Chapter 25 – Until We Meet Again

Only a few days had passed since Lumius’ return.

Ren had summoned every member of Opera for a meeting. This time, however, Yura was also present.

The work in Urus was well underway. Thanks to Ada and Diana, the trade routes had been stabilized and the last groups of bandits expelled. Even Atilius, after long discussions, had accepted Opera’s existence. He didn’t agree with their methods, but he understood their goal: a prosperous Cegris.

He had even written a letter of recommendation. He knew Schubert and Aseina well, and he understood the weight their names carried.

Ren sat in the main hall of the Schubert mansion, surrounded by the only people he trusted without question.

“By now, you’re probably wondering why I’ve gathered you all here today…”

“I’m more interested in why Aseina is here,” Ada cut in, her tone edged with irritation.

“That’s exactly what I was getting to. That’s why this meeting is necessary.” Ren leaned over the map spread across the table. “As you know, we’ve freed Urus from its shadows… but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

His finger traced across the map, stopping at three points.

“In Mérius, the capital, nobles abuse their power to crush their rivals—even organizing illegal slave fights.

Tulius, the port city, sends slaves to Solmara and Yukihana.

And Terrama… a lawless military stronghold.”

He paused.

“I gathered all of this information back when I was Solmara’s Hero. And I’m afraid nothing has changed.”

Diana stepped forward.

“Yes, you’re right. Most of those cities have those same problems… and the king does nothing.”

“The king doesn’t know anything,” Ren corrected her. “He only cares about honoring his pact with Solmara against the demons.”

Ada eyed him curiously.

“And why are you telling us all this? I still don’t see what Aseina has to do with it.”

Ren lifted his gaze and met hers directly.

“Because I won’t be taking part in this campaign. From now on, Ada—you’ll be in charge of Opera.”

His words hit like a blunt strike. Silence fell over the room… all except Yura, who kept her eyes fixed on him.

“You’re abandoning us?” Ada asked, her voice caught between disbelief and reproach.

“Of course not. I simply have other matters to take care of… and they may take time.”

Mirai, who had remained silent until now, narrowed her eyes.

“You’re heading to Yukihana… for the Yuki’s secret weapon.”

Ren turned his gaze toward Yura.

“It’s more than that.” His voice grew heavy. “I promised Yura’s mother that if Yukihana ever needed me, I would go… no matter the cost.”

Ada shot to her feet, the back of her chair slamming against the wall.

“And when were you planning to tell me this? I can’t believe you’re so selfish, Ren!”

“I’m sorry,” he said softly, without raising his voice. “I never meant to keep it from you… but I also hadn’t planned to reveal it this way.”

“It’s all because of her!” Ada accused, her eyes blazing. “You’re leaving us for her, aren’t you?”

Yura rose as well, her posture dignified, one hand resting on the hilt of her katana.

“This isn’t about me. We cannot allow my nation to keep withering away.”

“And what exactly do you plan to do?” Ada shot back, stepping forward. “The two of you against an entire nation?”

Ren stayed silent, enduring the weight of both their glares.

“Don’t tell me you’re really going to try something that reckless… It’ll be suicide!” Ada’s voice cracked. “Are you listening to me, Ren Sinclair? I forbid you!”

The young man raised his eyes. His tone was calm, yet unshakable.

“I’m sorry, Ada. This is my duty… I made a promise to Yukino.”

Diana stood, slipping between them with her usual political composure.

“You’d better let it go. I can see in his eyes—his mind is made up. Remember, you’re now the regent of Urus… you can’t just vanish. The best thing you can do is trust him.”

Ada stared at him for a moment, searching for even the slightest crack in his resolve. But when she found none, she turned on her heel and left the room without a word.

Diana sighed and looked back at Ren.

“You may be strong… but you still have a lot to learn about women.”

Mirai, who had stayed silent until now, stepped forward and knelt before Ren.

“Do what you must… I’ll take charge of Ada’s safety and the mansion.” She turned toward the others. “Soon, soldiers from Albus will arrive—those we freed. I’ll train them.”

“Please,” Ren said, letting his gaze sweep across them all. “I’m counting on you. Support Ada in every way you can.”

Without waiting for an answer, he rose and left, his footsteps echoing down the hall until they faded into silence.

Yura stood as well.

“Tell Ren I’ll be waiting at my home tomorrow. We leave at dawn,” she said calmly before walking out.

On one of the Schubert mansion’s balconies, Ada stood with her brow furrowed, staring out over the city as she tried to process the news.

“Ada… may I come in?” Ren’s voice came from the window.

“What do you want? I’m trying to think,” she replied, visibly irritated.

“Ada, I—”

“Don’t. I already know your mission comes above everything else… even me. You’ve made that clear enough before,” she cut him off.

Ren lowered his eyes with guilt before finally speaking.

“Yura’s mother died because of me… she was my mentor, and entrusted Yukihana to me. That’s why she couldn’t defend her nation.”

“I know… you’ve told me that before,” Ada replied softly.

“Do you know what I thought when you died, Ren?” Her voice trembled. “I thought: How can this world be so unfair?

I lost my father, my mother… and then my savior. Not even alcohol could drown those memories.”

Ren clenched his fists, feeling the weight of her words.

“When you came back, in that new form of yours, it was like a ray of light had returned to my life. I even thought… maybe I could start a family with you. And that’s what I want, Ren. A family.”

“…I’m sorry, Ada. I didn’t know you felt that way.”

“I know. You only ever think about your missions. You’re obsessed with this idea of ‘order,’ and now I’m tied to this cursed title and this city… while you run off with Aseina. Tell me, is it because she’s younger?”

“That’s not it…”

“But you do feel something for her. Otherwise, you would’ve denied it.”

Ren looked at her seriously.

“…I hadn’t realized it until recently. But I guess… after all, I’m still human.”

She sighed and stepped closer.

“Then tell me honestly… do you love me? Just for a moment, imagine all your missions are over. Would you start a family with me?”

Ren hesitated. He had always seen Ada as the girl he once knew… but now she was a grown woman, standing firmly before him.

“Yes… I would like that. But my mission comes first. And I can’t leave Yura behind, either.”

“That’s fine with me… I don’t mind sharing you,” she said with a faint smile. “But if we don’t have our wedding once you return from Yukihana, I’ll leave Opera forever.”

The ultimatum hung heavy in the air.

“Ada Schubert… I’ll do everything I can to make this work. And I promise you’ll have that wedding… and the family you want so much.”

She averted her gaze, hiding her surprise, and coughed lightly to maintain her composure.

“I expect you to keep your word, Ren Sinclair. Now… if you don’t mind, I want to be alone.”

Ren withdrew in silence.

As he walked down the corridor, one thought weighed heavier than any mission: since the day he came to this world, he had never faced an enemy more confounding than the human heart.

He had never truly had anyone… and now two women claimed him, each with their own wounds, each with their own dreams.

And in the middle of it all, he still didn’t know if he was ready to stop being just a specter… and become someone who could call another person “home.”