Inside the medical ward of the Awakener Guild in Emberflame Province.
Ryan stood silently at the end of the hallway, his gaze drifting occasionally toward the tightly shut door.
He had not moved an inch since the girl was brought in. Physicians came and went, carrying potions and supplies into the room.
Still, he stood there, motionless, as if rooted to the ground.
The girl had been under treatment for nearly an hour. Her breathing had grown steady, and color had returned to her once-pale face.
He could still recall the moment vividly—the horned demon's projection vanishing with a roar, and her faint heartbeat as he carried her from the altar, weak and flickering like a candle flame about to die. One minute later, and she might never have returned to the human world.
Footsteps echoed behind him.
It was the receptionist in the pale gold uniform. She glanced at the door, then at Ryan, her expression complicated.
"She's awake," she said softly.
Ryan nodded and pushed the door open, stepping inside.
The room was bathed in warm light. The girl lay on a pristine treatment bed, her silver hair spread out across the pillow, her breathing calm and steady.
She looked like a drop of dew resting quietly under the moonlight.
She hadn't fully regained her strength yet, but as she sensed someone approaching, her eyelashes trembled slightly. Slowly, her eyes opened.
A pair of pale golden eyes, sharp yet composed, locked onto Ryan.
"...You saved me?" Her voice was hoarse, but held the calm demeanor of a noble.
Ryan gave a slight nod. "You were tied to the altar. A moment later and you would've been gone."
The girl was silent for a while, then glanced at him again. Her tone softened. "Thank you."
She tried to sit up. Ryan moved, intending to stop her, but she raised her hand, signaling him not to interfere.
"My name is Elia Ygraine," she said, pausing before adding clearly, "the direct daughter of the Ygraine Family, from Saint Lir, the Holy Capital."
Ryan was visibly stunned.
The Ygraine family.
Even in Emberflame, a city far from the heart of the Union, that name was well-known.
One of the three great magical families of Saint Lir, the Ygraines were renowned for generations of powerful magic bloodlines. Their descendants possessed unmatched talent and many held core positions within the Star Union's Arcane Hall. Rumor had it that the family never sent direct heirs outside—their destinies were tied to the future of the Union.
Elia noticed the flicker in his expression and smiled faintly. "I was sent on a training journey arranged by my family. Unfortunately, I was ambushed by kobolds. After they captured me, they... intended to use me as a vessel for some sort of summoning ritual."
Ryan remained quiet for a few seconds. "Have you contacted your family?"
Elia nodded gently. "I've already sent a message. They'll be here soon. I won't forget what you did for me."
…
Several hours passed.
Above Emberflame Province, a floating Star Union ship descended slowly over the Awakener Guild.
A group of noble guards in silver and blue uniforms stepped out in order.
Leading them was a middle-aged man in a black and gold mage's robe. His sharp, falcon-like gaze swept across the hall, silencing all noise instantly.
He was Sylvain Osborne, chief steward of the Ygraine Family—second only to the patriarch in power.
When Elia exited the medical room and saw the familiar figure, she simply nodded.
"This is the man who saved me," she said, gesturing to Ryan beside her.
Sylvain was quiet for a moment. Then he stepped forward and gave a slight bow.
"The Ygraine Family owes you a great debt."
That one sentence, coming from someone of Sylvain's standing, turned every head in the guild.
Ryan showed no sign of surprise. "It was nothing. I just did what anyone would do."
But Sylvain remained serious. "Perhaps. But without you, our young lady would no longer be with us. That favor, the Ygraine Family will remember."
Elia looked at Ryan again, her gaze softer this time, with a hint of something unspoken.
She hesitated for a moment, then said quietly, "I hope we'll meet again."
Ryan looked at her calmly. "If fate wills it, we will."
Elia paused, then smiled faintly, a barely noticeable curl of her lips.
Sylvain stepped forward. "My lady, we must return to the capital."
Elia gave Ryan one last look, then turned and left the hall, following Sylvain and the Ygraine guards.
But the stares in the guild didn't fade.
"Was that girl... from the Ygraine Family?"
"Holy hell, one of the three great houses of Saint Lir?"
"And he saved her? Who even is that guy...?"
Ryan ignored the murmurs. With a small adjustment to his cloak, he turned and walked toward the task counter.