From atop the stepladder, the world looks just a little bit further away.

　The bookstore near closing time was silent, so quiet that even the sound of turning a page seemed to echo. 　Kaito stood on the top step, stretching to reach the back of the bookshelf.

"Let's see... this isn't the new arrivals section... ah, over here."

　The book he pulled out had an aged binding. 　The title, engraved in gold lettering, was a bit difficult to read.

　—— "The Cursed King and the Lunar Servant."

"...Sounds like a pretty heavy story."

　Just as he was about to put it back with a wry smile—

　The world lurched.

"Eh—"

　The stepladder shook unnaturally.

　The moment his foot slipped, his vision tilted. 　He tried to grab the shelf instinctively, but his fingertips only caught the air.

　He thought he was going to fall.

　At that moment—

　The book fluttered open.

　A page happened to open as he fell. 　A single sentence written there caught his eye with startling clarity.

　—— "He who touches the King shall surely pay the price."

"...What's that?"

　The moment he whispered it, the page glowed faintly.

　No, that's not right. 　It wasn't the book that was glowing.

　—— He was being pulled in.

"Wait, hold on..."

　His voice cut off.

　In the next instant, the body that should have fallen never hit the floor.

　He vanished into the silence.

　　　＊

　When he opened his eyes, the first thing he felt was intense sunlight.

"...Ugh, so bright..."

　He instinctively covered his eyes with his arm. 　It was supposed to be night just a moment ago; why was it so bright?

　As he slowly sat up, an unfamiliar landscape spread out before him.

　A floor made of white stone. 　Pillars visible in the distance. 　And a space that was unnervingly vast.

"...Where am I...?"

　Still confused, he tried to stand up.

　It was then.

"——What are you doing?"

　A low, cold voice dropped down on him.

　His shoulders jerked in surprise.

　Turning around, he saw a figure adorned in lavish decorations. 　Black hair, and a sharp gaze. 　Just by standing there, the person exuded a pressure that felt suffocating.

　The people in the vicinity all knelt at once.

　Belatedly, he understood.

　——This person is the King.

"Raise your head."

　A commanding voice.

　The moment he timidly looked up, their eyes locked.

　Sharp eyes that left no room for escape.

　But deep within them, for just a fleeting second.

　——He felt like he saw something waver.

"...A face I don't recognize."

　The King took a step closer.

　Reflexively trying to back away, Kaito's feet tangled.

"Ah—"

　Just as he thought he would fall.

　An outstretched hand grabbed his arm.

　——He was touched.

　In that instant, the surrounding air froze.

"...Stop!!"

　Someone screamed.

　But it was too late.

　The King's hand was firmly touching Kaito.

　And yet——

"...Huh?"

　Nothing happened.

　No pain, no abnormality, nothing.

　Only the sensation of warmth was transmitted.

　It was the King who was surprised.

"...Why?"

　A low, raspy voice.

　He stared at Kaito as if looking at something impossible.

"You——why are you unharmed?"

　There was no way he could answer that question.

　But one thing was certain.

　——From this moment on.

　Something had changed drastically.

　The King's gaze wouldn't pull away.

　As if he had no intention of letting him go.