After the spirit release ceremony ended, the atmosphere gradually shifted into a small celebration. Elves from all corners of the capital came one by one, offering their gratitude to Nico Mustang. Some bowed deeply, others placed a hand over their chest, and a few even brought small gifts—bread, dried fruit, or simple wildflowers.
Ren—also known as Nico—did his best to return every greeting with a polite smile. But over time, his face grew stiff from constant smiling, and his body ached slightly from bowing too much. Eventually, he looked for a quiet corner and sat at one of the long wooden tables set up at the edge of the event area.
"Haah..." Ren let out a long breath, releasing the weight in his chest, tilting his head back just a little.
"You alright?" came a casual voice beside him.
