The performance had just ended. The crowd had not yet dispersed when a glint of golden light leapt from the donation pouch and landed with a crisp sound among the copper coins. Anya's eyes widened in surprise. It was not a mere copper piece but a full gold coin, heavy and gleaming with a brilliance that dazzled the eye.
She looked up and saw a man dressed in an elegant burgundy suit standing among the audience. A gold brooch bearing his family crest was pinned to his chest. His features were striking and refined, his blond hair curled slightly, catching the sunlight with a warm glow. A calm smile played at the corners of his lips, and his sea-blue eyes were fixed on her.
"Such exquisite puppetry," the man said softly, his tone filled with admiration.
Anya's face flushed red in an instant. She quickly dipped into a curtsy, her voice flustered. "Th-thank you for your kind words…"
"What is your name?" he asked gently.
"A... Anya," she replied.
"A lovely name indeed." He nodded and turned his gaze to Noah. "And this one… he almost makes me forget he's a puppet at all."
Noah stood nearby. He had just bowed in thanks, but upon hearing those words, his head paused ever so slightly in midair.
From that day on, the man appeared at every performance. Each time, he would toss a gold coin into their pouch. Anya was overwhelmed. She had never met a man so handsome, generous, and courteous. Whenever he complimented her, her ears would turn red, and her speech would become stammered and awkward.
Noah, on the other hand, grew quiet.
On stage, his movements were still flawless, but once the curtain fell, he would often sit alone, staring silently at the sky above the rooftops.
A week later, the man finally approached them after a performance. His smile remained as gentlemanly as ever.
"Miss Anya, in three days' time, my household will be hosting a small gathering. I wonder if you would be willing to bring your puppet and perform for my guests?"
Anya was taken aback. "Your household… may I ask where that is?"
The man gave a small, knowing smile. "Ah, I haven't introduced myself properly. My name is Laian. I am the prince of this city."
The words struck Anya like a thunderclap.
A prince… She had spent the past few days talking and laughing with a prince. She had even accepted his gold coins.
Her face turned scarlet. Shock, panic, and embarrassment all surged through her at once.
Prince Laian looked at her with gentle elegance, though a flash of determination glinted behind his eyes. He leaned down and took her hand, placing a delicate kiss on the back of her fingers.
Anya's heart pounded like a drum. Her knees nearly gave out beneath her.
Noah stood nearby, his head bowed. He remained silent, but for the first time, his wooden eyes showed a hint of displeasure.
That night, back in their small room, Anya sat at the table, excitedly planning. She held paper and pen, jotting down notes about castle etiquette, costumes, and the performance order. Noah sat quietly by the window, saying nothing.
"We need to look our best," Anya murmured to herself. "I never imagined I'd set foot inside a royal castle. What do you think it'll be like?"
Noah finally spoke in a low voice. "Are you sure you want to go?"
Anya paused, frowning slightly. "What do you mean?"
"I'm just… worried," Noah said, looking her in the eye. "Why is the prince being so kind to you?"
"Because he appreciates my talent," she replied quickly, her voice carrying a trace of irritation. "Noah, you shouldn't doubt him like that."
Noah lowered his head. "I'm not doubting him. I just wondered… can we not go?"
"Why not?" Her tone grew colder. "Are you upset that I'm doing well? That someone finally recognizes me? That I might have a better life?"
Noah opened his mouth but said nothing. He slowly looked down at the shadow beneath the table. The words he truly wanted to say—I'm just afraid you'll get hurt—never left his lips.
Three days later, they arrived at the castle.
The grand hall glittered with gold and crystal. Nobles and courtiers filled the space, light and perfume mingling in the air. Noah began his performance as planned, while Anya stood nearby, pretending to manipulate the strings. Her movements were graceful, her expression focused.
The audience responded with wonder and admiration. Prince Laian stood off to the side, clearly pleased.
Just then, a young man in a silver military uniform strolled over lazily and clicked his tongue.
"It's just a puppeteer. What's so special about that?"
Laian's smile stiffened slightly as he turned. The man was his younger brother, Prince Yuris.
Yuris looked at their father, the king, and said with a smirk, "Father, I've brought you a gift as well. Please enjoy this little monkey I've trained myself. It's much smarter than any puppet."
At his gesture, a small monkey dressed in a red vest leapt onto the stage and began tumbling, drumming, walking on stilts, and even mimicking human expressions. The guests burst into laughter and applause.
The king clapped in delight. "Wonderful, wonderful! Yuris, you've done well."
Laian's fingers curled slightly. Though his smile never faltered, a cold gleam passed through his eyes as he glanced toward Noah.
A puppet alone was not enough. If he wanted to earn his father's favor and take the throne, mere puppetry would never suffice.
But if this puppet could move on his own, if he could speak, even think like a human—that would be a miracle worthy of royal awe.
Laian's expression shifted. A quiet gleam returned to his eyes, and the smile slowly crept back onto his lips.
It was time to take the next step.