Chapter 46: It Better Be Worth It
—Knight Orders Office—
The office was quiet, save for the steady scratching of Seraphina's quill against parchment.
Then, a gentle knock echoed from the heavy wooden door.
"May I come in, Captain?" came a voice—clear, composed, and slightly noble in tone. Arwyn.
Seraphina did not glance up. Her voice, smooth and clipped, carried across the room like a blade sliding from its sheath.
"Enter."
The door creaked open, letting in the faint scent of oiled armor and the sound of boots against stone. Arwyn stepped in, back straight, hands behind her. She moved with practiced precision until she stood before Seraphina's desk and saluted.
"Lieutenant Arwyn reporting, Captain."
Seraphina lifted her eyes, cold and calculating. Her gaze lingered for a moment before returning to the document before her.
"Report."
Arwyn nodded. "As instructed, we've retrieved the creature's corpse from the dungeon and delivered it to the MIMR. They've already begun their research and initial examinations. I personally oversaw the start of the process to ensure no evidence was lost. They said it'll take some time to uncover anything substantial, but they'll likely have a report by tomorrow."
Seraphina gave a single, slight nod—approval without warmth. "Acceptable. I expected no less. I trust your judgment in such matters."
"Thank you, Captain." Arwyn reached into her satchel and pulled out two parchment folders. "And here are the reports from Eldhollow and Brunefrost, as you requested."
She laid them gently on the desk.
"Eldhollow remains stable," Arwyn continued. "The local Knight Order is well-disciplined. They've begun reinforcing the southern watchtower after last month's minor skirmish with bandits. Trade routes through the forest are open again. The economy is modest but steady, thanks to lumber and herbal exports."
Seraphina listened in silence, her expression unreadable.
"Brunefrost," Arwyn went on, "is much the same. Cold and quiet as always. The city guard is cooperative with our knights, and there's been a notable drop in petty crime since the winter patrol rotation began. The market square is thriving—furs and crystal ore in high demand. No sign of unrest or subversion."
Seraphina finally looked up again, meeting Arwyn's eyes.
"Thank you for going in person. I prefer eyes I can trust."
"Yes, Captain," Arwyn replied with a soft smile, proud yet respectful. "I know how much that matters to you."
Seraphina didn't return the smile, but the silence that followed carried an air of understanding between warriors who valued efficiency—and loyalty.
---
—Adventurer's Guild—
Kael stepped into the Adventurer's Guild, greeted by the familiar smell of sweat, ale, and bad decisions. The hall buzzed with noise—adventures arguing over who actually killed the troll, an adventurer dramatically flirting with someone's wife, and the ever-present clinking of mugs being slammed down.
Kael made his way through the chaos like a ghost drifting through a battlefield, quiet, unreadable, and mildly annoyed.
"My usual spot's free. Luck hasn't abandoned me today," he thought dryly as he slid into the seat by the corner window.
"Tea," he called out with a voice as cold and lifeless as a Monday morning. Then added, louder this time, "With honey. And a hint of respect."
A figure approached—broad-shouldered, awkward, and definitely not the usual waitress who always greeted him with a look of pity.
Kael blinked. "Wait… is that—?"
The man slammed a cup of tea in front of him like it owed him money.
It was him.
Gareth.
One of the arrogant knights from the city guard—the same man who had punched Kael in the middle of this very guild like he was swatting a mosquito and shouted, "You're a disgrace! If I were you, I'd crawl into a hole and never come out!"
Now he was wearing an apron. A frilly one.
Kael slowly reached into his pouch, pulled out a silver coin, and held it out with two fingers like it was a dirty sock.
Gareth snatched it, face already red.
Kael tilted his head. "Didn't expect to see you waiting tables. Is this a demotion or a passion project?"
Gareth's jaw clenched. "It's because of you, you smug piece of sh—"
"Language," Kael cut in, sipping his tea calmly. "There are children here. Well, immature adults. Same difference."
"You ruined my reputation! You showed your cursed face during inspection!" Gareth stepped closer, grabbing Kael by the collar. "It's your fault!"
Kael blinked slowly. "You punched me. I didn't even hit you back. I just stood there. Like a tree."
"You looked at me," Gareth growled. "With that smug, punchable face of yours."
"Guilty," Kael said, deadpan. "My face is a known criminal."
"Fu—"
"Sir Gareth!" A sharp voice rang out like a whip.
Both men turned.
Celeste. She stomped toward them, heels clicking like death approaching.
"What exactly do you think you're doing to our customer?" she asked sweetly, in the way someone might ask before stabbing you in the liver.
"I—It's nothing! Just… friendly conversation," Gareth stammered, suddenly deflating like a stabbed pudding.
"Should I tell the Guildmaster you assaulted a guest again?"
"No! Please don't!" Gareth went pale. Like "dead fish in winter" pale.
"Then apologize."
A long silence. Gareth looked like he was physically choking on the words.
"…I'm sorry. Please forgive me, sir." he muttered, bowing his head.
Kael took another sip of tea. "Accepted. Try not to spit in my drink next time."
Gareth stiffened. But Kael wasn't done.
As Gareth turned to leave, Kael murmured the exact words Gareth had once used on him—quiet, but sharp enough to cut. "You're a disgrace. If I were you, I'd crawl into a hole and never come out."
Gareth froze. Visibly shook.
He leaned in, voice a whisper of rage. "I'll see you later."
Kael didn't even look up. "Make sure it's during my lunch break. I like some entertainment with my meal."
Gareth stormed off, fists clenched, apron fluttering behind him like a tragic flag of defeat.
Kael leaned back, sipping his tea again.
"Damn… that actually wasn't bad," he mumbled. "Might order extra next time. Comes with free drama."
He raised the cup to his lips and whispered to himself, "Cheers, chaos."
Then, without warning, Celeste slid into the seat across from him.
"Give me a tea too," she said, not looking at him. Just adjusting her skirt as if this was normal.
Kael glanced at her, shocked, but said nothing.
"I heard your party disbanded for a month," she added after a pause, watching his face. "Leon told me yesterday before he left."
Kael gave a small shrug. "Yeah. They did." His voice was low, indifferent.
Celeste studied him for a moment, then leaned in slightly. "You don't seem to care," she said. "Here I thought you'd be... I don't know, worried or something. You finally got a decent party after three years—good people, good synergy—and suddenly they split. That should've hurt, shouldn't it?"
He let out a breath through his nose, not quite a laugh. "You'd think so. But you've known me long enough, haven't you? Three years, Celeste. I'm used to being alone. It doesn't affect me that much."
A moment later, Gareth arrived with another cup of tea and placed it in front of Celeste. He shot Kael a questioning look but said nothing before turning away.
Kael ignored him. He lifted his cup, eyes still fixed on the window.
"Why are you here, Celeste?" he thought. "You never cared before. You just watched me from behind that desk like everyone else—pitying me. So why now? Why sit with me today?"
Celeste took a sip of her tea, glancing at him over the rim of the cup. Her thoughts wandered.
"Why was I even worried about him?" she mused. "It's obvious he doesn't care. It's been three years since he came to Velhart and joined the guild. I've seen him day after day from my desk. Alone. Quiet. Always taking low-rank quests, always in that same worn-out leather armor. I used to pity him. Still do, maybe. But I don't get it—why hasn't he quit being an adventurer? What is he even holding onto?"
"You don't have work today?" Kael asked, not looking at her.
"I do," she said, gesturing at herself. "Can't you tell? I'm wearing the receptionist uniform.
"Sorry. Didn't notice," he replied flatly, eyes still on the street beyond the window.
"Of course you didn't," she said, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, you don't look like you're here to take a quest today. But it's rare to see you in a shirt."
"Is it?"
"Yeah. You've been wearing that same half-torn leather armor for three years. When I saw you earlier, I didn't even recognize you at first. Honestly, I don't think most people in the guild even realize you're Kael—the so-called weakest adventurer in Velhart."
"I see."
"There it is again. That wall. Always calm, always distant. Never lets anyone in. Why am I even trying?" she wondered, finishing her tea in one long sip.
Kael said nothing. But his thoughts turned bitter. "Why are you trying to talk to me? Just go back to the desk like you always do. Let me enjoy this moment of peace. Alone. That's how it's supposed to be."
"I was bored at home," he finally said, voice distant. "So I thought I'd walk for a bit."
"Oh? That's... not like you," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"No reason." She stood up, adjusting her skirt. "Well, see you later then. I can't waste more time here talking to you."
She turned and walked away without waiting for a response.
Kael watched her leave, expression unreadable. "I never asked you to talk to me. You were wasting your time—not me."
But he didn't say it aloud. He just sat there, staring into his tea, waiting for the silence to return.
Then he gently placed the warm cup of tea back onto the table, the quiet clink of ceramic barely audible above the hum of the adventurers' guild. He took another sip, savoring the rare moment of peace.
---
Meanwhile...
Outside the guild, Arienne stood at the entrance with her arms crossed, frowning up at the towering wooden doors. Beside her, Darian adjusted his uniform and leaned down slightly, his voice low and cautious.
"Young miss," he said with a gentle firmness, "we should proceed carefully. Guilds aren't places for children."
"I'm not a child," Arienne huffed, puffing her cheeks in defiance. "I'm a real adventurer now. And my first quest is to find that mysterious man. The one they call the weakest adventurer." She giggled. "What a silly name."
Darian sighed, clearly used to her spirited defiance. "Miss Arienne…"
"I said let's go," she declared, stepping forward without waiting.
He caught her small hand before she could barge in. "At least let me walk in with you. You can't just storm a guild. These people are… not like the ones in your stories."
"I know," she said impatiently, "but I'm not afraid." Still, she let him guide her as they stepped inside together.
The inside of the guild was lively and crowded. Rough men and women gathered in small groups, clinking mugs and laughing loudly, while a few quieter types studied quest boards or cleaned their gear. Arienne's eyes widened in excitement and wonder.
"So many adventurers…" she whispered.
She stood on her toes, craning her neck in every direction. "Where is he…? I didn't see his face clearly, but I felt something. He has to be here."
Darian's sharp eyes scanned the room. Then, he froze. "Look, young miss," he said, tilting his head toward a corner table. "That man over there. Isn't that him?"
Arienne's eyes followed his pointing finger—and there he was. Kael. Sitting alone with a cup of tea, looking completely out of place among the rougher crowd.
Her eyes lit up. "That's him!" Without waiting, she dashed off.
"Miss Arienne—wait! You'll trip!" Darian called, hurrying after her.
Kael hadn't noticed the commotion. He lifted his cup again, lost in thought. But as Arienne barreled toward him, his eyes caught movement—and then his tea sprayed from his mouth in shock.
"Oh crap!" he muttered under his breath. "I forgot I told her I'd train her! She actually heard that? Why did I even say that? Why can't I just be normal…"
His eyes darted around, but there was nowhere to hide. Before he could move, she was standing in front of him, hands on her hips.
"Hey, mister!" she said, grinning. "I thought I wouldn't find you, but you're so easy to spot. Just like your silly name."
Kael groaned softly. "Shouldn't you be at home? Resting?"
"I was. And I feel fine now. Thanks to you!" she said, clearly proud of herself. "So, you said you'd train me, remember? You said you'd help me become an adventurer!"
"I said that?" Kael raised a brow, feigning ignorance. "I must've forgotten."
"You did say it!" She turned to Darian. "Tell him!"
Darian caught up and bowed politely. "Yes. I recall you said it, sir."
Kael sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I was just being nice…"
"Well, I'm not letting you take it back now." Arienne stepped closer, her expression determined. "Train me."
"No," Kael said flatly.
"Please!" she clasped her hands together with a hopeful look.
"I said no."
Then her eyes began to water. Her lips trembled just slightly. "But… but you promised…"
"Oh come on…" Kael muttered, glancing around as a few nearby adventurers started to notice. "Okay, okay! Fine. But we can't train here."
Arienne immediately perked up. "Yay! So where do we train, mister?"
Kael looked helplessly at Darian. "Any ideas?"
Darian gave a thoughtful nod. "Our estate has a private courtyard. It's safe and quiet. Would that be acceptable, young miss?"
Arienne scrunched her nose. "That sounds boring. How am I supposed to become a real adventurer in a boring yard?"
"You're not even registered yet," Kael said. "You need to be at least fourteen to become an official adventurer. That's the rule. Otherwise, the guild won't accept you."
"But I want to become one now!" she stomped her foot, frustration bubbling up.
"You can't. And if you keep whining like that, I'll change my mind about training you."
She paused, biting her lip. Then nodded slowly. "Okay… I'll wait. As long as I can become one someday."
Kael smirked slightly. "Good. Then let's go, little adventurer."
They stepped out of the guild and made their way toward Arienne's mansion.
---
After some time walking through the quiet streets, they finally reached the mansion.
Kael paused as the gate creaked open, taking in the expansive courtyard beyond. The cobblestone path led through well-kept grass and trimmed hedges, weaving around patches of blooming flowers. A fountain stood at the center, the gentle trickle of water breaking the silence. Nearby, lavender bushes stirred faintly in the breeze, releasing a familiar, calming scent.
Kael's gaze lingered on the lavender.
"So it's the same scent I noticed before…"
Darian gestured forward, holding the gate open. "This way, sir," he said, nodding respectfully.
As they stepped onto the courtyard path, Kael glanced at him. "Is your master home?"
Darian shook his head. "No, he's at work. But… he was in such a good mood today. Thanks to you."
Kael raised a brow. "Because I healed her?"
"Yes," Darian nodded. "If you hadn't... well, he said he wouldn't have been able to bear it." His voice softened, almost faltering. "He asked me to thank you. And to ask for his daughter's forgiveness on his behalf."
Kael slowed his steps, arms behind his back. "I don't need his thanks."
"He also said he'll pay you—if you train her," Darian added quickly, glancing at Kael's face for a reaction.
Kael gave a small shrug. "Then that's fine."
They walked in silence for a few more steps. The wind carried more of the lavender's scent through the courtyard, and birds could be heard chirping faintly in the trees overhead.
As they neared a flat stone area in the middle of the courtyard, Darian stopped. "You can begin the training here, sir. It's where she usually practices."
Kael glanced around. The ground was even, surrounded by a circle of white stones. A wooden training dummy stood off to the side, worn from repeated strikes.
"I'll go get some snacks," Darian said, already turning toward the mansion. "She gets cranky if she's hungry."
"Noted," Kael replied calmly, watching him leave.
A moment later, Arienne's voice rang out from behind them. "I am not cranky!"
Kael turned his head toward her. She stood with her arms crossed, pouting, her brows furrowed and nose scrunched in clear annoyance.
"You were eavesdropping," Kael said matter-of-factly.
"I was listening," Arienne huffed, stomping over. "And I don't need snacks! I need a real sword, not that wooden stick Darian gave me."
Kael's eyes drifted to the stick in her hand, roughly carved and a bit chipped. "Looks like it served you well so far."
She scowled. "It's for babies."
"You are a child."
"I'm not!" she yelled, then looked away. "…I mean, not really."
Kael gave a small sigh and sat down on a low stone bench beside the fountain. "If you want to train, you'll need to listen. Can you do that?"
Arienne didn't respond right away. She looked at him, then at the stick in her hand, and then sat on the ground—legs crossed, grumbling. "Maybe."
Kael leaned back slightly, folding his arms. "You're not going to learn anything if you argue before every lesson."
"Then don't say annoying things," she muttered.
He smirked. "Fair enough."
Darian's voice called out from the doorway. "Don't start without me! I brought strawberry tarts!"
"I said I don't want snacks!" Arienne shouted—but her eyes were already following the tray in his hands.
Kael stood slowly, stretching his arms. "Let's start with posture. After you finish your tart."
"I can eat and learn at the same time!"
Kael looked at Darian, who only chuckled.
"She's stubborn," he said.
Kael nodded. "I noticed."
---
Training ended as the sky turned a soft orange, the sun dipping lazily toward the horizon. The courtyard had quieted, save for the occasional rustle of leaves stirred by the wind. Darian had returned to his duties, leaving the two of them alone.
Kael sat on the stone bench near the fountain, wiping sweat from his brow with a cloth. Behind him, Arienne sat on the grass, legs tucked under her, chin resting in her palms.
She tilted her head, eyes fixed on his back.
"…So," she began, drawing out the word, "who's that girl?"
Kael didn't respond. His hand froze mid-wipe.
"You know," she went on, "the one you said I look like."
He turned his head slightly but didn't look at her. "You were supposed to be asleep."
"I wasn't," she said with a shrug. "I heard it. You just stared at me like I was a ghost."
"…You shouldn't eavesdrop."
"I wasn't eavesdropping. I was just awake. That's different." She kicked at a pebble.
Kael exhaled, folding the cloth neatly on his lap. "It's not important."
"It is to me," she said, her voice tightening. "Why'd you say I look like her? Was she your girlfriend or something?"
Kael finally turned, raising an eyebrow. "What kind of kid asks that?"
"I'm not a kid," she shot back. "And you didn't answer."
"No," he said flatly. "She wasn't my girlfriend. She was... kind. Gentle. The kind of person who'd smile even when it hurt."
Arienne narrowed her eyes. "So you did like her."
Kael pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're not listening. I didn't say—"
"You didn't not say it," she interrupted, poking his leg with a stick. "You're dodging. Adults are the worst."
He glanced down at her, half-amused. "You're relentless."
"Yep." She grinned proudly. "So, who is she?"
His smile faded. He turned back to the fountain, watching the ripples catch the light. When he spoke again, his voice was softer.
"Someone… who isn't here anymore."
Arienne blinked. The grin slipped from her face. "She died?"
He nodded once.
Silence fell between them. A breeze stirred the lavender nearby.
"…I'm sorry," she murmured, hugging her knees. "I didn't mean to push."
Kael didn't speak. His hands clenched the cloth on his lap, knuckles white.
She noticed his eyes then—just for a moment. Damp. Shining with something he tried to hide.
"You still miss her, don't you?" she asked.
Kael shut his eyes. "…Every day."
She hesitated. "What was she like?"
He took a breath, jaw tight.
"She was… the kind of person who'd stop in the middle of a storm just to help a stranger. Who'd notice the one person no one else did. People loved her because she made them feel seen. Like they mattered."
Arienne frowned. "Sounds kind of fake."
"She wasn't," Kael said, his voice firm. "She just understood people."
"Sounds like someone had feelings," she teased, but more gently now.
Kael sighed. "That's not the point."
Arienne crawled closer, peering up at him. "Then why do you look so sad when you talk about her?"
He didn't reply.
"You still haven't said her name," she said softly.
Kael stared ahead, voice low. "She's someone I loved. Very much."
Arienne was quiet for a while. Then, with a small, respectful smile, she said, "She must've been really something."
"She was," Kael said.
This time, Arienne didn't joke. She just sat beside him, letting the silence stretch, the golden afternoon light wrapping them in warmth.
After a moment, Kael stood, brushing off his pants. "Well, your training's over. I should get going."
"Okay." Arienne reached up and patted his arm with a mischievous grin. "Hehe… You're such a child."
Kael laughed—a short, genuine sound.
"Didn't know you could laugh too, mister," she said, smiling. "Well, if you miss her again… you can come to me. I'll pet you."
She burst into laughter at her own joke.
Kael shook his head, already turning away. "Okay. Bye."
He raised a hand in a lazy wave without looking back and started walking toward home.
---
—Knight Order's Office—
A light knock sounded at the door before it opened. Arwyn stepped in, her expression curious but calm.
"Captain," she said, her voice formal yet tinged with a familiarity that only came from years of service. "A response from the Warden General. It just arrived." She placed a sealed parchment gently on the desk.
Seraphina's brow arched. "Already?" she said, her tone crisp. "That's... unusually fast."
Arwyn gave a small nod. "You only sent the request yesterday, did you not?"
"Yes," Seraphina murmured, breaking the seal. Her eyes flicked across the page, the slightest narrowing of her gaze betraying surprise.
Arwyn stepped forward slightly. "Captain... is something wrong?"
Seraphina didn't look up at first. Her fingers tightened subtly on the edge of the parchment. Then she exhaled through her nose, measured and quiet. "He's coming."
"The Warden General?" Arwyn blinked. "Here? To Velhart?"
"Tomorrow." Seraphina set the parchment down slowly. "He intends to hold an audience with the Duke, the Guildmaster, and us in the afternoon."
Arwyn stared at her. "Tomorrow?" Her voice rose slightly, incredulous. "There was no schedule for a visit this month. Nothing in the communiqués..."
Seraphina's gaze was level. "Which makes his arrival all the more concerning."
Arwyn stepped to the side, half-turning toward the window. "A personal visit from the Warden General over a single report... it must be about that monster you mentioned. He wouldn't act this swiftly unless he knew more than he let on."
"Perhaps." Seraphina stood, adjusting the cuffs of her coat. Her motions were precise, controlled. "Or perhaps this is just the surface."
Arwyn looked over her shoulder, eyes narrowing. "Still... why not just summon us to the capital if it was urgent? Why come here himself?"
A pause.
"Maybe," Arwyn said slowly, "he just wanted an excuse to see his daughter after three years?"
The silence that followed was pointed.
Seraphina met her gaze without expression. "Speculation doesn't suit you, Arwyn."
Arwyn gave a small, sheepish smile. "Forgive me, Captain."
"Prepare the hall. We'll need everything in order—protocol, seating, the crest displayed correctly. And send word to the Duke and the Guildmaster. I'll prepare the invitations personally."
"Understood." Arwyn gave a short, respectful bow. "I'll see to it immediately."
As Arwyn still standing, Seraphina remained standing, her fingers brushing the edge of the Warden General's letter.
"Three years... and now he comes. And he calls himself a father." She blinked once, her face returning to its unreadable calm.
---
Seraphina dipped her quill into the ink and scrawled the last few lines on the parchment, her hand as stiff and precise as ever. Two letters. Both folded with military perfection.
Arwyn stood still, pretending to be lost in thought, but was very clearly watching Seraphina with puppy eyes—his gaze constantly flicking toward the clock.
"Still not done?" Arwyn yawned dramatically. "It's almost evening! I swear, this duty is killing me slowly."
Seraphina didn't even blink. "You've done nothing since noon except stare at me like a ghost in training."
"And yet I feel exhausted." Arwyn stretched, groaning like she carried the weight of the kingdom.
The sunlight outside had dimmed to that golden-orange hue—the time when knights switched posts and servants prepared for supper. The exact time duty ended.
Arwyn looked out the window, her eyes narrowing. "Finally."
Seraphina placed the letters down on her desk with a tiny exhale—almost a sigh, if her pride would allow it. The moment she stood, chair legs screeching on the marble floor—
WHUMP.
Arwyn threw herself at Seraphina like a charging bear cub, wrapping her arms around her with zero warning.
"Seraphina! I missed you soooo much!" Arwyn squealed, rubbing her cheek against Seraphina's shoulder like an affectionate cat.
Seraphina's body stiffened like she'd been hit with a freezing spell. She peeled Arwyn off her like removing a wet cloak. "We are still technically on duty, you fool."
"But it's after the bell," Arwyn grinned, hands on her hips. "You can't punish me anymore. Checkmate."
Seraphina sighed. It was long. Noble. Despairing.
"I heard from Lyra you saw me yesterday," Arwyn said, squinting up at her. "Why didn't you talk to me?"
"You know exactly why," Seraphina muttered, already halfway to the door.
But Arwyn followed, arms swinging like she was taking a stroll through a garden. "Oho? Don't you want to know about that boy?"
Seraphina stopped. "No. Not interested."
"Oh really?" Arwyn's eyes gleamed. "Even though it was the same boy you've randomly bumped into for the last three years? The one who's always 'coincidentally' near you whenever you leave for something important? That one?"
Seraphina spun on her heel, cape swishing dramatically. "Are you tracking me? That's illegal. And weird. And I don't even know who you're talking about."
"Relax! I'm just... observant," Arwyn smirked. "Besides, you made me promise to tell you if you ever got a boyfriend. Fair's fair."
"He's not my boyfriend!" Seraphina barked, pointing a finger at Arwyn like she was about to challenge her to a duel.
"Ohhh?" Arwyn raised an eyebrow. "Then is it a crush? A mysterious fate-bound entanglement? A secret marriage under moonlight—?"
Seraphina's face turned red. "NO. He's just—he's just some average adventurer! With no accomplishments! No house crest! And probably doesn't even read books!"
"I never said he was an adventurer," Arwyn said sweetly, hands clasped behind her back.
Seraphina blinked. Then froze. Her face paled. "...Damn it."
She looked at Arwyn, then grabbed her by the shoulders in a panic. "Listen, I can explain—!"
Arwyn gently placed a finger on her lips. "Shh. It's okay, Seraphina . I don't mind. I actually liked the guy. He's cute. Kinda dumb. But honest. Still—how you fell for him is a mystery."
"I didn't! I don't feel anything for him—whatever you call those things! Not for him, not for anyone!" Seraphina snapped, backing away as if Arwyn were a dangerous truth spell.
Arwyn giggled. "Alright, alright. No feelings. Just a daily accidental meet-up schedule, coincidentally knowing his class, and a sudden need to destroy all his romantic prospects. Classic no-feelings."
Seraphina groaned into her hands.
"Don't worry," Arwyn said with a wink. "Next time I'll help set up a date. You need backup. I mean, he already rejected me, so I'm rooting for you now."
Seraphina peeked through her fingers. "You're missing the entire point. I don't want a date. I don't want to be near him. I don't even want to remember he exists."
"But you do," Arwyn said. "You remember everything. That's why it's so cute."
"I swear," Seraphina hissed, heading for the door, "you are the most infuriating creature in this entire kingdom."
"Love you too!" Arwyn beamed, skipping after her. "Hey! What if he joins the Knights?"
Seraphina stopped, turned her head slightly, and chuckled coldly. "That weakling? He'd fail before the second drill."
"Hmm… true. Then I'll train him!" Arwyn declared with a proud nod. "You're busy being cool and scary. I'll shape him up."
"No, you won't," Seraphina said, without even turning around.
"Oooh~ Are you jealous because I'll be spending time with your not-boyfriend?"
"I'M NOT JEALOUS!" she yelled back, stomping out the door with all the grace of a sulking wyvern.
"Do whatever you want!" echoed down the hall.
Arwyn stood in the middle of the room, hands on her hips, grinning ear to ear. "Didn't think our cold-hearted knight captain would fall for someone like that. But hey… I'll make it work. You'll thank me later, my dear best friend."
---
—Velhart Town—
The sun was dipping beneath the hills, bleeding gold into the violet sky.
Shadows stretched long across the cobblestone road as Kael made his way toward his mansion. The heel of his boots echoed softly—click, click, click—the only sound in a world wrapped in silence.
He didn't stop when he felt it. But he knew.
A presence… behind him. A little too careful. A little too quiet.
Someone was following him.
Kael didn't react. His stride remained steady, almost casual. But his gray eyes sharpened ever so slightly, catching the movement in reflections—the faintest silhouette, two paces behind.
He turned a corner. Slowly. Purposefully.
A narrow alley greeted him—forgotten and cold, where even the light dared not linger.
He entered the corridor and stopped at its center. The air smelled of old wood and rusted iron. Broken crates lined the walls, and weeds crept between cracks on the ground. He moved to the side and leaned back against the crumbling wall, arms folding across his chest.
Then, he spoke—low and calm.
"Show yourself."
A moment passed.
Then came the reply. Confident, not startled. Smooth, but with authority.
"I was expecting you'd notice me, young master."
Kael's gaze flicked to the left, toward the voice.
A shadow peeled away from the darkness. A tall figure cloaked in a black robe, moving with deliberate grace. As he stepped forward, he pulled back the hood.
Underneath, a man with sharp features, short dark hair streaked with silver. His posture was firm, yet respectful. He wore armor—knightly, yes—but custom-forged, unlike any royal order. Etched with unfamiliar markings, adorned with crimson edges, it shimmered with quiet menace.
Kael didn't look surprised. Just... mildly intrigued.
"Sebastian." A smirk ghosted across his lips."Didn't expect to see you in Velhart. Not after all this time. What brings you here?"
Sebastian bowed slightly, his eyes never leaving Kael's.
"It's been three years, hasn't it? You've grown... sharper, young master."
Kael said nothing. He merely tilted his head, waiting. Sebastian straightened.
"I was sent with a message. My Lord wishes to meet with you. Tonight."
Kael raised an eyebrow. He looked away, briefly watching the distant streetlight flicker again.
"He wishes, huh...?" His voice dropped a note colder. "That's sudden."
"It's not optional." Sebastian's tone was firm now. "He insisted. Said it's urgent. He wants to speak to you before morning."
Kael stayed silent for a moment. His fingers tapped rhythmically against his arm.
"Fine. I'll come."
Sebastian gave a quiet nod, as if expecting that answer.
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Though... when did you join the Knights?" A note of curiosity. And something else—something deeper.
Sebastian paused, then looked straight at him. "I had to. It was the only way I could keep serving... where I was needed, young master."
Kael gave a slight nod. "Always the loyal one, aren't you?"
Sebastian didn't respond. He simply stepped back, fading once more into the shadows.
Kael waited until the presence disappeared completely.
Then he turned and walked back toward the empty street. The streetlight caught his eyes again—but they were different now. Darker. Focused.
As he stepped into the light, a thought surfaced, uninvited but lingering.
"It's been three years since I last met him."
He clenched his fist.
"It better be worth it."
---
(Chapter Ended)
To be continued...