Vol 1 Chapter 15: Undefined Light — Clara’s Admiration

The sound of light footsteps could be heard walking down the dirt road that cut through the flower fields. In Clara’s hand was a small package containing cookies from the village innkeeper. She had brought a simple souvenir. Not because she wanted to investigate further, but because… her own heart had brought her back.

Clara didn’t know what to call her feelings. Maybe admiration. Maybe some kind of respect. Or… something softer than that. Ever since she first used [Eye of Judgment] on Marry, her soul had never been at peace. Even after the collapse of the world’s memories, Marry’s soul remained as bright white as ever.

“Such a white soul… how can it still survive in this world?”

She knew, it wasn’t because of power, but because of love. A love that protected. She had once protected the world with her blood, but now she was protecting something very precious, a pure little girl who shone even brighter, her little daughter Caelan.

—

Visiting for the Second Time…

As Clara stood in front of the door of the wooden house, she hesitated for a moment. A hand was raised, but she didn't knock immediately.

"I'm... not a detective today."

Then a cheerful voice from inside broke the silence.

"Clara!" Caelan shouted from the window.

The little girl squealed happily and ran to open the door without waiting for her mother's permission.

"Let's play! I have a house made of cardboard and leaves!"

Clara smiled—a genuine smile that rarely appeared on her face. Caelan grabbed it mercilessly, pulling Clara's hand with the strength of a child that could not be refused.

—

Playing Together...

Marry just stared from behind the kitchen door with a soft smile that was hard to translate. A mixture of wonder, emotion, and... happiness.
Clara, the detective who was known to be serious and unfriendly to anyone, was now sitting cross-legged on the grass. Her head was wearing a flower crown, her hands decorated with mud and leaves from Caelan's experiments.

"You're now the elf queen, Clara!" Caelan said proudly.

"Aren't I human?" Clara asked, frowning in pretend confusion.

"No, today you're an elf. Because mom is a flower fairy, and I'm... the princess of the world!"

Clara couldn't help but laugh a little.

And Marry, who watched everything from the window, felt a strange feeling in her chest. A feeling she had hardly encountered for years—when she was surrounded by her little brother, the only precious family at that time, before everything was destroyed.

—

When Admiration Turns Into Something Deep...

After playing, Caelan fell asleep on Marry's lap.

Clara sat beside them. The twilight hit Marry's face from the side, emphasizing her soft lines, but also the sadness hidden in her eyes.

"You know... you're the most pure person I've ever seen," Clara whispered.

Marry turned her head slowly, her eyes not surprised, but not arrogant either.

"I just want Caelan to grow up healthy in this cruel world."

Clara was silent. Then she nodded slowly. She knew how heavy Marry's words were. And for the first time in her life, Clara wished she wasn't a detective. She wanted to be... a friend. An ally. Or even—without daring to say it—a silent guardian for this mother and child.

Clara returned home late at night, refusing to stay overnight. But before she left the doorway, she said softly,

"May I come again... just to play with Caelan, or drink tea... or look at the flowers from your window?"

Marry just smiled.

"This house is always open to those who come with a clean heart."

Clara left with light steps. But in her heart, something had grown.

Not just admiration.

Maybe... this was the beginning of a feeling that Clara didn't know how to name yet.