The warmth of Sophia's lips on his cheek lingered longer than Floyd cared to admit.
As the quiet returned to the rooftop and the stars shimmered overhead, Galeheart—the Wind Kirin cub—curled beside him, its breath slow and steady. Floyd sat with his back against a clay chimney, arms loosely resting on his knees, the kiss replaying again and again in his mind.
His cheeks warmed.
He had fought monsters, tamed spiritual beasts, faced mana storms—but this… a simple kiss from a girl barely past childhood... it disarmed him in a way no spell ever could.
Was it affection? A playful tease? Or the beginning of something deeper?
The wind stirred gently, ruffling his tousled black hair. The world felt still. Peaceful.
He lay back beside Galeheart, staring up at the night sky until sleep claimed him.
—
"Wake up, Master Floyd."
The voice was sweet, lilting—and far too close.
He groaned softly, eyes fluttering open to the soft tickle of hair brushing against his face. A maid, one of the senior house attendants, leaned over him with a tray of warm bread and steamed milk.
She was beautiful in that soft, maternal way—curves hugged by the form-fitting brown maid uniform, and her neckline just low enough to draw the eye. Her short, dark brown hair was slightly tousled from the early morning.
Floyd blinked, dazed. "M-Mina?"
"Yes, Master Floyd," she giggled, setting the tray beside his bed. "I didn't expect to find you curled up on the rooftop like a stray kitten. And with a magical beast no less. Lord BohLin almost had a heart attack."
He sat up, rubbing his neck. "Sorry. I… lost track of time."
She leaned closer. "That seems to happen a lot with you."
Her lips curved into a knowing smile. He noticed her scent—fresh rosewater and baked bread. Familiar. Comforting.
He tried not to look down her blouse. Tried. Failed. She caught his eyes and laughed again, clearly not offended.
"You're growing fast, young master."
He cleared his throat. "Where's Gabby?"
"Out in the training field. Said something about pushing your limits today. I wouldn't keep her waiting."
She turned to leave, her wide hips swaying in that way Floyd was starting to notice more and more these days.
As the door closed behind her, Galeheart stretched beside him with a yawn that sounded more like a gust of wind.
"Come on," Floyd said, pulling on his boots. "Let's see what Gabby's got planned."
—
Outside, the training grounds were alive with movement. Gabby stood at the far end, her back turned, arms folded as her coat flapped in the breeze. She wore her more formal battle attire today—tight black leggings and a crimson corset-style tunic that clung to every contour of her body.
The sword at her side shimmered faintly with enchantment. Her white gloves were already glowing.
"Nice of you to join me," she called without turning.
Floyd stepped into the circle. "You knew I was behind you?"
"I always know," she smirked, finally turning. "Now, draw your focus."
He raised his hand, the system humming at his call.
[Mana Channeling Mode: Combat — Active]
[Stamina Efficiency — Boosted 14%]
"Good," Gabby said, approaching him. "Today we try something more advanced. You've bonded with fire and wind. But what happens when two elements conflict?"
"Elemental fusion?" he asked, brow arching.
Her lips quirked. "Exactly."
She snapped her fingers, and two orbs of pure magic—one burning orange, the other sky blue—formed in the air and clashed violently.
The resulting blast sent a gust of wind rippling across the field.
"Control both," she instructed, "without letting either one dominate."
Floyd nodded, stepping into stance. He extended his arms, calling on the memory of Blazefang and Galeheart. Fire sparked to his left. Wind danced to his right.
He brought them together—slowly, carefully.
The ground cracked beneath his feet. The heat pushed sweat across his forehead.
"Almost—" Gabby whispered.
The orbs touched. For a moment, harmony.
Then—boom.
He was thrown back ten feet.
Gabby was at his side instantly. "You're okay."
He coughed, blinking away dust. "I think I overcompensated on the mana balance."
"No," she said, helping him sit. "You were almost there."
Their hands lingered. His palm pressed against her gloved fingers.
Gabby's eyes softened. "You're getting stronger every day."
He looked at her then—not as a teacher or authority figure—but as a woman. And for a brief, silent moment, she didn't pull away.
Then she chuckled and stood. "Enough flattery. Again."
—
The rest of the day passed in a blur of training, spellwork, and brief lessons with BohLin in sword forms. But as the moon returned to the sky, Floyd sat quietly in the outer garden beside a glowing pond, his hands trailing over the cool water.
He had never known a life like this.
Love. Family. Power.
The ache of his past life still surfaced sometimes—lonely nights, dark thoughts, meals eaten in silence.
But this world was slowly, steadily healing him.
A rustle behind him. Sophia again.
She wore a flowing white nightgown, her pale blonde hair loose and draping over her shoulders. Her eyes glinted in the moonlight, mischief dancing within them.
"You're always alone when it's dark."
He smiled. "Some habits die hard."
She sat beside him, pulling her knees to her chest. "You looked... strong today."
He chuckled. "That's a weird compliment."
"It's true," she said, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I like that you're strong. But also kind. It's rare."
His heart thudded.
Sophia's fingers brushed against his hand. Then slowly, she turned toward him.
And kissed him.
Not on the cheek. Not a tease.
A real kiss—soft, exploring, warm with feeling.
He responded cautiously at first. Then deeper.
Her hands pressed against his chest. His fingers slid along her waist.
When they finally broke apart, they were breathless.
"I… should go," she whispered, her cheeks red.
He nodded, still dazed. "Yeah. Right."
She rose, hesitating for a second before disappearing through the bushes.
Floyd sat there long after she left, watching the stars.
The wind whispered around him, and his system quietly chimed.
[Emotional Synchronization Detected: Affection +1]
Floyd smiled.
This world was strange.
But maybe… just maybe… he was starting to love it.
---