The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, brushing softly against the surface of the polished wooden floor. Kael's eyes fluttered open, drawn not by the sun, but by the subtle fragrance beside him.
Freesia.
His gaze drifted toward the vase near his bedside, and his breath caught. The wilted roses were gone. In their place stood a fresh bouquet of freesia—just like before. Just like his.
Kael quickly pushed the blanket off his legs and stood. His body still ached from yesterday's training, but it didn't stop him from moving. Without hesitation, he walked straight to the balcony, hands gripping the cold marble railing. His eyes dropped to the small corner where he had left scraps of bread the night before.
Gone.
A soft exhale escaped his lips. That silent gesture was more than a sign of relief—it was proof. The mysterious man—the one he still thought of as a beggar—had returned.
He was alive.
The door burst open behind him.
"Young master?!" Robert's voice pitched in alarm. The butler hurried in, his hands full of fresh towels and a silver tray of coffee and toast. His heart nearly leapt out of his chest when he spotted Kael standing at the balcony. "You're already up? Are you… alright?"
Kael didn't answer, only looked over his shoulder briefly. His skin was damp with sweat, his breath shallow, and his usually blank expression was unreadable.
Robert stepped closer, placing the tray on a nearby table and retrieving a handkerchief from his coat. Gently, he dabbed at the sheen of sweat collecting at Kael's temples.
"Another nightmare?" he asked softly, worrying tugging at his voice.
He didn't expect a reply—Kael rarely gave one. But he knew the signs now. Sometimes Kael woke up trembling. Sometimes with tears still drying on his cheeks. And other times, like today, he would move with urgency—as if chasing something just out of reach.
Robert's hand paused against Kael's forehead. The temperature was normal. No fever.
"You've been having more of them lately," he murmured. "Since Jaesper healed you, it's like something inside you opened. I… I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not."
Kael turned away, returning to sit by the table as if the conversation never happened.
Robert hesitated, then said, "Maybe some movement would help, young master. Fresh air and exercise. The training courtyard's quiet this time of day." He added, hopefully, "Perhaps Lady Elric is still there."
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They arrived at the courtyard just after sunrise.
Kael's eyes were immediately drawn to the center. There, Elric moved like wind through grass—fluid, fast, and elegant. Her silver-white hair was damp from sweat, strands sticking to her flushed cheeks. Her fitted training attire hugged her figure—tight at the waist, sleeveless to free her arms. Sunlight shimmered against her skin as she twirled her wooden sword in a wide arc, striking a training dummy with graceful precision.
She was dazzling—like a blade wrapped in beauty.
Kael's steps slowed, unable to look away.
"Kael, good morning," Elric greeted, slightly breathless as she jogged over. A bead of sweat trickled down the curve of her jawline. Her chest rose and fell with each breath, glistening in the light. "Wanna join me again?" she asked with a bright smile. "Your form yesterday was perfect."
Before Kael could react, she had taken his hand and pulled him toward the center of the courtyard. Her palm was warm and calloused—an odd yet comforting contrast to her elegant appearance.
Robert watched from the sidelines, arms crossed, a small smile playing on his lips. There was something unspoken in Kael's expression—fascination, hesitation, maybe even… longing?
As they stepped into the open, a few guards training nearby turned their attention to them. Kael felt their stares and stiffened slightly. The men exchanged quiet murmurs before quickly lining up and bowing in respect.
"It's a great honor to train with you, Hero Kael."
Kael flinched.
Elric noticed immediately and stepped in, placing a reassuring hand on his back. "They're just my personal guards. They keep the estate safe. Don't worry—they won't bite," she teased gently. Then, more quietly, she added, "I'll make sure they treat you normally."
She called over one of the men and instructed them to train with Kael—nothing aggressive, just light movement. Despite the tense start, Kael moved naturally, his body recalling forms even his mind couldn't.
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Later, Robert walked beside Kael, gently leading him back to the bath chamber.
"You were amazing," he said, his tone light. "I could see it on your face—you felt freer after the training."
Kael didn't reply. His silence had become familiar to Robert now, like a language only the two of them understood.
He helped Kael disrobe and guided him into the warm bath. The scent of lavender herbs filled the air.
"Today was a good day," Robert continued as he soaked a cloth. "You even held your stance better than yesterday."
Kael sat still in the water, the ripples barely moving around him. His face was unreadable—but something weighed on his mind. He tilted his head slightly as Robert moved to rub his back.
And then—
"Why they call me hero?"
Robert's hand froze mid-motion.
He hadn't expected Kael to speak. Not like this. Not with such raw, uncertain curiosity in his voice.
He swallowed and resumed slowly, voice low.
"Because… you were," Robert said softly. "You fought against the Demon King when no one else could. You saved kingdoms. Lives." He trailed off. "After you defeated him, you collapsed… and we all thought…"
He couldn't finish. The lump in his throat stopped him.
Kael said nothing else. But he didn't pull away either.
Robert dipped the cloth again, gently brushing it down Kael's back. "But you're here now," he whispered, "and that's all that matters to me."
Kael stared at the water.
He wasn't sure what scared him more—that he had once been a hero…
…or that he no longer knew what that even meant.