Chapter 15: Candy Factory

Haru managed to bring Ali into the bedroom.

It took a while before the pain seemed to have subsided.

Soon, the other three met them at the room as well to deliberate about the world.

Alicia tended to Ali, checking for fever or something, but it seemed to be just a headache.

While Ali was sleeping, the other four discussed what they found out so far.

"There wasn't anything worth mentioning," Mr. Wang started. "Most of them are just empty rooms. A lot of them are luxurious. None had traps. It wasn't even dusty anywhere."

"That's the same for me," Alicia said. "Strangely, there's nothing going on. Nothing here seems to be harmful. It just feels like someone grabbed us here to give us a vacation."

Camille spoke as well, "I also perceived no threats. Oh, but I found something else."

"Something else?" Haru asked.

"Hmm, how should I describe it? Like, it's one of the special rooms of the castle!"

They subtly understood. So far, 'special rooms' seemed to be designed with a specific feature – like the treasure box room, smoke room, and wine room.

The golden table of banquet, included.

"It's a candy factory!" Camille exclaimed. "The huge chocolate fountain at the center seems to flow without pits. Nothing was spilling, like it kind of reminds me of the banquet table. An endless treat."

"That sounds… dreamy."

"Yeah. It's so full of colors and filled with candies and sweets. Do you want to check it out?"

Haru mulled it over. "This might be just a guess, but I think the last ruby we were looking for is in there."

"That's true. We have always found the rubies from the special rooms."

"So, are we gonna do it?" Mr. Wang asked. "The completion of that pentagon stone. You said something about it being possibly dangerous."

"I was thinking about it as well," Alicia said. "But isn't that still better than nothing? We might get stuck here forever if we don't do anything."

Mr. Wang sighed, "Isn't that fine? The castle's beautiful and it has everything we need. Why do we have to do something about that?"

Haru understood that as well. He thought they could just choose to stay here forever and still live alright.

After all, they have deliberated that the world might be safe enough.

The foods are being sustained, shelter is provided, comfort is assured.

You can do anything here.

"But we also have to think for the long term," Alicia exhaled. "This place doesn't seem to have medicine or technology."

"That might be a problem for you, but a dying man doesn't have use for any of that."

"You're right, but what about these kids?" Alicia glanced at Haru and Ali, clearly pondering about their safety.

They stayed in the bedroom, talking about the world and what to do, until Ali finally woke up.

They decided to take a break and check out the confectionary room that Camille found earlier.

Walking through the hallways, Ali seemed to be in daze as he tightly grips on Haru's hand.

Alicia was about to point out that it's a surprise that Ali is letting someone touch him, but thought it might be best not to mention it.