle she won, would bring her that much closer to the pinnacle. Her accomplishments were her pride and joy, only empowering her to strive for higher heights.

But this… fiend.

Princess Ling tightened her grip on the sword’s handle while her eyes smoldered with anger. She had fought in wars, conquered dragons, survived the tempestuous seas, and even battled through the endless void.

Should a suitable opponent present itself before her, it would be no exaggeration to say she would happily accept the challenge—relish it, even. Despite this, there was one tactic that she hated above all, which was to prey upon her womanhood.

Maybe it was the suave gentleman arriving just in the nick of time to save her from a horde of beasts, only to find out he lured them there. Or perhaps it was the weak and innocent adventurer who needed her help and clung to her every step, only to try and sneak a love potion inside her drink. No matter what the scenario, it was never a fair fight, never an enemy she could face one on one in the arena and triumph.

Each desperate ploy only fueled her hatred further for the plotting of men. And now she was presented with another such tactic. However, this man was vastly more insidious, more cunning, than the others. The reason was simple—she couldn’t see through him.

I know he used a beguiling illusion, but it’s impossible for someone to conjure such a complex thing without the use of a powerful artifact. To empower such an artifact would require an immense amount of energy. Heh…

She hadn’t planned for this encounter. However, seeing his state of vulnerability, she couldn’t help but take advantage of the situation and eliminate this devious threat. Did it matter that she herself was naked? Not a chance. Every portion of her being had been tempered through battle, and in this moment she did not need armor to dispatch her foe. Besides—he would be dead shortly.

He’s still wearing that plain illusion around his body. The same one he wore in the throne room. But this time…

Her heart dripped with sadistic pleasure knowing that she was about to foil his plans—that she was mere moments away from beheading him where he stood.

He doesn’t have a chance to activate the artifact. Let’s see what unfortunate toad is hiding behind that mask.

Princess Ling’s body tensed with energy, causing the ground underfoot the crumble. She took a step forward and prepared to leap toward him. It would be over within the blink of an eye, but he didn’t know that.

“N-Now wait just a minute-“

Sans called out while taking a step back, but it didn’t matter.

Eyes of Purity!

Her eyes flushed gold and everything around her shifted. Even the illusionary formations that lined the walls were made visible, but she chose to ignore those as she fixated on something entirely different.

How is this possible?

The massive sword drooped low as her hand wavered. Her heart palpitated erratically as she couldn’t bear to look away from the picturesque man before her.

Sans slicked his hair back in annoyance. Starlight sparkled against the flying droplets of water, accentuating the defined shadows across his sculpted body. His expression was somehow cold and comforting at the same time, as if he were some higher form of existence choosing to spend these precious moments with her.

This can’t be!

Through sheer force of will, she tore her eyes away from his dark thin lips, drawing them toward the golden talisman that was clasped around his neck.

“Y-You’re wearing the artifact…”

She muttered with flushed cheeks. Her voice was meek and quiet like a bashful kitten that couldn’t find a box to hide within.

“Huh? This?”

Sans palmed Elsie’s talisman for a moment before thoughtfully taking it off.

“I think there has been a misunderstanding. This is just a good luck charm. It was given to me by someone very dear.”

Seeing as Princess Ling had lowered her sword, albeit subconsciously, Sans made his way toward her with careful steps.

“S-Stay-”

Princess Ling took a weak step back, but Sans paid her no heed and merely spread his arms out to either side. Her assumption about him was already wrong, but now he was clearly unarmed. How could she possibly strike him down?

Her brain was a disorganized mess as it desperately tried to become battle-ready once more. However, no matter what she did it was simply an impossible task. In front of the man before her, she was no longer the warrior that challenged dragons and slew demons. Rather, she was a confused human, finally coming face to face with a series of emotions that she was forced to avoid all her life.

Don’t come closer…

The princess could barely breathe, let alone speak. Before she knew it, Sans was already standing beside her.

“You don’t believe me, so here. You can have it.”

With slow movements, Sans clasped the necklace around Princess Ling, letting the talisman hang freely between her breasts. She remained stock still, feeling his breath kiss against her shoulder. She was taller than him, but for some reason felt smaller.

“And by the way, they’re beautiful.”

His hand extended out toward her. Her heart rate quickened and her mind went blank. It was a cheap word, one that she had heard many times before. She protested internally not to pay it any head. In fact, she was determined to immediately forget this encounter the moment he left her alone. Never again would she think about this moment, and never again would she dare to see this man.

I’ll escape back to the ninth floor, far away from his evil-

Just then, she felt his fingers trace along her skin. The place of touch was familiar to her, a stretch of discoloration across her arm that appeared jagged and torn. It often tingled when she was alone with her thoughts.

“I’m sure each scar has a story. Perhaps one day, I’ll get to hear about them.”

Sans walked away without another word. Minutes passed, yet Princess Ling remained rooted in place.

I was wrong…

It was only then that she realized something jarring. Sans was the only soul to have seen the tapestry of ruin that was her battle-scarred body and still be alive. Her sword slipped out of her grip, clattering against the floor.

Sans was supposed to be the compromised one, the vulnerable one, yet somehow their roles had reversed. The next moment she crouched down and tightly hugged her knees—contemplating anything and everything.