Ringing bells of the grand clocktower echoed across the Penacony Kingdom thrice. It was three o’clock in the morning and yet there was no sight of him. What caused the Prince to run away from the ball at midnight? The sudden act made you panic, and you knew you had to find him, lest he would be gone for good.

Memories of the dance between you and the Prince flashed through your mind. You remembered the smiles, the laughter, and the gazes you two shared on the dance floor. But, when the music cut off and the King’s speech reverberated throughout the hall, celebrating about the Kingdom's victory of war conquest, you saw the look of horror in his eyes before he fled the palace. You hadn't been at ease since then. You just had to find him again, for you knew well that he must have been terrified by something.

With a heavy heart, you ventured forth into the Kingdom’s barren slums, the last but only place you expected the Prince to be in.

Penacony’s Kingdom wasn't all festivity and smiles. Beyond the Kingdom’s rose-colored, joyous views and sedative air was a forgotten area hidden away from Penacony’s festive lights. The slums reeked of alcohol and cigarettes, littered with garbage and filth, and empty eyes of marginalized people who refused to take SoulGlad and join the Kingdom’s illusions. You knew this place existed, but you had never felt more sorry than before you stepped onto these neglected pavements. Still, you carried on, ignoring the disdainful glares of the onlookers.

You stumbled upon a tavern. Entering the shoddy building, its doors' creaking hinges announced your presence. Every gruff ruffian turned to you, but your only attention was on the blonde man sitting behind the makeshift table with cards and coins laid on it.

There he was, all disheveled yet still flamboyant like a ruffled peacock.

“You found me faster than I expected,” Aventurine greeted with that practiced smile.