After Prince Salzaal’s escape, the capital regains its vibrancy.
The Prince's story is occasionally brought up, but because there is no movement, the fear fades. The capital, however, retains a royal family and dukes. It is also poised to outperform the surrounding cities in this kingdom in terms of prosperity. In terms of danger, this location is similar to the last fortress, which may even be the safest!
They laugh, drink to celebrate, and forget the night and day of that day's terror, while thinking that they are happy, but…
The terror has returned, but this time it is different. It does not take the form of a physically tangible person. It does not come in the form of something that takes their lives, but rather of something that causes them pain—the kind of pain that makes many people want to die to be free of it.
It is contagious very quickly...too quickly to heal, and so quickly that the number of people suffering has increased more...more...and more.