Amidst the shout of joy from the workers in the palace, Prince Eric alighted the carriage and the first person he met right there in the courtyard left him with the first spang of guilt. It filled his tongue like bile. It was no other than Mr. Baldwin, his old friend. Eric approached the old man, with steps lithe but a little bit shaky. It was no doubt he felt guilty for using the old man to achieve his purpose, to inquire about the direction to Nezmae. He wished he could go down right there on his knees and ask for forgiveness from the aged steward, but that will be an abominable thing to do as a royalty in the eyes of the people, not to speak as the heir to the great throne of Ascencia. Even though he had betrayed a good friend, yet the old man still bowed to him in a welcome salute. Not
