By week’s end, Sein’s study on history was complete, leaving her to deliberate on her next subject. Keeping her mind occupied was the most effective way to pass the long days alone. Scrolls and books became her steadfast companions, offering solace and distraction. 

Being out of her apartment also spared her the risk of drawing her mother’s attention. She relied on the belief that ‘even the mightiest tree, when hidden from view, soon fades from memory.’

As Sein lightly stepped into the Archives, she hadn’t anticipated running into Zeya again, yet there he was, seated in the very spot she had considered hers. The table before him was plastered with rolls of parchment and he looked to be studying them diligently. 

Sein stood on the edge of indecision, unsure whether to remain or leave, but with no other appealing options, she chose to stay. 

His smile greeted her as she approached, a genuine flash of warmth that made her feel welcomed. 

She curtsied and said, “Your Highness.”

“I was rather hoping you’d come by,” Zeya started, his eyes twinkling. He quickly stood and gave her a head bow. “I’ve got a bit of information to share with you.” 

It immediately peaked Sein’s interest. She scooped the delicate lace train that trailed behind her skirt to one side and sat down opposite him. Her dark eyes intently studied his handsome face with curiosity.

“I’ve been reading through these, hard to believe, I know.” 

Zeya indicated to the mess on the table as he took his seat. 

“Your quest for the missing scroll was still stubbornly playing on my mind.” 

“Oh really?” Sein raised a brow. 

“You know, the possibility that someone wanted to conceal some untold truth. I’m assuming someone purposely hid it. And I’m assuming the reason is somehow heinous.” 

Sein smiled being aware of his playful tone. 

“I had the chance to speak with some of the finest minds on our history. Tell me, are you familiar with the story of Spirit of Prosperity?” 

Sein shook her head, puzzled by the change in topic. 

“Neither was I, I must admit. But, I’ve been reliably informed by several sources that King Han Min himself became Spirit of Prosperity.”

Sein nodded in acknowledgment, waiting for him to continue, not sure where he was going with this.

“Well, I’ve been delving into the spirit’s story, hoping it might shed some light on King Han Min’s era. I thought perhaps it would reveal the secrets of the missing scroll, or at least satisfy my curiosity about how he built the Gin Empire. Sadly, it did neither. However, here’s the fascinating thing: the account of King Han Min and the tale of Spirit of Prosperity doesn’t entirely align.” 

Zeya was clearly pleased with his own findings.

“Really? How does it not line up?”

“As we know, King Han Min ruled for twenty-two years. Now, let’s hypothesise he ascended to the throne at the age of sixteen, though historical accounts state he was much older. This would make him at least thirty-eight at the time of his death. Yet, Spirit of Prosperity’s tale portrays a king meeting his end in his mid-twenties, described as dying in his prime. How, then, could he have ruled for twenty-two years? 

“Additionally, the spirit scroll paints a different picture. He was considered a formidable warrior, ruthless in fact, defending the kingdom left, right, and centre. Hardly the gentle, generous, king of the people. Despite these discrepancies, both accounts agree on one point: he met his end in combat with a challenger to the throne. What do you make of it?”

“Surely someone has already spotted these discrepancies,” Sein said after a moment’s thought. 

“If someone had, the scrolls would’ve been corrected long ago. Though I suppose it’s more entertaining to leave us with contradictions. Who do you believe? History scholar or spirit scholar?”

“I am not sure,” Sein answered. “Believing one above the other means one version is incorrect. Could there have been a simple mix up as to who became Spirit of Prosperity?”

“That thought occurred to me as well. Yet, it’s widely believed that King Han Min became Spirit of Prosperity. It raises questions about how much of the legend is rooted in fact and how much has been shaped by the passage of time and storytelling, doesn’t it?” Zeya said. “It made me wonder whether similar discrepancies exist in the accounts of the other supreme spirits, and I found myself drawn to the legend of Spirit of Love and Marriage. What strikes me is how vibrant and eventful his life was, filled with remarkable achievements and intrigue, right up until his sudden and somewhat unfortunate conclusion.” 

“I suspect all spirits led the most extraordinary lives as mortals before meeting some suitably tragic end. Not that I would know much about them, of course. I am guilty of never paying attention when they were told,” Sein admitted with a wry smile. “My family, naturally follows Spirit of War. I suppose all warrior families do.”

“And the royal family as well. We’re terribly fond of praying for power and glory, as if we don’t already have our fair share,” Zeya jested with a tilt of his head. “Well that said, my mother is the number one supporter of Spirit of Prosperity, and has been behind the building of more temples than I can count. I wonder which version of the spirit’s story she chooses to believe. She tends not to mention Spirit of Prosperity to me, perhaps due to the expectation that I’m to uphold my father's beliefs and follow Spirit of War.”

Then remembering something, Zeya sifted through the scrolls in front of him. He picked up one and said, “Talking of which, my Master mentioned that Prince Amptu ascended as Spirit of War. Naturally, I thought I’d dig into his story a bit, you know, just to see how it stacked up against what the history scrolls claim. Well, here it is.” 

Sein noted his mind was as inquisitive as hers. She listened to him read the first passage detailing the early life of a young prince. Nothing remarkable or noteworthy. 

“The prince was an only child and spent much of his time alone,” he continued. “He lived with one purpose: to become a warrior. Every moment was spent honing his skills in martial arts and swordsmanship, embodying the duty expected of princes. There’re details of several battles but let me skip to the end,” he paused, his eyes scanning the text. “At twenty-four, the prince seized the throne after vanquishing the King and twelve royal guards. Yet the triumph was fleeting. That very night, his life was taken in a manner that bore no visible malice and yet was unmistakably deliberate.”

Zeya’s focus shifted to Sein as he mused, “Would you say this story sounds similar to what happened to Prince Amptu from the history scrolls? After defeating King Han Min, he mysteriously died in his sleep that night? Not a heroic death but–”

“Zeya,” Sein spoke up, interrupting him.

Zeya was surprised to be called by his name for the first time, and a smile spread across his face. Sein didn’t notice as her eyes were scanning the shelf where she’d put the scroll with the writing about a prince who was murdered. 

“May I show you something? I would like to hear your thoughts.”

“Absolutely.” 

Zeya’s eyes followed Sein as she approached a shelf. Her fingers danced along the rolls of parchment, until she found what she was looking for. Pulling a tatty one out, she unravelled it on the table in front of him. He moved close to her to peer at it, but took care not to invade her personal space.

“I found this a while back.” 

Sein pointed to the relevant passage. Zeya’s eyes scanned the words, and a frown appeared as he said, “This does sound suspiciously like Prince Amptu’s rather unfortunate end. Is that what you’re thinking?”

Sein nodded. 

“Yes. This mysterious message is the reason why I started reading the history scrolls. I was curious to find out who the murdered prince was,” Sein explained, trying to read his expression. She felt a little vulnerable having revealed too much of herself.

“Initially, I discounted Prince Amptu because the historical accounts described his death as being from natural causes. But now you have revealed to me that his death was deliberate. So I am convinced it was him. He is the murdered prince.”

When Zeya remained silent, she quickly added, “I have combed through every single history scroll, and there have not been any other prince that met their end like Prince Amptu. He was the only one.”

“I see. Intriguing indeed.”

For a moment, Zeya’s gaze drifted to the window, watching the leaves perform an erratic dance in the wind’s playful stirrings, mirroring the deliberation in his mind. 

When he turned back to Sein, his pale eyes carried a look that was as enigmatic as the shifting wind itself. Drawn irresistibly into their depths, Sein felt intoxicated by his good looks. 

Coming to her senses, she quickly focused her mind on the topic at hand and asked, “I can’t help but wonder who could have murdered Prince Amptu?”

“Ah, so you’re set on uncovering the truth behind Prince Amptu’s death? A murder mystery from a thousand years ago. Quite the challenge, indeed.” Zeya concluded, a twinge of amusement in his eyes. “Somehow you have intrigued me again.” 

When Sein looked a little unsure at his comment, Zeya added, “I do hope we might become friends and unravel this ancient mystery together. It would make for quite the satisfying puzzle, don’t you think?” 

Sein’s lips curved into a warm smile, her eyes bright with the sudden recognition of his sincerity. 

“I would very much like that,” she responded.

Zeya’s offer of friendship caught her by surprise, yet she welcomed it. She’d never met anyone she could genuinely converse with, and the Crown Prince, unlike so many others, neither spoke inappropriately nor behaved improperly. 

He was betrothed to Princess Nanda, after all, so she doubted he harboured any romantic interest in her. And most refreshing of all, he was unlike the other young lords, who treated her like some object to be conquered. She began to relax in his company, letting her guard down slowly.