"This is where it begins."
The words had barely left Aren's mouth when—
"Aren…"
"What?" Aren snapped, turning sharply toward him.
Jariz looked away, visibly embarrassed. "Don't say things like that out loud. It's… It's kind of embarrassing."
Aren stared at him for half a second.
Then his hand slowly moved to the hilt of his sword.
A wide grin spread across his face.
"I'm going to kill you."
Jariz froze.
Then he screamed.
"I'LL SEE YOU AT THE INN!" he shouted as he bolted away. "I'm going to talk to some merchants I know!"
He glanced back while running. "Thank you for everything, Miss Hana! Until next time!"
"Bastard…" Aren muttered as he watched him disappear into the crowd.
Hana let out a small sigh. "We've arrived, so I'll be leaving as well. I have someone I need to meet."
Aren turned to her. "Thanks again. For your help."
Hana raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You know how to say thank you too?"
Aren immediately looked away. "Forget it. I'm leaving."
Hana watched him walk off, then shook her head lightly.
"He's a really strange kid…"
With that, she turned and left in the opposite direction.
The tavern was noisy.
Laughter, clinking mugs, the heavy scent of alcohol and smoke filled the air. Hana scanned the room once before spotting him.
Long, unkempt hair. Slouched posture. A man who looked like he hadn't cared about appearances in years.
He was drinking alone.
Hana walked over and sat down at the same table without asking.
The man didn't even look up at first.
"What brings you to Nerathis?" he asked lazily, swirling the liquid in his mug.
Hana straightened her posture. "I, Hana Rolbem, greet the Red Captain."
The man finally glanced at her and groaned.
"Oh, stop that. I'm on leave. Which technically means I'm not the captain right now. You are."
Hana said nothing.
He sighed. "You're really not fun. Alright. What could possibly be important enough for you to leave the border without a commander?"
Hana's voice turned serious. "We've seen them again. The seeds."
The man's expression changed instantly.
"What?" He sat up straight. "Again?"
"Yes, sir."
"…Tell me everything."
Hana recounted the entire incident in detail—from the false checkpoint to the bandits, the transformation, and the intervention.
"So that's what happened…" he murmured once she finished.
"Yes," Hana replied. "If I hadn't been on patrol at that moment, those two candidates would have died."
He frowned deeply. "Who else knows?"
"Other than the two candidates, no one."
She added, "I told them clearly that this matter is a state secret. I doubt they'll speak about it."
"I'd like to believe that," he said slowly. "But it's better to stay cautious."
He paused, then added, "That works out. I'll be present at the Academy. I'll speak to them."
"Please don't do anything reckless," Hana said flatly.
He looked at her, sighed heavily, and slumped forward. "I still can't tell whether you're respectful or insolent."
Hana stood. "I'm returning to the border. I'll interrogate the suspect. We might learn where the seeds are coming from."
He waved at her weakly as she walked away.
"Zero charisma… Even my own subordinate ignores me. Hah… what a miserable life."
"Excuse me, do you have a room with two beds?"
The innkeeper smiled warmly. "Of course, lad. Ten silver coins per night."
Aren sighed.
"I really hope that idiot pays me back. Otherwise, I'm throwing him out."
He took the key and headed upstairs.
The moment he lay down on the bed, his thoughts flooded in.
Once again… I had to rely on someone else to save me.
I'm weak right now. And that can't continue.
He clenched his fist.
If I stay like this… how can I even think about saving her from the life forced upon her?
He suddenly sat up.
"Get up," he muttered. "This isn't the time to sulk."
He pulled several books from his bag and placed them on the table.
Strength alone wouldn't pass the Academy. He knew that better than anyone.
"The exam is in two days," he said quietly. "Time to study."
That evening, Jariz finally returned.
"I went to see a merchant friend of my parents," he explained. "I asked them to send a message about my stolen belongings."
Aren didn't even look at him. "Thanks for paying for the inn."
"Of course," Jariz laughed.
"Shut up and sleep. And you'd better pay me back."
"Obviously."
The next day, Jariz tried to convince Aren to go explore the city.
"I refuse," Aren said flatly. "If I go out, I'll end up dragged into something strange again. You go if you want."
So Jariz went alone.
Aren stayed in the room all day, studying.
Hours later, Jariz stopped in front of a shop window.
Inside was a green bow—elegant, perfectly balanced.
He smiled… then saw the price.
"…Even in my dreams, I can't afford it."
"What are you staring at, you filthy beggar?"
Jariz turned around.
A well-dressed boy his age stood there, surrounded by two others.
Nobles.
"I'm talking to you. Are you deaf?"
The boy shoved Jariz, sending him to the ground.
"Do you know who I am?" he sneered.
"No… I'm sorry."
"I'm Ben Rolvan, son of Baron Rolvan. How dare a mere commoner ignore me?"
"I'm sorry. I'll leave."
"With whose permission?"
Ben raised his hand to strike—
And it stopped.
A slender hand gripped his wrist.
Jariz looked up, stunned.
Blue hair.
Black eyes.
"Who dares stop me—"
A punch struck Ben's face before he could finish.
He staggered back, blood on his lip.
"You! How dare you hit me?! Do you know who I am?!"
"I don't care," the girl replied calmly. "Leave. Or I'll hit you again."
Ben backed away, furious. "You'll pay for this!"
She didn't respond.
Instead, she extended her hand to Jariz.
"Thank you, miss," he said, taking it.
"It's nothing. I'm just returning a favor someone once did for me."
"…Still, thank you. May I ask your name?"
"No need to be formal. We're the same age."
"…Alright. Then what's your name?"
She paused.
Then smiled faintly.
"Stella… Stella Tallcrag."