Lets find her!

Scene 16

Location: Auction Villa

The grand villa buzzes with activity as nobles, dressed in their finest attire, stream through the gates. Each guest is required to present a personal pass, meticulously checked by the guards to ensure only nobles gain entry. This is an exclusive auction, open to the elite, and no outsiders are welcome.

Prince Kael and his bodyguard, Karlus, stand among the crowd of waiting nobles. The air is filled with the low hum of conversation, but Kael's focus is entirely elsewhere.

Kael (impatiently): When will it be our turn?

Karlus (chuckling): Patience, my prince. If there's one thing about you that drives me mad, it's your complete lack of patience.

Kael (frowning): What if we don't find her here?

Karlus: We will. The guards who caught her were wearing the same uniforms as those who work for this villa. Trust me.

Kael: Are you sure?

Karlus (teasingly): While you were busy chasing that beauty, I was the one paying attention. I was the last one running behind, remember?

Kael (sighing in relief): Still… I won't feel any peace until I see her with my own eyes.

Karlus (grinning): Oh, really? And here you said you were only helping me.

Kael: What? That's exactly what I said.

Karlus: Come on, my friend. When will you admit you've lost your heart to her?

Kael (avoiding the topic): This isn't the time for that. We need to focus on finding her. Let's move. (He strides forward)

Karlus (thinking, amused): Avoid it all you want, Kael, but let's see how long you last when that girl stands in front of you. (He smirks silently)

Their turn at the gate finally arrives. Kael hands over the pass to the guard, who examines it far longer than necessary. Both Kael and Karlus exchange a quick, uneasy glance.

Kael (whispering): Are we doomed?

Karlus (whispering): Shut up.

(Flashback begins)

Noah: I've got an idea. Hear me out.

Kael: Go on.

Karlus: I'm listening.

Noah: I have a pass that grants me entry to all kinds of establishments—brothels included—but I've never used it. We could use it to sneak into the Spring House. It's got my name on it, so there shouldn't be any issues at the inspection point.

Karlus (nodding approvingly): That's brilliant. But what if we get caught?

Noah (mocking): Tch, do you really think I'd let you get caught? I'd be with you, of course, you brainless oaf.

Kael: With Noah around, there'll be less trouble for sure.

Orion (suddenly appearing out of nowhere): Sorry to interrupt, guys.

The three of them jump in shock as Orion pops up from the shadows.

Noah (clutching his chest): What in the—?! Orion, you scared me half to death!

Orion: Prince, you're needed back at the palace. Princess Kiera is causing problems with the maids again.

Noah (groaning): Now? Of all times?

Orion: Yes, now.

Kael: It's alright, Noah. We'll manage without you.

Karlus (agreeing): You'd better go. If Princess Kiera throws a tantrum, we'll all be in hot water.

Kael: Karlus is right. She's spoiled beyond belief. If you don't go, she'll burn the palace down.

Noah (defeated): Ugh, fine. I guess I don't have much choice. (Takes out a golden pass adorned with diamonds) Here, take this. It'll get you past the inspection.

Kael accepts the pass, nodding. Noah reluctantly bids them farewell and heads back to the palace, while Kael and Karlus disguise themselves and begin their journey to the Auction Villa.

(Flashback ends)

The guard, after a moment of staring at the pass, suddenly stands and bows deeply, surprising them both.

Guard (respectfully): Prince Noah, what an honor! Master will be thrilled to hear you've graced us with your presence. Please, come inside at once!

Kael and Karlus exchange relieved glances as the guard gestures for them to enter. They breathe a collective sigh of relief, nodding to each other before following the guard inside.

Karlus (whispering): That was close.

Kael (smiling): Let's find her.