The sun rose slowly over the distant hills, its pale golden light cutting through the lingering morning mist. Strong winds swept through the village, carrying the scent of damp earth and freshly tilled soil. Wooden houses creaked softly, and prayer flags tied to rooftops fluttered like restless spirits greeting the dawn.

  Akitsu Shouga was already awake.

  His breath came out in steady rhythm as he ran through the narrow dirt paths of the village, boots kicking up dust with every step. Unlike the soft noble lifestyle he had grown accustomed to in the kingdom, this village felt raw—honest. His muscles ached pleasantly, a reminder that his body hadn’t gone completely soft.

  After several minutes, he slowed to a jog and eventually stopped at a small wooden footbridge that crossed a shallow river. Clear water flowed beneath him, reflecting the crimson-orange sky like liquid fire.

  Shouga leaned against the railing and exhaled.

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

  He stretched his arms and shoulders, joints popping faintly, and lifted his gaze toward the rising sun. For a moment, everything felt peaceful—almost fragile, as if it could shatter if he breathed too loudly.

  A faint ripple passed through the air.

  Seraphine Orion appeared before him, floating lazily in her small white kitsune form. Her ears drooped, and her tails swayed sluggishly behind her.

  She yawned exaggeratedly. “Why are you up so early in the morning??”

  Shouga glanced 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 to rest. I only chose to rest because I have nothing else to do.”

  “Alright, alright,” Shouga sighed.

  They stood side by side, watching the sun continue its slow ascent. 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, and his crimson yoroi armor gleamed vividly against the green fields.

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

  She followed his gaze—and her ears shot upright.

  “Oooh!! It’s the hero!!”

  Without another word, the two moved to intercept him.

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

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

  “I’m just here to check up on you guys.”

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

  “Yeah,” Kael replied casually. “After all, exercising in the morning helps you focus later on in the day.”

  Shouga nodded. “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 critically. “You’re still wearing that armor?? You should take it off once in a while. It’ll strain your body.”

  “I do sometimes,” Kael answered. “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.”

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  “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, eating breakfast.

  “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. Rikuya soon placed plates of eggs and toast before them.

  “Both of you eat up,” she said. “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.”

  At that moment, footsteps echoed softly. Kaoru entered the dining room wearing an overall, her hair slightly messy from sleep.

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

  Kaoru sat beside Shouga. Rikuya placed a plate before her, and she ate enthusiastically.

  After finishing his meal, Kael stood up.

  “Thank you for the meal. I must get going now.”

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

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

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

  Kael bowed and left.

  “Mom, Dad,” Kaoru said. “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 and you have to learn, right?”

  “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. “Why do you ask such a question?”

  “Is that so,” Renjiro said. “Then you’ll be in a higher grade than Kaoru since she’s just turning twelve.”

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

  “Yes.”

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

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

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

  Shouga laughed nervously.

  I lied about my age… he thought. I’m sorry, Renjiro-san. Rikuya-san. I’m actually sixteen years old. Please forgive me for this decision.

  Seraphine’s voice whispered into his ear. “Why did you lie about your age?? It makes no sense to lie about it.”

  Shouga touched his ear subtly and replied in thought, Because Renjiro-san said Kaoru was twelve, and I wanted to make the age gap between us smaller… Either way, they have no way to find out how old I am.

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