The sun began to dip behind the capital's towering walls, casting long shadows through the stained-glass windows of the cathedral. The nobles had left, their laughter still echoing faintly down the streets. Empty wine goblets and half-eaten platters lay scattered across long tables, remnants of a grand celebration.
Lucas Hayagashi, the newly declared Hero, stood on a wooden bench outside the church gates, pretending to hold a sword. His golden hair caught the light as he raised an imaginary blade skyward.
> "I am the Hero!" he shouted proudly. "No demon can stand against me!"
Raizo stood nearby, holding a thin stick like a dagger. His expression was calm, but a shadow of thought lingered in his crimson eyes.
> "Then I'll be the villain," Raizo said quietly, half-joking.
Lucas laughed. "You? But you're weak!"
Raizo smiled faintly, not offended. "Maybe. For now."
They ran across the grassy courtyard, jumping from one stone tile to another, pretending they were avoiding lava. Their voices were light, like any boys their age.
But inside the church, past the now-quiet halls, in a room with soft candlelight, Reyna sat at a table, her hands trembling.
Lay stood by the window, his arms crossed, looking down at his sons from above.
Reyna finally spoke.
> "Lay… what kind of ability did Raizo really receive?"
Her voice wavered. She wiped at her eyes. "I've never heard of Gluttony before. The crystal orb couldn't even define it. No magic… no known traits…"
Lay didn't answer at first. His silver eyes stayed fixed on Raizo below.
Reyna's voice cracked. "What if… what if he grows up and everyone avoids him? What if they mock him? Bully him? What if people think he's cursed? That he's—"
She broke down, tears sliding down her cheeks.
> "He's just a child, Lay… our child. I don't want him to grow up in pain."
Lay finally turned from the window and walked to her. He knelt beside her chair and took her hand firmly.
> "Reyna," he said gently. "I saw it in his eyes. He didn't flinch. He didn't complain. He stood there, calm—even when the whole church whispered behind his back."
He tightened his grip.
> "That kind of silence… that's not weakness. That's resolve."
Reyna looked at him, still crying.
> "But resolve won't stop cruelty."
Lay nodded slowly. "You're right. The world can be cruel, especially to those who are different. But Raizo isn't alone. He has us. And I believe… I believe when the time comes, Raizo will know exactly what to do."
Reyna's breathing slowed. Her shoulders relaxed. "You… really think so?"
Lay smiled faintly.
> "He's our son, Reyna. And in his own way… he's going to be stronger than even Lucas."
They sat in silence for a moment, the flickering candlelight reflecting in their tired eyes.
Outside, Lucas shouted again, "I slayed the demon lord!"
Raizo stood still, watching the wind blow across the garden trees.
Then he knelt down, picked up a crushed flower, and carefully replanted it into the soil.