Myerkal, 3rd of Inariem, Year 578 of the Elytheran Calendar

  Sora remained wrapped in the warmth of his sheets, reluctant to let go of the comfort that held him captive. With the arrival of Solvesta, his mother’s warming spell was no longer needed to keep the mattress cozy through the night. Tsukari’s magic had been a vital blessing during Glacien, but now the new season brought gentler days. Still, the cool air sneaking through the edges of the window was enough to send a faint shiver down his skin whenever he moved, an early reminder that beyond the nest of fabric awaited a morning colder than he would’ve liked.

  He had eventually gotten used to sleeping on his back, something that had felt awkward at first but proved unavoidable. The first months of his new life had been filled with small embarrassments, pillows torn at the slightest movement, feathers scattered across the room as if a flock had exploded overnight, and Aeris’s muffled laughter every time she came in to tidy up and found the chaos. Now, after so much practice, he could finally stay still through the night. It was a small, silent victory but for Sora, it meant not having to blush again while explaining why he needed yet another pillowcase.

  Resting beside his headboard was the scarf Nanami had given him. It had become part of his nightly and morning ritual. Every time his fingers brushed against the embroidered bird, that familiar warmth anchored him. Ugh, I don’t want to get up… but today isn’t just any day.

  Sora finally forced himself out of the embrace of the sheets. His heart was beating a little faster than usual, because today truly wasn’t ordinary, it would be the first time he set foot outside the family property with his parents’ permission. He’d sneaked out more than once with Nanami to play under the White Crest Tree, sure but those had been secret adventures shared in whispers. This time was different. This time he had his family’s blessing… and with it, his first real test of using Polimorphis in public.

  And for the first time, he would come face to face with people beyond his close circle. The very thought filled him with a mix of anxiety and excitement. How nostalgic… it feels just like school field trips in my old life. A small, unintentional smile tugged at his lips.

  He sat up with newfound energy, reached for the scarf by the headboard, and carefully wrapped it around his neck. It had been his most faithful companion during the frozen months of Glacien and Myrelith, when the world seemed to pause beneath the snow. Now, with the arrival of Solyesta, it had become something more than just an accessory a talisman, a constant reminder of the person with whom he wanted to share every step forward.

  After changing out of his pajamas into the comfortable clothes he usually wore around the house, Sora’s gaze drifted toward the small desk by the window. Resting there, perfectly aligned, was the book on Vasto-Sapien culture that Tsukari had gifted him on his sixth birthday. He had read it cover to cover more than once, memorizing verses and notes, and now it sat atop the desk almost like a trophy, a quiet symbol of his own awakening. To Sora, that book wasn’t just an object; it was proof of a legacy that had become his pride.

  Once his small morning ritual was complete, Sora stepped out of his room and headed downstairs toward the dining room. The smell of toasted bread and warm herbs greeted him even before he crossed the threshold. There, as she did every morning, Tsukari waited, sitting with an open book in her hands and a steaming cup of tea at her side.

  “Good morning, Mother,” Sora greeted as he approached.

  She looked up, a gentle smile lighting her face. Her belly, now noticeably round, gave the moment a different air, the quiet expectation of a new life growing beneath her calm demeanor.

  “Your little brother or sister will be here soon, Sora,” she said softly, her hand brushing her stomach with ease.

  The boy nodded, returning her smile, though he wasn’t quite sure how to respond. In his previous life, he’d never had younger siblings, he had been the youngest at home and the idea felt foreign to him. How am I even supposed to feel about this…? he wondered, keeping the thought to himself.

  He sat in his usual seat, sneaking glances at Tsukari as she returned to her reading with serene focus. Alvaron wasn’t home that morning; the village duties had called him early, and much to his regret, he hadn’t been able to stay by his wife’s side. She, as always, had reassured him with quiet firmness that such precautions weren’t necessary. With Aeris and the rest of the maids in the house, she felt more than well cared for.

  As Sora waited for breakfast, Tsukari lifted her gaze from the book and smiled warmly at him.

  “Are you excited to visit the village today, Sora? I’d love to come along, but given the circumstances, it’s better for me to stay home.”

  Sora nodded with a light smile.

  “I am… Anyway, Nanami and I won’t be going alone, right? Aeris will be coming with us, just like we agreed yesterday?”

  “That’s right,” Tsukari confirmed with a slight nod.

  The day before, Alvaron had promised to guide them on their first trip to Rulid, but an urgent request had called him to the village early that morning. That was when Aeris, without a moment’s hesitation, offered to accompany them instead. The proposal was met with enthusiasm from both Sora and Nanami. After all, Aeris wasn’t just the young maid of the house, she had become something like an older sister to Sora, someone he could share secrets, jokes, and quiet moments with, born from countless days spent together.

  Having her as their escort didn’t make the outing feel like a chore; if anything, it gave the adventure a warmer, more reassuring touch.

  After their brief chat, Aeris emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray in her hands. The aroma of freshly baked bread, mixed with the sweetness of warm compote, filled the dining room the moment she set it down on the table. She served each plate with care, arranging the bread and fruit as though performing a small morning ritual. Before sitting down, she greeted Sora with her usual bright smile.

  “Good morning, sleepyhead.”

  Sora greeted her back enthusiastically, and Aeris, unable to resist, reached out to ruffle his hair, a gentle gesture that had long since become a habit between them. Sora pretended to pout, but deep down, that simple familiarity felt comforting.

  With the table set, the three of them began to eat. Thin wisps of steam rose from their cups, and for a brief moment, the entire dining room was wrapped in that warm, homely calm Sora had learned to treasure. As he bit into a piece of bread, Aeris glanced at him, her eyes glimmering with amusement.

  “So then, Sora… are you ready to leave home for the first time?” she asked playfully. “Is there anything in particular you want to see in the village?”

  Sora paused, chewing slowly as if the answer might be hidden somewhere among the crumbs.

  “Hmm… I’m not really sure. I’ve never been outside, so I have no idea what to expect. I guess I’ll leave it up to you, Aeris.”

  She nodded, tilting her head slightly. The smile she gave him was the same gentle, confident one that had accompanied him throughout his childhood.

  “All right. Whatever catches your eye, I’ll take you there and tell you all about it.”

  “Thanks, Aeris,” he said, his voice carrying an earnest warmth that was impossible to miss.

  From across the table, Tsukari had set her book aside and was watching the scene in silence. A tender smile curved her lips as she listened to their exchange. After a quiet moment, she spoke in that serene, motherly tone that could wrap even Aeris in its warmth.

  “Just don’t get too excited, Sora. I know you and I know how curious you can be.”

  The boy puffed his cheeks into a small pout, making both women stifle a laugh.

  “All right, Mother… I’ll behave.”

  Of course, deep down, Sora knew that was almost impossible. If I find something new… there’s no way I’ll be able to resist.

  Curiosity had always followed him like a shadow, and no matter how much he tried to hide it, it was so obvious that Tsukari could read it in a single glance.

  Breakfast went on like that light words, soft laughter, and that gentle warmth that made every morning in their home feel special. To Sora, it felt as though the house itself was blessing him before his first step into the outside world.

  Once they finished eating, Aeris rose with her usual lively diligence and began clearing the table. Sora watched her for a moment before standing and bowing slightly in gratitude.

  “Thank you for the meal, Aeris.”

  Then he turned to his mother, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

  “What time did Nanami say she’d come?”

  Tsukari closed the book resting on the table and looked at him fondly.

  “Liora will drop her off around the tenth hour, so you still have a couple of hours free before she arrives.”

  “Okay, Mother. I’ll be in my room reading for a while,” he replied casually.

  Tsukari nodded, saying nothing more. With that, Sora went back upstairs, leaving behind the lingering scent of tea and sweet bread that still hung in the air.

  The truth was, although he said he was going to read, his routine had changed months ago ever since he began experimenting with Polimorphis.

  The discovery of Magical Perception and Mana Manipulation had awakened a new discipline within him: each morning, before lunch, he would lock himself in his room to meditate.

  He sat on the floor, atop the rug near the window, adopting a relaxed posture back straight, hands resting on his knees. Closing his eyes, he began to breathe steadily, guiding the flow of mana through his body. The sensation was peculiar, like an invisible river coursing through his veins warm, vibrant, leaving a faint electric tingle beneath his skin.

  The exercise consisted of focusing that current until, with effort, he managed to manifest it in his hands. At first, he could barely produce a flicker, unstable and brief, but over time he’d learned to sustain it: pure mana, crackling softly like a miniature shard of light. In recent days, he’d even tried shaping it, molding it as one might knead invisible clay.

  I don’t know if this is the right way to learn magic… he often thought while watching the sparks dance between his fingers. …but at least it helps me visualize it better. And visualization is the foundation of magic… that’s what the book said.

  He remembered well the thrill of finding that old volume in the study, its worn pages spoke of the mental discipline required for spellcasting, becoming his silent guide through every experiment. Thanks to that practice, he could now summon a small, steady flame between his hands a spark that, though faint, ignited a steadily growing determination in his chest.

  Back in his room, Sora assumed the familiar posture he had made his own for training. He sat cross-legged on the carpet, back straight, arms extended before him. He drew in a deep breath, letting the cool morning air fill his lungs, then closed his eyes to focus on the invisible current coursing through his body.

  Almost instantly, faster than in previous days, the energy gathered between his palms. A sphere of pale blue light bloomed like a contained spark, bright yet gentle, hovering in the air as if breathing alongside him. Each session had grown smoother: he no longer needed fierce concentration to keep it stable, as his mastery of Magical Perception and Mana Manipulation had noticeably improved over the past week.

  It hadn’t been a casual improvement. Sora had treated that meditation as a strict daily exercise. Not a single morning went by without him sitting there in silence to train. The sphere was both his proof and his goal.

  First, he focused on holding it steady for as long as possible. Then, he aimed to gradually increase its size. His objective was clear, to reach a sphere the size of a football, and from there, begin working on its density and weight. Step by step, without rushing more than he needed to.

  Today, after maintaining it stable for several heartbeats, a thought surfaced in his mind.

  What if I try to make it a little bigger?

  At the moment, he could only reach a size slightly larger than a baseball. Determined, he began to visualize it expanding, channeling more mana into the sphere with careful precision. The bluish light pulsed strongly, its surface stretching outward… but soon, faint fractures began to appear. The structure trembled, warped and then, with a soft flash, the sphere collapsed, dispersing into thin air.

  Sora sighed, not in frustration, but acceptance.

  Well… I did manage to expand it for a moment. It’s all trial and error, after all.

  As if the world itself acknowledged his patience, a notification shimmered before his eyes, blooming from his Soul Panel:

  Skill Level Increased

  Magical Perception: Lv. 3 → Lv. 4

  Mana Manipulation: Lv. 2 → Lv. 3

  A smile spread across his face effortlessly.

  Well… at least that failure bore fruit. Though I guess my meditation time’s up for today.

  He opened his Soul Panel and checked the time in the upper right corner. The ethereal clock hands marked the end of his morning practice. He tucked the feeling of satisfaction deep in his chest like a small victory and let the energy within him settle, fading into a gentle warmth.

  When he was done, Sora opened his eyes and stretched lightly. Nearly two hours had passed since he’d begun meditating, and upon checking the Soul Panel, he noticed only ten minutes remained before Nanami’s arrival. With a soft sigh, he rose from the floor, gave the carpet a quick shake, and walked toward the wardrobe.

  He chose an outfit different from the one he usually wore around the house: a white short-sleeved shirt paired with a black vest and gray linen trousers, finished off with a pair of polished leather shoes, still gleaming thanks to Aeris’s careful upkeep. It wasn’t luxurious clothing, but it was a touch more formal than his daily wear, comfortable yet smart.

  I think this should do for the occasion… he thought as he adjusted the vest carefully.

  He stepped up to the full-length mirror and looked at his reflection. For a brief moment, he smiled at himself with a hint of satisfaction.

  All right, I guess this looks fine, though…

  The thought trailed off as realization struck, he hadn’t yet activated Polimorphis. With a quiet murmur and a focused breath, he let the veil fall over his body. The horn faded from sight, the markings blended into his skin, and the mirror now reflected a boy with dark brown hair and soft violet eyes. The image still felt strange, even to him, but it was necessary.

  “Now it’s right,” he murmured, giving a small nod.

  However, after a few moments, he decided to dispel the spell. There was still time before leaving, and he didn’t like walking around the house with Polimorphis active, it felt like wearing an unnecessary mask in the one place he could truly be himself.

  He let himself fall gently onto the bed, resting Nanami’s scarf across his chest, and waited in silence, letting the anticipation grow with each heartbeat.

  Sora went down the stairs with a light step, still adjusting his vest. Just as his foot touched the last step, a sharp sound made him pause: knock, knock. Someone was at the front door.

  His heart skipped a beat. He hurried toward the entrance, and when he opened it, he was greeted by two familiar figures: Liora, tall, composed, as elegant as ever and beside her, Nanami, her cheeks flushed from Solvesta’s cool breeze and that mischievous smile that never failed to light a spark in Sora’s chest.

  “Good morning, Lady Liora,” he greeted with a polite, almost solemn bow.

  The woman returned his gesture with a kind smile.

  “Good morning, Sora.”

  Then he turned to Nanami and his tone shifted instantly.

  “Nanami!” he called, his voice bright and familiar, warmer than any formal greeting.

  Nanami waved cheerfully, but before she could say anything, Liora spoke up.

  “I’d love to stop by and greet Tsukari, but I’ve got quite a bit of work to handle this morning,” she explained with a faint note of regret, bowing slightly. “Forgive me for not staying and thank you, as always, for looking after Nanami so well.”

  “That’s all right, Lady Liora. I understand,” Sora replied earnestly.

  With a gentle nod, Liora took her leave, and the door closed softly behind her. Almost the instant it did, Nanami turned toward him with a playful smile. Her violet eyes sparkled as she looked him up and down.

  “You look so elegant today, Sora…” she teased, tilting her head slightly. “Are you that excited to go to the village?”

  Sora’s cheeks flushed as he scratched the side of his face.

  “Of course! It’s my first time leaving the house… though it’s not like I’ve never worn this outfit before.”

  Nanami’s grin widened, and without giving him a chance to reply further, she grabbed his hand.

  “Then come on! Let’s go find Aeris!” she said, pulling him along with bright enthusiasm toward the kitchen.

  Aeris was just finishing up a few preparations when she heard their footsteps. Turning to see them, her expression softened with the warmth that seemed to fill every corner of the house.

  “Good morning, Nanami. It’s so nice to have you here again.”

  “Good morning, big sister Aeris!” Nanami chimed back, using the nickname she loved to tease her with. “Are we leaving soon?”

  Aeris let out a small laugh as she set a couple of utensils aside.

  “Almost. Wait for me in the living room, and I’ll join you in just a moment.”

  “Yes!” they both said almost in unison.

  They returned to the living room, still holding hands, and flopped down onto the cushions in front of the low table. Conversation flowed as naturally as ever light, sparkling. Nanami told Sora everything she knew about the village: the cobblestone streets, the market stalls, the plaza where children sometimes gathered to play. Sora, with his usual playful humor, teased her about how “terrifying” all of that sounded, as if they were about to embark on a grand adventure in some faraway land.

  The atmosphere was bright and full of energy. The anticipation of the day kept them laughing and chatting without pause, while the invisible clock of the house ticked steadily toward that long-awaited first step.

  A few moments later, the door to the room opened softly, and Aeris entered, gently interrupting their lively chatter. She wasn’t wearing her usual maid attire but something lighter and more casual, a dress in warm green tones, embroidered with delicate white patterns that looked like tiny flowers climbing along the fabric. To Sora, the sight suited her so well that, for an instant, he thought she looked almost like another person, more like an older sister than the household attendant.

  “All right,” Aeris said with a warm smile that lit up the room. “We’re ready to go. But before that… your mother asked me to give you this, Sora.”

  From her bag, she pulled out a small leather pouch and handed it to him. Sora took it curiously, and as he felt its weight, he loosened the drawstring just enough to peek inside. His eyes widened in surprise.

  “Silver coins?” he murmured under his breath, incredulous.

  He counted at least ten of them, gleaming softly under the sunlight streaming through the window. Sora thanked Aeris aloud, but inwardly, his gratitude went straight to Tsukari, who had thought of him even in such a small detail.

  Ten silver coins… for me? Isn’t that too much? A sweet only costs a few bronze ones… He pondered for a few seconds before adding with a resigned smile, Haah… my mother, as eccentric as ever.

  Aeris, watching him with quiet amusement, seemed to read his thoughts but said nothing. She simply placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and gave it an affectionate squeeze.

  “Use it wisely. And remember, not everything valuable can be bought with coins.”

  Nanami, who had been curiously peeking over, leaned closer to get a look inside the pouch, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

  “With that, you could buy all the sweets at the fair!” she exclaimed half joking, half tempted by the idea.

  “Or bankrupt the fair in a single day,” Sora replied with a laugh, carefully tucking the pouch into his vest.

  With their excitement growing, the three of them rose from the living room. Aeris took the lead, guiding them toward the front door, while Sora and Nanami followed at her sides like two eager fledglings about to take their first flight from the nest.

  As they crossed the threshold, the cool air of Solvesta wrapped around them. The breeze carried the scent of open fields and the faint murmur of the village beyond. It was the first time Sora walked freely outside the family walls, and the thrill of it made his heart pound.

  The day had only just begun. Yet with each step toward the village, he felt his world stretching, reaching beyond the books and walls that had always enclosed it.

  In front of the main gate, Sora stopped for a moment. That threshold, which he had so often gazed at from inside with a restless curiosity, now stood before him as a true gateway to the world. He had never crossed it “officially”; until now, it had always been the back wall and its small gap that had allowed him and Nanami to sneak off to the White Crest Tree.

  He took a deep breath, adjusted the scarf around his neck, and with a restrained smile, stepped forward.

  The first step.

  The first of many.

  Nanami clapped softly, laughing in shared delight.

  “You did it, Sora! And this time through the front gate, no more fugitive criminal routes.”

  Aeris, watching them from a few paces behind, felt a warm ache bloom in her chest. That simple moment, a boy crossing a gate seemed filled with a quiet, immense symbolism. She smiled at him tenderly, like an older sister watching her little brother take an important step in life.

  The path to the village stretched ahead of them, longer than Sora had imagined, descending from the hilltop where his home stood. Now he understood why his family had chosen that place: from up there, the house overlooked the land with a commanding view of all Rulid and the vast fields surrounding it.

  As they walked down, Sora couldn’t help glancing back. The mansion, which he had always thought of as modest out of familiarity, now looked enormous. The grounds, the walls, the gardens… everything that had once felt like a cage now revealed itself as something grand, almost excessive. I’ve had more than I realized… and all this time I kept complaining about not being able to leave. I really am lucky.

  The Solvesta air, gentler than Myrelith’s chill, carried the scent of fresh grass and damp earth. Birds sang among the shrubs, as if greeting the boy finally venturing into the outside world.

  After a good stretch of walking, they finally reached the entrance to the village. Rulid rose before them with a presence far different from what Sora had imagined. From the White Crest Tree, seen at a distance, it had always seemed like a small, orderly settlement…

  But up close… it was more like a small city. A sturdy wall of stone and timber encircled its streets, and the houses clustered together in layered rows that seemed to breathe with life and motion.

  Sora stood there for a moment, mouth slightly agape.

  “It’s… much bigger than I thought.”

  Nanami smiled, pleased as if she’d been waiting for that exact reaction.

  “Told you so.”

  What surprised him the most, however, was the existence of the wall itself. As far as he understood, Elythera was a kingdom at peace. The feudal lords lived under the authority of the Conclave of Astaria, and that centralized oversight kept most disputes under control. In theory, there were no wars, no external threats.

  Then… why build defenses? he wondered, frowning slightly.

  The memory of Selmyra and her far-reaching influence flickered through his mind. For all the things he despised about her methods, he couldn’t help but feel a trace of gratitude toward the Conclave for maintaining peace and order. In his previous life, one scarred by chaos, he had learned to cherish those two things as the rarest treasures.

  Peace and order… maybe more fragile than they look, but still indispensable.

  Aeris urged them forward, her tone soft yet certain. The day had only just begun, and every street of Rulid seemed to hold a promise of discovery for Sora.

  The three of them crossed through Rulid’s gate. The wooden doors loomed tall, flanked by two guards who, upon seeing them approach, immediately recognized Aeris and Nanami. They greeted them with respectful familiarity, almost routine until their gazes fell upon the dark-haired boy walking at their side.

  One of the men frowned, curiosity flickering in his eyes. His voice was firm but courteous as he addressed Aeris:

  “Pardon me, Aeris… who’s the young boy with you today? I don’t believe I’ve seen him around the village before.”

  The air seemed to tighten for an instant. Aeris, without a hint of hesitation and in that composed tone she reserved for speaking on behalf of the family, replied clearly:

  “He is Sora Eryndel, son of Lord Alvaron and Lady Tsukari. Today is his first visit to the village.”

  The words struck like a ripple through the stillness. Both guards straightened abruptly, eyes widening in surprise. A heartbeat later, they bowed deeply, almost in unison.

  “Our apologies, young master!” one of them exclaimed, visibly flustered. “We didn’t realize…”

  The second guard quickly followed suit, bowing just as deeply. The reaction made Sora instantly uncomfortable. He swallowed hard, unsure how to handle such formality, and lifted a hand as if to stop them.

  “There’s really no need to be so tense,” he said, forcing a nervous smile. “I’ve never left home before, so it’s normal you wouldn’t recognize me.”

  Then, with a mischievous spark in his eyes, he added, “But from now on, you’ll be seeing me around a lot more so be prepared.”

  The guards exchanged surprised glances, caught off guard by how easily the boy had broken the stiffness of the moment. Slowly, the tension melted away, and their expressions softened. One of them offered a faint, good-natured smile as he replied,

  “Welcome to Rulid, young Sora.”

  Nanami, who had been suppressing her laughter through the overly formal scene, gave Sora a playful nudge on the arm, as if congratulating him for how smoothly he’d handled it. Aeris, meanwhile, watched with a quiet mix of pride and fondness; even on his very first day outside the house, the boy already knew how to soften the world around him with a simple smile.

  With permission granted, the village gates swung wide open. The murmur of busy streets, the scent of freshly baked bread, and the warm buzz of everyday life poured out to greet them like a living wave.

  A thought stirred quietly in Aeris’s mind—one that sometimes returned when she looked at Sora.

  I see now… Sora doesn’t have that shyness most children his age do. Even so, for someone who’s never left home or spoken to anyone beyond his family and Nanami’s… it’s remarkable how calmly he handles every situation.

  She shook the thought away with a soft smile and turned back to them, resuming her gentle tone as guide.

  “Well then, here we are, this is Rulid. We’ll take a walk around, and then I’ll bring you to the central plaza. I’m sure you’ll love it, Sora.”

  The three of them began walking down the main streets, and at once the world unfolded before the boy’s eyes.

  Rulid’s streets were paved with pale stone, worn smooth by time but still sturdy and curved gracefully as they descended from the gate toward the village’s heart. On either side, houses lined the path with dark wooden facades and rooftops of either reddish tiles or woven straw, depending on the household. Every door bore some personal touch: a cluster of dried flowers, an iron ornament, or a blue-glass lantern that glowed softly at night with luminescent crystals.

  Everywhere he looked, life overflowed. A baker carried out steaming trays, and the smell of fresh bread mingled with melted butter and honey. Farther ahead, a tanner worked leather in his open workshop, the rhythmic beat of his hammer echoing through the air. Laughter of children rang out from a nearby alley where they chased one another, while a group of women hung laundry on lines stretched from window to window, the fabric fluttering like banners in Solvesta’s gentle wind.

  Sora took it all in with wide eyes. It’s… so much more alive than I ever imagined from the White Crest Tree…

  On the corners, a few makeshift stalls displayed seasonal fruits, green clusters, small red berries, and sweet loaves dusted with sugar. The hum of merchants haggling over prices filled the air with a rhythm of its own, punctuated by laughter, scolding, and shouts of sales.

  It wasn’t a large village, but the walls and orderly streets gave it the feel of a small, self-sufficient city. There were forges echoing with the ring of metal, mills on the outskirts sending sacks of flour to the ovens, and even a couple of inns with carved wooden signs shaped like animals: a deer, a hawk.

  With every step, Sora felt as if the whole world were unfolding just for him. The warmth of the greetings, though a few curious glances followed him, seeing his face for the first time, the scents, the colors, the sounds… it was as if every corner of Rulid itself were welcoming him.

  Nanami chattered nonstop, pointing out shops and spots she knew by heart.

  “Look, Sora! That’s the candy shop, it always smells like cinnamon! And over there, see? That’s the village well. They say it’s so deep it connects to an underground stream.”

  Sora listened, utterly absorbed, every word adding to the feeling that he was living something completely new.

  Aeris followed with steady steps, though her eyes occasionally drifted toward Sora’s expression, the wonder, the hunger for the world reflected in his violet gaze. And silently, she thought: Yes… this place belongs to him as much as it does to anyone.

  After wandering for quite some time through streets lined with shops, workshops, and flower-adorned homes, the three finally reached Rulid’s central plaza. The space opened before them in a wide, sunlit circle where the hum of life mixed with a quiet solemnity that set it apart from the rest of the town.

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  At its center stood a large fountain of white stone, commanding the view. The water flowed with a gentle murmur, not through pumps or mechanisms like those Sora remembered from his past life, but through magical runes carved into the basin and pedestal. The mana infused within those inscriptions made the water rise and fall in a smooth, endless rhythm, shimmering under Solvesta’s sun.

  Sora stopped before it, frozen in awe. The contrast struck him deeply. It’s not like the modern world… it’s pure, timeless, like the fantasy worlds I used to love in my old stories…

  A shiver of excitement ran down his spine, and he had to hold himself back from grinning too broadly. This was exactly the kind of sight he had always dreamed of.

  Beyond the fountain imposing yet elegant stood Rulid’s main building: the feudal administration hall, where Tsukari and Alvaron often handled the affairs of the village. With its polished stone fa?ade and austere columns, it wasn’t grand enough to rival a palace, yet it radiated authority and permanence. For Sora, it was a tangible reminder that his parents were not just the pillars of his private world, but part of the very machinery that kept this entire community alive.

  The square itself brimmed with life. Around its edges sprawled small shops and makeshift stalls: wood-carved crafts, forges displaying gleaming knives and horseshoes, stands selling fruit and spices, and even a couple of taverns and inns where laughter and the scent of mead mingled with the smoke of cooking fires. The hum of voices, the clinking of coins, and the melody of a lone minstrel filled the air with a rhythm both vibrant and familiar.

  Sora was speechless. His gaze bounced from the fountain to the hall, from the merchant stalls to the banners strung between windows, as though every little detail were something to be discovered anew.

  It was Nanami who snapped him out of his trance. She tugged lightly at his sleeve and pointed excitedly toward the fountain.

  “Sora, you know what? This is the square where they put up the biggest decorations and attractions during the Harvest Festival! I can’t wait for that day to come so we can come together!”

  Sora’s eyes lit up at once.

  “Of course, Nanami!” he replied eagerly, raising his pinky finger, a gesture she instantly mirrored, intertwining hers with his. “I wouldn’t miss this year’s festival for the world.”

  The promise lingered in the air like an invisible bond, while behind them the fountain’s gentle murmur seemed to bless the moment.

  After spending a while in the plaza, Aeris turned toward the two children with her calm, steady smile though her tone carried the firmness of someone guiding the day’s pace.

  “Well, this is Rulid. There’s much more to see, but I’m sure you’ll have time to explore it little by little, Sora. For now, I need to stop and buy a few things for the house. After that, if you’d like, we can grab some sweets and browse the shops. How does that sound, kids?”

  “Yes!” Sora and Nanami answered almost in unison, their voices bubbling with excitement.

  They followed Aeris toward a large building that stood along one side of the plaza. Its fa?ade was clad in sturdy wood and stone, and the sign above bore symbols of balanced scales and crossed sheaves of wheat. It was Rulid’s main trade hall, where the village’s large orders of food, materials, and supplies were managed. Aeris often dealt with the merchants there; it wasn’t common for her to handle the purchases personally, since deliveries were usually sent straight to the Eryndel estate by carriage.

  Though their family might have seemed small at first glance, Sora knew that wasn’t the case. Beyond his parents and Aeris, the mansion housed servants, cooks, maids, and a handful of guards who lived there to protect the estate and its owners. Supplying that many people required careful planning, and Aeris was an expert at it.

  While she entered the building to negotiate with the suppliers, Sora and Nanami stayed outside, entertained by the lively rhythm of the plaza. Nanami, familiar with every corner, pointed things out to him with the easy confidence of someone showing a friend their favorite playground.

  “Look, Sora, that’s the spice shop. They say some merchants bring goods from beyond Elythera. And over there, see that blue awning? That’s the tailor’s place; he always has leftover fabric scraps.”

  Sora nodded, fascinated, though his eyes darted restlessly from one place to another. Everything was new, everything drew him in.

  Until something stopped him cold.

  Just a few meters away, at the corner of the plaza, a particular shop caught his attention. Its fa?ade was plain, almost austere, but in the display window rested several objects that gleamed with a different kind of aura: finely crafted steel swords, well-balanced daggers, pieces of armor that looked new and ready for battle. The wooden sign above the door bore the carving of a soldier’s helmet crossed diagonally by a sword.

  Sora froze, staring at the window as though his feet had rooted to the ground. Something stirred inside him, a blend of awe and something deeper, a faint pull, as if a buried memory were trying to awaken.

  Nanami, noticing his sudden silence, followed his gaze.

  “Oh, the forge,” she said, tilting her head. “I think that place is run by Mr. Garrik… Father always says he’s one of the best blacksmiths in the region.”

  But Sora didn’t answer right away. His violet eyes reflected in the glass, fixed on the swords, while a thought flashed across his mind like lightning.

  Weapons… armor… everything I’ve read about in books… but this, this is real.

  Without a second thought, he stepped closer, pressing his hands against the edge of the window. The murmur of the plaza faded away around him, at that moment, the world had narrowed to that single forge.

  Drawn by curiosity stronger than any cautious voice in his head, Sora pushed at the heavy wooden door. It resisted, he was still just a child, and it was built for men of craft, but he managed to open it just enough. The soft chime of a bell above the frame rang through the air, announcing his entrance.

  Nanami, who had been glancing at another stall, turned at the sound and saw him vanish through the doorway. Her eyes widened.

  “Sora!” she gasped, hurrying after him.

  The moment Sora stepped inside, the shop’s atmosphere swallowed him whole. The air was thick with the scent of hot iron, soot, and oil, blended with a faint undertone of freshly worked leather. Along the walls and shelves, weapons of every kind were neatly arranged: short swords, longswords, spears, daggers, as well as armor pieces, shields, and even metal fittings for horses. It was clear this wasn’t the work of a mere weaponsmith, but of a true blacksmith, one trained across multiple crafts.

  As Sora’s eyes roamed across the room, the rhythmic clang of hammer on heated metal echoed from the back, steady and deep like the heartbeat of the forge itself.

  A man’s voice rose from beyond, firm but not unkind.

  “I’ll be with you in a moment. Hold on.”

  The hammering stopped soon after. A few seconds later, a man emerged from the forge and stepped behind the counter. He was every inch the image of a blacksmith: broad-shouldered, his arms marked by the hardened muscle of decades of labor; his graying hair matted with sweat; his face worn with creases and smudged with soot.

  At first, his expression was one of surprise. It wasn’t common for children to wander into a forge on their own, and more than once he’d had to chase away troublemakers. His eyes narrowed instinctively, but upon noticing the clean, well-kept clothes of Sora and Nanami, he held back.

  In a gravelly tone, he asked from behind the counter,

  “Well then? How can I help you two? Don’t tell me you’ve gotten lost from your parents.”

  Sora met his gaze and shook his head firmly, his voice carrying a kind of earnest respect.

  “No, sir. I’m just new to the village, and your shop caught my attention. The quality of your work stands out… you can tell from the forging and the detail in the finish.”

  A brief silence followed, thick, weighted. The blacksmith raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. He wasn’t used to hearing words like that from a child’s mouth. Most kids asked about flashy swords or shiny armor, never about craftsmanship. Something in those words struck a chord in him, touching the pride buried beneath his rough exterior.

  His stern expression softened ever so slightly, a flicker of intrigue lighting his weathered eyes.

  “Well now…” he muttered, folding his arms. “Not every day a brat walks in talking like he knows the trade.”

  The first spark of conversation and of something much greater had just ignited between them.

  Garrik’s reaction left Sora frozen for a moment. He realized he had spoken far too naturally, too much like an adult, and a sharp pang ran through his chest.

  Damn it… I did it again.

  He hurried to justify himself, lowering his tone a little, trying to sound more like a child.

  “It’s just that… I spend a lot of time at home, and we have all kinds of books. Some talk about blacksmithing… though honestly, I don’t know much about it.”

  It was only half true. In this life, he had merely skimmed through a few manuals and treatises, but in his previous one, blacksmithing and many other crafts had been one of his unfulfilled passions. He used to spend hours watching videos and reading articles online, dreaming of forging something of his own, though he’d never had the means or the time. That dormant knowledge, mixed with genuine fascination, slipped through his words before he even noticed.

  The blacksmith studied him closely, tilting his head as if trying to read him.

  “It’s not common for a boy your age to take such an interest in reading, much less in smithing,” he finally said, his deep voice rumbling like a hammer striking an anvil. “Tell me, what’s your name, lad? I’m Garrik Durnhall the best blacksmith in Rulid.”

  The introduction was direct, brimming with pride.

  Sora, regaining his composure, gave a small, awkward but polite bow.

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Garrik. I’m Sora Eryndel… and this is Nanami Edevanne, my best friend.”

  Nanami’s face lit up at the way he introduced her, her smile growing wide as she straightened proudly beside him.

  At the mention of their surnames, Garrik’s eyes narrowed in surprise.

  “I see… wait, Eryndel? As in the ruling family of Rulid?”

  His voice came out louder than expected, heavy with astonishment. For an instant, Sora felt the air tighten, the kind of stiffness he’d always disliked in fantasy tales. He’d never been fond of solemn treatment, especially now, when all he wanted was to walk through the village like any ordinary child.

  He swallowed and replied with a light smile,

  “That’s right, Mr. Garrik… but please, there’s no need for formalities. I’d really like to just enjoy walking around like everyone else.”

  The blacksmith looked at him for a moment, confusion still etched on his face. It was clear he wasn’t used to nobles speaking so plainly, without airs or demands. But slowly, he nodded, testing how it felt to go along with such an unusual request.

  “Hmph… peculiar kid.”

  Nanami, amused, hid a small laugh behind her hand. Meanwhile, Sora thought silently that this moment, simple as it seemed, might just be the start of something important.

  Garrik cleared his throat, trying to regain a sense of formality he clearly wasn’t sure how to handle around such an odd boy.

  “Ehemm… so then, young master Sora, how can I help you? Do you need something from my forge?”

  Sora shook his head gently, though his eyes continued to wander across every corner of the workshop, full of fascination.

  “Not for now, Mr. Garrik. But I couldn’t resist coming in to see your shop. Just looking around, it’s clear your work is full of dedication.”

  His gaze paused on a nearby shelf where several swords gleamed under the thin beams of sunlight filtering through the gaps in the walls.

  “Those swords in particular… they’re simply beautiful.” He hesitated, almost thinking aloud. “What are they made of? A double-layered steel forging? Or maybe… an alloy blended with mithril?”

  The brief silence that followed struck Garrik like a hammer to the heart. His eyebrows rose, and a spark of enthusiasm lit up his weathered eyes.

  “Yes!” he exclaimed, his voice livelier, proud. “They’re forged in two layers. But it’s not a mithril alloy they carry…” he leaned forward over the counter, lowering his tone like sharing a secret “the core is pure mithril, coated with refined steel. That gives them the strength to withstand even the heaviest blows without breaking.”

  Nanami blinked, not fully understanding the technicalities, but clearly amazed by the passion between the two. Sora, on the other hand, nodded earnestly, taking in every word.

  “That’s incredible,” he said. “It’s not just the shine of a weapon that draws me, Mr. Garrik. It’s the craft itself, the idea of blacksmithing. You don’t just create weapons… you create things that make life easier, that help people.”

  Garrik studied him for a few seconds in silence. His rough expression softened into something resembling respect. It wasn’t common for a child to speak about smithing that way, beyond the thrill of wielding a sword. There was genuine passion in Sora’s tone, a curiosity too deep to be dismissed as mere childish fancy.

  “You really do have a liking for the trade, don’t you, boy?” Garrik said and then, catching himself, corrected with mild awkwardness, “I mean… young master Sora.”

  Sora smiled softly and nodded.

  “Yes. Blacksmithing… it fascinates me.”

  Aeris didn’t know it yet. Nanami could only sense it faintly. But in that moment, the path of Sora’s destiny had begun to take shape, hammered silently into being by an unseen forge echoing deep within his soul.

  Realizing how quickly time had flown and remembering that Aeris was waiting for them at the trade hall, Sora gave a respectful bow toward the counter.

  “Thank you very much for your time, Mr. Garrik. But Nanami and I should head back, our caretaker might worry if she doesn’t find us where she left us. Would it be all right if I visited again sometime? I have a few ideas for things I might need… if you’d be willing to help me, of course.”

  The blacksmith’s eyes gleamed with a spark of enthusiasm he rarely showed to strangers.

  “Of course!” he exclaimed, his deep voice filled with conviction. “You can come by anytime. It’s an honor to serve the Eryndel family… but it’s an even greater honor to meet someone who truly cares about the craft. My doors will always be open to you, boy.”

  Sora beamed from ear to ear and bowed his head in gratitude.

  “Thank you, Mr. Garrik. We’ll be going, then.”

  With those words, he and Nanami stepped out of the shop. The chime of the little bell rang again as the door closed behind them, like a small seal marking the promise they had just made.

  Once outside, Nanami couldn’t hold back her curiosity. She turned to him, eyes sparkling and a mischievous smile on her lips.

  “Hey, Sora… since when do you know so much about blacksmithing? I barely understood half of what you two were talking about.”

  Sora scratched the back of his neck with a sheepish laugh, glancing away.

  “Ehh… I just read some books my father keeps at home, and… well, I thought the topic was interesting, that’s all.”

  Nanami gave him an exaggerated suspicious look, puffing her cheeks as she often did when teasing him, but eventually let out a soft laugh and continued walking beside him.

  The two made their way back toward the trade hall, where Aeris was surely waiting for them. Yet for Sora, something had shifted. That forge, that blacksmith, that short conversation, it had all lit a spark within him, one that would not be easily extinguished.

  When they returned, Aeris was already waiting outside, a couple of bags hanging from each arm. She didn’t seem worried; her calm gaze carried the quiet confidence of someone who trusted that Sora would keep his promise not to wander too far.

  When she saw them, she raised an eyebrow and smiled with playful suspicion.

  “And where have you two been? Sora’s got that dangerously enthusiastic look again, the kind that usually means mischief, doesn’t he, Nanami?”

  Nanami wasted no time ratting him out, laughing impishly.

  “Oh, Sora went into Mr. Garrik’s forge!” she announced. “He got so excited he wouldn’t stop talking about swords and other weird stuff. From what I saw, I think they got along too well.”

  Sora frowned and puffed his cheeks in mock protest.

  “Hey! It’s not ‘weird stuff.’ Mr. Garrik’s a really skilled blacksmith, you can tell just by looking at the pieces he has on display.”

  Aeris listened patiently, though her expression shifted slightly. Her smile faded into a thoughtful look, and almost without realizing it, she muttered under her breath,

  “You went to Garrik’s forge? And that grumpy old man treated you kindly? Now that’s a surprise… He’s an excellent smith, one of the best… but he’s not exactly known for being friendly.”

  Sora blinked, taken aback.

  Grumpy old man? But he was perfectly nice to me… he even said I could come back anytime…

  The contrast between Garrik’s reputation in the village and the impression Sora had gotten in person left him thoughtful, a strange tingle stirring in his chest.

  Nanami, oblivious to his quiet musings, tugged at Aeris’s sleeve.

  “So, are you done now, big sister Aeris? Can we go get sweets?”

  The young woman laughed softly, shaking her head with affectionate exasperation.

  “Yes, yes. Everything’s done. Let’s go, before one of you ends up trading the house for a bag of candy.”

  All three laughed together, the tension of the moment dissolving into their cheerful rhythm. Still, deep inside, Sora couldn’t stop turning over that new contradiction he’d just discovered about Garrik Durnhall.

  Once they finished at the trade hall, Aeris led them down a side street, a little ways off from the central square. After rounding a corner, they arrived at a small but cozy establishment, a tavern that doubled as a restaurant and café during the day. The wooden sign above showed a bunch of grapes and a mug, the paint faded slightly by the sun.

  Sora blinked in mild surprise. It wasn’t quite the kind of place he’d have expected Aeris to choose, but the moment he stepped inside, he understood why. The air smelled of toasted bread, hearty stews, and sweet spices. Gentle laughter and the low hum of conversation filled the space. It was a warm, simple place, clearly beloved by the locals.

  As soon as they crossed the threshold, a lively voice called out from within:

  “Aeris!”

  A young waitress, her hair tied back with a kerchief and an embroidered apron around her waist, all but dashed toward her, wrapping her in a tight hug. Her face shone with pure affection, as though she were reuniting with a long-lost sister.

  “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, Aeris!” she exclaimed joyfully.

  Caught in the embrace, Aeris let out a small, nervous laugh as she awkwardly returned it.

  “Liyia… I’m sorry for not stopping by more often.”

  The waitress, still holding Aeris by the arms, put on an exaggerated pout.

  “You’ve abandoned us, Aeris. You’re so cruel.”

  For a moment, Aeris didn’t know how to respond, her cheeks flushed as she fell silent. Then, regaining her composure, she flashed a playful smile and turned her gaze toward Sora and Nanami.

  “I’ve been busy at home, taking care of young master Sora… and Nanami too.”

  The pair of children exchanged a look the instant they realized Aeris was using them as her excuse. Nanami burst into giggles, delighted by Aeris’s teasing tone, while Sora frowned and crossed his arms as if about to protest but the faint smile tugging at his lips betrayed him.

  The tavern seemed to brighten with the warmth of that moment a mix of friendship, family, and the quiet promise that the day still had more joy to offer.

  Aeris’s words were all it took for both Liyia and the other waitress, a young woman with chestnut hair tied back in a braid to turn their attention toward the two children. Their eyes sparkled like stars, and in perfect unison, they exclaimed:

  “Oh my goodness, Aeris! Who are they?! They’re adorable!”

  Before Sora or Nanami could react, each woman launched herself toward them, one scooped Sora up in a sudden hug, cupping his cheeks between her hands, while the other did the same to Nanami, ruffling her hair affectionately.

  Sora froze completely, his body stiff as a board. He had never been this close to such pretty girls, much less ones showering him with such overwhelming affection. His face turned crimson on the spot, as if his skin itself had caught fire.

  What am I supposed to do right now?! Someone, help me!

  Nanami, caught in a similar embrace, gave a helpless giggle, half protesting, half laughing as she tried and failed to escape.

  Aeris, watching the chaos unfold with a mix of amusement and resignation, finally stepped in, her tone gentle but firm.

  “These two are Sora and Nanami. Sora is the son of Lord Alvaron and Lady Tsukari… and Nanami is his best friend, daughter of the captain of Rulid’s guard.”

  The words hit like a bucket of cold water. Both waitresses froze instantly. They pulled away at once, as if burned, and bowed hurriedly in awkward panic.

  “Forgive us, young master, young lady! We didn’t know, please excuse us!”

  Sora, watching the sudden shift in atmosphere, felt that same uncomfortable weight he’d known all too well in his previous life, when people put distance between him and themselves. He didn’t want that here. Not now.

  “N-no, it’s fine,” he stammered, raising his hands awkwardly, his cheeks still flushed. “I’m not really into formalities… though, uh… I’m not sure how to react to that either.”

  Nanami, still red-faced from the sudden wave of affection, tried to speak in a small, shy voice.

  “It’s fine to be affectionate… but don’t just throw yourselves at my Sora like that…”

  The words slipped out before she realized what she’d said. The moment they reached her own ears, she froze, her whole body stiffening as if struck by lightning. A rush of embarrassment swept through her, and she hid her face in both hands, unable to say another word.

  That little slip was all it took to make the waitresses burst into soft, heartwarming laughter. They exchanged knowing looks, giggling gently not in mockery, but out of pure affection for how adorable the scene had become.

  Sora, who had only caught part of what she said, managed to register the most crucial bit. And that was more than enough to make his ears burn bright red.

  ‘My Sora’…? No way! She didn’t mean that… did she?!

  His heart pounded like a drum, and he could barely hold her gaze as the cozy tavern filled with soft laughter and the warmth of shared amusement.

  Once everyone finally regained their composure, Aeris sighed and gestured toward an empty spot, her tone gentle but firm.

  “Come on, kids. Let’s sit down.”

  The two waitresses, still smiling after the scene, guided them to a table by one of the windows. Warm sunlight streamed through, filling the tavern with a golden glow that caught the dust in the air like tiny dancing sparks.

  “So then, Aeris,” Liyia asked with a playful grin, “what will you all be having today?”

  Before Aeris could answer, Nanami shot her hand up like a student in class.

  “An apple and honey pie, please!”

  Aeris cut her off immediately, brow furrowed but smiling all the same.

  “That’ll be for later, Nanami. We need to have lunch first. It’s already past midday, and since we haven’t gone home yet, we’ll eat out. I had it planned, Lady Tsukari herself suggested it, so you could enjoy more time in the village.”

  Nanami puffed her cheeks in an adorable pout, glancing up at the ceiling as if searching for some clever protest. She’d been daydreaming about sinking her teeth into the tavern’s sweets before anything else, but Aeris had closed that path without mercy.

  Sora, on the other hand, stayed quiet, looking around with mild unease. He didn’t know the menu, nor what kind of food to expect here. Unlike the restaurants of his previous life, there were no printed menus, paper was far too precious to waste on such things.

  Finally, he turned to Aeris with a small, shy smile.

  “Big sister Aeris… I don’t know what to order. Could you order for me?”

  The moment the words left his mouth, Aeris felt the heat rush straight to her face. She’d grown used to Sora and Nanami calling her that at home… but in public, especially here, in this tavern, it was the very last thing she wanted to hear.

  As if fate itself had decided to conspire against her, Liyia’s eyes lit up instantly, sparkling like stars. With a grin full of mischief, she echoed his words aloud, dragging out the tone dramatically:

  “So then, big sister Aeris, what will you all be having today?”

  The remark drew a burst of laughter from the other waitress, who leaned playfully over the table to glance at Sora and Nanami with a knowing smile.

  Aeris brought a hand to her forehead, blushing all the way to her ears.

  Exactly what I didn’t want to happen… she groaned inwardly, sinking slightly in her seat before composing herself again.

  Meanwhile, Sora and Nanami exchanged glances, his was one of puzzled innocence, hers barely holding back laughter. The meal hadn’t even begun, and already the tavern had turned into a stage for a new round of teasing at Aeris’s expense.

  After they ate, the plates were cleared away, leaving only the glasses of cool water on the table. Nanami drummed her fingers impatiently on the wood, her eyes darting toward the kitchen every few seconds as if sheer willpower could make the promised dessert arrive faster. Sora, in contrast, sat calmly, quietly amused by how restless she was over a slice of apple and honey pie.

  Aeris, taking advantage of that small pause before dessert, looked at both of them with a curious expression.

  “So then… what did you think of Mr. Garrik? He’s not exactly known for being sociable… but it seems you two got along with him quite well.”

  Nanami straightened up, smiling brightly.

  “He didn’t seem like a bad man! He looked busy, but once Sora started talking to him, his face changed completely. He even said Sora could visit anytime and that the doors of his forge would always be open for him!”

  Aeris raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. That wasn’t the kind of reaction she expected from the gruffest blacksmith in Rulid. Even considering Sora’s noble status, it still sounded… unusual.

  She turned her gaze toward him, tilting her head slightly, a note of playful suspicion in her voice.

  “And what exactly did you do to make such a good impression on Mr. Garrik? He’s a focused man, he doesn’t go around making friends with just anyone.”

  Sora shrugged, clearly a little uncomfortable under the question’s weight. Rubbing the back of his neck, he answered with a sheepish smile.

  “I just… saw all the things he had on display and couldn’t help but talk about them. Though really, everything I know about smithing comes from the few books we have at home.”

  Before Aeris could reply, Nanami jumped in, crossing her arms in mock offense.

  “‘The little you know?’ I didn’t understand a single word you said to him, and yet it was obvious Mr. Garrik was fascinated by everything that came out of your mouth!”

  Her remark drew a nervous laugh from Sora, while Aeris raised an eyebrow again, this time even higher. She observed him quietly, as if trying to read something beyond his words.

  “Again, Sora… interested in things a child your age shouldn’t even understand. You really are full of surprises…” she thought, masking her curiosity behind a gentle smile.

  The air lightened again, that subtle mix of amusement and mystery lingering between them, right as a tray with three steaming slices of pie appeared on the table, rescuing Sora from Aeris’s scrutinizing gaze.

  He caught that look, the same one she had given him more than once before, curious, probing, as though she were trying to uncover a secret he wasn’t ready to share. Lowering his eyes to his plate, he sighed inwardly, guilt weighing faintly on his chest as he cut into his slice.

  I’m sorry, big sister Aeris… I hope one day I can tell you everything. But I’m not ready yet. I don’t know how any of you would react…

  That thought still lingering, Sora brought the fork to his mouth and the moment the flavor touched his tongue, all guilt melted away. The warmth and sweetness enveloped him instantly: the honey infused the crust with a creamy smoothness, while the bits of apple retained a light, tart freshness that balanced the taste perfectly. He closed his eyes for a second, quietly amazed.

  Beside him, Nanami made no effort to hide her delight. She attacked her slice with unrestrained joy, celebrating each bite with a little bounce on her chair, her legs swinging happily under the table. Her cheeks were full, her eyes gleaming, and every mouthful came with a cheerful, muffled “mmm.”

  Sora glanced sideways at her, watching the honey glisten on her lips, her smile somehow making the dessert itself seem even sweeter. He couldn’t blame her, the pie was truly exquisite, a small hidden treasure in such a modest tavern.

  Aeris, meanwhile, watched them both with a serene expression, as though that simple, warm moment was reward enough for all the effort she put into caring for them each day.

  The sweet interlude ended with empty plates and satisfied smiles. The three leaned back against their chairs, looking utterly full, as if the meal had gently stolen their energy. Aeris, regaining her composed demeanor, gestured for Liyia to bring the check.

  The waitress appeared almost instantly, holding a small wooden board, and announced with professional cheer,

  “The total for the three of you comes to seventy bronze coins.”

  Aeris was already reaching into her bag, ready to pay, when Sora suddenly stood up, so abruptly that he nearly bumped the table in his eagerness.

  “I’ll pay, big sister Aeris!” he declared, pulling out one of the ten silver coins Tsukari had given him. Holding it high with solemn resolve, he added with a practiced seriousness,

  “That’s what gentlemen do!”

  For a heartbeat, silence fell over the table. Then, as realization hit, Sora’s face turned crimson. He slowly lowered his hand, finding himself caught between three very different stares: Aeris’s warm and tender one, Nanami’s amused and conspiratorial one, and Liyia’s mischievous grin that threatened to break into laughter.

  Aeris, surprised but touched, chose not to interrupt him. There was something so pure about that earnest determination that she couldn’t bring herself to correct him.

  To ease the moment, Liyia accepted the coin with exaggerated ceremony, her voice bright and playful.

  “Very well, young master! I’ll gladly take it.”

  Regaining a bit of composure, Sora straightened his back and added solemnly,

  “There’s no need for change. You may keep the remaining thirty copper coins as a tip.”

  Liyia’s eyes widened, genuine surprise flashing across her face. For a second, she was speechless, rarely did a customer leave such a generous tip, and certainly never a child. She bowed deeply, sincerity softening her tone.

  “Truly, thank you so much. You’ve no idea how much that means.”

  Aeris sighed softly, unable to hold back her instinct to step in, her tone gentle but firm.

  “It’s good to be generous, Sora… but don’t go throwing money around so freely.”

  Her voice wasn’t scolding, it was the kind of gentle correction an older sister gives out of care, not reproach.

  Sora nodded, lowering his gaze as a faint blush lingered on his cheeks.

  “It’s just… the food was delicious, and I wanted to thank them properly for their work.”

  Nanami shot him a sideways glance, smiling with that teasing affection only she could pull off. Aeris, meanwhile, remained quiet for a moment longer, watching him with a look that mixed fondness and reflection.

  Because Sora meant every word he’d said. Deep down, he still remembered what that kind of work felt like, the exhaustion of serving others day after day, the weight of small kindnesses that could brighten even the hardest shifts.

  That buried memory, nestled beneath the layers of his new life, gave his words a quiet, genuine glow, one that neither Aeris nor Nanami could ignore.

  After paying and saying their goodbyes, the three of them stepped out of the tavern amid smiles and waves. Liyia stood by the door, waving enthusiastically; the other waitress blew a playful kiss toward Nanami; and even the cook, hands dusted with flour, leaned over the counter to wish them a safe journey home. It was clear the little group had managed to win over everyone in the place in a single visit.

  Outside, the gentle air of Solvesta greeted them. Sunlight bathed the wooden and stone fa?ades, and the familiar hum of village life filled the streets: merchants calling out their offers, children chasing a dog through the alleyways, and the faint clang of a hammer striking metal somewhere in the distance.

  They strolled along the main road back home, chatting and laughing about the day’s discoveries. But in the midst of their easy rhythm, Sora noticed Nanami had fallen a step behind. Her gaze was fixed on a small shop to the right.

  In its window sat a modest display of trinkets: beaded necklaces, leather bracelets, simple rings. Yet what caught Nanami’s eye were a pair of earrings shaped like tiny white birds, carved from polished bone and adorned with a faint pearly shimmer.

  Her smile softened, becoming gentler, more personal. Her eyes sparkled with that childlike fascination that needed no words. They didn’t look expensive, but Sora instantly noticed just how much she liked them.

  He bit his lip and turned his gaze away, hoping no one would notice the thought that had already formed in his mind.

  Next time I come to the village, I’ll buy them for her… as an apology for forgetting her birthday last year.

  Beside him, Aeris watched silently. She knew Sora too well, she recognized that quiet glint of determination, that secretive look. She didn’t need to guess what was running through his mind. Without a word, she reached out and ruffled his hair gently, the way she did when she wanted to show support without saying anything.

  Sora blinked, confused by the gesture, and looked up at her. Aeris just smiled softly, offering no explanation.

  He didn’t quite understand why she did it but he didn’t dislike it either. In fact, that simple touch filled him with a quiet warmth, one that lingered as they kept walking under the afternoon sun, Nanami a few steps ahead, still stealing one last glance at the shop window.

  Their walk back continued in lighthearted conversation, until suddenly Nanami, eyes gleaming with excitement, spoke up.

  “Sora, now that you can finally go out… why don’t we end our first trip by visiting that place?”

  Her mischievous smile was all it took for Sora to know exactly what she meant.

  The White Crest Tree.

  A flutter of excitement stirred in Sora’s chest. Of course, this was the perfect moment to share it with Aeris. That tree wasn’t just a childhood secret anymore; it was a refuge, a symbol and Aeris was someone special who deserved to see it too.

  Aeris, watching them with mild suspicion, furrowed her brow slightly.

  “And where exactly do you two want to go?”

  The children exchanged a knowing glance and, in perfect unison, burst out with bright enthusiasm,

  “Follow us!”

  The young woman sighed, resigned but smiling at their boundless energy.

  “All right… I trust you two.”

  Guided by excitement, Sora and Nanami led her beyond the estate’s fences, following grassy paths that wound gently toward the forest. The air was thick with Solvesta’s freshness, the scent of tender shoots and damp earth, a whisper of renewal.

  Aeris kept a light pace behind them, eyes darting cautiously around. She still half-expected to catch them in the middle of some harmless mischief. But when the trees parted and the clearing opened before her, every trace of suspicion vanished.

  There it stood, the White Crest Tree.

  The majestic giant rose atop the hill like a silent guardian. Though it hadn’t yet regained its full crown of leaves, clusters of pure white blossoms already gleamed among the tender buds, hinting at the blooms soon to come. Each branch carried the quiet memory of winters endured and the promise of a summer yet to flourish.

  Aeris stopped dead in her tracks, unable to move for a moment. Her lips parted slightly, and her eyes widened with the same awed wonder Sora had worn the first time he’d discovered the place: spellbound, captivated by the breathtaking sight of the White Crest Tree.

  It was the kind of view that silenced every thought, that drew a sigh even from the hardest heart. And Aeris was no exception.

  Nanami, proud and beaming, took Sora’s hand and looked at him with a conspiratorial glint, as if to say: Told you she’d react like that.

  The silence that followed needed no words. The three of them stood there, sharing the same quiet awe as if that towering tree, in all its serene grandeur, had woven an invisible bond between their hearts.

  Sora finally broke the stillness beneath the White Crest’s branches. Stepping closer to the trunk, he laid his hand upon its rough bark and whispered with a soft, intimate smile,

  “It’s been a while since the last time we came.”

  The gentle Solvesta breeze stirred the branches above, as if the tree itself were responding to his words.

  Aeris, now recovered from her initial awe, watched them quietly and murmured, almost in a sigh,

  “So this is where you two used to sneak off to in the afternoons… I can’t blame you. It’s a beautiful place, so peaceful.”

  The children turned toward her and nodded at once. Sora spun on his heels and replied earnestly, though a bright smile curved his lips,

  “We didn’t come here to cause trouble, Aeris. We just came to spend time together… Isn’t it beautiful?”

  Aeris could only nod in agreement, her gaze still captured by the White Crest Tree’s serene majesty.

  Nanami, however, narrowed her eyes in playful suspicion. She eyed Sora as if trying to read his mind. How did Aeris know about this place? She was sure they had never told anyone.

  Sora noticed her look and immediately raised both hands in surrender, blurting out in a rush,

  “I didn’t tell her! I swear! It’s just that… she caught me the day of the Harvest Festival! When you went home, I came here to the White Crest, and when I got back, Aeris was waiting for me at the backyard table where we practice reading! I’m sorry, Nanami! But I didn’t break our promise not to tell anyone!”

  Nanami’s eyes widened in surprise, while Aeris covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

  “Sora never told me about this place,” Aeris clarified, smiling softly. “But it’s true, i did catch him slipping in through that little gap in the fence.”

  Nanami wasn’t angry. Not at all. After all, this was Aeris. She was part of their inner circle too almost like an older sister to both of them.

  So, with a mischievous sparkle in her violet eyes, Nanami turned toward Sora and declared with mock solemnity,

  “All right. I forgive you. But you owe me a slice of apple and honey pie.”

  Sora nearly choked on his own breath.

  “Another one?! Didn’t you eat enough today?”

  His firm yet flustered protest drew immediate laughter from both Nanami and Aeris. The two burst into giggles together while Sora crossed his arms and frowned in mock indignation, though he couldn’t quite hide the smile tugging at his lips.

  The White Crest Tree, silent witness to their laughter, seemed to embrace them with its white budding branches as if it too approved of that small, golden promise born beneath its shade.

  After spending a long while beneath the White Crest’s branches, between gentle laughter and quiet, contemplative silences, Aeris was the first to rise. She brushed off her skirt softly and looked at the two children with a serene, almost maternal expression.

  “Children, it’s time to head back. I still have a few things to take care of at home.”

  Sora and Nanami nodded, though a touch of reluctance lingered in their eyes. They both turned to the tree one last time, sharing a silent glance, as if the White Crest itself could hear their thoughts and keep this memory safe within its timeless roots. Then, hand in hand, they began the walk home.

  The return was wrapped in the warmth they shared: laughter slipping out without restraint, light steps along the path, and that unmistakable feeling of having lived a day worth remembering.

  When they reached the mansion, Aeris paused for a moment in the entrance hall and turned toward them.

  “Well… today was a good day. I had a lot of fun walking around with you two. Thank you for showing me the White Crest. I wanted to surprise you by showing you Rulid… but in the end, it was you who surprised me.”

  Sora and Nanami smiled in unison, their voices full of genuine gratitude as they thanked her back. To them, Aeris’s company had always meant safety and joy, and now that they had shared their secret place with her, their bond felt stronger than ever.

  Aeris gently patted both of their heads before heading toward the kitchen to check on the supplies she’d ordered from the trading company.

  It was already around the fifth hour of the afternoon. Liora would be coming to pick up Nanami soon, around the sixth. In the meantime, the two children stayed in the living room, laughing and reminiscing about the highlights of the day: the stew, the pie, the blacksmith Garrik, and the little glances they’d exchanged in the bustling plaza. The air was filled with that fleeting kind of happiness that only belongs to childhood.

  Time passed more quickly than they expected, and soon the door creaked open Liora was there. Nanami hurried to gather her things, but before leaving, she turned back to Sora with an expression unlike her usual playful one. It was gentler, quieter, tinged with something bittersweet.

  “Sora, um… my parents and I are going to visit my aunt in the village of Akala. We’ll be gone for about two weeks.”

  Sora froze for a heartbeat. His thoughts collided, heavy and still, as if the air itself had stopped moving.

  Two weeks? …Since I awoke in this life, I haven’t gone that long without seeing Nanami.

  A faint shadow stirred at the edge of his memory, the loneliness of his past life, those endless gray days that seemed to stretch forever. He didn’t want to feel that again.

  But he took a slow breath, steadying the ache inside, and straightened his posture. When he looked at her again, it was with the bright, innocent smile of a child, though behind it, the quiet resilience of an older soul held him upright.

  “I’m going to miss you, Nanami. But enjoy your trip. You don’t get to travel like that very often. When you come back, you can tell me all about what you saw there.”

  Nanami looked at him quietly for a moment, her eyes shimmering. Maybe she sensed the effort behind his light tone. So, wanting to ease his heart, she took his hand gently and said in a soft, reassuring voice,

  “Don’t worry… two weeks will fly by!”

  Sora gave her a bright smile, waving goodbye with his usual energy. But when the door closed behind her, a faint melancholy slipped in, a quiet emptiness he didn’t want to acknowledge, yet couldn’t deny. It was that same hollow ache he’d known too well in his past life, the one he had tried so hard to bury.

  He stood still in the living room for a while, fingers brushing over the scarf still hanging loosely around his neck. Then he shook his head, as if to chase away the lingering shadow.

  In the end, Nanami would come back. And when she did, he’d be right here, waiting to welcome her home.