Xiumiya Garden had a long history Annan had no interest in learning. He was only passing through; a few words of admiration for its exquisite beauty were enough.
East of the city, a large number of elves and unicorn carriages waited outside its Outskirts.
Annan had always thought unicorns were much like white horses with horns. But when one strolled into view, he realized how wrong he had been.
Its graceful form looked as though it had stepped out of an ancient legend. A spiraling horn rose from its forehead. Its long, powerful legs made it look part horse, part deer, and its snow-white coat shone with a soft, sacred light in the sun.
Annan was so captivated by the unicorn that he failed to notice someone approaching alongside them.
"You must be Lord Leonafa?" a young voice said.
Annan came back to himself. For a moment, the young man looked like Olmedo from years ago.
The young man turned to Annan and ventured, "Lord Annan Reeves?"
"And you are?"
The young man lifted his chin slightly. "I'm Aidan, prince of the Paem Kingdom. I'm attending this celebration in my father's place."
Aidan stood tall, his carefully groomed golden hair falling softly over his shoulders like a child of the sun. He had striking, handsome features and wore ancient-style clothes embroidered with gold thread.
Annan pushed away the chaotic thought of Aidan in a dress beside Olmedo and smiled warmly. "Hello."
Apparently, Annan's party was not the only one taking this Route with an Invitation Letter but no delegation.
"Where are your attendants?" the Skeleton King asked.
"I sent them away. I'm the only one allowed to attend the celebration anyway," Aidan said. "May I join you?"
"Of course."
Before the Skeleton King could answer, Annan gladly accepted.
Annan was