The Erratum-Chapter 52: Prince.

In the third layer where distinguished individuals and fashionable nobles walked the streets, Cetas and Elishia surprisingly didn’t look out of the ordinary.

Why?

Because they, too, wore distinct clothing. Well, mostly only Elishia wore a high-quality dress. Cetas, however, only wore a formal black suit and a black mask to hide his onyx scales.

Embroidered in a red full-length silk dress, designed for elegance. Elishia’s dress featured a sleek cut that gently skims her curves with a structured bodice that adds refined details.

The skirt itself was layered in orange drapes, enhancing the features of her elegance.

Meanwhile, Cetas wore a black suit with a formal look to it, layered by a black coat that masked his entire body, and black trousers that were paired with brown leather boots.

His face was covered with a mask designed for a masquerade. It is covered in intricate gold plating, matching with the onyx scales through Cetas’ face.

With that, the two walked upon the streets of the third layer, hiding in plain sight and enjoying the scenery.

That said, the third layer was significantly different than the lower two. In fact, it was as if they were in a different city altogether!

Cleaner roads made from pristine high-quality stone. Buildings made from marble, limestone, quartz, and much more. Many noble carriages traversing through the roads in the middle.

The sidewalks were designed with intricate, well-maintained, and mature trees.

Moreover, what indicated the difference between the third layer and the others, were the luxurious lampposts scattered around the streets.

Naturally curious, Cetas asked Elishia what they were for and to his surprise, Elishia told him that they were meant to brighten the night!

Perhaps some sort of member of the Church developed them, making the lampposts glow automatically when night struck.

It made sense, the element that the Church was most aligned to is fire..

Since the symbol of the Church is the Sun, the natural elements that are contained within it are.. similar.

Cetas thought that there were quite a few Unique Zeals that improved the quality of life of people! And the lamp posts in front of him were proof of it!

With that, all Cetas could do was gaze at the marvelous creation, trying to understand the intricacies behind it.

Cetas could only imagine what the streets of the fourth layer looked like. Perhaps entry within it is prohibited, Cetas didn’t know..

So, he focused on the vision in front of him.

Walking alongside Elishia, they came across many shops and boutiques designed to suck the money of the rich.

Cetas and Elishia went into one of these, hence the reason for their elegant clothing.

Well, technically they didn’t own it, they merely rented it for the day.

And by the gods did it cost a fortune!

Renting a suit and dress costed 1 Solaris each! In retrospect, 1 Solaris can last Cetas 5 days in the best inn of the fifth layer!

1 Solaris can also buy high-quality food in town. 1 Solaris is a whole sack of bone bullets. 1 Solaris is an entire month’s worth of food!

To rent such high-quality clothing is understandable, but Cetas wondered if they were really enamored by humans.

He gained further understanding upon their minds, spending such.. high quality currency on mere clothing.

Nevertheless, Cetas still didn’t understand the prospects of currency but he was gradually learning.

After walking by for a few minutes, Elishia and Cetas made their way to the alabaster fountain - one of the main destinations that Elishia wanted to go to.

Now that the sun had struck up high, the fountain glimmered as if it were sparkling.

Direct sunlight was casted down from above, marking the alabaster foundation of it as an almost pure-white composition.

Cetas gazed in awe as they got closer to it. With admiration on the two’s faces, it suddenly turned sour.

All around them, they saw people of high status.. throwing gold coins at the fountain.

Cetas studied the coins that fell in the fountain and saw intricate designs pertaining to a half-sunken sun with 4-5 rays.

His mouth was left agape..

These people are throwing valuable Solaris in the fountain!

His eyes filled with determination, looking as if he wanted to dive and steal all of the coins inside.

But suddenly, Cetas noticed Elishia’s eyes, screaming something along the words of ’Don’t do it!’

Cetas calmed down and remained still in place. Sighing deeply, Cetas disregarded his thoughts and went back to gazing at the fountain in allure.

Then, looking in the near distance, he noticed a crowd gathering up.

Pointing at it, he asked Elishia, "What are those people doing?"

Elishia turned her head upwards and gazed at the crowd in the distance, "Come on, let’s see!"

The two of them ’elegantly’ made their way to the gathering of people a few meters away from the alabaster fountain. Of course, the two of them couldn’t see anything ahead due to their.. small heights, but Cetas could catch a small glimpse.

In the middle of a crowd, a golden-haired young man with golden eyes waved his smooth-skinned hands casually as an embarrassed grin swept his face.

His clothing included golden garments with regal intricate details. His golden tunic ensembled rich fabrics such as embroidered silk and velvet, adorned with silver embroidery and a golden insignia on his chest.

A mantle lined along his back, covered with luxurious satin and fastened at the shoulder with ornate jeweled chains.

The individual covered by the crowd of people looked to be of someone in royalty. Cetas racked his brain and familiarized himself with the rankings of aristocracy.

Based on the individual’s appearance and his fairly young age, Cetas could say that he was a son of a Duke or Marquess.

However, before he could deduce any further, Cetas heard Elishia’s voice change.

"Isn’t that.. Prince Aurus?"

A glint of admiration sparkled in Elishia’s eyes, her fingers clasped one another as she gazed at the Prince with awe.

Cetas didn’t know how to perceive this.

Apparently the individual in front of him is one of the Princes of Helios.

Remembering what he had asked Skadi in the past 3 days, there were 4 children of the current King.

Namely, from oldest to youngest, Princess Auruea, Prince Apollos the 2nd, Prince Anatole Elios, and the youngest.. Prince Aurus Dismas.

The oldest - Princess Auruea des Helios was missing for the past 2 years.. Some speculated that she was kidnapped by a notorious pirate. While others think that she eloped in search of her true love.

Since Prince Aurus, the youngest, seemed to be the same age as him and Elishia, Cetas determined that the oldest child of the King was quite old when she disappeared.

Perhaps in her 30s or 40s? Cetas didn’t really know..

As the prince walked through the crowded pathway with an embarrassed grin, Cetas could almost discern a heavy gaze from within his eyes.

As if his smile was just a mere folly. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Cetas shook his head, thinking that it’d only be in his thoughts.

However, naturally curious, Cetas gathered the Zeal to his mind, activating Sands of History.

As the grains of sands emerged from within, Cetas noticed a peculiarity behind the Prince’s back.

An ever-flowing wave of sands followed the Prince, slowly moving upward and downward with every step that he took.

Cetas moved his fingers, trying to harness the grains behind him. Slowly, Cetas moved the wave of sands moving them carefully towards him.

But as he gazed upon the prince once more, Cetas suddenly jolted backwards.

The Prince’s eyes were locked with him, carrying a deep indignation inside.

Luckily, Cetas was wearing a mask.. If not, he wondered how the prince would’ve reacted to Cetas’ surprised look.

It only happened for a mere second but it caught Cetas off guard.

Deactivating Sands of History, Cetas placed his fingers on his temple, caressing them gently.

What.. was that? Was it coincidence or did I really garner the Prince’s attention. If so, then I should be more wary.

As the prince disappeared in the distance, followed by a crowd of people behind him. Cetas stood still, gazing at the gathering of people beyond.

Elishia, who was near him, noticed Cetas’ repressed look.

"You doing alright?"

Cetas nodded, "Crowds aren’t for me, aha.."

"Okay.. Want to grab something to eat after that.. spectacle?"

Agreeing with this, Cetas said in a flat tone, "Sure."

Walking to the opposite direction of the Prince’s crowd, Cetas and Elishia went back to the main street in search of any places to eat.

Now traversing through the sidewalks where people with fancy clothing walked, Cetas noticed a particular establishment that portrayed dining tables and utensils.

Elishia noticed his gaze and asked, "Want to try here?"

"Alright."

The two of them entered, heading towards the counter instantly and inquiring for two-seated tables. Once availability was found, Elishia and Cetas sat down and looked at the menu given to them.

Elishia immediately reacted with a quiet ’Gah!’

It was understandable..

After all, the prices in the menu cost between 80 Solis to 2 Solaris!

Cetas complained in his thoughts, gazing at the distinguished guests eating leisurely.

Damn it.. why are these so expensive!

*

After an hour or so, Cetas and Elishia left the establishment, the latter looking dejected.

Elishia tilted her head to the side, "My Solaris..."

Cetas grinned and said in a casual manner, "It was quite tasty though, I’d say it’s worth the price."

Elishia nodded without energy, "Yes.. You’re quite right.. Shall we head back or do you want to see the cathedral in the fourth layer?"

"Hmm.." Cetas pondered for a second.

Afterwards he opened his mouth and let his voice out, "Sure, let’s g-"

Before he could finish his statement, a striking gaze pierced through Cetas’ stature.

Dread rose in Cetas’ chest, making it beat rapidly.

He lowered his stance and reached for the insides of Cetas’ black coat, "Did you feel that too?"

Elishia nodded, reaching for the pockets of her dress.

The two of them became vigilant, casually staring at their surroundings with wariness.

After a second of silence, Elishia stood up straight and let go of the grip in her pocket.

Then, she softly whispered to Cetas, "Let’s go to the cathedral.. Don’t stare at your surroundings intently, instead, act like everything’s normal.."

"Alright. Let’s go." Following her words, Cetas naturally agreed.