For Someone We Care About

Morning arrived, bringing another peaceful day. As always, Ms. Finecia was cheerful and kind. Like usual, we ran errands--gathering herbs and shopping in town.

The day passed in quiet routine, and before we knew it, another morning came. And just like before, we spent our time running errands, helping with chores, and sharing meals together.

As the days went by, Strixx grew closer to Ms. Finecia. Whether it was cooking or tending to the house, Strixx was always by her side, eager to lend a hand. And with each passing day, Ms. Finecia grew even more fond of her. Watching them together filled me with warmth.

Like this 4 days went by.

The next morning, after breakfast, Ms. Finecia turned to Strixx with a gentle smile. “Strixx, can you come with me for a bit?”

Strixx, now completely comfortable around her, immediately stood up and ran over, her face bright with curiosity.

I remained at the table, finishing my breakfast, watching them go.

“Strixx sure has gotten along well with Ms. Finecia,” I thought, smiling to myself. “It makes me really happy.”

A short while later, they returned. Strixx was now wearing a brand-new cloak. The hood had small, cat-ear-like parts that perfectly concealed her horns. Since her horns were the only feature that could identify her as a demon, with them hidden, she looked just like a cute feline girl.

She was absolutely adorable. More importantly, with her horns covered, she no longer needed to keep her head down or wrap herself in her old cloak. Now, she could walk freely without the weight of fear.

It was a cloak Ms. Finecia had carefully tailored by hand—just for her.

She must have noticed how Strixx always hid beneath her old one whenever we went out.

Strixx turned to me, her  eyes filled with anticipation. “Luca… does Strixx look good?”

I met her gaze and smiled. “Yes… you look really cute, Strixx. Just like a little cat.”Her face lit up instantly. “Strixx is a cat now!”

Ms. Finecia chuckled and patted her head. “I’m so glad you like it, Strixx.”

The rest of the day drifted by softly. Since there wasn’t much work to worry about, we stayed close and helped Ms. Finecia with the house chores, laughing and chatting with her along the way. It was simple and it felt nice -- like a little glimpse of what it’s like to live peacefully together

With that, another day came to an end at Ms. Finecia’s place. As always, we shared a delicious dinner before night settled in.

The end of the day also marked the end of our first week here.

That meant only one week remained until the festival.

The next morning, Strixx woke me up—way too early.

Still half-asleep, I blinked a few times before remembering. Right… Strixx and I had something important to do today.

I turned to her with a smile. “Let’s go, Strixx.”

Strixx’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Let’s go, Luca!!”

And so, before the sun had even risen, we set off toward Vaeliris Mountain.

By the time we reached the blocked path leading to the mountaintop—where the Vaeliris flowers bloomed—the sky was still dark.

Actually, this all started the day Ms. Finecia told us about her past.

She had done so much for us since we arrived in town.

Now, we wanted to do something for her in return.

This was Strixx’s perfect plan--one she whispered to me that night.

So we decided to do what Mr. Roy did for Ms. Finecia--every year, one week before the festival, for ten years, just like he did 30 years ago.

We were thirty years late… but at the very least, we wanted to make this year’s festival special for her.

And according to Ms. Finecia’s diary, Mr. Roy once said—when the flowers are only partially bloomed, that’s when Vaeliris carries its most beautiful scent.

Without wasting any time, Strixx climbed up the blocked path and reached down to pull me up.

Just as I grabbed her hand, a familiar voice called out.

“Who’s there this early?”

Startled, Strixx jumped back.

Then, we saw him—Mr. Vec.

We stepped forward, standing tall with determination.

“Mr. Vec, please let us pass through,” I said. “We have something important to do.”

Strixx nodded eagerly. “Please let us through!”

Mr. Vec stood there for a moment, looking at us.

Then, with a quiet sigh, he muttered, almost to himself--

“There was a boy… just like you two.”

His gaze drifted to the path ahead, as if seeing something far beyond it.

“Every year, one week before the festival… for ten whole years, he would come here.”

Mr vec flashback

“Mr. Vector, my name is Roy… Please, let me pass through. There is a smile I want to see more than anything

So please let me pass through

A small chuckle escaped his lips .

Then, without another word, he turned and started walking away.

“Mr. Vec… does that mean…?” I asked hesitantly.

He let out a warm, hearty laugh.

“You may pass through.”

Then, with a gentle smile, he added,

“Maybe… you two also want to make someone smile, just like he did, huh?”

Throwing a glance over his shoulder, he added with a grin, “After all, I didn’t see anything.”

Stretching his arms, he sighed. “I’m too old for my eyes to catch up this early in the morning anyway.”

Strixx and I exchanged glances before bowing deeply.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Vec!” With that, we hurried back to the blocked path.

Mr. Vec stood there, watching us for a moment. Then, with a small smile, he spoke once more.

“Go on. Finish what you came here for.”

Strixx climbed up the blockade again, pulling me up with her.

We had finally made it to the other side.

As we walked toward the mountaintop, the scent in the air changed.

Just like Mr. Roy said in Ms. Finecia’s diary…

The Vaeliris flowers weren’t fully bloomed yet.

But even so…

It was the most beautiful fragrance we had ever experienced.

With a deep breath, we carefully plucked one of the partially bloomed Vaeliris flower

“People of Vaeliris… we’re sorry for this,” I murmured softly.

Then, with the flower in hand, we made our way back to Ms. Finecia’s place.

Standing outside her room, we took a breath before calling out—

“Ms. Finecia…?”

Ms. Finecia slowly opened her door, blinking in surprise as she saw us standing there.

Without a word, Strixx and I held out the partially bloomed Vaeliris flower to her, its delicate fragrance filling the air.

Then, with big smiles, we said in unison—

“Here’s a fragrant Vaeliris flower, just for you, Ms. Finecia!”

“Let’s go see this year’s festival together!”

At that moment…

The always composed Ms. Finecia—the one who remained strong even after sharing her tragic past—

Covered her mouth with both hands as tears welled up in her eyes.

The moment she took the flower, those tears finally spilled over.

Her voice trembled.

“Thank you… Strixx… Luca… Thank you so much… really, thank you very much…”

Before she could say more, Strixx threw her arms around her in a warm, tight hug.

“Luca and Strixx should be the ones thanking Ms. Finecia!”

We both stepped back and bowed deeply.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us since we arrived in this town, Ms. Finecia.”

Ms. Finecia held the flower close to her heart, her tears glistening like morning dew.

Then, with the brightest smile we had ever seen from her, she whispered--

“I’ll treasure this flower forever and ever.”