Fox Scarf

“Yer came prepared, boss,” Garfiel grinned, flexing his claws as the group stood outside Miragard’s grand gate.

Taro struck a pose with the confidence of someone who definitely didn’t plan anything past this moment.
“Of course! I’m a Spirit Knight now. I’ve got Lili, Garfiel, Ellimere… and even our adorable emotional support dumpling—Fariel.”

“Worst. Knight. Ever,” Lilibeth muttered, expression flat as Taro poked her cheeks and played with her drills like a toddler with new toys.

Fariel just blinked, shrugged, and smiled like a man who'd wandered onto the wrong set but was too polite to leave.

He hadn’t been told much. Just that they were summoned by Alciel Vireya, the business queen of Kalraajin Empire. And for some reason, he was invited too.

Inside, the crew passed over glimmering water canals. Sea dragons swam lazily beside gondola-like boats. Miragard shimmered like a city from a fairytale.

Eren, riding beside Fariel, fidgeted uncomfortably.

“You alright, Eren?” Fariel asked, tilting his head.

“Huh? Yes! Yes, totally fine. Love this city. Lots of... memories. Water. Yup.”

Fariel raised an eyebrow but said nothing. The vibe was weird. But hey—what wasn't weird these days?

At the Muse Company Headquarters, the lobby buzzed with tension. Alciel Vireya greeted the party with her ever-present calculating smile, her voice smooth as velvet and twice as dangerous.

Her signature fox-fur scarf rested on her shoulders, eerily still, as if watching everyone in the room.

Standing behind her—Calien Juukulius, the kingdom’s sharpest blade, and Joshua, who offered a polite nod.

Everyone gathered in the chamber: Crusch Karsten, Serian (or Neris), Vaelen Van Astrea, Mimi and her rambunctious crew. It was a reunion of terrifyingly capable individuals.

Except Fariel.

Fariel sat on a zabuton in the tatami room like a misplaced background character.

He nibbled on a rice cracker and quietly people-watched, eyes scanning each face.

Something wasn’t right.

Anastasia appeared beside him, too silent for someone in heels.

“You don’t talk much, do you?” she asked, voice soft.

“I talk when I have something real to say,” Fariel replied, his smile a bit too calm. “I just can’t shake this feeling. Something big’s about to happen… and someone here’s hiding something.”

Anastasia studied him for a moment. Then chuckled.

“You’re pretty sharp for the ‘worst knight in the kingdom.’”

Fariel tilted his head. “Is that a compliment, or...?”

“You decide,” she said with a wink, and walked away.

Calien, ever the observer, offered Fariel a nod.

“Try not to get lost,” Anastasia called over her shoulder.

That night, Miragard sparkled under starlight. Fariel wandered alone, crossing canal bridges and sidestreets. He bought a warm bread roll from a sleepy bakery, savoring the sweetness as he walked.

People laughed and sang in taverns. Children ran past with toy spears. It all felt… too peaceful.

Too quiet.

By the time he returned to Muse HQ, night had fully blanketed the city.

Taro was waiting by the entrance.

“Where have you been?” he asked, tapping Fariel’s shoulder. “We were worried!”

“Yes, where have you been?” Ellimere added, stepping into view. Her gray yukata shimmered under the lantern light.

Fariel blinked at her. “You look good, Ellimere.”

“Oh—thank you,” she said, flustered.

“Yes, yes, Ellimere-tan looks super good and elegant and gorgeous but stop dodging the damn question, Riel!” Taro snapped.

Fariel grinned and ruffled Taro’s hair like he was a child.

Then silently walked past him and disappeared into his bedroom without answering.

He was playing dumb again.

But something in his eyes said otherwise.

He knew something was coming. He just didn’t know what yet.