Jaber turned to Rose, his expression shifting with recognition.

  "You... the girl from Lenovard. Well done!"

  Laika nodded. "She did well. She refused to hand over the scrolls. I expected otherwise."

  Jaber handed her a pouch of coins. "Here. You've earned this."

  He smiled, eyes gleaming. "What's wrong? Have you fallen for me—the charming merchant?"

  Rose blinked, stunned, clutching the pouch.

  She turned to Laika, voice barely audible. "How did you do that...?"

  Laika tilted her head. "What was that?"

  Then she smiled. "You're a good girl."

  Jaber raised his hands. "Did you hear that? The High Commander of the Mage Guild praised you!"

  Laika muttered, "Quiet, Jaber."

  Jaber grinned. "What were you going to say to her, then?"

  Laika hesitated. "Ahem... if you wish... you may register with the guild. Begin your training."

  Rose's face lit up. "What?"

  Jaber looked at Laika, surprised.

  Laika shrugged. "What?"

  Rose dropped the scrolls and the coin pouch, bowed slightly, and ran toward the door.

  Laika raised her hand, red aura glowing. "Should I stop her?"

  Jaber shook his head, smiling. "No... let her go."

  —

  Outside, the fog began to dissolve.

  The red-cloaked figures vanished from the guards' grasp.

  Daes stared at Jamih as the mist faded—and vanished with it.

  Jamih sheathed his blade and stepped into the shadows.

  Sylvance lowered her bow, voice calm. "So... there were other guests."

  Rose watched as the mercenaries stirred, groaning.

  Guards arrived. "What's going on here? Are they drunk?"

  One turned to Rose. "You—what happened here?"

  Rose, flustered, replied, "There was... a party."

  Klen rose from the ground. "A noble, magnificent, and honorable celebration—in honor of Prince Asser!"

  The guards frowned. One stepped forward. "No gatherings near the guild or palace without clearance. Disperse, or we'll detain you."

  Rose bowed. "Understood."

  Another guard softened. "No need to worry, miss."

  Rose smiled. "Thank you!"

  The guards nodded. "No thanks needed."

  She grabbed Klen's arm and pulled him toward the Mercenary Guild.

  Klen beamed. "That was a fine performance, Lady Rose! I see the spirit of Lenovard's knights flows through you. True honor and nobility!"

  Rose sighed. "You mean I've become as ridiculous as you?"

  Klen gasped. "What? No, Lady Rose! This isn't ridiculous—it's honor! It's greatness!"

  "Just... be quiet."

  They arrived at the guild doors.

  The Return to the Guild

  Rose stormed into the Mercenary Guild, Klen marching proudly behind her.

  Klen declared, "What a magnificent, noble, and honorable entrance!"

  The mercenaries turned, watching her with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

  Razan glanced up from her scrolls, smirking. "Oh? You actually completed the mission? That's... unexpected. Especially for fools."

  From one of the chambers, Jalmoud emerged, cracking his neck.

  "I'm surprised," he said. "That mission was offered to both the Korta tunnels and our guild. I heard other parties were involved... yet you managed to retrieve it. Interesting."

  Klen raised his arms. "Of course we did! Our highest purpose is greatness, nobility, and honor—for the salvation of planet Silva!"

  Rose leaned against the reception desk, eyes heavy. "Just give us our share. I'm done for today."

  Razan counted the coins. "The Frog Lady is tired? What a disappointment."

  Jalmoud cracked his knuckles. "Want me to toss you across the room?"

  Rose glared. "Shut up, you oversized idiot."

  Jalmoud blinked. "Are you challenging me?"

  Rose took a deep breath, snatched the coins from Razan's hand.

  "Four coins for me. Four for you."

  Klen bowed dramatically. "As always, Lady Rose is fair, noble, magnificent, and honorable!"

  Rose walked slowly toward the exit.

  Klen hurried after her. "Wait!"

  Jalmoud slumped into a chair. "She's exhausted. That mission was insane."

  Razan stacked the scrolls. "It was dangerous. One of the mages was killed. I didn't expect those two to survive."

  Jalmoud nodded. "They've cleared the basic tier. They can take on mid-level missions now... if they choose."

  Razan agreed. "Absolutely."

  More mercenaries entered the hall.

  Razan continued organizing the scrolls.

  Jalmoud looked up and barked, "Look at you fools! You were outmatched by the two dumbest people in all of Aurik!"

  In the winding streets of Aurik, the fog had lifted.

  Life resumed—merchants bartered, couriers hauled crates, children played in the frostbitten alleys. The cold wind whispered through the city's bones.

  Rose walked slowly, exhaustion in her limbs. Klen marched beside her, armor clinking with every step.

  He turned to her, voice booming. "Shall we celebrate with a magnificent, noble, and honorable feast worthy of completing such a perilous mission?"

  Rose nodded. "Yes... we need to eat."

  "Then it's settled! I know just the place!"

  "Lead the way."

  Klen strode ahead with theatrical energy. Rose followed, dragging her feet.

  "You're too energetic," she muttered. "You ran across the entire city carrying me."

  Klen puffed his chest. "Thank you for the compliment, Lady Rose! But the Red Knight must always be ready—for any evil that may arise! I must always appear noble, magnificent, and honorable!"

  "Just... be quiet."

  They arrived at a warm, bustling tavern.

  Rose blinked. "What is this? A meat house? 'Jerry's Fresh Cuts'?"

  Her stomach growled.

  She glanced at the sky. "Oh... I didn't notice. Night has fallen."

  Klen waved her in. "Come on!"

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Inside, the tavern was alive—warriors in heavy armor feasting, cooks shouting, servers weaving between tables.

  Rose sat across from Klen.

  "Tonight," he declared, "the meal is on me! Let the world witness this noble, magnificent, and honorable moment!"

  Rose raised her hands. "No. Let's split the bill."

  Klen stood, hand over heart. Patrons turned.

  "I swear by my honor, my greatness, and my nobility—it's on me!"

  The crowd erupted. "Ha!"

  One shouted, "You're a true knight, Red One!"

  Rose blushed. "Sit down, idiot. You're drawing attention."

  Klen sat proudly.

  Rose scanned the room—swords and shields hung on the walls.

  A sorceress entered, flames dancing in her palm.

  Someone cheered, "Yes! Fire! Warmth!"

  Then a young woman approached.

  "Alright! Four massive ribs from the local bull—medium rare. Sliced meat with vegetables. Two sparkling lavender drinks with melon cubes—for my dear brother!"

  Rose's eyes widened. "Klen! That's a lot! Are you sure it's on you? Wait... she said brother?"

  Klen laughed, hands on his hips. "A grand, noble, magnificent feast—for you, Lady Rose!"

  He gestured toward the server. "This is my younger sister—Veronika! Welcome to our family's tavern! Noble, magnificent, and honorable!"

  Rose stood. "She's your sister? This is your family's place? You never told me!"

  Klen laughed louder. "Mystery, pride, and honor are duties of the Red Knight!"

  "Just... stop talking."

  Veronika studied Rose's face, glanced at the cooks, and nodded. "Hmm. She's fitting."

  Rose blushed. "Fitting? Fitting for what?"

  Veronika waved her off. "Don't worry. Just eat before it gets cold. When you're done, I'll bring more."

  She turned to Klen. "Here's your legendary cut."

  "Thank you! I'll share it with her."

  Rose smiled shyly. "Klen... shall we begin?"

  "Absolutely."

  She devoured the food. Klen watched, amused.

  From across the room, Veronika chuckled. "She's a living beast."

  Rose grinned. "Klen... your family makes the best meat!"

  Klen laughed. "Of course! We are the family of the Red Knight—noble, magnificent, and honorable!"

  Rose, mid-bite, frowned. "Stop talking and eat... Wait. You've never taken off your helmet. Not even at the palace banquet. You eat beneath it..."

  Klen placed his hands on his helmet.

  He began to lift it.

  Rose leaned forward, eyes wide, meat still in her mouth...

  Outside, snow began to fall—soft and silent. The wind howled gently through the alleys of Aurik, brushing against rooftops and windows with icy breath.

  Inside Jerry's Meat House, warmth reigned.

  Warriors devoured slabs of roasted meat. A sorceress conjured flames for entertainment. The tavern glowed with heat, laughter, and the scent of spice and smoke.

  Rose stared at Klen, a bite of meat still in her mouth.

  Klen reached up and removed his helmet.

  A scar ran from his eye to the corner of his mouth.

  Veronika whispered from behind the counter, "He took off his helmet... for her."

  Rose blinked. "Klen... you're handsome. I didn't think I'd ever meet a handsome idiot."

  Klen laughed proudly. "Of course! The Red Knight is noble, magnificent, and charming!"

  Rose studied him. "That scar... was it from training? You've lived a hard life, haven't you?"

  Klen nodded solemnly. "Indeed. I slipped down the stairs and earned a noble, magnificent, and honorable wound!"

  Rose froze mid-chew. "You... slipped?"

  She burst into laughter, nearly choking on her food.

  Klen joined her, laughing loudly. "I know! It's a noble scar!"

  Veronika placed a hand on her head and whispered to an older woman in the kitchen, "Father... he's enjoying himself. Wearing your armor. I see your foolishness in him... and your eyes."

  Rose continued eating. Klen drank and chewed beside her.

  "Lady Rose," he said, "you must eat and drink regularly to grow strong!"

  Rose nodded. "Of course."

  She paused. "I wanted to ask... what's your goal?"

  Klen leaned back. "A noble question! My goal? To complete every mission in the Mercenary Guild until I reach the rare and elite tier. Then... I'll join the military camp."

  Rose's eyes widened. "So you do have a goal. I didn't expect that, with everything else."

  Klen grinned. "Of course I do! The Red Knight—noble, magnificent, and handsome—always thinks ahead!"

  Rose sipped her drink. "That's a good goal."

  Klen pointed at her. "And you, Lady Rose? What is your noble, magnificent goal? Perhaps to take the place of the legendary High Commander Laika?"

  Rose waved her hands. "No, no! You're going too far!"

  "Then what is your noble and honorable ambition?"

  Rose smiled. "First, I want to get my Flak Card. Then buy a magic staff."

  Klen nodded. "A tactical, noble, and magnificent goal!"

  "And then," Rose continued, "I'll finish every mission until I reach the rare tier... and register with the Mage Guild."

  Klen clapped. "A plan! A vision! A masterpiece worthy of Lady Rose—and of the Red Knight's greatness!"

  Veronika brought more food. Rose kept eating.

  Klen watched her, smiling.

  Rose glanced up. "What? Is there something on my face?"

  Klen shook his head. "No... I'm just admiring beauty, nobility, and magnificence."

  Rose blushed. "Stop. Let me eat in peace."

  Klen nodded. "As you wish."

  Veronika whispered to the older woman, "He's won her over."

  Rose finished her meal and wiped her mouth.

  She exhaled deeply. "Finally!"

  Klen stood and extended his hand.

  Rose looked at him, surprised.

  "Thank you," he said, "for this noble, magnificent, and honorable day."

  Rose stood and shook his hand. "Me too..."

  "I'll see you tomorrow at the guild, Lady Rose—noble, magnificent, and honorable!"

  Klen turned and ascended the stairs.

  Veronika approached Rose at the tavern's door.

  "Come again sometime," she said warmly. "The Red Knight—Klen—was truly happy you came. He usually sleeps early... but tonight, he stayed up. Because of you."

  Rose bowed slightly. "Thank you for your hospitality... It was nothing."

  She stepped out into the cold.

  Snow drifted gently from the sky, blanketing the streets of Aurik. The wind whispered through the alleys, biting at her cheeks.

  Then—light.

  The towers of Aurik ignited with firelight, casting a warm glow across the rooftops. The temperature rose, subtly but surely.

  Rose looked up, eyes wide. "What is this? I can feel the warmth... Is it coming from those towers?"

  A child shouted nearby. "It's the Guild! They're back!"

  Rose turned, surprised. "The Guild? So they're the ones doing this?"

  People began to emerge from their homes—vendors reopened stalls, couriers resumed deliveries, children laughed in the streets.

  Rose walked slowly, watching the towers blaze against the dark clouds.

  "They shine in this gloom," she whispered. "Like a beacon of hope..."

  She smiled, memories stirring.

  Her mother's gentle smile.

  Her brother's final embrace.

  Her father's steady voice, guiding her toward Aurik.

  Father... look. I'm here. I'm living a good life. Thank you—all of you.

  She reached the entrance of the Daisy Inn.

  Before stepping inside, she paused.

  Her eyes narrowed.

  "Someone's watching me..."

  She turned—but saw no one.

  Inside, Fadi was wiping down the tables.

  Rose waved. "Fadi! I did it—I completed a really difficult mission!"

  Fadi grinned. "Congratulations!"

  She climbed the stairs and entered her room.

  Outside, in the shadows, Varon watched her quietly.

  Then turned and disappeared into the snow.

  The Vanishing - When the Flame Falters

  Inside the palace, in Princess Kasra's chamber...

  Kasra stood awake, restless.

  She walked to the balcony, watching the snow fall gently as Aurik's towers burned bright against the night.

  She held out a handful of jewels.

  "Varon!"

  The door creaked open.

  Varon stepped in, his gaze sharp and unreadable.

  "Your Highness?"

  "Come here!"

  "What is it?"

  "I want to show you my collection.

  Look at this one—Prince Lukas gave it to me.

  They found it deep underground. Can you believe that?"

  Varon approached slowly, eyes scanning the balcony.

  "Do you hear me?

  Isn't the snow beautiful?

  And the towers?"

  Varon stopped.

  Outside, five figures in crimson cloaks stood motionless—watching.

  "There are five," he said.

  Kasra joined him.

  "They're circus performers.

  Strange... what are they doing at this hour?"

  "Circus?"

  "Yes. They do tricks and illusions.

  You'd like them."

  She paused, eyes on the towers.

  "You know something?

  This warmth...

  I haven't felt it in years.

  Not since I lost my parents.

  Not until my brother returned.

  These towers...

  They remind me of when Father used to carry me.

  That same warmth."

  She glanced at Varon's wrist.

  "That bracelet...

  Who gave it to you?

  It's locally made, isn't it?"

  "Must I tell you who gifted it?"

  "You're so dull..."

  "I'll make you one!

  I have gray stones—they'd suit your mysterious style."

  "There's no need, Your Highness."

  "Nonsense!

  I adore fashion.

  I'll craft something worthy of your fake gloom."

  "Fake?"

  Kasra laughed and returned to her room.

  Then—a small arrow flew toward her.

  Varon caught it mid-air, hurled it back, and scanned the shadows.

  The figures were gone.

  He shut the balcony doors.

  Kasra sat, crafting a bracelet from gray and white stones.

  "I'll be back shortly," Varon said.

  "You really don't want me to make this for you?"

  "It's not that.

  I need to confirm something."

  "Fine.

  I'll be waiting.

  Don't be long."

  Varon nodded, glanced at her one last time, then vanished.

  —

  Outside the palace, four cloaked figures stood still.

  "I don't know what you want," Varon said.

  "But I've faced your kind in the cursed desert.

  And it seems I'll be seeing you often."

  "You're ruining your commander's plan."

  "Ruining?

  I'm doing exactly what he wants."

  "Hand her over.

  She's foolish.

  Easier than the prince.

  We'll use her to bring this kingdom to its knees."

  Varon drew his sword.

  A black aura surged around him.

  They attacked.

  Varon met their strikes—fast, precise, relentless.

  He leapt high.

  "Elegy of Collapse..."

  He descended like a shadow, cleaving one in half.

  Dark energy scattered from his body.

  One enemy raised a blade.

  "Autumn of Jasmine Roses..."

  A monstrous flower erupted beneath Varon, biting down.

  "You fight with passion.

  Did your commander order this?"

  Varon didn't blink.

  "These weak tricks won't hold me.

  You'll need more than that."

  He sliced the flower apart, vanished, and reappeared—striking another with a blast of shadow.

  The remaining two retreated.

  "Yes... run."

  He turned to the balcony.

  It was open.

  Varon's eyes widened.

  He leapt—landing inside.

  "Impossible..."

  The bracelet lay on the floor.

  Kasra was gone.

  Varon's sword ignited with black flame.

  Then—Dais entered, clapping.

  "Well done, Varon."

  Varon stared, silent.

  He sheathed his blade.

  "I can't wait to see the prince's face when he learns what happened."

  Varon looked at the bracelet.

  He nodded.

  "You may return to guarding her chamber."

  "Understood."

  Dais left, smiling darkly.

  —

  The next morning...

  Prince Asser passed Kasra's door.

  "Still asleep?"

  He knocked.

  "Kasra?"

  No answer.

  "Still asleep?"

  He turned to Varon.

  Varon said nothing, eyes downcast.

  "When she wakes, send her to the dining hall.

  I brought the circus she kept talking about."

  "Yes, Your Highness..."

  "Is something wrong?"

  "No... Your Highness."

  Asser walked away.

  —

  In the dining hall, Asser sat.

  Qader served food.

  Jabir, Sylvanas , and Dais were present.

  Laika entered.

  "Where's Princess Kasra?"

  "I knocked.

  No answer.

  She must be sleeping."

  Laika looked at Jabir.

  Jabir's face changed.

  He stood.

  "Excuse me, Your Highness.

  I've already eaten."

  "Return soon.

  We have matters to discuss."

  "Of course."

  Laika followed him.

  "I don't feel her presence..."

  "What?"

  In the hall, Dais turned to Sylvanas .

  "Strange, isn't it?

  The guildmaster and the merchant seem... tense."

  "What are you implying?" Asser asked.

  "Only that something feels off."

  Sylvanas didn't blink.

  Asser stood and followed them.

  Sylvanas rose.

  "Your Highness...

  The circus will arrive any moment."

  Asser left.

  Sylvanas followed.

  —

  Jabir and Laika reached Kasra's door.

  Varon stood motionless.

  "Impossible," Jabir whispered.

  "He'd never let anyone near her."

  Varon didn't move.

  Laika's aura flared—molten fire in her hands.

  "Easy," Jabir said.

  Varon stared, silent.

  Behind them—

  "What's going on?" Asser asked.

  Laika turned, shaken.

  "Why are you gathered here?

  Is something wrong?"

  Asser stepped forward, passed Varon, and opened the door.

  Jabir and Laika followed.

  Sylvanas drew her blade, eyes on Varon.

  Varon didn't move.

  Inside—

  The balcony was open.

  Jewels scattered.

  Kasra was gone.

  "She left... without telling me?

  Again?"

  Jabir clenched his fists.

  Laika trembled.

  Asser stepped slowly toward the bed.

  Tears welled in his eyes.

  He looked at Varon.

  Still unmoving.

  —

  Elsewhere in the palace, Dais laughed aloud.

  Guards watched uneasily.

  At the gates, the circus performers stood.

  "Let them in," Dais said.

  "Prince Asser is expecting them."

  The gates opened.

  The circus entered.