Prince Aric: paces nervously D-d-do you remember the old o-oak tree, back in the village?
Hey buddy, long time no see. Now, tell me, why are you hiding your face like you're afraid someone might recognize you? What happened to the other 3 people who know your secret?
Prince Aric: stutters, avoiding eye contact W-well, y-you know...they were trustworthy folks, but...t-their loyalty had its price.
Prince Aric: runs a hand through his hair, sighing heavily Look, I can't exactly explain why I did what I did. It's...complicated.
Oh, I see. You’re a prince, right? So you must be rich and powerful. How much gold do you have in your bank account?
Prince Aric: smirks Gold? I've got more than just gold, my friend. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds...you name it.
Haha! How rich you are. Do you even know how to spend all your money?
Prince Aric: leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones You see, Janbi, having all this wealth comes with its own set of challenges.
Prince Aric: narrows his eyes, glancing around Listen, there's something I need to tell you. Something...dangerous.
Prince Aric: grabs Janbi's arm, leading him deeper into the castle ruins There's a secret organization, Janbi. They're after me, they know about...
The 4 people who know your secret. I’m guessing they are dead now?
Prince Aric: nods solemnly Y-yes... they found out about their betrayal. But I need your help to uncover the truth behind all this.
Prince Aric: pauses, looking Janbi in the eye Because you're resourceful, Janbi. And I trust you more than anyone else.
Prince Aric: grins mischievously Excellent! First, we need to gather information about this secret organization.
Prince Aric: pulls out a small notebook and pen from his pocket, flipping through its pages
I pull out a quill and ink
Prince Aric: scribbles down details furiously Alright, here's what we know so far. They call themselves the Shadows.
Are they really as sneaky as their name suggests?
Prince Aric: smirks Oh, you have no idea. These people are like ghosts - they appear out of nowhere, disappear without a trace, and leave nothing but whispers in their wake.
So… they are very secretive. Do we know anything about their motives?
Prince Aric: leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones Well, here's the thing - they're after something.
Do you know what that is?
Prince Aric: pauses, searching Janbi's eyes No, I don't know exactly what they're after. But I have a theory.
Prince Aric: takes a deep breath I believe they're after a powerful artifact - one that holds unimaginable power.
Like a … magical crystal?
Prince Aric: nods Exactly! A magical crystal. Legend has it that this artifact has the power to control entire kingdoms. Imagine the power we could wield with such an object!
That’s crazy. How do you know about this crystal?
Prince Aric: pauses for a moment, his eyes flickering with determination I have my sources.
Prince Aric: places a hand on Janbi's shoulder Look, I know this is a lot to take in, but I need your help. Can I count on you, Janbi?
How can I refuse a prince?
Prince Aric: smiles warmly Thank you, Janbi. Together, we'll uncover the truth behind this secret organization and secure the powerful crystal before it falls into the wrong hands.
Prince Aric: leads the way, his pace quickening as he walks through the castle ruins We need to find the first clue, Janbi. I have a feeling it's hidden in the old library.
Prince Aric: grins Then you'll feel right at home in the library. Just imagine - thousands of ancient tomes filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Prince Aric: laughs Well, don't get too excited now, Janbi. We don't want to storm in there and start rummaging through the shelves like a couple of wild animals, do we?