As the door creaked open, Kaelan looked up to see a crowd of worried faces — the butler, the commander, the maids, and a few soldiers.
The butler rushed in first, his voice trembling.
"Kaelan! Why did you act that way? You scared us all senseless. If your father had found out… he would've been beside himself with worry."
Kaelan remained silent, eyes cast downward.
The butler knelt beside her.
"But are you alright, my son ? I was… I was truly worried."
Kaelan curled into herself, burying her face in her knees.
"I'm sorry… for everything I caused."
The butler sighed in relief.
"I'm glad you understand. Just please—never do something like this again. You matter to us… more than you think."
Kaelan's voice was small.
"But why? Why would you all care? Isn't it just your duty?"
The butler froze for a moment.
Kaelan looked up with glassy eyes.
"Isn't that the truth? That's why I can't trust anyone. You're all here because it's your job — not because of me. If I fell into trouble, you'd abandon me like everyone else."
The butler's eyes filled with tears.
"No," he whispered. "I've been with you since your first steps on this earth… and I'll stay by your side until my last breath. Not because of duty — because I care. As someone who watched you grow, you are my child in every way that matters."
"Her voice cracked as she whispered, 'You'll stay, no matter what?' The tension between them lingered. She tried to look away but couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Her hands trembled as she reached for him, and for the first time in ages, she let herself lean into his embrace."
From the doorway, Felix called out, smirking.
"Would you two mind wrapping up your family drama? I've got work to do."
Kaelan turned toward him.
"You can go. But… promise me you'll return. Promise me you won't leave me behind."
Felix took a knee, placing a fist to his chest.
"I give you my word — I'll come back."
She smiled.
"I'll be waiting."
Later, Felix returned to his quarters to gather his belongings. After packing up, he headed out, his boots echoing softly against the stone as he walked toward the capital gates.
The crow landed on his shoulder.
"Where are you heading now?" it asked.
Felix smirked.
"Back to work. And honestly? I thought you'd have flown off by now. You've been following me all the way from Clover to here. Why?"
The crow cocked its head.
"I don't know. The first time I saw you… I felt something. Like it was my duty to follow you. As if… it just felt right."
Felix chuckled.
"We'll unpack that later. First, let's finish this errand."
They headed toward the bustling city. After some walking, they arrived at the marketplace — vibrant, noisy, colorful.
Felix stopped.
"…Wait. Why are we here again?"
The crow blinked.
"You tell me. You're the one with the job."
Felix scratched his head.
"Oh, right! I need to deliver an herb to the Sword Academy… but… uh…"
He froze.
"…I forgot who I'm supposed to give it to, it was... it was ... a girl ."
The crow sighed.
"Looks like someone didn't sleep enough."
They walked over to a fruit stand. Felix leaned in.
"Excuse me, can you tell me where the Sword Academy is?"
The middle-aged woman behind the counter smiled.
"I could… but you'll have to buy something first."
Felix grinned.
"I see how it is. Fine."
He picked up a fruit and handed her a coin. "This is for my feathery friend."
The woman took it with a wink.
"Head right from here, then take a left at the four-way intersection. After ten buildings, you'll find it."
Felix nodded. "Thanks."
He followed the directions exactly — right turn, left at the intersection, ten buildings… and stopped.
"…This isn't an academy."
He stared at a tiny, dusty pharmacy.
Felix clenched his fist.
"That damn old hag—"
As he said that "Felix felt the air change, a heavy weight pressing down on his chest. Before he even turned, he knew the thing behind him wasn't normal."
A cold voice behind him cut in.
"Who're you calling an old hag, huh?"
Felix spun around, heart racing. The crow squawked and flew off, as if avoiding death.
Behind him stood a girl, but there was nothing ordinary about her.
Her aura was immense — like an invisible pressure that pushed down on him, making it hard to even stand.
Felix's knees buckled slightly.
"…Uh… hi. " .