Four years had passed since the last battle against Ela. During that time, Shirou and Alica had worked tirelessly to improve their skills. Chris and Cherry occasionally helped them train, guiding their progress. The children of the orphanage had grown as well, many of them beginning to learn new skills—cooking, fighting, and other crafts.
Sarah, meanwhile, had withdrawn entirely from the kingdom. She had devoted herself wholly to caring for the orphanage, while Ela visited them from time to time.
By the riverside
"So, where are we going today?" Dake (age 12) asked as he walked beside the others.
"Maybe to the river to chill," Jack (13) suggested with a grin.
"Well… how about the library? I want to study some books there," Sabrina (10) replied softly, her voice hesitant and shy.
"Huh… why would we go there? It sounds boring," Vennesa (11) said with a pout.
"Well, I think I know why you say that," Alica (11) said teasingly.
"Hey!" Vennesa protested.
"What about Shirou? Where is he now?" she asked curiously.
"How should I know?" Alica replied with a shrug.
"Well… doesn't your tone seem different for him lately? Before, you complained about him constantly, but now… sometimes you even call him 'Ni-San'," Vennesa teased, smirking.
"Wha… no! It's just because Cherry and Chris always lecture me to call him that," Alica said, her voice rising nervously as laughter broke out among them.
"Well, I think it's good. If Alica considers him her brother, then I don't mind if he walks and talks with her," Jack said with relief. He added with a teasing grin, "Vennesa, it's good for you too, right?"
"Huh?" Alica blinked in confusion at Vennesa.
"Wha… what do you mean by that?" Vennesa blushed at his words.
"Well, it's the reaction we've come to expect from you. Ever since we saved you and Jack in the forest, you often blush when talking to Shirou," Dake said with a knowing smile.
"Really? I didn't know that," Alica said in surprise.
"No! It's nothing like that… it's just… he's kinda cool, that's all," she admitted softly, lowering her voice.
They shared a quiet smile.
"So, where is he really?" Dake asked.
"Well… I heard Cherry was worried when he went out. She said he went into the forest alone again, shouting that he wanted to fight a strong monster," Alica explained.
Everyone exchanged concerned glances, then nodded in agreement as they walked toward the riverside.
At the orphanage
"Hey! Cherry, can you help me?" Chris (19) called out, hammering at the ceiling to repair a leak.
Cherry (18), however, paced nearby, her steps restless and her mind clearly elsewhere.
"Don't worry. It's not the first time he's wandered into the forest," Chris said without looking up.
"But… what if something happens to him? He often comes back injured," Cherry replied, her voice heavy with worry.
"You're overthinking it," Chris reassured her.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
Cherry opened it to find a large, broad-shouldered man in his fifties. One eye was covered by a black eyepatch, while the other was a deep brown. His thick brown beard and hair gave him a commanding presence.
"Umm… may I help you?" Cherry asked, smiling despite her unease.
"Is this the orphanage cared for by Sarah?" he asked.
"Yes. And you are?" Cherry asked cautiously.
"I am Brown, First-in-Command of the Kingdom and Acting Leader of the Pillar," he said formally, bowing slightly. Cherry froze, stunned.
"Brown? You mean the First Pillar?" she asked hesitantly.
"And you must be Cherry… Sarah speaks highly of you. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, young lady," he said warmly.
"You don't have to bow, Sir Brown. It is my pleasure to meet someone of such high stature," Cherry replied, though still visibly nervous.
"Cherry? Who is at the door?" Chris asked, stepping closer, wiping his hands with a towel.
"Oh… so you are Chris, the eldest adopted one. Nice to meet you. I am Brown," he greeted.
"Brown?" Chris said, confused.
Cherry explained about Captain Brown to him, and Chris bowed respectfully.
"It is an honor to meet you, Sir Brown."
Captain Brown chuckled softly. "Don't be so formal. Now, can you tell me where I can meet Sarah?"
"She is in her room. You can wait here, sir. I'll call her…" Cherry began, but he interrupted.
"It's urgent. I wish to speak with her alone. Will you guide me to her room?" he said firmly.
Feeling the weight of his words, Cherry agreed. She knocked on the door before entering.
"Yes, come in," Sarah (28) replied. But her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Captain Brown enter, followed by Cherry.
"Captain Brown? You are here?" Sarah asked, startled.
"Oh… long time no see, Hero Sarah," Brown said, bowing slightly.
"I have long abandoned that title, Sir Brown," she replied with a bow. "Such a sudden visit—has something happened in the kingdom?"
"Just as clever as ever. I wanted to speak to you personally," he said. Sarah nodded, dismissing Cherry so they could speak alone.
"So, Sir Brown, what is the matter that brings you here without any prior notice?" Sarah asked.
"Hero Sarah, the news may shock you… but last night, our King and Queen were assassinated."
"What?!" Sarah exclaimed, standing in shock. "But how is that possible? You, the strongest man in the world, always guarding them…"
"Yesterday, under orders from the King, I went to inspect a neighboring country. When I returned, I heard the news. I have already taken measures to ensure the news does not spread beyond the castle walls—if it does, it will cause chaos," Brown explained gravely.
"What about the Princess and Prince?" Sarah asked.
"They are safe—they were not in the castle at the time—but we have not informed anyone of that either," Captain Brown said. He added, "We need your help in this matter. Will you return to the kingdom with me?"
Sarah took a slow breath, her eyes falling to the floor. "Sir Brown… I appreciate your trust, but I cannot. My place is here. These children need me. This orphanage… it has become my home. I promised myself I would protect them, no matter what. I cannot abandon them now."
Brown's brow furrowed slightly, his voice low and persuasive. "Sarah… this is far bigger than the orphanage. The kingdom is in chaos. Without your strength and wisdom, it will collapse. The people need you."
"I understand," she replied softly, her tone firm. "But my first duty now is to these children. I will not leave them. If the kingdom needs me… they must find another way."
Brown studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a heavy sigh, he bowed slightly. "Very well, Hero Sarah. I see your choice is made… though I hope you will reconsider someday. The kingdom may yet need you."
Sarah nodded silently, her gaze steady but conflicted.
Brown turned toward the door. "Take care, Sarah."
"You too, Sir Brown," she replied.
As he stepped out, the sound of his boots echoed down the hallway, leaving Sarah standing alone in quiet thought, her resolve unshaken.