---
Carolina was smiling shyly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Carolina: "You too, Harlez. You look good as well."
I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly, trying to hide the heat rising to my cheeks.
"Thanks, Carolina."
Ugh... I'm so happy right now, I thought, heart fluttering like a bird trapped in a cage.
We continued to talk beneath the moonlight. It wasn't about politics or nobility. Just simple things—our favorite food, places we'd never been, dreams we didn't dare say aloud. And when the evening turned to night, we walked quietly back to our rooms.
For the first time in this world, I felt something like peace.
---
[The Next Day – Morning Light]
The town square was filled with the townspeople, cheering and waving flags. The sun rose gently over the hills, painting everything in soft amber. It was time to say goodbye.
Lord Nalaeom stepped forward, his cloak fluttering in the breeze. He came before my grandfather with a grateful expression and say.
Nalaeom: "Thank you, my lord. Thank you for saving us, for protecting our empire and people. If you ever need our help, no matter what... we will repay this debt."
Yalos: "There is no debt, Lord Nalaeom. It was our duty."
He turned to me. "Harlez, say your goodbyes. It's time."
I stepped forward, a lump forming in my throat.
"Goodbye, Lord Nalaeom. And... goodbye, Carolina. Let's meet again someday."
Carolina stepped closer, her eyes shimmering.
Carolina: "Goodbye, Harlez. I hope I can see you again soon. The time we spent... was really fun. I'll miss it."
I smiled and took a deep breath. "Carolina, you can come to my house. To see me. Anytime."
Her eyes widened. "Really? I can come to your house? It's a promise, then!"
"Yes, Carolina. It's a promise."
Just then, the Zephyrian knights approached, armored and ready.
Knight Captain: "My lord, everything is prepared. We may depart at your command."
Yalos: "Good. Prepare to leave. Harlez, come now. Let's go."
"Okay, Grandpa."
A massive dragon descended from the sky, its silver scales gleaming in the morning light. Its wings stirred the wind, sending cloaks and banners fluttering.
"Bye, everyone!" I waved, eyes lingering on Carolina. "Bye, Carolina!"
---
[Later, In the Sky – On Dragonback]
As we soared through the clouds, I turned to Grandpa, eyes shining.
"Grandpa... you were so strong back there. I want to be strong like you. Can you train me?"
Yalos looked at me, his eyes narrowing with pride and seriousness.
Yalos: "I've been waiting for you to say that. From now on, I'll train you hard—so hard, you'll think about giving up. But if you want to be strong like me, you must never quit."
"I won't quit, Grandpa! I promise! I'll be strong like you!"
Yalos: "Good. Once we return home, the training will begins but you must take permission from your parents first."
I will grandpa
uncle Leon, riding nearby, chuckled.
Leon: "Young lord, are you doing this so you can protect Carolina, hmm?"
"Wha—! N-n-no! What are you even talking about?!"
Everyone burst out laughing, including my Grandpa.
I looked away, pouting. They're not entirely wrong tho...
---
[Back Home – The Estate]
As we landed, the entire estate staff gathered to greet us.
"Welcome back, Young Master Harlez!"
"Welcome home, Lord Yalos!"
Fiona, the head maid, approached with a smile.
Fiona: "Young Master, Lady Helan is in the garden, and Lord Yin is on work right now. The bath is prepared. Would you like to go and freshen up?"
"Thanks, Fiona. I'll take a bath and then see Mom."
Fiona: "Very well, Young Master."
---
[After Bath – Garden]
Wrapped in a fresh robe, I walked through the winding marble paths of the garden. Birds chirped among the vines, and the scent of lavender filled the air.
"Mother, I'm here!"
My beautiful and gentle mother looked up from her book with a smile.
Helan: "Oh, my sweet Harlez! Was it fun visiting the city?"
"It was, Mom. I met new people, saw amazing things, and... I even made a friend."
"I told her everything. About the town, the banquet, the farewell. About Carolina."
Helan: "Oh my, my son has grown up so much. What will I do if you leave me for some girl, hmm?"
"Mooom! It's not like that! She's just a friend!"
Helan: giggles "Okay, okay. Don't pout. So, what is this I hear about wanting to train with your grandfather?"
"Mom,I want to be strong, like Grandpa."
Helan: "Isn't it too early for you to start training? You should enjoy your childhood a little more."
"But Mom... I really want to do this."
Helan: "Hmm... talk to your father. If he agrees, I won't stop you."
"Really?! Thanks, Mom!"
---
[Later – Evening]
As dusk settled, Father returned from his duties. He was tired but strong as ever, his presence always commanding respect.
"Dad! Dad! Can I train with Grandpa?!"
Yin: "My adorable son wants to start training already? Isn't it a little early?"
Helan: "That's what I said too."
"Please, Dad. I want to be strong like Grandpa!"
Father smiled warmly, rubbing my hair.
Yin: "Alright, alright. If that's what you truly want, you can train with him. But if it becomes too much, don't push yourself too hard."
"I promise!"
---
[The Next Day – At Sunrise]
I stood on the training grounds in fresh clothes, excitement bubbling in my chest.
"Grandpa! I got permission!"
Yalos: "Good. Then we begin now. For the next five years, I will train you. When you turn ten, you will be ready to attend the Academy."
"Yes, Grandpa!"
---
[Five Years Later]
And just like that... Five years have passed.
Every day was filled with sweat, pain, and growth. I stumbled. I bled. I cried. But I never quit.
With each sunrise, I grew stronger. Not just in body, but in heart.
Because I remembered that promise—
"You can come to my house to see me."
And I wanted to be someone worthy of it.
---