When word spread through Inazuma that Kamisato Kael had returned to life, the entire nation erupted.
Joy, disbelief, relief—every emotion surged together.
And Yoimiya… she couldn't even put her own feelings into words.
She had watched him from afar before, stealing glances whenever she got the chance, but she never once found the courage to walk up and say hello. She kept telling herself it was enough…
As long as Kael lived, as long as she could still see him somewhere in the world, it was enough.
Their identities were worlds apart.
Their lives only intersected because fate took a strange turn.
And now, even that shared purpose they once fought for no longer existed.
Kael had returned to his place as the Noble Young Master of the Yashiro Commission, the fiancé of the White Heron Princess.
And she was still just the owner of Naganohara Fireworks.
Fireworks were beautiful but fleeting.
Just like her memories—vibrant, breathtaking, but impossible to hold onto forever.
Yoimiya thought she had already accepted it.
But the moment that familiar figure stepped into her shop again, the emotional walls she'd built crumbled in an instant.
She froze in place, staring at Kael's handsome face, unable to move.
"Yoimiya. Long time no see."
His voice snapped her out of her trance like a bucket of cold water.
She scrambled to her feet in a panic, knocking her papers and pencils off the table.
"H-hello, Lord Kael… long time no see."
Kael smiled. "Is business going well?"
Afraid her eyes would betray her, Yoimiya lowered her gaze. She didn't dare meet his.
"Thanks to you, everything is fine."
Kael raised a brow.
The Yoimiya he remembered was warm, bright, and bold. Since when had she become so timid?
Right…
He suddenly recalled the scene from the life simulation.
Yoimiya had liked him.
She had even confessed to him in secret.
No wonder she was acting so nervous now.
"Yoimiya, you can call me Kael. We fought side by side, after all. You don't have to be so formal with me."
He kept his tone light and casual, trying to ease the tension.
Yoimiya shook her head. "Lord Kael, you're my savior. You lost your life because of me. I don't have the right to call you by name."
So that was it.
Kael stepped closer and looked down at her gently.
"You don't need to feel guilty. You got dragged into the fight between the Tenryou Commission and the Resistance because of me. Saving you was my responsibility."
"And look—I'm alive now. Everything in the past can stay in the past."
Hearing his steady, reassuring words, Yoimiya finally lifted her gaze, her eyes locking onto his.
Lord Kael was still the same…
Still so gentle…
Her eyes turned red in an instant. She sniffled, fighting back tears.
"I'm really glad you're alive, Kael… If not, I don't think I'd ever be able to forgive myself."
Kael flicked her forehead lightly.
"I told you, it wasn't your fault. No more thinking like that."
After so many simulations, Kael had seen firsthand the way guilt could break a person.
He wanted Yoimiya to be free of that weight.
And honestly… he came here with every intention of creating emotional damage.
If anyone deserved blame, it was the damn System—and maybe himself.
Yoimiya wiped her tears, then gave him a bright, fiery smile.
"Okay!"
Seeing her spirits finally lift, Kael let out a breath of relief.
"By the way, Yoimiya, I came today because I have a favor to ask."
Yoimiya tilted her head, curious. "Is Inazuma preparing for a new festival? Need help with fireworks?"
"I do need fireworks. But not for a festival. They're for…"
He hesitated.
These fireworks were meant to be a surprise for Kamisato Ayaka.
Inazuma loved fireworks more than anyone.
Kael planned to propose to Ayaka beneath a sky full of them.
But asking a girl who liked him to make fireworks for another woman…
Wasn't that cruel?
But Yoimiya's fireworks were the best in all of Teyvat.
Ayaka had grown up surrounded by luxury.
If he used anything less than perfect fireworks, the effect wouldn't be the same…
Seeing the conflict on his face, Yoimiya's eyes flickered with a brief sadness.
But she covered it with a playful smile and finished his sentence for him.
"…for the White Heron Princess?"
Kael paused, surprised. Then he nodded.
"Yes. I'm planning to propose to Ayaka. I was hoping you'd help me create Inazuma's finest fireworks."
"No problem." Yoimiya slapped her chest confidently. "Leave it to me!"
"With everything we've been through, I'll make you the most perfect fireworks Inazuma has ever seen!"
She grinned. "But honestly, everyone knows how much the White Heron Princess loves you. Even without fireworks, she'd definitely say yes."
Kael smiled softly.
"I know. But I still want to give her the best."
"Ugh, stop rubbing in how sweet you two are."
Yoimiya sighed dramatically as she pushed him toward the door. "Go on, get going. I need to start planning. Once the fireworks are done, I'll send word."
After Kael left, she closed the door, leaned against it, and finally let the smile fade.
She whispered to herself.
"A proposal, huh…"
She had known all along.
He was never someone she could keep.
So why…
why did it still hurt this much?