Kael slowly opened his eyes, the faint sway of the carriage rocking him awake. A familiar fragrance lingered in the air—Elric's perfume. It was then he realized his head had been resting on her lap. His brows furrowed faintly; he didn't remember climbing onto it. The last thing he recalled was the heavy weight in his chest before his knees gave out in that cave.
Elric noticed the shift in his breathing and looked down at him. "Are you feeling alright now?" she asked softly, her tone gentler than the evening breeze.
Kael stirred, carefully lifting himself from her lap. He sat upright, pressing his back to the cushioned seat, but his gaze was already drawn to the window. Beyond the glass, the sky glowed orange as the sun dipped into the horizon. Evening had come while he slept.
"Where are we going?" His voice was quiet, eyes still fixed outside.
"We are on our way back to Delcra Castle," Elric answered. Her lips parted, wanting to ask about the tears that fell when his hand touched the dragon's bones—but she swallowed the question. He looked fragile in that moment, and she knew better than to push.
The carriage rattled through the stone-paved streets of a city. Even at this hour, the streets bustled with merchants closing their shops, children darting between stalls, and lanterns being lit one by one. Kael's eyes followed them, the movement of people, the pulse of life.
Elric's gaze softened as she watched him. His expression wasn't cold or distant as usual—it carried a quiet spark of curiosity, like a boy seeing the world for the first time. She reached out and gently took his hand.
"Do you want to take a look?" she asked with a warm smile.
Kael turned his head towards her, his crimson-tinged eyes widening as if stunned by the suggestion. "Can I?.."
His tone held a hesitant wonder, so unlike the weary resignation he usually carried. Elric nodded, her smile deepening. "Why not? We can take a short walk before returning to the castle."
She tapped the wall of the carriage, giving the signal. It lurched to a slow halt. Robert was the first to descend, approaching the window with a cautious look. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Can we stop for a few minutes here?" Elric suggested gently.
Robert turned his eyes toward Kael. In them he saw something rare—interest, eagerness, life. For a long moment he just stared, then let out a sigh. "Alright, but don't take too long. And young master, don't push yourself too much." His tone carried the familiar nagging of someone who both worried and cared.
When Kael stepped down with Elric, Robert placed a steadying hand on his arm. His voice dropped lower, firm. "Stay with Lady Elric. Don't stray too far from her side. The guards and I will keep watch from a distance."
But as Robert's eyes lingered on him, a different concern surfaced. He frowned. "The robe can't really conceal you… Those eyes of yours will give you away." He lifted a hand, fingers tracing a faint pattern in the air. A pale glow shimmered briefly before sinking into Kael's gaze.
"There," Robert muttered, stepping back to observe his work. "Now I can feel a bit safer. Your eyes are too rare, young master—you'd be recognized anywhere."
Kael blinked, catching his reflection in a polished mirror hanging outside a vendor's stall. The crimson hue was gone, replaced by a soft blue.
Robert crossed his arms. "Even though I changed the color, it doesn't mean people won't notice you. Be careful."
Kael gave the slightest nod.
Robert's lips softened into a small smile. He never thought he would see the day his young master walked willingly into the crowd again. Ever since waking from that long coma, Kael had avoided people as though the world itself repelled him. Yet here he was—taking his first steps back into it.
"Have a nice walk," Robert murmured, almost to himself, as he let Elric lead Kael into the evening-lit streets.
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Kael and Elric strolled through the evening streets, their hands intertwined. The city still buzzed with life despite the fading light. Children darted past, chasing each other with laughter that rang through the air. Bakers pulled warm loaves from their ovens, the scent of bread and spice drifting over the cobblestones. Vendors shouted their last calls, and couples walked arm in arm beneath the lantern glow.
Kael's eyes never stopped moving, soaking in every detail of the world he so rarely allowed himself to step into. Elric, however, only had eyes for him. Relief softened her heart—he didn't look as frightened as he once had when faced with crowds. Instead, there was something new in his gaze: curiosity, fragile but real.
And then she noticed it—how his eyes lingered on the children running freely across the street. The way he paused, almost unconsciously, to watch them. A small smile tugged at her lips. "You still haven't changed," she said gently.
Kael blinked and turned to her.
"You always loved walking through the streets and bazaars," she continued, her voice warm with memory. "And the way you played with the children—sometimes you looked more like one of them than a hero destined to save the world."
Kael's brows tilted slightly, his gaze lowering. In the past—his past—he had never been like that. The Kael they spoke of was so different from who he felt himself to be. Yet he couldn't voice that truth to her. He simply kept silent, allowing the moment to pass.
They soon passed a baker's stall. The shopkeeper, flour dusting his apron, lifted a steaming loaf with pride. "Ah, young couple! You look so lovely together. Why not try my bread? Just out of the oven—the best in all the Empire!"
Kael flinched at the sudden approach, his shoulders tensing. His eyes darted to Elric. She smiled reassuringly and accepted the loaf. "Thank you."
Taking a small bite, Elric's eyes lit with delight. "This is delicious. Truly, Delcra is a blessed land," she praised warmly.
The baker swelled with pride. His gaze flickered toward Kael, as though begging for the young man's approval. Elric tore the loaf in half and offered it toward Kael. For a moment he hesitated. Then, noticing the hopeful spark in the baker's eyes, Kael leaned forward and took a small bite directly from her hand.
The baker's grin widened. "Delicious, isn't it?"
Kael gave a small nod, covering his mouth with his hand as he chewed.
Elric chuckled softly and ended up buying the rest of the bread. "For Robert, and for you," she said as they walked on. "You can have it later for dinner or breakfast."
The night deepened, yet the city glowed with life. Lutes and fiddles played lively songs. Dancers spun in the square. Some passersby waved at Kael and Elric as they passed, murmuring about what a sweet couple they made.
Eventually, they reached the fountain at the heart of the city. Kael lowered himself to sit, his shoulders heavy, his face pale with fatigue. Elric immediately noticed. "Do you want to go back?" she asked softly. She would not be surprised—he had fainted so many times since leaving the castle.
But Kael shook his head.
So she sat beside him, offering quiet companionship. From her sleeve she drew a single flower—a red rose an old woman had given them earlier—and held it out to him. "Delcra is fertile land," she said with a smile. "This rose is our symbol."
Kael took it, gazing at the bloom. It looked freshly cut, vibrant even in the night air.
"If not for you," Elric whispered, "this flower would never have grown here."
He remained silent, his eyes fixed on the petals. Then, without a word, he lifted the rose and tucked it gently behind her ear.
Elric froze for a heartbeat, stunned. Then her smile returned, blooming brighter than the flower. She brushed her hair around it playfully. "Am I pretty?"
Kael said nothing.
Her laugh bubbled out, light and teasing. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. I know you won't answer me." She leaned closer, brushing against his shoulder as he withdrew his hand.
Music floated in the square, soft and tender now, couples swaying beneath lanterns. Kael's hands gripped the stone seat beside him, his head lowering slightly. A wave of dizziness overtook him, forcing him to steady himself.
Elric's sharp eyes caught it instantly. "Are you really alright? We can go back—"
But before she could rise, Kael's hand shot out, grasping her wrist.
He didn't want to leave.
Elric's lips parted, torn with worry, but she didn't push him. His body leaned into hers, his head resting against her shoulder.
"…Just… give me a second," he whispered, so faint she almost missed it.
Her chest tightened. She tilted her head slightly, resting her cheek against his hair. "Alright," she murmured.
Together, they sat in silence by the fountain, under the darkening sky, while music and laughter danced around them like a world Kael was only just beginning to step into again.
Kael drew in a deep breath, steady and deliberate. He willed himself to stay conscious—he could not collapse again, not here, not in front of so many people. The square was alive with music, laughter, and the sound of water spilling from the fountain. Yet, for him, the world spun faintly at the edges.
Elric said nothing, simply allowing his head to remain against her shoulder. It was as though she was lending him her strength, quietly, without asking anything in return.
From the corner of his eye, Kael saw a group of villagers dancing by the fountain. The musicians played in harmony, their lively tune filling the air. He inhaled again, slowly, again and again, until the dizziness ebbed little by little. Still, he did not lift his head—he let it rest where it was, feeling the steady rhythm of Elric's breathing.
"Kael, are you okay?" Elric whispered, her tone softer than the music around them.
Kael's fingers curled around her hand. His voice was faint, almost fragile.
"Can you tell… more about me?"
Elric froze for a heartbeat, her eyes widening. Then a smile touched her lips, tender and warm. "Which one do you want to hear?"
Kael's gaze drifted to the fountain's shimmering water. He stayed leaned against her shoulder.
"Earlier… you said that I love to play with children…"
Elric laughed softly, a low, affectionate sound. "Well… you were young, and maybe that's why you attached to them more than we adults ever could." She tightened her grip on his hand, as if reminding him he wasn't alone. "You joined the war at ten, Kael—right after the prophecy chose you. You never really had the chance to live as a teenager, or even as a child."
Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment, her head tilting slightly to rest against his. "You know, before we ever met, I used to wonder what kind of boy would be chosen as the Hero." A small smile curved her lips. "You were only twelve when you conquered the western demon lands. Even though you endured so much… you never let anyone see your suffering."
Kael slowly lifted his head, his crimson eyes searching hers.
"Am I… able to save everyone?"
Elric didn't hesitate. She met his gaze directly, her voice steady. "Me… You saved me, Kael." She smiled softly, the kind of smile that carried both truth and gratitude. And Kael, though silent, could feel that she meant every word.
His gaze dropped, heavy. Yes… Kael had saved her before. But it hadn't been him. Not truly. This body bore the history, but not the soul that had walked through those moments. He could never confess it—not without betraying the faith she placed in him.
Elric studied his downcast expression. Her voice gentled, tinged with hesitation. "Kael… can you tell me why you were crying in the cave?" She did not demand, but the question lingered between them, her concern unshaken.
Kael turned back to her, his eyes clouded. He gave a small shake of his head.
"I don't know. I just… feel sad. I don't understand it."
Elric's heart tightened at the honesty in his tone.
"Maybe, if I gather all the fragments… I can know what actually happened."
For a moment, silence stretched between them, broken only by the fountain's gentle cascade and the faint music of the square. Elric did not press further. She only sat there, letting his words linger.
Inside, though, she felt a quiet relief. He had answered her—truly answered her. Perhaps he was confused, lost in the maze of his own heart, but it meant he trusted her enough to share even that much.
She held his hand a little tighter, smiling faintly as the night wind carried the scent of roses around them.
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By the time the night sky had fully settled and stars shimmered above Delcra, Elric gently tugged Kael's hand, guiding him back toward the carriage. His steps were slower now, his body clearly weighed down by fatigue.
Robert was already waiting near the carriage door, his emerald eyes softening when he caught sight of his young master's tired face. He sighed quietly before speaking in his usual steady tone.
"Let's return faster. You need a proper rest, young master."
The guards made way as Kael and Elric stepped inside. Once everyone was settled, the carriage rolled forward, wheels clattering over the cobbled streets at a quicker pace.
Kael leaned slightly toward the window, his eyes fixed on the passing lights of the city that slowly gave way to open fields. Tonight had been the first time he had walked among the people of this world—smelled their bread, heard their laughter, seen their children play. As the carriage carried him back, a certainty settled in his heart. This was not his other world. This was truly another place, another life.
Elric's voice broke the comfortable silence, soft and almost musical.
"The moon is bright tonight."
Kael did not look at her. His gaze remained on the glowing silver disc above the fields. After a long pause, his quiet voice filled the carriage.
"Next time…"
Elric lifted her eyes to him, waiting.
"…let's go there again."
For a moment, her heart ached at the rare glimpse of his wish. Her lips curved into a gentle smile as she nodded. "Yes, of course. Whatever you want."
The carriage continued on under the pale moonlight, the night wind whispering through the trees that lined the road.
When they finally reached the castle, Robert immediately descended and opened the door. Together, he and Elric carefully guided Kael to his chambers. His body felt heavier with each step, though he did not resist.
Inside his room, Robert helped prepare the bed while Elric stayed near his side. Kael sank into the sheets with a sigh of weariness, his eyelids heavy.
Just as Elric turned to leave, she felt a sudden tug on her hand. Startled, she looked back.
Kael's fingers weakly grasped hers. His lips moved faintly, words escaping in a whisper as his eyes began to close.
"Stay here… tonight…"
But before he could finish, his exhaustion overcame him. His breath evened out, and his hand slackened, already lost to sleep.
Elric's eyes softened, her chest tightening with warmth. She quietly sat beside his bed, brushing a stray lock of white hair from his forehead. Leaning down, she pressed a gentle kiss there.
"Rest well, Kael," she whispered, her voice tender and full of relief. Tonight had been a good day—no, a precious one. For the first time in a long while, they had walked together beneath the same sky, and she had seen him reach toward life again.
She kept her place at his side, content simply to stay, watching over him as the moonlight poured quietly through the window.