The sun rose slowly over the distant hills, its pale golden light slicing through the lingering morning mist like a blade of warmth. Strong winds swept across the village, bending tall grass and carrying with them the scent of damp earth, fresh soil, and river water still cold from the night. Wooden houses creaked softly as they settled into the new day, while prayer flags tied to rooftops fluttered wildly, snapping and twisting like restless spirits welcoming the dawn.

  Akitsu Shouga was already awake.

  His breath flowed in a steady rhythm as his boots struck the narrow dirt paths of the village, each step kicking up small clouds of dust. His body moved almost on instinct—arms pumping, posture steady, pace controlled. Compared to the polished halls and comfortable routines of noble life in the kingdom, this place felt raw and unfiltered.

  Honest.

  His muscles burned faintly, but the ache was satisfying. Proof that he hadn’t gone soft. Proof that he was still alive in his own body.

  After several minutes, he slowed to a jog, then finally came to a stop at a small wooden footbridge crossing a shallow river. He leaned against the railing, chest rising and falling as he caught his breath.

  Clear water flowed beneath him, reflecting the crimson-orange sky like liquid fire, ripples breaking the image again and again.

  “It’s been ages since I’ve been this active…” Shouga muttered, rolling his shoulders. “It’s been a month already. I hope we’re able to go back to the kingdom soon.”

  He stretched his arms and back, joints popping faintly in the quiet morning. Then he lifted his gaze toward the horizon, watching the sun inch higher.

  For a moment, everything felt peaceful.

  Too peaceful.

  The kind of calm that felt fragile—like it could shatter if he breathed too loudly.

  A faint ripple passed through the air beside him.

  Seraphine Orion appeared without warning, floating lazily in her small white kitsune form. Her fox ears drooped low, and her translucent tails swayed sluggishly behind her.

  She yawned so widely it looked painful.

  “Why are you up so early in the morning??” she groaned.

  Shouga glanced sideways at her. “It’s already morning. Sleeping in all day isn’t healthy.”

  “Not getting enough sleep is also unhealthy,” she replied flatly. “Either way, I’m a spirit. I don’t need rest. I only choose to rest because I have nothing else to do.”

  Shouga sighed. “Alright, alright.”

  They stood side by side in silence, watching the sunrise climb higher as the river shimmered brighter with every passing second.

  Shouga squinted. “Huh? Is that who I think it is??”

  In the distance, beyond the fields at the edge of the village, a lone figure approached. The man’s white hair caught the sunlight, glowing faintly, while crimson yoroi armor reflected sharply against the green of the fields.

  Seraphine tilted her head. “Huh? Who is it—”

  She followed his gaze.

  Her ears snapped upright.

  “Oooh!! It’s the hero!!”

  Without another word, the two moved to intercept him.

  “Yo!” Kael Ardent called out as they drew closer. “How have you guys been lately?”

  “Hero! What brings you here??” Seraphine asked, already floating excitedly in circles around him.

  “I’m just here to check up on you guys,” Kael replied easily.

  Shouga raised an eyebrow. “You walked all the way here from the kingdom??”

  “Yeah,” Kael said with a shrug. “After all, exercising in the morning helps you focus later in the day.”

  Shouga nodded knowingly. “Ah, yes. Isn’t that right, Orion??”

  “Whatever!” Seraphine scoffed.

  “Please follow me,” Shouga said. “I’ll lead you to the house.”

  “Alright.”

  As they walked, Seraphine eyed Kael’s armor with open scrutiny. “You’re still wearing that armor?? You should take it off once in a while. It’ll strain your body.”

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  “I do sometimes,” Kael answered calmly. “But I have to wear it. I cannot let my guard down since I’m the hero.”

  Shouga hesitated before asking, “May I ask how you guys know each other??”

  “Oh!” Seraphine said brightly. “I was Ardent’s guardian when he was a child! It’s sad that he was abandoned by his parents and left out to die in a tundra.”

  Kael chuckled lightly. “That’s true. But I don’t have to worry about it anymore. I was adopted by the King and his family.”

  “The King is very kind, isn’t he?” Shouga said.

  “Yes… He’s the only father figure I have,” Kael replied. “So I swore to protect him.”

  Shouga smiled faintly. “Is that so?? …Here we are.”

  They arrived at the modest wooden house and stepped inside.

  Renjiro and Rikuya were already seated at the dining table, breakfast half-finished.

  “Renjiro-san, Rikuya-san.”

  “Oh, Akitsu-kun,” Rikuya said warmly. “You’ve brought the hero along with you? Come have breakfast.”

  Shouga and Kael sat down as Rikuya moved efficiently around the kitchen, soon placing plates of eggs and toast before them.

  “Both of you eat up,” she said kindly. “After all, you’re both still growing.”

  “Thank you very much for the meal,” Kael said politely.

  “Thank you, Rikuya-san,” Shouga added.

  “What brings you here, hero?” Renjiro asked.

  “The King ordered me to check up on you all,” Kael replied. “To see if you’re doing alright.”

  “Is that so??” Renjiro nodded. “Don’t worry. We’ll be coming back to the kingdom tomorrow morning.”

  “Oh, then there’s no need for me to worry.”

  “You can stay as long as you need, hero,” Rikuya offered.

  “Thank you.”

  Soft footsteps echoed.

  Kaoru entered the dining room wearing overalls, her hair slightly messy from sleep.

  “Kaoru, you’re up early,” Rikuya said. “Come have breakfast.”

  Kaoru sat beside Shouga immediately, and Rikuya placed a plate before her. She ate with visible enthusiasm.

  After finishing, Kael stood. “Thank you for the meal. I must get going now.”

  “Why not stay for a while?” Renjiro asked.

  “I wish I could,” Kael replied. “But I have to fulfil my duties as a hero.”

  “You’re welcome back anytime,” Rikuya said.

  Kael bowed and left.

  “Mom, Dad,” Kaoru asked, “when are we going back home??”

  “Tomorrow morning,” Rikuya replied. “You should rest properly today.”

  “And while we’re at it,” Renjiro added, “why not attend Fiester Academy?? You’re almost twelve.”

  “No! Never!” Kaoru protested instantly.

  “What’s Fiester Academy?” Shouga asked.

  “Why don’t you attend too, Akitsu-kun?” Rikuya suggested. “Fiester Academy raises brilliant students and future stars.”

  “Is that so?” Shouga nodded. “Alright. I’d like to attend the academy.”

  Renjiro paused. “Uhhh… How old are you, Akitsu-kun??”

  “I’m fourteen years old,” Shouga replied smoothly.

  “…Is that so,” Renjiro said. “Then you’ll be in a higher grade than Kaoru.”

  “Shouga-kun,” Kaoru asked, “you really want to attend the academy?”

  “Yes.”

  “If Shouga-kun is going, I’ll go too!”

  Rikuya laughed. “I’ve never seen you this happy about this topic.”

  “I guess having Akitsu-kun around is beneficial, huh?” Renjiro added.

  Shouga laughed nervously.

  I lied about my age…

  I’m actually sixteen.

  I’m sorry, Renjiro-san. Rikuya-san. Please forgive me.

  Seraphine’s voice whispered near his ear. “Why did you lie about your age??”

  Because I wanted the gap to feel smaller, Shouga replied in thought.

  Either way… they have no way of knowing.

  “…Alright,” Seraphine said. “If you say so.”