The present —
Part 1: Kros & shennel
The present — before everything fell apart.
The wind moved softly across the plains of Kumandel.
Golden grass swayed like waves under the sunset.
Kros walked ahead quietly.
Behind him, Shennel followed with her arms folded.
"You know…" she said, slightly annoyed, "you could at least try talking."
Kros didn't look back.
"I am talking."
"You said three words in ten minutes."
"That's talking."
She frowned.
"…You're impossible."
He shrugged.
She stared at him for a moment.
Then sighed.
Yet… she kept following.
Their first days in Kumandel were awkward.
Shennel didn't trust him.
Kros didn't understand her.
She was proud.
He was calm.
She was sharp.
He was patient.
She attacked monsters aggressively.
He fought only when necessary.
One day—
A beast lunged at her from behind.
She turned too late.
Kros stepped in.
Blocked.
Deflected.
Ended the fight in one clean strike.
She stared.
"You… could've let me handle it."
"You didn't see it."
"…I did."
"You didn't."
She clicked her tongue.
"…Don't save me next time."
He walked past her.
"I will."
She froze.
"…Idiot."
But something shifted.
Days turned into weeks.
They travelled together.
Fought together.
Ate together.
Sometimes in silence.
Sometimes in arguments.
But slowly…
The silence became comfortable.
One night, they camped beside a river.
Shennel watched the water.
"You're strange."
Kros sat beside her.
"…How?"
"You help everyone."
"…That's normal."
"No. It's not."
She looked at him.
"You even help me."
He answered simply.
"You're not my enemy."
She hesitated.
"…You don't even know who I am."
He looked at the sky.
"…I don't need to."
Her chest tightened slightly.
She didn't understand why.
Another day—
They climbed a cliff.
Shennel slipped.
Kros grabbed her wrist.
Held her.
Pulled her up.
She ended up close to him.
Too close.
Their eyes met.
Her heart skipped.
She immediately pushed him away.
"I had that."
"…Sure."
She turned away.
Her face slightly red.
Time passed.
They laughed more.
Argued less.
Fought side by side flawlessly.
Their movements started syncing naturally.
Without thinking.
Without speaking.
They trusted each other.
And Shennel… noticed.
She started watching him more.
The way he protected villagers.
The way he stood between danger and others.
The way he never hesitated to take hits.
The way he smiled faintly when she complained.
Her chest felt strange.
Warm.
Unstable.
One night—
She sat alone.
Hand over her chest.
"…What is this…"
She remembered his voice.
His calm.
His kindness.
His stubbornness.
"…I…"
Her eyes widened.
She realized it.
She didn't just want to travel with him.
She didn't just want to fight beside him.
She wanted…
Him.
The next day, she was different.
More quiet.
More nervous.
Kros noticed.
"You're acting strange."
"…I'm not."
"You are."
"…Shut up."
He blinked.
She looked away.
Her heart racing.
That evening—
The sun was setting over Kumandel.
Orange light stretched across the quiet hills.
The wind moved gently between them.
Shennel stood still.
"…Kros."
He turned.
"Yes?"
Her hands clenched slightly.
She didn't look like herself.
"I don't want to just travel with you anymore."
He tilted his head.
"…What do you mean?"
Her voice softened.
"I don't want to be just friends."
Silence.
Her heart pounded.
Then she forced herself to say it.
"I… want you."
No pride.
No sarcasm.
Just honesty.
Kros froze.
He didn't expect that.
He looked at her quietly.
She waited.
The wind grew colder.
Finally, he spoke.
"…I can't."
That was all.
No explanation.
No reason.
Just those two words.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"…You can't?"
He shook his head.
"…I'm sorry."
Her chest tightened.
"…I see."
She smiled faintly.
But it didn't reach her eyes.
"…Then forget it."
She turned away.
"…Let's just continue like before."
He didn't respond.
Because he knew—
They couldn't.
They continued travelling.
But something changed.
They spoke less.
Their steps weren't in sync anymore.
She stopped teasing him.
He stopped trying to understand her moods.
The warmth faded.
And finally—
At the edge of Kumandel—
She stopped walking.
"…This is far enough."
Kros looked at her.
"You're leaving?"
"…Yeah."
She kept her back turned.
"…I have things to do."
Silence.
Wind passed between them.
"…Take care of yourself, Kros."
She stepped forward.
Then paused.
"…You really are an idiot."
Her voice was soft.
"…But… I'm glad I met you."
She walked away.
This time—
She didn't look back.
And that was how they parted.
Part 2 — Laken & Aiya
The beginning was… cold.
Not hostile.
Just distant.
Aiya walked beside Laken without looking at him.
Their hands occasionally touched in public.
But the moment they were alone — she stepped away.
It was a contract.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
Their first stop was a small town.
People stared at them.
Aiya kept her expression neutral.
Then suddenly—
Laken reached for her hand.
She froze.
He intertwined their fingers.
She looked at him sharply.
He smiled casually.
"Stay close."
She didn't pull away.
They walked like that through town.
He even placed his hand gently on her back while speaking to merchants.
"…My fiancée likes this one."
She blinked.
Fiancée?
But she didn't argue.
They left town.
The moment they were alone—
She pulled her hand away.
"…Why did you do that?"
He answered calmly.
"It needs to look real."
"…You went too far."
"If we act awkward, people will suspect something."
She looked at him.
He wasn't teasing.
He was serious.
"…I see."
And she said nothing more.
Days passed.
The fake relationship continued.
In public:
He held her hand
pulled her closer
spoke gently to her
stood protectively
In private:
Distance.
Respect.
Silence.
But slowly…
That silence became less heavy.
One night—
They camped under the stars.
Aiya stared into the fire.
"You don't have to do that."
"…Do what?"
"Act so seriously."
He shrugged.
"If I'm going to pretend, I'll do it properly."
She looked at him.
"…You're strange."
He smiled faintly.
"I've heard that before."
For the first time—
She didn't look away immediately.
Another day—
They were surrounded by bandits.
Laken stepped forward.
"Stay behind me."
She frowned.
"I can fight."
"I know."
He didn't move.
"But still… stay behind me."
They fought together.
Perfectly.
When it ended—
He checked her for injuries.
"…You're fine."
She blinked.
"…You're worried?"
He answered simply.
"Yes."
Something softened in her expression.
Time passed.
They began talking more.
Small things.
Food preferences.
Travel stories.
Childhood memories.
One day—
It rained heavily.
They took shelter under a cliff.
Cold wind passed.
Without thinking—
Laken removed his coat.
Placed it around her shoulders.
She froze.
"…You'll get cold."
"I'm fine."
She held the coat tighter.
"…Thank you."
It was the first time she thanked him.
Slowly—
Comfort formed.
She sat closer during meals.
She didn't pull away instantly anymore.
She listened when he spoke.
And Laken noticed.
But he didn't push.
One evening—
They stood overlooking a quiet valley.
Aiya spoke quietly.
"…You take this seriously."
"The relationship."
He nodded.
"Yes."
"…Why?"
He looked at the horizon.
"…Because even if it's fake… you're not."
She blinked.
Her chest tightened slightly.
She didn't answer.
Days later—
Laken realized it.
He looked at her laughing softly at something he said.
His heart skipped.
He froze.
"…Oh."
He understood.
He had fallen for her.
That night—
He spoke.
"Aiya."
She looked at him.
"…Yes?"
He took a breath.
"…I need to tell you something."
She waited.
"I've fallen for you."
Her eyes widened.
He continued calmly.
"But you don't have to feel the same."
"This contract doesn't change."
"I'll love you… but you don't have to love me."
"I just thought you should know."
Silence.
Her heart raced.
He smiled faintly.
"…Don't worry. Nothing changes."
He walked past her.
Leaving her frozen.
After that—
She started acting strange.
Avoiding him.
Speaking less.
Not meeting his eyes.
Laken noticed.
But he didn't push.
He kept acting the same.
Gentle.
Respectful.
Calm.
And that made it worse.
Her chest tightened whenever he smiled.
Whenever he held her hand in public.
Whenever he treated her carefully.
"…Why…?"
She whispered one night.
Her heart raced.
She remembered his confession.
His honesty.
His kindness.
And she realized it.
She had fallen for him.
Quietly.
Without noticing.
She placed her hand over her chest.
"…Laken…"
Her voice softened.
The fake relationship…
Was no longer fake.
The Confession — Aiya's Answer
The air between them had changed.
Ever since Laken confessed, Aiya had been avoiding him.
Short answers.
No eye contact.
Distance.
But her heart only grew louder.
Finally—
One evening, they stopped near a quiet lake.
The sky reflected softly on the water.
Laken began setting up camp.
Aiya stood still.
"…Laken."
He looked up.
"Yes?"
She hesitated.
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"I… need to talk to you."
He nodded calmly.
"I'm listening."
She struggled to meet his eyes.
"…About what you said."
He froze slightly — but stayed quiet.
She took a breath.
"I… don't know when it started."
Her voice trembled.
"…But when you confessed… everything became strange."
She laughed softly.
"…I kept avoiding you."
"…Because I was scared."
He stepped closer, but slowly.
"…Scared?"
She nodded.
"I realized… I didn't hate what you said."
Her chest tightened.
"I kept thinking about it."
"About you."
"About how you always stand beside me."
Her eyes finally met his.
"…I think… I've fallen for you too."
Silence filled the air.
Laken's eyes widened slightly.
But she raised her hand.
"…But."
Her voice softened.
"I need time."
"…Time?"
She nodded.
"To adjust."
"To let go of the past."
Her expression grew honest.
"…My heart hasn't fully moved on."
"But… it's moving."
She stepped closer.
"…If you're willing… I want to try."
Her voice was gentle.
"I'll stand beside you."
"I'll support you."
"…Not because of the contract."
"But because… I want to."
Laken stared at her quietly.
Then he smiled.
Soft.
Relieved.
"…That's enough for me."
She exhaled.
Her shoulders relaxed.
"…You're not surprised?"
"I am."
"…Then why are you so calm?"
He chuckled lightly.
"Because I'd wait… even if you said nothing."
Her cheeks warmed slightly.
"…Idiot."
He extended his hand.
"…Then let's continue."
She looked at it.
Then slowly—
She took it.
This time—
Not for show.
Not for the contract.
But because she wanted to.
And the distance between them…
Finally disappeared.
Part 3 — Bonding and Teasing (Rin, Enora, and Their Father)
The palace felt warmer than usual.
Not because of the weather.
But because… everyone was finally together again.
Rin leaned against the balcony railing, watching the training grounds below.
Enora appeared beside her.
"You're smiling."
"I am not."
"You are."
Rin sighed.
"…I just missed this."
Enora followed her gaze.
Their father stood below, instructing soldiers personally.
His voice was stern — but calmer than before.
"…He's changed," Enora said softly.
Rin nodded.
"Aiya leaving affected him."
"…It affected all of us."
Silence passed.
Then Enora smirked slightly.
"…So when is she coming back?"
Rin raised an eyebrow.
"You just want to tease her."
"Obviously."
Later that day—
Footsteps echoed in the hall.
Aiya entered.
Rin froze.
Enora's eyes lit up.
"Aiya!"
They rushed toward her.
The three sisters embraced.
It was tight.
Warm.
Familiar.
"…You took long," Rin muttered quietly.
"…I know."
Enora leaned back, studying her.
"…You look different."
Aiya blinked.
"…Different?"
"…Softer."
Rin narrowed her eyes.
"…Something happened."
Aiya immediately looked away.
"…Nothing."
Both sisters exchanged looks.
Then simultaneously—
"Who is he?"
Aiya froze.
"…What?"
Enora grinned.
"You're terrible at hiding it."
Rin crossed her arms.
"…You're blushing."
"I am not."
"You are."
Aiya sighed.
"…You two haven't changed."
They dragged her to sit down.
Enora leaned forward.
"Talk."
Rin nodded.
"…We're listening."
Aiya hesitated.
Then spoke quietly.
"…I fell for someone."
They both froze.
Then—
Enora gasped dramatically.
"YOU WHAT?!"
Rin blinked repeatedly.
"…You're serious?"
Aiya nodded.
"…Yes."
"Who?" Enora leaned in.
"…Laken."
Silence.
Then Enora smiled slowly.
"…Ah."
Rin nodded.
"…That makes sense."
Aiya blinked.
"…You're not surprised?"
Rin shook her head.
"You needed someone calm."
Enora grinned.
"And someone who can handle you."
Aiya sighed.
"…It started as a contract."
They both leaned in further.
"…But now?"
Aiya smiled softly.
"…Now we're together for real."
"No contract."
"No pretending."
"…Just us."
Enora squealed.
Rin smiled gently.
"…I'm happy for you."
Aiya relaxed.
"…Thanks."
Their father entered shortly after.
He stopped.
Seeing them together.
All three.
"…You're all here."
His voice softened.
Enora jumped up.
"Father!"
She hugged him suddenly.
He stiffened.
Then awkwardly patted her head.
Rin walked closer.
"…We were just talking."
He nodded.
Then looked at Aiya.
"…You've grown."
She smiled slightly.
"…I had to."
Silence.
Then Enora spoke loudly.
"She's dating someone."
Aiya froze.
"…Enora."
Their father blinked.
"…Is that so?"
Rin sighed.
"…Subtle."
Aiya looked away.
"…Yes."
He nodded slowly.
"…Does he treat you well?"
"Yes."
"…Then I have no objections."
Enora grinned.
"That's it?"
He looked at her.
"…What more should I say?"
Rin smirked.
"…You're getting soft."
He turned away slightly.
"…Don't push it."
Later—
They walked through the palace gardens together.
Rin walked beside Aiya.
"…You're really happy."
Aiya nodded.
"…I am."
Enora skipped ahead.
"Bring him next time."
Aiya blinked.
"…Already?"
Rin smirked.
"…We need to judge him."
Aiya sighed.
"…You two are impossible."
But she smiled.
For the first time in a long time—
The sisters walked together.
Laughing.
Teasing.
Comfortable.
And above them—
Their father watched quietly.
Relieved.
His daughters…
Were finally at peace.
Part 4: The Lone Warrior
The night was quiet.
Moonlight filled the palace garden.
Aiya had already left.
Only Rin and Enora remained.
Enora leaned against the stone railing, unusually silent.
Rin noticed.
"…You're thinking about something."
Enora hesitated.
"…Rin."
"Yes?"
She spoke quietly.
"…What about the Dark Knight?"
Rin froze slightly.
"…Kros…"
Enora nodded.
"…What if he came back?"
Silence.
"…How would Aiya react?"
Rin looked at the moon.
"…I don't know."
Enora sighed.
"…I wonder how he's doing…"
"…He always looked so alone."
Rin closed her eyes briefly.
"…He probably still is."
The wind passed between them.
"…I hope he's okay."
Far away—
A lone figure walked through a burning village.
Dark armor.
Black cloak.
Storm blade at his side.
Kros.
He moved silently.
Bandits surrounded terrified villagers.
One stepped forward.
"Well look at that—"
He never finished.
Kros vanished.
One strike.
Two.
Three.
The bandits fell instantly.
The leader panicked.
"W-who are you?!"
Lightning flickered faintly across the armor.
Kros said nothing.
The man ran.
But Kros appeared in front of him.
One final strike.
Silence returned.
The villagers stared.
"…The Dark Knight…"
"…He saved us…"
Kros turned.
And walked away.
Without a word.
Another night.
A caravan under attack by monsters.
Claws tore through wagons.
Guards fell.
Then—
Thunder echoed.
A monster split in half.
Kros stood between them.
He moved like lightning.
Precise.
Cold.
Efficient.
The monsters didn't stand a chance.
When it ended—
A child ran forward.
"…Thank you!"
Kros paused.
He looked at the child.
Then gently placed a pouch of coins in his hand.
And walked away.
The guards whispered.
"…He didn't even speak…"
"…The lone dark knight…"
Days passed.
Stories spread.
From town to town.
Village to village.
"The Dark Knight saved us."
"He appeared out of nowhere."
"He never removes his armor."
"He doesn't speak."
"He just leaves."
Rumors grew.
A protector.
A ghost.
A wandering blade.
One evening—
A woman and her daughter hid from a monster.
It roared.
Charging toward them.
The mother closed her eyes.
Then—
Lightning flashed.
The monster fell.
Split cleanly.
Kros stood there.
The girl looked up.
"…Are you a hero?"
He didn't answer.
He just turned.
And walked into the fading light.
Alone.
Always alone.
The armor never came off.
Not once.
Since Kumandel.
Since Shennel.
The wind moved across empty plains.
Kros stopped.
For a moment.
He remembered.
Her confession.
Her smile.
Her voice.
"…I want you."
His hand tightened slightly.
Then he continued walking.
The lone dark knight…
Kept moving forward.
Part 5: Shennel — The Demon Princess
Broken by rejection… she returned.
The road back to the Demon Realm felt longer than before.
Colder.
Quieter.
Shennel walked alone.
Her expression empty.
Her thoughts silent.
She finished what she had originally been sent to do — investigate the fallen Grail Knights.
The conclusion was clear.
They were gone.
And the one responsible…
Was Kros.
Her chest tightened for a moment.
But she suppressed it.
Then she returned.
The gates of the Demon Realm opened.
Demons lined the path.
They bowed.
But something felt different.
The air itself grew heavy.
Suffocating.
Shennel walked forward.
Her presence alone made soldiers lower their heads.
None dared speak.
None dared meet her eyes.
Even the wind seemed to stop.
The Demon King stood from his throne.
"…Welcome back, my child."
His voice was warm.
But he felt it immediately.
She had changed.
Her steps were colder.
Her eyes… distant.
She stopped before him.
No smile.
No greeting.
She spoke.
"The Grail Knights have fallen."
Straight to the report.
No warmth.
No familiarity.
He stayed silent.
She continued.
"The human responsible is still active."
"I will eliminate him if necessary."
Her tone was calm.
But sharp.
Like a blade.
She bowed slightly.
"…If there is nothing else, allow me to excuse myself."
He hesitated.
"…You may."
She turned.
And left.
The four generals exchanged looks.
They felt it.
This wasn't the same princess.
Days passed.
The Demon Army training grounds trembled.
Shennel stood in the center.
"Attack."
A general charged.
She moved.
One strike.
He flew across the field.
Another stepped forward.
She vanished.
Strike.
He dropped to one knee.
Her attacks weren't reckless.
They were precise.
Cold.
Every movement felt like execution.
The soldiers watching felt fear.
Not respect.
Fear.
She sparred daily.
With generals.
With captains.
With elites.
Each strike felt like death approaching.
No one dared hold back.
No one dared speak casually.
The demon knights whispered.
"…She's different…"
"…She feels… dangerous…"
"…Avoid her."
The training grounds slowly emptied whenever she appeared.
Even generals became cautious.
One day—
The Demon King called her.
She entered quietly.
He looked at her carefully.
"…What happened?"
She didn't answer.
He stood.
"You've changed."
Silence.
"…You used to smile more."
Her eyes didn't move.
"…Nothing happened."
He frowned.
"…That's not true."
She finally spoke.
"…I realized something."
"…The human world is cold."
Her voice was calm.
"…For the first time…"
She looked at him.
"…I stand with you, father."
His eyes widened slightly.
She continued.
"Humanity doesn't hesitate."
"They reject."
"They abandon."
"They choose."
Her voice softened — barely.
"…I understand now."
"…Your hatred."
Silence filled the room.
The Demon King felt it.
This wasn't hatred.
This was hurt.
But he didn't expose it.
"…Then stay by my side."
She nodded.
"…I will."
But her eyes…
Were still empty.
After that—
She trained harder.
Fought harder.
Commanded troops.
Corrected formations.
Led drills.
Her presence became law.
The demon army sharpened.
But morale dropped.
They feared her more than the enemy.
She became known as:
The Cold Princess
The Silent Blade
The One Who Doesn't Smile
Even the generals avoided casual conversation.
One wrong move…
Could mean defeat.
Or worse.
Late one night—
She stood alone on the palace balcony.
Wind moving through her hair.
She remembered.
"…I want you."
Her own voice echoed.
Her hand tightened.
"…Idiot."
She closed her eyes.
Then opened them again.
Emotion gone.
The Demon Princess stood alone.
Colder than ever.
And the war… slowly approached.
Part 6: Aiya
The castle felt… peaceful.
For the first time in a long while, Aiya felt lighter.
Not completely.
Not fully in love.
But… trying.
And she was happy.
Letters between her and Laken became warmer.
Her sisters teased her endlessly.
Life slowly moved forward.
They took walks in the palace flower garden.
Tea under blooming trees.
Quiet conversations.
Soft smiles.
Everyone in the palace noticed.
The demi-god had softened.
She cherished those moments.
Time with her sisters.
Her studies.
Attending meetings with her father.
Listening to reports about demon troop movements.
Everything felt… normal.
Until the day came.
"Laken, would you care to join me in the royal library?"
He smiled.
"Sure thing, my lady."
He bowed slightly, playful.
"Is there perhaps a book you'd like me to read to you?"
She laughed softly.
"Don't embarrass me."
They walked together.
The royal library stretched endlessly — shelves upon shelves of ancient knowledge.
They browsed quietly.
Then—
Aiya stopped.
In the corner.
One book… felt like it was calling her.
She reached for it.
The moment she pulled it—
Click.
A hidden door opened.
Both of them froze.
"…Did you know about this?" she asked.
Laken shook his head.
"…No."
They stepped inside.
Dust filled the air.
The room was untouched.
Old.
Forgotten.
Books lined the walls.
"These… look ancient," Laken said.
Aiya nodded.
"…Why hide them?"
They searched carefully.
Then she noticed a desk.
She opened a drawer.
Inside—
Another book.
"Laken… look."
He leaned closer.
"…Why is this one hidden?"
They opened it.
The first page read:
"My name is Ben White. An otherworlder who arrived in this land in the year 120 BC..."
They exchanged looks.
He continued reading.
The man explained:
He loved books
The king made him royal advisor
He taught people of Kushan his foreign language
Then later—
A section:
"Here I pair words from my world with Kushan language. Use wisely."
The rest…
Was a dictionary.
Word by word.
Language by language.
And then—
Aiya's heart started pounding.
Her expression faded.
Lost.
Empty.
"…Aiya?" Laken asked softly.
She whispered—
"…Kr… Kros…"
She grabbed the book.
And ran.
Straight to her room.
She opened her drawer.
Her hands shaking.
The note Rin gave her…
Still there.
She unfolded it.
Compared the symbols.
Translated.
The words appeared.
"If she had asked me to stay… I wouldn't have hesitated."
Her breathing stopped.
"But it felt like she only needed me for survival."
Her vision blurred.
"It was nice knowing her."
Silence.
Then—
Everything collapsed.
Regret.
Guilt.
Pain.
Tears burst out uncontrollably.
A demi-god… crying.
Her body trembled.
"…What… did I do…"
Her chest hurt.
She felt disgusted.
It felt like she betrayed him.
Like she moved on too quickly.
Like she erased him.
She rushed into the shower.
Water fell.
She scrubbed her arms.
Her shoulders.
Her neck.
Like trying to erase something.
Like trying to remove Laken's touch.
"…Stop…"
Her voice broke.
"…What am I doing…"
She slid down.
Water falling over her.
Tears mixing with it.
Her hands shook.
"…Kros…"
She whispered his name.
For the first time since he left.
And her heart shattered.
Outside—
Laken stood at her door.
He heard nothing.
But he knew.
Something changed.
He didn't knock.
He didn't intrude.
He just stayed.
Quietly.
Waiting.
Because for the first time—
He realized.
The past…
Had returned.