Kaiden moves between the warriors and the imperial family, positioning himself as the central figure. He speaks up, outlining his plan, "I have a plan to help us in finding the other warrior. Wulfric, Loden, and I will go on a walk throughout the city to search for the next warrior."

The Empress nods in agreement, but the Emperor's expression indicates dissatisfaction. He raises a question, his voice tinged with skepticism, "What exactly do you hope to achieve by going on a walk through the city with Wulfric and Loden? Are you anticipating a certain outcome?"

Kaiden responds with a swift nod, his tone confident. "Yes, your highness. My presence should help us locate the next warrior or draw their attention to us. The celestial energy might give us clues or even lead us directly to their location."

The Emperor grasps his chin contemplatively before nodding, signaling his understanding. He then turns to Wulfric and gives a direct command, with a stern expression. "You will accompany both the priestess and Loden on this mission. There is no room for staying at the palace to guard me during the day any longer. Your duty now is to loyally follow the priestess's lead. Have I made myself clear, Wulfric?"

Wulfric raises his head and responds obediently, "Yes, your highness." The Empress then claps her hands, expressing her pleasure. "Excellent! Since that matter is settled, let's all relax for the rest of the day. You three can embark on your search tomorrow."

Loden nods in agreement as he slowly rises back to his feet. Wulfric also stands up, giving a quick acknowledgment to the Empress, saying "Yes, your majesty."

The Emperor turns to Kaiden and gently places a hand on his shoulder before speaking. "We will let you rest for now until tomorrow. Please come see us in the throne room before you embark on your mission." The Emperor removes his hand and walks towards the door, the Empress following his lead.

Wulfric swiftly steps forward to open the chamber doors, allowing the imperial family to exit. The Emperor and Empress offer a brief, courteous smile as they depart, followed closely by Wulfric. Once the doors close, Loden and Kaiden find themselves alone in the room once again.

Loden approaches Kaiden slowly, his concern evident in his voice. "Are you alright? That was certainly quite a lot to take in, wasn't it?"

Kaiden shakes his head and walks back to the bed, sinking onto the edge of the mattress. He lets out a sigh and replies with a mixture of resignation and worry, "It was, and it wasn't at the same time. I didn't know any of this during my upbringing or when I first arrived. I'm still concerned that the same thing that happened to Molly could happen to me too."

Loden shakes his head with conviction, his determination evident in his words. "I wouldn't let that happen. We will safeguard you with our lives. There is still much ambiguity surrounding Molly's disappearance and the reason behind the warriors' inability to locate her," he asserts.

Kaiden turns his gaze toward Loden, a small smile and a chuckle escaping his lips as he comments, "Why do you have to provoke Wulfric like that? You're both warriors, you look like toddlers fighting over the same toy."

Loden runs his hand through his hair, a hint of frustration in his expression. "He just irks me so much, always acting all high and mighty, as if his skills are superior. Calling me a rodent is utterly impolite, and I despise that name being associated with those from lower social classes."

Kaiden shakes his head and gently rebukes him, "Forget about that for now. We will soon discover another warrior, and perhaps you and Wulfric might eventually find common ground." Kaiden lets out a soft laugh, and Loden nods in agreement, adding, "Perhaps."

Loden shakes his head, his tone filled with concern. "You should get some more rest. You'll need all your energy tomorrow for the walk. I'll stay here and keep watch until you doze off, then I'll head to my room next door."

Kaiden extends his hand towards Loden, stopping just short of making physical contact. He lets his hand fall back onto the bed, suggesting hesitantly, "Maybe you could stay here for the night? I'd feel more at ease if you were close by, if that's alright with you."

Loden shakes his head, indicating his agreement. "That's fine with me. I don't mind if it makes you feel more at ease. I doubt Wulfric will be returning any time soon to guard your room tonight." He moves closer and takes a seat on the chair near the bed. "Get comfortable and sleep," Loden says, gesturing for Kaiden to relax.

Kaiden shifts his body onto the bed, settling his head on the pillow. With a soft sigh, he lightly touches the pendant around his neck, contemplating asking Loden more questions about the revelations they had just heard. However, he decides against it and shakes his head, choosing instead to let his thoughts and curiosity rest for the evening.

Loden speaks softly, his voice slightly raspy from tiredness, "If you need anything during the night, just ask, and I'll arrange for someone to bring it." With a swift and smooth motion, he pulls out a blade from his boot, followed by a cloth from his pocket. He begins meticulously polishing the weapon, the faint scraping sound filling the otherwise silent room.

Kaiden responds with a drowsy yet grateful tone, "I'm good, thanks, Loden." He looks up at the ceiling, his thoughts quietly wandering, as he slowly drifts off into a tranquil sleep. The pendant gently dangles from his neck, resting peacefully on the pillow beside him.

Loden remains seated in the chair, meticulously polishing his blades as the night progresses. After each cleaning, he methodically lays each weapon on the table, constructing a small pile of carefully sharpened and gleaming weapons as the hours pass.

Loden meticulously completes his last small dagger with a thorough polishing, adding it to the growing stack of sharpened weapons on the table. Exhaustion gently tugging at his eyelids, Loden wipes away the tiredness and glances over at the sleeping Kaiden. Reflecting on their initial encounter, Loden ponders how far Kaiden has come and how much has already been thrown at the young man.

Loden's gaze softens with nostalgia as he reflects on the memories between them, but his attention is abruptly diverted as he senses a presence lurking beyond the door. With quiet, calculated movements, Loden reaches for one of the daggers from the table and slinks closer to the shadows near the entrance.

As the door silently creaks open, Loden instinctively braces himself, ready to confront the unknown figure. He swiftly positions himself behind the intruder, a dagger pressed against their throat. The soft moonlight streaming into the room reveals the identity of the late-night visitor. Recognizing the figure in front of him, Loden swiftly retreats, bowing as he offers an apology. "My apologies, my highness. I didn’t realize it was you..."

The Empress stands before Loden, her voice hushed as she replies, "It's alright, Loden. I didn't announce myself for a reason. There's a matter I'd like to discuss in private with you."

Loden raises his head and rises, a mix of surprise and curiosity in his voice. "Me, your highness?" he repeats. "What could we possibly need to discuss?"

The Empress gazes at the sleeping figure of Kaiden, then turns her attention back to Loden. Her voice is hushed yet firm as she speaks, "The truth regarding Molly's disappearance. This information is privy only to us two. Kaiden, the priestess, mustn't know about it until the right moment. Shall we continue our conversation in your room?" she suggests, motioning towards the door leading out of the room.

Loden casts a swift glance at Kaiden before turning to the empress who is already retreating out the door. Caught between conflicted loyalties, Loden follows her out, gently closing the door behind him. He leaves Kaiden to sleep soundly, the night outside waiting.