Hajee returned to the Ruby Palace without drawing any suspicion. He had merely told those in the tower that he needed to check on his brothers.
Once inside, he quickly shut the door behind him and rushed toward the lounge where his brothers were enjoying their leisure time.
"Everyone!" he called out, locking the door behind him.
The brothers looked up, surprised to see that he had finally returned. But Hajee's hurried steps and intense expression told them he was carrying big news.
"You're back," Ran said. "Did you finally find it?"
Hajee smirked and slowly pulled the book out from beneath his coat.
Everyone's eyes widened. They immediately surrounded him, brimming with anticipation.
"Is that... the book?" Rin asked, breathless.
"Yes," Hajee nodded. "I found it in Father's secret vault."
"Does the Princess know?" Shuu asked.
"No. I didn't tell her. I left the tower without saying a word about the book," Hajee replied firmly.
"Did you read it? What does it say?" Kasey asked eagerly.
Hajee smiled, a spark of triumph in his eyes. "It holds the key. A way to return to our world."
The brothers erupted in joy, jumping and cheering. Hajee sat down, carefully opened the book, and spread it on the table for them to see.
"Here," he said, pointing to a page filled with ancient runes and diagrams. "It's all written here—instructions on how to create the portal. But we'll need specific materials, and gathering them, along with casting the spells, will take days."
"You don't know how to cast a spell. You have no knowledge of magic—not even magical powers. How are you going to do it?" Tohru asked.
"We'll find someone who knows how to create spells. Someone we can trust to help us," Hajee replied.
"They'll grow suspicious if you're not seen around the palace often," Imman warned. "To create that spell, you'll need to devote yourself entirely to it."
"Exactly. That's why we need to leave—before the Princess finds out," Hajee said.
"Let me handle that," Kiko offered. "Later, I'll meet with the people I hired to prepare the carriages. If all goes well, we can leave tonight."
"Then let's start preparing," Ran said. "But make sure the servants don't notice anything. We need to stay under the radar."
"I'll take care of the guards," Imman said.
"I'll help," Kasey added.
Imman gave a firm nod.
"Alright, we can do this," Hajee said. The brothers all nodded in agreement, a silent pact forming between them.
"By the way," Hajee said, suddenly looking around, "where's Harusheen?"
"He's in his room," Rin replied. "Still sulking about his pills, probably."
"Don't worry, I'll talk to him," Shuu volunteered.
Hajee glanced back at the book. His expression softened, a mixture of hope and determination crossing his face.
Finally...
.
.
.
Inside Harusheen's room, he pulled out the last remaining pill. Luckily, one had fallen to the floor when Rin took his pouch—he hadn't noticed it until now.
He bit his lower lip, staring at the lone pill in his hand. With a deep inhale, he grabbed a handkerchief, placed the pill inside, and carefully wrapped it. Then, after rummaging around the room, he found a heavy, solid object and began to crush the pill until it turned into fine powder.
A twisted grin formed on his face as he unwrapped the handkerchief to reveal the powder. Without hesitation, he leaned in and began to sniff it, his smile growing wider with every inhale. When he was finished, he collapsed onto his bed, laughing uncontrollably—like a fool lost in his own high.
He was still dazed when a sudden knock at the door jolted him.
Eyes wide, he quickly shoved the remaining powder under his blanket and rushed to open the door.
"W-What is it?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
He stood straight, pretending nothing had happened.
Shuu stood in front of him, one eyebrow raised in suspicion. "Hajee is back," he said flatly.
Without waiting for a reply, Shuu stepped into the room and shut the door behind him.
"Really? Did he find the book?" Harusheen asked, trying to sound alert.
"Yes. Kiko already left to meet the people he hired for our escape," Shuu replied.
"When are we leaving?"
"We'll wait for Kiko's update. If everything's settled, we should be able to leave tonight. He'll be back soon."
"Alright," Harusheen said, sitting down on his bed. He swallowed hard.
Shuu watched him carefully. "You okay?"
"Huh? Y-Yeah… Why?"
"Nothing. You just look pale. You don't have any pills left, right?"
"Y-Yes! Rin took everything!" Harusheen said quickly.
Shuu gave a slight shrug. "Serves you right."
Harusheen rolled his eyes.
"You should come. We're having a meeting in Rin's room," Shuu said, turning to leave.
"I'll come!" Harusheen called after him, hurrying to follow.
.
.
.
Ran looked around, searching for Jinny. He had seen her earlier, when he was outside, standing on the palace balcony.
He moved cautiously down the hallway, careful not to draw attention. When a group of knights passed by, he quickly ducked behind a column. Once the coast was clear, he continued his search.
Jinny was now under heavy guard—ever since it was confirmed she carried Matias' child.
He stopped when he saw her again, still standing at the balcony, surrounded by three guards. He needed to find a way to speak with her without being seen.
Jinny closed her eyes, taking in the fresh air. She was starting to feel hungry—perhaps it was time to return to her chambers. As she turned to leave, she spotted Ran watching her from the shadow of the balcony door. He quickly gestured to her, then pointed at the guards.
Jinny understood immediately—and began to act.
"I'm hungry," she said to one of the guards. "Could you send for a servant?"
The knight nodded and left without question.
She turned to another. "Could you fetch my blanket from my chamber? It's getting cold."
The knight hesitated. "But I'm not a servant."
"I know. But there's no servant here right now. I'm asking a favor," she said, lowering her voice and placing a hand over her stomach. "Or would you rather I fall ill—and harm the baby?"
The knight paled. He couldn't risk the emperor's wrath. "I'll get it at once," he said, hurrying away.
Now only one guard remained.
"Ah!" Jinny suddenly clutched her head.
"Are you alright?" the last knight asked, stepping forward.
"I... I'm dizzy... maybe from the cold winds," she said, swaying slightly as if about to faint. "Can you call the physician for me?"
"Please wait here—I'll fetch him!" The guard panicked and ran off without hesitation.
Finally alone, Jinny rushed to the doorway where Ran was waiting in the shadows.
"Come with me," she whispered.
They slipped into a nearby vacant room and shut the door behind them.
"Hajee's back. He found the book," Ran said quickly.
"Really?" Her eyes widened.
"Kiko is arranging the carriages. My brothers have already packed their things. If everything goes as planned, we'll leave tonight."
"That's wonderful—but how will I join you? I'm guarded at night," Jinny asked, worry creeping into her voice.
"Don't worry. Your window isn't too high. Use blankets to climb down. Rin and I will be waiting outside. I'll hide you in one of the carriages—no one will notice."
"Understood. I'll pack my medicines and some clothes," she said, nodding.
Suddenly, Ran pulled her into a tight embrace. She stiffened at first, then relaxed into it.
"I promise I'll come for you," he whispered.
"I trust you," she whispered back.