Chapter 15:

Chapter 15 : A place by your side

Whispers Of The Lost Souls

The first light of dawn crept across the sky, brushing the rooftops of the Fujimoto estate in hues of soft gold and quiet blue. A sharp breeze rustled the leaves of the cherry trees lining the stone pathway, and the world still seemed half-asleep.

Shin stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of his travel coat. His reflection stared back—steady, focused, but with a shadow behind the eyes. He pulled on his gloves, slung his sword across his back, and finally exhaled.

It was time.

He stepped out of his room into the silent hallway. The wooden floors creaked faintly beneath his boots as he made his way to the front of the mansion. The air smelled faintly of burning cedar and the early morning dew.

At the grand main door, Lady Reina stood beside Lord Haruki, both already dressed in ceremonial attire. Haruki’s expression was unreadable, while Reina offered a brief nod as Shin approached.

“We’re ready,” she said softly.

Just then, Shin felt it—the faintest shift of air, a presence behind him.

He turned slightly and saw her.

Peeking from behind a carved wooden screen near the hallway entrance was Sakura. Her soft brown eyes peeked out beneath her long fringe, and when their gazes met, her lips curled into a small smile.

Without a word, Shin walked over to her.

She stepped out a little, still half-hidden in the shadow of the doorframe.

He reached out and gently placed a hand on her head. “Stay safe, alright?”

Sakura looked up. “Mm-hm.”

He smiled, the corner of his mouth lifting. “I’ll bring you something from the castle. Something shiny. Maybe a sword if you promise not to stab anyone.”

She gave a wide, bright grin. “Okay!”

But his expression grew a little more serious. “Don’t forget your promise.”

Sakura lowered her head slightly. “I won’t…”

Then, quietly, almost like she was unsure of asking—“But… can I go out after you all come back?”

Shin opened his mouth to answer—

“Shin,” Lady Reina called gently, already turning toward the waiting carriage outside. “We must go.”

Shin glanced toward his mother, then back at Sakura. He gave her a soft smile. “We’ll talk about it when I get back, alright?”

Before she could say anything more, he pulled her into a tight hug. Her arms wrapped around him as well—small, uncertain—but warm.

When they pulled apart, she smiled. “Okay. Be careful.”

“You too,” he said, turning back toward the door.

Sakura stood by the hallway as she watched them go—her brother, mother, and the tall, stern figure of her father walking into the morning mist.

The heavy doors closed.

Silence returned.

---

Inside the mansion, Sakura stood alone for a while. Then she turned sharply and walked with purpose—past the quiet halls, through the courtyard, and into the training room.

The hall was wide and echoing, lined with wooden weapons and practice targets. The air smelled of old sweat, leather, and ambition. Her eyes burned with a quiet fire.

She picked up a wooden sword and began her drills. Strikes. Footwork. Defense.

Again.

And again.

Then she dropped the sword and stood still.

Hands out.

Eyes closed.

Her breathing slowed.

She focused—on her core, on the warmth she always read about in magic books. On the spark of mana that should have been there.

Nothing.

She gritted her teeth and tried again.

Still nothing.

Frustrated, she stomped her foot. Raised her hands. Focused harder.