The group was preparing to leave the cozy inn in Tsurinvale. Seraphine was packing her now-rested feet, and the three boys were subtly arguing over who got to carry her bag (Lionel won by grabbing it first and hiding it).
The Town's Distress
As they walked through the town square, they saw a crowd gathered in distress. A small fire had started in the grain storage barn, and smoke was pouring out. The townspeople were panicking.
"It's going to spread to the houses! We need water!" someone shouted.
Seraphine's kind-hearted nature took over instantly. "We have to help! That barn holds all their winter food!"
The situation was complex: the fire was burning fast, and a heavy wooden beam had fallen, trapping the barn owner inside.
The Rivals Unite
For the first time since their journey began, the three handsome rivals stopped looking at each other with jealousy and started looking at the problem.
1. Yuzael's Command (The Mind)
Yuzael Valestrian, the cold prince, took charge instantly. His nonchalant attitude vanished, replaced by a sharp, authoritative focus.
"Kael, the water buckets are useless. The river is too far. Use the snow on the roof—it's fast and close," Yuzael commanded, pointing to the nearby rooftops.
"Lionel, the beam is too heavy for one man. Stop trying to lift it alone; it will crush him. You must coordinate," he stated, his voice cold and honest.
Both Kael and Lionel stopped arguing and immediately obeyed. Yuzael wasn't interested in saving the man; he was interested in the most efficient solution.
2. Kael's Quick Action (The Speed)
Kael Arisugawa, using his hidden agility and speed, flashed his flirty smile at a farmer for a rope, then quickly scrambled onto the nearest roof. He used the rope to pull huge chunks of snow off the roof, dumping them onto the fire closest to the wooden beam. His quick, effective action significantly slowed the fire's spread.
3. Lionel's Pure Strength (The Strength)
Lionel Kisaragi, using his brute strength and fierce focus, worked with two other townsmen. They coordinated their strength and, with a massive grunt, successfully shifted the heavy, burning beam just enough for the owner to crawl free. Lionel's face was grim and covered in soot, but his protective instinct was now focused on the townspeople.
Seraphine's Vital Role (The Healer)
While the three boys tackled the physical danger, Seraphine rushed to the owner. He was unconscious and had severe smoke inhalation.
Seraphine, focused and calm, used her Herbal & Medicine Skills perfectly. She quickly mixed a special paste and applied specific herbs around his nose and mouth to help his breathing, her star-like pupils focused in concentration. She was humble and kind-hearted, working tirelessly.
Jealousy and Respect... yeah
When the danger was over, the three handsome rivals stood together, covered in soot, watching Seraphine care for the now-breathing man.
Yuzael, who usually acted superior, found himself feeling a flicker of genuine respect for the other two. Lionel and Kael, seeing Yuzael actually working and getting dirty, were grudgingly impressed by his smart commands.
But the final moment of rivalry came when the town owner, recovering, looked up at Seraphine. "You saved me, Lady. You and your friends."
Seraphine, who was careless with attention, blushed and stepped back. Before anyone could grab her, Yuzael walked up, his cold aura intense. He smoothly stepped between her and the grateful town owner, acting as a shield.
He didn't want the town owner to touch her or even talk to her. His secret jealousy flared as he spoke for her. "She is well. She needs to rest now. We must continue our journey." It was a sudden, cold act of possessive protection, making it clear she belonged to their group.
Lionel and Kael immediately felt a stab of jealousy, realizing Yuzael, even when being cold, was the most effective at claiming her attention.