[Courtyard – Raven Estate]

Sarith slams his sword into the ground with a sharp spin, panting. Eivar's voice comes from behind:

Eivar:

"I'm heading to the palace... for royal training."

Sarith turns quickly, eyebrows furrowed.

Sarith (surprised):

"What? Where are you going?"

Eivar (calmly):

"I said I'm going to the palace. I’ll be staying there for a while to receive royal training."

Sarith swings his sword onto his shoulder.

Sarith:

"So what now? You planning to escape? Set the palace on fire?"

Eivar (sarcastically):

"No, for now I’m just supposed to learn how to laugh with my mouth shut!"

Without warning, Sarith gently presses the edge of his sword to Eivar’s side.

Eivar (groaning):

"Ow, ow! Why are you hitting me?! I was joking!"

Laughter rises from behind them. Sin waves a hand in the air.

Sin:

"You could look at it this way—you’ll finally get to see Rashen. Find out what kind of guy he really is."

Sarith smirks.

Sarith:

"Yeah. Now you’ll know if all those rumors are true."

Eivar falls silent for a moment, lowering his head. Then, with a quiet but firm voice:

Eivar:

"You're right... I’ll go pack my things. The carriage from the palace will be here at noon."

He turns to leave, but Sin quickly follows.

Sin:

"Wait! I’ll help you!"

Then, looking at Sarith excitedly:

Sin:

"Next time, can you teach me those sword moves? You're incredible!"

Sarith gives a faint smile, hoisting the sword onto his shoulder.

Sarith:

"Sure. But I’m strict."

Sin (enthusiastic):

"That’s fine! Eivar, wait for me!"

He laughs and runs after Eivar to help him pack.

[Noon – In front of the Raven Estate]

A royal carriage bearing the crest of the royal family arrives in front of the estate. Servants load Eivar’s belongings.

Eivar, dressed formally with a simple shawl, stands ready to leave. He faces the carriage.

Sarith and Sin arrive at his side.

Sin (smiling):

"Take care of yourself. Write whenever you can."

Sarith (plain and serious):

"If that prince makes one wrong move... let us know."

Eivar gives a faint smile.

Eivar:

"Alright. I promise."

He climbs into the carriage. It begins to move, a gentle cloud of dust rising in its wake.

Sarith and Sin stand silently, watching until the carriage disappears from view.