Dawn had long broken over the rooftops of Silverhaven, casting soft golden rays on the cobblestone paths. The gentle hum of early merchants and distant birds filled the air. And yet, within one shaded alley near the edge of the noble quarter, the world remained still.
Red stepped into the shaded passage, now wearing his usual black attire, the battle-worn cloak draped across his shoulders, dual swords hanging lazily at his side. In his hands was a folded garment: a noble's coat, midnight-blue silk embroidered with a violet dragon.
Waiting for him, leaning casually against the shaded wall, was the mysterious man in black.
No name. No rank. Just presence.
Mysterious Man: You're early
the man said quietly, his gloved fingers brushing the rim of his hat.
Red handed him the folded noble coat.
Red: Not a habit I break.
The man took the garment carefully, as though it were more than silk and thread. He inspected it with mild amusement, brushing his thumb across the stitched dragon.
Mysterious Man: I assume it served its purpose well.
Red offered a single nod.
Red: Tell her… thanks. For lending it.
The mysterious man's lips quirked ever so slightly.
Mysterious Man: She'll be pleased to hear that.
Then, with a faint theatrical air, he opened a scroll tucked beneath his arm.
Mysterious Man: Actually… there is a message. A personal message, as requested.
Red raised an eyebrow.
Mysterious Man: She said, and I quote,
the man read in an almost bored tone,
Mysterious Man: When does the shadow wolf plan to build a nest?'
Red blinked.
The man smirked.
Mysterious Man: And she added, 'Tell him the stars are waiting for their little comets to arrive.'
There was silence.
Dead silence.
Red stared at the man for a full three seconds before muttering,
Red: She needs to stop sending metaphors.
The mysterious man chuckled dryly.
Mysterious Man: It's not my place to interpret. But if I had to guess… she's asking when you're planning to marry and give her, pardon, 'the sky', a few more sparks of light.
Red sighed. Deeply.
Red: Just… tell her to be patient.
Mysterious Man: Very well.
The man turned to go, folding the coat under his arm with surprising care. Then he paused, glancing back.
Mysterious Man: You know she'll take that as a yes.
Red didn't answer. He merely turned his gaze toward the rising sun, his red eyes softening.
Red: ...I know.
Meanwhile, across the estate gardens of House Yukishiro, where early dew clung to manicured bushes and cherry trees bloomed even in late spring, Hina sat beside her father in the small tea pavilion. The banquet was long over, and the world had quieted. But in her heart, a new kind of storm brewed, excitement, hope, and a touch of anxiety.
Lord Yukishiro sipped his morning tea without speaking. His weathered face was calm, watching birds flit through the nearby trees.
Finally, Hina found her voice.
Hina: Father…
He glanced at her gently.
Hina: I would like to leave Silverhaven, And follow my fiancé.
A breeze stirred the petals above them.
Hina: He is an adventurer, and I want to see the Kingdom, walk the roads, meet people, fight monsters… all the things I dreamed of before…
She stopped herself.
Lord Yukishiro remained quiet.
Hina: I know it's sudden. And I know you just got used to me being home again. But I don't want to sit in banquets and dress for meetings. Not yet. Not when there's more out there to see.
Still, he said nothing.
Hina pressed on, her voice shaking slightly.
Hina: I'm not asking to leave forever. Just… to be by his side for a while. He's saved me once already. Maybe… maybe I can save him too someday.
Her father chuckled softly.
She blinked.
He set down his teacup and turned to face her.
Lord Yukishiro: Do you know how your mother and I met?
Hina blinked.
Hina: You told me once, I think… something about wolves and a broken bridge?
He smiled faintly.
Lord Yukishiro: We were both young. Your mother wasn't a noble, not yet. She traveled with a caravan, selling silk to nobles. I was supposed to marry someone else, from a more 'appropriate' family. But your mother, gods, she had fire in her.
His eyes softened with the memory.
Lord Yukishiro: She faced down a bandit with only a broomstick once, just to protect someone else's child. I knew, right then, that I wanted to follow her to the ends of Natharas."
He paused, looking at Hina with a new light in his gaze.
Lord Yukishiro: You remind me of her when you look at him.
Hina felt her cheeks heat.
Hina: So…you're… not angry?
He laughed gently.
Lord Yukishiro: My daughter just announced her engagement in front of half the nobility and outwitted every political vulture in the room. I'd be a fool to try stopping her now.
Hina: Father…
He placed a hand on hers.
Lord Yukishiro: Hina, I raised you to be strong enough to make your own path. If your heart is telling you to follow that Man, then go. And go proudly. Don't wait for permission from men in tall hats or crests on flags.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she held them back with a smile.
Hina: Thank you.
He gave her hand a squeeze.
Lord Yukishiro: Just promise me one thing.
Hina: Anything.
Lord Yukishiro: When you find a moment of peace… send a letter. Let this old man know you're safe.
She nodded. "I will."
And for the first time in many years, Hina felt the weight lift from her shoulders.
Later that morning, as the gates of the Yukishiro estate opened, Hina stepped out, dressed in her traveling attire a light tunic over an enchanted kimono reinforced for protection, her healer's staff slung across her back. Her long hair was tied up in a ponytail, and a small satchel was strapped at her side.
Waiting just beyond the gates was Red, arms crossed, leaning against the same tree he always did when not in battle or mission. He didn't say anything as she approached.
Hina grinned.
Hina: I'm ready.
He raised an eyebrow.
Red: You sure about this?
Hina: Yes.
Red: You'll see monsters, bandits, storms, and worse.
Hina: I'll see them with you.
He nodded once, then turned.
Red: Then let's go.
She followed him as they walked down the winding stone path, leaving the noble quarter behind and stepping into the living heartbeat of the Kingdom once more.
And somewhere in the high mountains beyond, deep within the sealed halls of a hidden fortress, a figure cloaked in silver robes stirred from her chair. She looked through a shimmering mirror, not at Red, but past him.
At the girl walking beside him.
And she smiled.
"About time he brought someone home."