CHAPTER 44: A Sorry That Never Reached

The bakery shop was small and cozy, its warm wooden interior filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with loaves and delicate confections, while a glass display case showcased an assortment of treats. The space wasn’t grand, but it had a certain charm—a welcoming, lived-in feel that made it a favorite among locals.

As Kaziel and Sakura stepped inside, they were immediately greeted by a familiar presence.

A woman stood behind the counter, the very same one they had met on their first day in Velmore. She was striking—her curled horns framing her face elegantly, her long, sinuous tail swaying behind her with slow, deliberate ease. Her curves were impossible to ignore, emphasized as she leaned forward on the counter, resting her cheek against one hand.

Her red eyes gleamed with something dangerous.

“Oh my~” she purred, smirking as her gaze swept over Kaziel. “If it isn’t the Sapphire Heart Collector himself. Have you finally decided to stop playing hard to get and come for some milk~?”

Kaziel didn’t flinch, his sharp blue eyes steady as he met her gaze. He didn’t waver, though he was careful to keep his focus solely on her face.

Meanwhile, Sakura, standing just behind him, found herself momentarily distracted—by how absurdly large the woman’s chest was. She blinked, sneaking a glance at herself, then back at the lady, instantly realizing the difference.

Why was this lady so stacked?

Kaziel, meanwhile, remained composed. “I’d like to speak with the owner.”

The woman’s tail flicked, her amusement deepening. “Hm~? Why the owner? When you have me right here?”

Her sultry tone sent an odd shiver up Kaziel’s spine, but he remained still, his expression calm despite the subtle stiffness in his posture. He knew better than to fall into this game.

“Because it’s part of our mission,” he replied evenly. “We’ve heard the owner was once a friend of someone involved in the High Greed attack on this country years ago.”

At that, the woman hesitated—just for a second.

Her tail stilled briefly before swaying once more. Then, her gaze flickered to Sakura, who was still watching, oblivious yet unintentionally observant. A slow, knowing smirk curled the woman’s lips.

She tilted her head slightly, before suddenly reaching out—lifting Kaziel’s chin with one finger.

“Oh, my sweet summer child~” she crooned. “If you’re looking for Aunt Patty, I should warn you—she doesn’t like talking about the past.”

Her finger lingered just a little too long.

“You’d need to offer her something in return~”

Kaziel stiffened slightly at the unexpected touch, but then—

He smirked.

He leaned forward—not away, but closer, flipping the game back on her.

“Oh~?” His voice was low, deep.

“What a shame…” He let the words drag, smooth as silk.

“I thought someone like you wouldn’t need conditions… to enjoy a little conversation.”

She froze.

The game had shifted.

Sakura froze.

Did Kaziel just—did he just turn it back on her?!

The woman’s tail gave her away.

With a sudden retreat,

She let out a breathy chuckle, as she placed a hand against her cheek. “Oh my~” she murmured, feigning control, though her tail’s erratic movement betrayed her. “You’re a bold one, aren’t you?”

Kaziel sighed in annoyance before he smirked, “I try~”

“Well, well. Since you’re so persistent… I suppose I could tell you where she’s staying.”

Kaziel nodded, pleased. “That would be much appreciated.”

The woman tapped her nails lightly against the counter. “And while we’re at it… how about some milk? A little treat—for making my heart race like that~”

Sakura, still standing there, was internally screaming.

This was insane, Kaziel…!

Kaziel, unfazed, smoothly slid a few coins onto the counter.

“Sure,” he said with a grin. “Two bottles, please.”

As they left the bakery, Sakura finally broke her silence.

“…Wh-what was that..?”

Kaziel only chuckled, walking ahead as if nothing had happened. “What can I say? I hate the fact that they called me ‘sweet summer child’~”

So that was what he triggered at..?!

As they arrived, the cottage was quaint and inviting, its wooden exterior softened by the creeping vines that wrapped around its porch. A faint scent of herbs lingered in the cool air, carried by the gentle rustling of leaves. Sakura took a moment to gaze at the cozy home before Kaziel stepped up to the door and knocked.

For a few tense moments, there was silence. Then—the door creaked open.

A stout, elderly woman peered up at them from behind thick-rimmed glasses. She was shorter than both of them, her wrinkled face twisted into a permanent scowl.

“What do you want?” Her voice was sharp, cutting straight to the point.

Kaziel smiled gently, keeping his usual charm despite the woman’s immediate hostility. “We’d like to ask you something if you don’t mind.”

The old woman huffed.

“I do mind. Leave now.”

And without hesitation, she slammed the door shut.

Or at least—she tried.

Kaziel moved fast. One hand shot forward, catching the door just in time. His fingers gripped the edge, stopping it from fully closing.

He wasn’t struggling—but there was worry in his expression.

“H-hold on a second, Aunt Patty…!”

But the old woman was determined.

Her hands pressed firmly against the door, pushing with all her might. Her brows twitched in frustration.

“You’re damaging my property! Leave!” she snapped, trying to shove it shut even harder.

Kaziel let out an awkward chuckle, his grip unwavering, “A-ahaha~ C-Come on now, Aunt Patty…! Just hear us out for a moment, please?”

His voice was lighthearted, but there was a hint of desperation beneath it.

“Leave!” she barked, dragging at the door, but it refused to budge.

Meanwhile, Sakura stood behind them, mildly panicked as she watched the ridiculous exchange unfold.

Then—out of nowhere—a dog appeared up beside her. A massive, snow-white dog.

Sakura jumped, “UWAH!”

Its thick, fluffy fur covered most of its face, making its tiny, dark eyes almost invisible beneath the mass of fur.

The dog kept staring.

So fluffy.

Before she could react, the old woman suddenly stilled.

“…Drake?”

She released the door abruptly, causing Kaziel to nearly stumble from the lack of resistance.

The old woman squinted at the fluffy dog, her voice laced with suspicion.

“Why are you just sitting there?”

The dog, now identified as Drake, yawned lazily—then waltzed straight up to Sakura and wagged its tail even faster.

Sakura tensed. She had never seen a dog this close before.

Then before she could react—Drake suddenly pressed up against her, tail swaying happily.

Kaziel chuckled. “Sakura, try patting its head. Like this~”

He reached out and gently rubbed Drake’s head, causing the dog to wag even harder.

Sakura hesitated, then slowly followed his lead.

The moment her hand made contact..

Drake leaned into her touch.

Then without warning, he licked her cheek.

Sakura froze.

“Wha—”

Another lick.

“I-I’m not used to this—!”

Kaziel laughed softly. “Easy, boy~”

But the old woman continued staring.

Her sharp, skeptical gaze softened, her lips pressing into a thin line.

“…It likes you.”

Sakura paused, her cheek still wet from dog kisses.

The old woman adjusted her glasses, her eyes narrowing in disbelief.

“My dog never likes strangers,” she muttered. “He barks at everyone. But you…”

Her gaze locked onto Sakura with quiet intensity.

“You have a divine heart.”

Sakura stiffened.

Kaziel’s smirk deepened. “Well, I mean, she is~”

Drake licked her cheek again.

Sakura flailed slightly, struggling against the onslaught of affection. “C-come on, I’m not used to this—!”

The old woman watched her closely.

For the first time, Aunt Patty looked intrigued.

Inside the cottage, the scent of warm tea and freshly baked biscuits filled the air. On the table before them, a teacup and a small plate of biscuits had been carefully prepared by the old woman.

She settled onto the floor across from them, her gaze briefly flickering toward Sakura before resting on Kaziel.

“You two are Sapphire Heart collectors, aren’t you?” she mused. “So, you’ve come to ask about the High-Greed incident from years ago…”

Kaziel gave a firm nod. “Yes. If you don’t mind sharing what you know, it might help us investigate—maybe even find a way to clear the sky again.”

The old woman sighed, folding her hands in her lap. “Clear the sky…? I’m not sure how that connects, but… yes, it’s true. The shrouded sky only came after the incident.”

Her words lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken weight.

As she spoke, Drake—a large, thick-furred dog—wagged his tail contentedly beneath the table. His head rested under Kaziel’s touch, soaking in the affection.

The dog had nestled himself comfortably between them, his fur brushing against Sakura’s side, making her shift uncomfortably.

She wasn’t used to this.

“My dog usually barks at anyone who comes near,” the old woman muttered, pouring tea into small ceramic cups. “Even people just passing by.”

Kaziel smirked, ruffling Drake’s head. “Well~ guess we’re the lucky ones, huh?”

Aunt Patty scoffed. “Hmph. Seems so.” She glanced at the dog again, watching as it enjoyed the attention. “Though, Drake’s been sulking ever since he lost his toy. Now it looks like he’s found someone new to entertain him.”

Sakura, still feeling a little awkward with the dog so close, finally spoke up. “...His toy?”

The old woman nodded. “It’s been missing for days. He used to carry it everywhere, but one morning it was just… gone.”

Kaziel tilted his head. “Where did you last see it?”

Aunt Patty frowned slightly, rubbing her temples in thought. “He usually plays with it near the house, but when I searched everywhere, it was nowhere to be found. Drake’s been restless without it.”

Kaziel hummed, considering the situation. “Then maybe it’s somewhere outside.”

The old woman sighed. “Maybe. But I can’t move around like I used to. My back gives me trouble, so I don’t have the energy to go searching for it myself… But that toy... means a lot to him.”

She stared at the teacup in her hands, her expression softening slightly.

Kaziel watched her for a moment, then smiled. “I’ll look for it.”

Aunt Patty blinked. “Huh?! You’d actually look for it?”

Sakura turned to the old woman with a gentle nod. “If it’s important to Drake, then we’ll find it.”

The old woman let out a sigh, her lips pressing into a thin line.

“Hmph. I’ve heard plenty about you collectors… Always helping with anything, so long as there’s something to trade in return.”

Her sharp gaze lingered on the two of them, as if weighing her decision.

But after a moment, her expression softened.

“...But since this is important to Drake, then I suppose I have no choice.” She exhaled deeply. “I’ll tell you a story—one that was once very important to me.”

Kaziel’s smile was gentle, his tone filled with quiet gratitude. “Thank you, Aunt Patty. Do tell us what does this toy looks like?”

The old woman hesitated for a moment before speaking. “...It’s a blue ball. An old one. I’ve had it since I was a child… It was a gift, actually. A birthday present from someone very dear to me.”

Kaziel nodded. “Got it.” Then he stood, dusting off his coat. “I’ll be back soon. You two, have fun talking.”

He gave Sakura a knowing glance before heading out.

Sakura blinked, realizing too late—he’d just left her alone with the dog and the old woman.

She turned back hesitantly, meeting Aunt Patty’s gaze.

“Birthday Present from someone?” Sakura echoed, tilting her head.

The old woman nodded, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her teacup. “Yeah… I used to have a very close friend. We grew up together. She was dear to me.”

A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, her voice quieter now.

“Her name was Isla.”

Sakura’s gaze flickered at the name. Isla.

So that was her name.

Aunt Patty sighed, taking a slow sip of tea before continuing.

“Isla and I… we loved baking together. We built the bakery from nothing, just the two of us. She was kind. Sweet. The type of person who could make even the hardest hearts soften. She was loved by everyone. People said her food reflected her soul—gentle, warm… divine.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of the old woman’s lips as she recalled the memory. A young woman with long, soft beige hair and elegantly pointed ears, her beauty only rivaled by the kindness she carried.

Sakura parted her lips slightly at the word 'divine'.

But then Aunt Patty’s voice darkened.

“But happiness never lasts, does it?”

She clenched her hands together, her voice laced with bitterness.

“There was a man—some creep obsessed with her. He kept coming around, trying to win her over, forcing his way into her life. Manipulating her. Isla… she was too kind for her own good. She never saw the warning signs. She thought he was just lonely, that he deserved a little kindness. Maybe because he was Elyssian… maybe she thought he deserved happiness.”

Aunt Patty’s voice wavered slightly as she stared into her cup.

“But spoiling him too much… it only made things worse.”

Sakura listened in silence as the woman’s memories unfolded.

The first time Isla met the man, she had given him a Lunaflora, telling him it was a flower that guided those who felt lost. A small gesture of kindness.

It became a curse.

From that day forward, he kept coming back to the bakery. Always with another Lunaflora in hand, as if offering it back to her was proof of his love. Aunt Patty had watched him from the sidelines, already hating the way his presence tainted their peaceful days. He was despised by many. Hated by the village. But Isla? She never rejected him.

“He started to control her. Manipulate her. Force her to spend time with him, pushing her away from everyone else. I warned her.”

“You don’t have to entertain him if you don’t like him, Isla. Just say no.”

But Isla had only smiled, shaking her head.

“It’s fine. He’s been through a lot. I can’t just abandon him.”

Aunt Patty let out a sharp breath.

“But there was no saving him. The more she gave, the more he took. It wasn’t love. It was obsession. Control. And when she wouldn’t give him the answer he wanted…”

Aunt Patty's fingers curled into fists.

“He struck her. Right in the middle of our bakery.”

Sakura’s breath hitched.

Aunt Patty’s expression darkened.

“That was the last straw.”

She had stepped between them, glasses flashing with rage.

“You have no place here! Get out! All you do is ruining this shop—ruin her life! You never buy anything here, never bring anything but trouble! So leave, and don’t come back!”

The villagers, overhearing the commotion, backed her up. The man had no choice but to leave. Isla had smiled in relief after that…

They thought she cut ties with him would be the end of it.

They were wrong.

The next thing they knew… the man had taken his own life.

And Isla blamed herself.

She never stopped crying. Never stopped grieving. She broke.

The guilt swallowed her whole, and the person they knew—Isla, the gentle, kind-hearted woman—began to change.

“She started acting like him,” Aunt Patty muttered. “Like his mind had taken over hers.”

Her kindness twisted into paranoia. She snapped at customers, turned her grief into venomous words, played the victim while pushing others away. People who once adored her feared her. Complaints piled up, but when I tried to talk to her, she only accused me for not trusting her.”

Her voice cracked, the weight of her regret thick in the air.

“She reminded me of him. The way she twisted my words, the way she lashed out… It was like watching him come back from the dead.”

The people—once blinded by admiration—began to turn on her.

“She was the prettiest, the kindest… she had been forgiven for everything before. But now? They were sick of her. So they made a scheme. A way to cast the blame on her.”

Sakura’s fingers curled slightly against her lap.

Aunt Patty’s voice dropped lower.

“They accused her of stealing the one thing that could save this world—the Sapphire Heart Stones inside the Lunaflora.”

Sakura’s body stiffened.

“She was surrounded. Guards arrested her on the spot, sentenced her for years. And the worst part?”

Aunt Patty exhaled shakily.

“She begged me to believe her.”

Sakura’s heart clenched.

“And I didn’t.”

The silence after those words was heavy.

Sakura could almost feel the moment Isla’s heart had shattered.

“She was desperate. Angry. And when they dragged her away… something inside her snapped.”

The day Isla lost hope, the day she was ready to end everything, Velmore was plunged into chaos.

Her sorrow. Her grief.

They no longer belonged to her alone.

The flower the man had given her, Lunaflora, began to grow.

But this time, it was no longer just a flower.

It became the Greed.

Velmore’s largest flower—the one that nearly swallowed the town whole.

It was her.

Her wrath.

Her despair.

And it took the legendary warriors—including Whisker—to seal it away, cutting it down before it could fully bloom.

“The flower still exists,” Aunt Patty murmured. “Sealed deep inside the forest. Near the borderlines.”

Sakura sat in stunned silence.

The story weighed on her.

That man…

His selfishness was what started this all.

But Isla had taken all the blame.

Aunt Patty sighed heavily, glancing at the window. The sky had already darkened. “I may have talked too much… Oh, the sun is already setting.”

Just then, the door swung open.

Kaziel walked in, holding up a familiar, battered blue ball.

“Got it!”

Drake immediately perked up, woofing excitedly as he ran toward him. Kaziel laughed, crouching down. “Easy there~” He rolled the ball toward the dog, who eagerly snatched it up, tail wagging like crazy.

Aunt Patty watched the scene quietly, her gaze lingering on the toy.

A distant, almost haunted expression flickered across her face.

“…Isla had a divine heart,” she said softly. “She never meant for things to end the way they did.”

Her eyes fell to the ball in Drake’s mouth.

A simple toy.

One that had been given to her by Isla.

A childhood gift. A piece of their past.

And the one apology she had never been able to say.

A sorry that never reached.

Sakura lowered her gaze, the weight of the story settling in her chest.

So that’s what happened…

That’s what grief did to her.

And that flower… it was never just a flower.