Aschenfall Gardens — Six Months After the Final Battle
The gardens had blossomed.
After months of war and reconstruction, someone—probably Gorman—had found time to plant flowers. Red roses. White lilies. Something Kaito didn't recognize but that smelled sweet.
He walked among them with measured steps, processing the morning report Adelheid had delivered.
Agricultural production: 140% of pre-war capacity.
Population: growing, refugees from other kingdoms arriving.
Morale: stable.
Everything reduced to numbers. Statistics. Efficiency.
This was how he processed the world now.
"Lord Kaito."
He turned.
Dame Kristina of Vestria stood on the path behind him.
Six months of observation had visibly changed her. Less rigid. More... human.
"Dame Kristina. Do you need something?"
"Yes. A private conversation. If you have time."
Kaito assessed his schedule mentally.
Meeting with Gorman in two hours. Training with Naporia after that. Defense review with Adelheid at nightfall.
