A Different Way to Live

When Tales trudged over the sand beneath his feet, exhausted, most of the Royal Guard rose with solemn expressions and waited.

Their respect was awe-inspiring.

Only Sakrael, seated farthest away, turned his head toward him unhurriedly.

In the desert, Tales plowed through the sand one step after another.

Each step sank into the sand, but every time, he wrenched himself free of the grains with all his strength and took the next step.

As always.

At last, Tales stopped before everyone.

He quietly gazed at the battered, ashen-faced Royal Guard.

So it was this group...

Kuaishang, who was struggling with a military ration biscuit, rolled his eyes and hurriedly scrambled to his feet. Pointing frantically at himself at Tales, he put on a fawning smile that seemed to say, "Hey, it's me."

Belleti glanced at Little Barney, then at Sakrael. Seeing that neither seemed inclined to speak, he could only sigh.

"Your Highness..."

But Tales cut him off.

"It's over."

Before the astonished crowd, the Prince smiled.

"Although thousands of people witnessed your escape from prison..."

Tales' voice lowered.

"But... it's over."

Over?

Belleti and Talding exchanged glances, reading the surprise in each other's eyes.

The Prince turned around. He watched cavalry units race back and forth through the desert at dawn under orders, carrying out Roman's commands. Then he watched Ricky return to his people and soothe the Mercenaries who were pointing and whispering at this side.

"The official story is this: during the mutiny at Bladefang Camp, Wing of Legend personally executed every escaped convict, leaving no survivors."

The guards looked shocked and exchanged glances.

The young man said quietly:

"So, all the Royal Guard prisoners imprisoned eighteen years ago have now passed away."

"Do you... understand?"

Everyone slowed their breathing as they digested the news.

Tales' eyes