Dawn came quietly.
A pale light slipped through the curtains, brushing gently across the room.
Kael's eyes slowly opened.
For a moment, he didn't move.
He simply stared at the ceiling, his mind still lingering in the fragments of what he had seen the night before. The memory was incomplete—distorted, just like the dreams he once had of Licht.
Broken.
Unfinished.
Something was missing.
That night…
He was certain now.
He wasn't alone.
And there was no way—no possible way—that he would throw himself off on his own.
Kael's brows furrowed slightly as he tried to recall more.
Nothing came.
Only silence.
Then—
A warmth.
A weight.
He shifted slightly and turned his head.
Elric.
She was lying beside him, her body close, her hand resting lightly against his chest. Her face was turned toward him, eyes closed, breathing slow and peaceful.
For a moment—
Everything else faded.
The blood.
The pain.
The unanswered questions.
Gone.
Kael's gaze softened.
Slowly, carefully, he lifted his hand.
His fingers brushed gently through her hair, cautious not to wake her. The strands slipped between his fingers—soft, familiar.
He paused.
Her hair…
It was longer.
Before, it barely reached her neck.
Now—
It fell to her shoulders.
Time had passed.
More than he had truly realized.
His fingers lingered there.
This woman… had stayed.
Through everything.
Her care was never forced.
Her touch, her closeness—never asking anything in return.
And yet—
Something felt… different.
Kael's gaze dimmed slightly.
He had seen fragments of the past.
Memories.
But Elric—
She was never there.
Did the "old him" never grow close to her?
The thought lingered, quietly unsettling.
His hand drifted lower.
Resting against her cheek.
Warm.
Real.
His thumb brushed softly over her lips.
A small detail surfaced in his mind.
Since she arrived—
She hadn't kissed him.
Not once.
Before, when they were alone—
She always would.
But now—
Nothing.
Kael hesitated.
Then—
Slowly—
He shifted closer.
Leaning toward her.
And gently—
He pressed his lips against hers.
Soft.
Brief.
Almost hesitant.
Then—
Elric stirred.
Kael froze.
Her eyes slowly opened.
Their gazes met.
For a moment—
Neither of them moved.
Then—
A faint smile formed on her lips.
And she kissed him back.
Kael's breath caught.
The softness of her lips… the warmth—
It felt familiar.
Yet new.
As if he had been missing it without realizing.
He responded instinctively, his lips moving against hers—gentle at first, uncertain.
Elric didn't rush.
She adjusted slightly, tilting her head, deepening the kiss just enough to guide him. Her fingers brushed lightly along his arm, grounding him.
Kael's body tensed—then slowly eased.
He followed her rhythm.
Closer.
Warmer.
Their breaths mingled.
Time seemed to slow.
When they finally parted—
Their foreheads rested together.
Both of them breathing slightly unevenly.
Their faces flushed.
Their eyes met.
Close.
Too close.
Elric smiled faintly, her voice soft.
"Good morning, Kael."
Her hand lingered around his wrist, holding him gently.
Kael blinked.
Then slowly leaned back beside her, still facing her.
A small, gentle smile appeared on his lips.
"…I'm sorry," he murmured. "For waking you."
His fingers returned to her hair, brushing it lightly again.
"…Your hair… it's longer."
Elric stiffened.
Just slightly.
"It seems I've been a bit busy," she replied, her tone casual—but not quite natural. "Maybe I should cut it before it gets too long."
She gently pulled her hair from his hand.
Kael noticed.
The subtle shift.
The tension she tried to hide.
Elric saw it too—
That he noticed.
Before he could ask—
She moved.
Wrapping her arms around him.
Her face pressed into his chest.
Kael blinked, surprised.
Her grip tightened slightly.
"Yesterday…" she whispered. "You collapsed."
Her voice softened.
"Everyone was worried."
Kael's body stilled.
The memory surfaced.
The pain.
The ringing.
The fall.
Slowly—
He returned the embrace.
"…I'm sorry," he said quietly. "My head… hurt a lot."
He didn't mention the vision.
Not yet.
He needed to understand it first.
Elric pulled back slightly, her hands moving to his face.
Her expression was filled with concern.
"Does it still hurt?"
Her thumb brushed across his forehead, gently massaging.
Kael closed his eyes briefly, leaning into her touch.
"…I'm fine now," he murmured.
Elric didn't answer immediately.
She just looked at him.
Closely.
Carefully.
Then she leaned in, their faces only inches apart.
"Kael…" she said softly.
Her voice carried something deeper now.
"Is there anything… you want to tell me?"
A pause.
"I don't mind if it's difficult."
Her eyes held his.
"I'll listen."
Kael opened his eyes.
He searched her gaze.
There was no doubt.
No hesitation.
She meant it.
His hand slowly closed around hers.
"…One day," he whispered. "…I'll tell you everything."
His voice was barely audible.
Elric studied him for a moment.
Then smiled.
Soft.
"Promise me."
Kael hesitated.
Then—
He nodded.
Elric's smile widened slightly.
A playful glint returned to her eyes.
"…Then," she murmured, leaning closer again, "can you kiss me again?"
Kael froze.
His eyes widened slightly.
A faint blush spread across his face.
Elric chuckled softly.
"Come on… I'm waiting."
She moved closer, closing the distance.
Kael swallowed.
Then, hesitantly—
He leaned forward.
Their lips met again.
Soft.
Brief.
He pulled back almost immediately, turning his gaze away.
Embarrassed.
Elric laughed softly.
"That doesn't count."
Before he could react—
She shifted, rising slightly over him.
Her hand gently lifted his chin, guiding his gaze back to her.
"This…" she whispered softly, her lips just a breath away from his, "…is what I meant."
And then—
She kissed him.
Deeper.
Slower.
More certain.
Kael's eyes widened briefly—then slowly closed.
This time—
He didn't pull away.
He stayed.
Letting himself feel—
Her warmth.
Her presence.
And for that moment—
Nothing else mattered.
-----------------------------------------
The sun had just begun to rise.
A soft golden light slipped through the windows of Delcra Castle, painting the halls in warmth.
Elric stepped quietly into her room.
The door closed behind her with a soft click.
And yet—
The smile on her lips refused to fade.
Her fingers slowly lifted, brushing against her lips.
The memory replayed vividly.
Kael's hesitant touch.
The way he responded.
The warmth of his breath, the softness of his lips—how he slowly gave in when she guided him.
Her cheeks flushed faintly.
"…You really…" she murmured to herself, her voice soft, almost amused.
She walked toward the mirror.
Her reflection greeted her.
And then—
She noticed.
Her fingers paused at her neck.
Faint marks.
Subtle.
But unmistakable.
Her smile widened.
"…So you weren't as hesitant as you looked."
She traced one lightly with her fingertips, recalling how he had drawn closer, how his restraint had slowly unraveled.
For someone so careful—
He could still lose himself.
If pushed.
A small, playful thought crossed her mind.
"…Maybe… if I push you a little more…"
Her gaze softened slightly.
"…we might go further."
The thought lingered.
Warm.
Dangerous.
She reached up and adjusted her collar, pulling it higher to cover the marks.
No need for anyone else to see.
Not yet.
Then—
A voice.
"You had a good time with Kael, didn't you?"
Elric froze.
She turned sharply.
Her eyes widened.
Reinhardt sat casually on the sofa in her room, one leg crossed over the other, a letter resting in his hand. His posture was relaxed, as if he had been there for quite some time.
Elric narrowed her eyes.
"You truly have no respect for privacy," she said, her tone sharp.
Reinhardt didn't even look up.
"Privacy?" he echoed lightly. "I was waiting for you last night."
He finally lifted his gaze toward her, a faint smirk forming.
"But it seems I understand now… why your room is conveniently beside Kael's."
His eyes flicked briefly toward the adjoining door.
Elric gave him a cold glance.
"Say what you came here to say."
Reinhardt leaned back against the sofa.
"How is he?" he asked, his tone shifting slightly. "He fainted yesterday."
A brief pause.
"…I might have pushed him too far."
For once, there was a hint of concern beneath his words.
Elric shook her head.
"No. I don't think that's the cause."
She folded her arms, her expression thoughtful.
"He's trying to remember something."
Reinhardt's eyes sharpened slightly.
"Five months ago," she continued. "The night he fell."
She recalled their earlier conversation.
Kael asking—
Did anyone enter his room that night?
Reinhardt remained silent.
Elric glanced at him briefly.
"He's still weak," she added, more quietly. "But… he's better than before."
Reinhardt exhaled softly.
"I noticed."
There had been worry at first.
But seeing Kael stand, speak, think—
It had eased him.
Somewhat.
Elric adjusted her collar again, making sure nothing was visible.
"What did you want to discuss?" she asked. "Is it about Kael?"
Reinhardt didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he extended the letter toward her.
"This came from my shadow."
Elric took it.
Her eyes scanned the contents quickly.
"…Valdran?"
She looked up.
"Lord Theodore is coming?"
Reinhardt nodded.
"It seems he's grown suspicious."
He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on his knee.
"He sent men to investigate the Western Gate."
His lips curved faintly.
"The same place I claimed Kael was stationed these past five months."
Elric's expression darkened.
"He can't see Kael like this," she said immediately. "He'll notice."
Even after this morning—
Even after that moment of warmth—
Kael was still fragile.
Still pale.
Still not fully recovered.
Reinhardt nodded.
"I considered using Count Albert again. Let him act as Kael."
A pause.
"But Theodore isn't like the others."
His tone lowered slightly.
"He'll see through it."
Silence settled between them.
Elric read the letter again.
"He could arrive tomorrow… or even this evening."
Her brows furrowed.
"What are we going to do?"
Reinhardt leaned back, resting his head against his hand.
Thinking.
"That old man…" he muttered quietly. "Even as one of the Empire's guardians… he's still a thorn in my side."
There was a sharp edge in his voice.
"I thought he would back off after Kael revealed himself alive."
But clearly—
He hadn't.
Elric watched him carefully.
They couldn't stop Theodore.
That would only deepen suspicion.
Reinhardt exhaled.
"…We let him come."
Elric looked at him.
"That's the safest option," he continued. "If we try to block him now, it will only confirm his doubts."
He straightened slightly.
"Tell Kael to prepare himself."
A pause.
"As much as he can."
Elric's gaze softened slightly.
She knew what that meant.
Kael would have to stand—
Even if he wasn't ready.
"And you?" she asked.
Reinhardt smirked faintly.
"I'll leave before he arrives."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"He cannot know I'm here."
Elric nodded slowly.
Her mind was already racing ahead—
Planning.
Preparing.
Protecting.
She glanced toward the adjoining door.
Toward Kael's room.
Please… just this once…
Let nothing go wrong.
The calm morning light no longer felt as warm.
Because something—
Was coming.
-----------------------------------------
Morning settled into the castle with a steady rhythm.
Inside the Archduke's office, papers filled the desk once more.
Kael sat upright, a stack of documents before him, his eyes scanning each line carefully. Across from him, Count Albert stood with another report in hand.
"This is the latest report from General Hart at the southern gate, near Elhart Town," Albert said, passing the document forward.
Kael took it.
His gaze moved steadily—word by word, detail by detail.
"They've reported unusual movements," Albert continued. "Remaining demons are still active near the gate, but the town has been secured. No casualties among the civilians."
Kael nodded slightly, absorbing everything.
"I see…" he murmured. "So the threat hasn't fully disappeared."
Albert inclined his head.
"Not yet. But it is under control."
Not far from them, Robert stood quietly, observing.
His eyes never left Kael.
The young Archduke, who had fainted just the night before, was now sitting here—working as if nothing had happened.
Robert let out a quiet sigh.
Unnoticed by the others.
The breakfast tray he had brought earlier sat at the corner of the desk.
Half untouched.
Kael, as expected—
Had ignored most of it.
Albert continued explaining the reports, occasionally pointing out key details.
Kael listened attentively, asking questions when necessary. His mind worked quickly, catching up on months of absence with surprising speed.
Albert found himself slightly impressed.
"You've caught up faster than I expected," he admitted.
Kael looked up briefly.
"But still," Albert added, his tone respectful but firm, "you are the Archduke. It is not necessary for you to review every detail personally. That is what we, your subordinates, are here for."
Kael blinked.
Then he straightened slightly.
"…Even so," he replied calmly, "I need to understand everything."
There was no hesitation in his voice.
Albert sighed softly.
A hint of pride flickered in his expression.
Such a responsible lord…
But then—
Kael's hand stopped.
Mid-motion.
Albert noticed immediately.
So did Robert.
Kael's eyes—
Lost focus.
He wasn't looking at the document anymore.
His breathing grew faintly uneven.
Red.
Everything turned red.
The office disappeared.
The walls—
Gone.
He stood alone in the lake of blood.
The flower.
Now completely withered.
Dead.
Right in front of him.
Kael's breath hitched.
"Master?"
The voice pulled him back.
The vision shattered.
The office returned.
Robert was beside him now, one hand gripping his shoulder firmly.
"Are you alright?" Robert asked, his voice low but filled with concern. "I told you to continue resting."
Kael blinked.
He turned slightly toward Robert.
Then shook his head.
"I'm fine…"
But his voice lacked strength.
Robert didn't believe him.
Not for a second.
Still kneeling beside him, Robert studied his face—pale, strained.
Then he stood up again.
Turning to Albert.
"Lord Albert… shall we continue this later?" he suggested. "Perhaps a short break."
Albert immediately nodded.
"I agree."
Kael turned back to them.
"I can continue," he said. "I'm fine."
Robert met his gaze.
Firm.
Unyielding.
"I said a short break," he repeated calmly. "You can continue afterward. Please… finish your breakfast first."
There was no anger in his tone.
Only quiet insistence.
Albert added gently, "There is no urgency. These matters can wait."
Kael hesitated.
His fingers tightened slightly against the edge of the table.
Then—
Slowly—
He nodded.
"…Alright."
Finally.
Robert exhaled quietly.
He poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Kael.
Kael accepted it, taking a small sip before reaching for his unfinished meal.
Albert moved to the sofa nearby, organizing the documents neatly while giving Kael space.
A knock came.
"Kael, it's me—Elric."
Before anyone could respond, the door opened.
All eyes turned.
Elric stepped inside.
"Good morning, Kael," she greeted, her tone composed—appropriate, given Albert's presence.
Kael looked at her, slightly confused.
"…Why are you here?"
Elric paused for a brief second.
The memory of dawn flashed across her mind—
The warmth.
The closeness.
The kiss.
But she pushed it aside.
Her expression shifted back to seriousness.
"It seems Lord Valdran—the Southern Guardian—is coming."
The room stilled.
Robert's brows furrowed.
"…Why is he coming here?" he asked, his tone slightly deeper than usual.
Kael glanced at him briefly, noticing the shift.
Elric crossed her arms.
"I don't know the exact reason," she replied. "But Reinhardt believes he has grown suspicious of Kael's absence over the past five months."
Silence fell.
Albert looked toward Kael.
Robert did the same.
Kael tilted his head slightly.
Still trying to piece things together.
"…Suspicious?" he repeated quietly.
Elric nodded.
"He has already sent men to investigate the Western Gate."
Kael's gaze lowered slightly.
Understanding began to settle.
Then Elric turned toward Albert.
"Albert—are all the documents properly sealed with Delcra's insignia?"
Albert straightened immediately.
"Do not worry, my lady," he said. "Everything has already been processed by me and Lord Sebastian."
Elric nodded.
Good.
At least that part was secure.
But the real problem remained.
She glanced back at Kael.
Will you be able to face him…?
The question lingered silently in the room.
Because this time—
There would be no hiding.