Bonds

After an intense training regimen under the guidance of Rayna, Hiro diligently invested the extra time into the stamina and strength exercises prescribed by his instructor. With ample time left before dinner, Hiro looked forward to a moment of well-earned rest. However, his anticipation was swiftly interrupted as the imposing door of the training hall swung open with considerable force, revealing the unexpected arrival of Liliana.

“Good morning, big brother Hiro! It seems like you've been hard at work?” she greeted her brother with a contagious grin.

Hiro wiped the sweat from his brow and returned the smile. Liliana's infectious enthusiasm served as a comforting balm for him.

“Morning, sis. I'm giving it my all. Rayna's an excellent teacher.”

“I’m really glad to hear that! Well, I have a clear schedule until dinner, so let's take a break and indulge ourselves. It's sure to cheer you up!”

Hiro regarded her with curiosity, “Cheer me up? What do you mean?”

In her eagerness to divert Hiro's attention from the ache in his heart, as well as her surreptitious visit to his room the previous night where she had witnessed his despair, Liliana let slip more than she intended.

“I-I mean, cheer you on, of course! Encourage you to keep giving your best!” she corrected herself, albeit with a touch of nervousness, while Hiro continued to regard her with a trace of suspicion.

“If you say so.” he shrugged.

Despite his reservations, Hiro chose to let Liliana off the hook, understanding that the issue wasn't of paramount importance. Moreover, it was evident that her excitement sometimes led to unintentional slips of the tongue.

“Let me freshen up a bit. I'm all sweaty from training.”

“Alright, I'll be waiting for you at the gate.” Liliana nodded in understanding.

With that, she gracefully departed from the hidden training hall. Just as she was about to leave, Hiro interjected with a heartfelt remark.

“Oh, and thank you for the new clothes. They’re great.”

A radiant smile illuminated Liliana's features, as she glanced back at Hiro before stepping out.

“I’m really glad they’re to your liking!”

After a quick bath, Hiro hurried back to Liliana. Along the way, he unexpectedly encountered the mansion's Lord himself, flanked by his advisors. Despite being preoccupied, Alastair nodded in Hiro's direction, acknowledging his presence. Hiro reciprocated with a respectful bow before the nobleman swiftly departed with his entourage. The brief encounter reminded Hiro of his responsibility in an instant. If the map was to be revealed to him, he needed to cultivate a deeper bond with Alastair at some point. However, it seemed apparent that the Lord was not inclined to seek Hiro's assistance on his own, likely due to lingering suspicions.

‘He didn’t even ask me about my powers. He should know about them from William, so why didn’t he just…’

As Hiro mulled over these thoughts, he soon reached the mansion gates. Liliana greeted him eagerly, ready for their outing.

“We’re going out, huh? Wait, shouldn’t you have some sort of military escort?”

“I have you!” Liliana declared confidently. “That’s more than enough!”

Hiro couldn't help but doubt her optimism.

“I think you might be overestimating me a bit!” he retorted.

Dismissing his concerns with a casual wave of her hand, Liliana urged Hiro to hurry along. She dressed plainly, resembling a typical middle-class girl, rather than the daughter of a Lord, aiming to blend in during their excursion.

“Don't worry, everything will be fine!”

“Wait! I’m…” Hiro began, but before he could finish, Liliana attempted to drag him further.

Suddenly, Hiro froze in his tracks, his face paling with a sudden realization.

‘If I go out there, someone might recognize me.’ he thought with a sense of dread.

With his eyes tightly shut, memories of past dreams he couldn't fully recall flooded his mind, accompanied by an overwhelming wave of emotion. Hiro desperately wished to banish those memories entirely, fearing that any encounter with someone from his forgotten past would trigger those painful feelings once more.

Just as Hiro felt himself on the verge of succumbing to anxiety, the gentle pressure of someone's hand clasping his own brought him back to reality. Liliana, her concern evident on her face, offered him a supportive smile. In a matter of seconds, Hiro regained his composure and refocused on his priorities.

“I’m fine now. Let’s go.” he assured her.

Liliana nodded eagerly, a visible weight lifting off her shoulders. Hand in hand, they passed through the gates together. The sight was reminiscent of a scene from before Hiro arrived at the city of Osata. Once again, Liliana led the way, propelling Hiro toward a brighter future.

‘That’s right. I’m not alone. I don’t have to face everything by myself.’ he reflected as they ventured into the unknown.

Before they knew it, they found themselves at the bustling shopping square, alive with the sounds of merchants haggling and customers bartering. Hiro couldn't help but feel a tad overwhelmed by the commotion.

“Come on! We’re going this way!” Liliana exclaimed, tugging at Hiro's sleeve with enthusiasm.

As the duo navigated through the bustling street, they stumbled upon a particular food stall adorned with an array of sweets and baked delights. Amidst the tempting spread, one item seemed to captivate the attention of most customers, including Liliana. It was none other than... ‘A cupcake?’ Hiro mused, observing Liliana's evident fascination with the pastry.

Liliana selected two cupcakes and made the purchase, humming with delight throughout the transaction.

“Here! For you!” she exclaimed eagerly, offering one of the cupcakes to Hiro.

He accepted the warm treat with care.

“I don’t really get it. I bet you can find cupcakes like these in the mansion too. What makes these so special?” he inquired, examining the pastry with a puzzled expression.

Liliana clicked her tongue and wagged her finger disapprovingly in response.

“These are the one and only Attaberry Cupcakes!”

“What’s an attaberry?” Hiro asked, intrigued by the unfamiliar term.

“It's a type of fruit grown in the western region. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also serve as a remedy for stress and migraines!” Liliana explained with enthusiasm, while Hiro listened intently, amazed by the existence of such a fruit.

With Liliana taking the first bite of her cupcake, Hiro followed suit. The blissful sounds of satisfaction emanating from the girl only spurred him to sample his own treat. As the delectable flavors danced on his taste buds, Hiro couldn't help but emit a contented moan as well. The cupcake was a symphony of warm, sweet, and delicate flavors that momentarily rendered him weak at the knees. It was almost too good to be real, yet there it was, tantalizing his senses with its richness.

“It’s delicious! Why does it tase so amazing!? Actually, don’t tell me! I want to savor the experience!” Hiro exclaimed with delight, his mouth still filled with the superb snack.

Liliana giggled happily at his reaction, pleased and relieved to see him so carefree and at ease.

“Like I said, it's the best thing ever!” she chimed in, waving her arms excitedly as she continued to enjoy her cupcake.

“Wait here just a second.” Hiro requested as he withdrew a few coins from his pouch, and hurried back to the food stall. Liliana didn't have to wait long before he returned.

“Phew. They sure run out of these fast. It was the last one.”

In his hands, he held another attaberry cupcake.

“If you eat too many at once, they won’t be special anymore.” she cautioned, her eyes fixated on the pastry.

“Says the girl who's practically drooling over them. It's not for me.” Hiro retorted.

“How come? Is it for me, then!?” Liliana teased, sporting a mischievous grin.

Her question was met with a light flick on the forehead.

“No, glutton. It’s…” he glanced away, stuffing the cupcake into a paper bag, “…for Rayna.”

“Oh? My, my… Lucky her.” Liliana remarked teasingly, a characteristic twinkle in her eye.

“Come on, what’s with that look? I would've gotten more for everyone if they hadn't run out already.” Hiro replied, still averting his gaze from the girl.

“I bet deep down you're actually really glad that it was the last one. Makes it all the more special when you give it to her.” Liliana continued to tease, nudging Hiro with her elbow.

The boy let out an exasperated sigh, dropping his shoulders in resignation, “Whatever. Where to next?”

Liliana's eyes sparkled with excitement as she grinned from ear to ear. Without hesitation, she took the lead once more. However, this time, in order to reach their next destination more conveniently, they opted to take a ride in a carriage. A few of them were stationed nearby, available for regular folks to travel from place to place. Liliana whistled sharply with her fingers to catch the attention of one of the drivers and promptly paid him to transport her and Hiro to their destination.

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Ai and Rayna were engrossed in their morning chores, currently tackling the laundry. It was a rare opportunity for them to work together and engage in casual conversation.

“You seem quiet today. Are you feeling alright? Even your cheeks are a little flushed.” Ai remarked, placing a hand on Rayna's forehead to check for any signs of fever, “Nothing out of the ordinary as far as I can tell.” she concluded shortly after.

Rayna simply carried on with her work without uttering a word. Her nonchalant demeanor both worried and frustrated Ai. In an attempt to garner her sister’s attention, Ai seized both of Rayna's cheeks and pinched them mercilessly.

“Ow, ow, ow! That hurts, and your hands are wet! Stop it, Ai!” Rayna protested, squirming in discomfort at the sudden assault.

“Ah, so you can talk after all.” Ai quipped sarcastically, releasing Rayna's now even more reddened cheeks.

Arms crossed, she awaited an explanation from her sister. Rayna rested her head on Ai's shoulder, and let out a weary sigh.

“I'm just tired after the morning training session with Hiro, that's all. I should have gone to sleep earlier.” she explained.

Ai gently stroked her sister’s hair in a comforting gesture, creating a sense of safety. It was evident to Ai that there was more to Rayna's fatigue, so she patiently waited for her to continue sharing. One of the defining aspects of their bond was their ability to understand and empathize with each other.

“Hiro’s coming along fine. He's shown more enthusiasm and aptitude than I expected. He’s really eager too…” Rayna trailed off, finding solace in Ai's embrace.

She cherished these moments where she could open up about her day, craving the nurturing care that she had always yearned for.

“And then? Did he upset you somehow?” Ai whispered gently into Rayna's ear.

The question prompted Rayna to tighten her embrace, burying her face even deeper into Ai's shoulder.

“Hiro didn’t do anything wrong. Felix came over to say hi, being his usual idiot self...” she let out a soft chuckle, though a trace of discomfort lingered in her tone, “But then… Hiro started asking about him. I don’t blame him or anything; it’s only natural for him to be curious. But talking about Felix is just…” Rayna trailed off, swallowing the remainder of her sentence.

Without a word, Ai gently placed her hand on Rayna's head, offering a comforting caress along her back.

“It's not easy to move on, even after all this time. But I believe in you.” Ai reassured her younger sister with a warm smile. Rayna chuckled in response and pulled away slightly.

“I hope so. I'm trying really hard when it's just me and him, though those moments are rare these days. If only I had kept my mouth shut back then...” she mused with a self-deprecating tone, but shook her head almost instantly, “It’s all in the past. Nothing to worry about!” she added, her forced cheerful tone aimed at reassuring Ai.

“Just know that your big sister is always here for you.” Ai replied, her gentle and radiant smile putting Rayna at ease.

With a slow nod, Rayna untangled herself from Ai, and they both quickly returned to their work.

“Anyway, how’re things between you and William? Is he giving you a hard time?”

At the mention of the knight’s name, Ai jumped with surprise and blushed furiously.

“W-We’re fine. Actually… I got to spend some quality time with him today. We even, uh, hug-khg…” Ai stuttered, her cheeks flushing even brighter.

“Hug-khg?” Rayna parroted, raising an eyebrow.

Even more flustered, Ai twiddled her index fingers nervously, avoiding her sister's gaze.

“We hugged and… you know…” she whispered, a hint of shyness in her voice, that could only be described as cute.

It wasn't the response Rayna had anticipated. Usually at odds with William, she felt it was her responsibility to intervene whenever he upset Ai. This time, however, her sister's reaction left Rayna momentarily speechless and embarrassed. Sensing the awkwardness, they both decided to focus on their tasks for now.

As the carriage rolled through the lively streets of Osata, Hiro couldn't help but be taken in once more by the city's charm and unique architecture. Despite all the stories he'd heard about the place, he still hadn't seen its darker side. Currently, Lili seemed determined to introduce to him the parts of Osata that were beautiful in their own right. Hiro couldn't deny that it would be unfair to label everyone here as bad; many were just influenced by the powers that be and old biases.

But that didn't excuse the way some treated others like mere tools or slaves. Hiro shook his head, pushing aside those heavy thoughts. Today was meant for relaxation and letting go of stress.

“We’re here!” Lili's voice broke through his thoughts as the carriage came to a halt.

Before them stood a tall tower, right in the heart of the city, a symbol of Osata's grandeur.

“We’re gonna climb this thing?” Hiro's incredulous question hung in the air as he eyed the towering structure before them.

“How else are we gonna get up there?” Lili's response was matter-of-fact as she gestured towards the imposing tower.

Hiro took a few steps back, trying to take in the sheer magnitude of the structure. It seemed to loom over them, commanding attention in its grandeur. He couldn't believe he hadn't noticed it earlier. Before he could voice his concerns, Lili grabbed his hand, urging him onward.

As they ascended the giant circular staircase, Hiro couldn't help but feel the strain in his muscles from the earlier training session. He paused, trying to catch his breath.

“Lili, seriously. I've been training all morning. Can we slow down a bit?” he pleaded.

“We’re almost there! I promise it’s worth it!” Lili's enthusiasm was infectious as she urged him forward.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of climbing, they reached the top. The open area was surrounded by railings, offering a breathtaking view of the city below. In the center stood a statue of Lord Alastair, crafted entirely from gold.

Lili rushed towards the edge, dragging Hiro along with her. The air felt a bit thicker at this altitude, but it wasn’t what stole Hiro’s breath. From this vantage point, he could see the entire city spread out before him, with even the distant village of Crieroug visible on the horizon.

The sky stretched endlessly above them, the sun casting a warm glow over the land below. It was a stunning sight, leaving him and Lili to bask in the beauty of the moment, accompanied by the gentle caress of the breeze.

“Thanks, Lili. To be honest, I was still a bit anxious about everything that happened.” he admitted with a grateful smile, leaning against the railing and closing his eyes “It's hard to say if I'm completely okay now, but I know that with you and the others by my side, it's only a matter of time.”

Lili listened attentively, her heart going out to him as she remembered the trauma he had endured. His openness with her was a relief, a clear sign of trust. With a radiant smile, she mirrored his posture, leaning against the railing and gazing into the distance.

“You can count on me.” she reassured him.

Hiro responded with a smile and a quick nod, both of them finding solace in the breathtaking panorama spread out before them from the tower's summit.

“By the way, how come you’re allowed to go outside so soon after an obduction? Isn’t your father worried?”

The sudden question caught Lili off guard, causing her cheerful demeanor to falter.

“I don’t know. He didn't intervene today, and I'm sure he was notified right away. But I suppose he cares in his own special way.” she replied with a forced smile. It was obvious to Hiro that the relationship between Lili and her father was far from simple.

“Let’s head back. We don’t want to be late for dinner.” Hiro suggested, sensing the tension in the air. His reassuring smile helped lift Lili's spirits.

“B-But I’m tired from all the walking. I don’t think I can make it back.” Lili complained, twiddling her fingers and giving him a pleading look.

Hiro simply sighed and effortlessly scooped Lili up onto his back. She refrained from any kind of protest like the last time.

“You're lucky that spoiling their little sister is a big brother's responsibility.” he teased as they descended the tower, making their way back to where the carriage awaited them.

Once they returned, Lili had to leave due to her duties, leaving Hiro to make his way back to his room to wait for Rayna. He smiled at the paper bag containing the cupcake he had bought for her, wondering how she would react.

‘I guess I should pay Alastair a visit soon. I just have to find a good excuse.’

He mused whilst strolling through the fancy hallways of the mansion.

Suddenly, Hiro found himself being pulled into an empty room by a familiar girl with blue hair.

“Ai? What’s going on?” he began, but she immediately shushed him, her urgency evident.

“Sorry about this, but you can't be seen with too many Elves in public. With Rayna as an exception, of course. Officially, she's safe due to her role as your maid.”

Hiro listened, arms crossed, as Ai laid out the situation.

“You have a point.” he conceded, “but I’d appreciate a little warning next time. I thought I was going to have a heart attack.”

“Oh, sorry!” she apologized, her cheerful and blinding smile impossible to resist.

“It’s fine. Is there something I can help you with, then?” he asked curiously.

Ai nodded eagerly in response, “I’ve heard about your training sessions with Rayna. I was thinking, maybe I could help you too?” she grinned, pointing her finger at him.

“Help me how?” he asked, slightly flustered.

“My Attribute may not seem that impressive, but I do have the necessary knowledge to help you with your power. It fascinates me too, so I’m eager to explore the mystery behind it.” Ai explained, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

Hiro was taken aback by the mention of his ability. The secret repercussions of using the Wound Absorption was something he didn’t want to burden anyone with. Cupping his chin in thought, he considered his options.

Meanwhile, Ai stood patiently, hands behind her back, her smile unwavering. Eventually, Hiro posed a question that had been on his mind.

“Ai, how come you and the others trust me so much?”

Surprised by the inquiry, Ai paced the floor before settling into a chair, her smile softening.

“From the moment we met, you were kind and compassionate.” she began.

The boy felt like it wasn’t enough. Liliana trusted Hiro because she was saved by him. To the others however, he was a complete stranger.

“Ai, I don’t think that’s…”

Before he could finish, Hiro was immediately cut off. “That too! The way you worry about whether it’s enough, it shows how genuine you are.”

Seeing his unsatisfied expression, Ai continued, revealing a startling truth, “I’m going to be frank with you then. Rayna's Attribute. We were going to use it on you whether you liked it or not.”

Hearing the seriousness of that statement, Hiro lifted his head and stared directly into the girl’s blue eyes, “It kinda already happened, but what about it?”

“Attributes aren’t as simple as you may think. Rayna’s abilities are rather complex. Making people calm is one thing. She can stun and disorientate too. She can determine one’s intentions and honesty as well. But even then, me and Lili believed in you from the start. Your actions spoke louder than words. Do you understand now?”

An immediate change occurred in Hiro’s perspective. Though the doubts he held within his heart lingered, after the talk with Lili and Ai, he began to slowly believe in himself.

With a genuine smile, Hiro agreed “Okay. If you don’t mind, then please teach me.”

“Great! We can start this evening, sometime after supper perhaps?” Ai suggested eagerly.

“Sure.”

With their plans set, Hiro and Ai went their separate ways. As Hiro entered his quarters, he was greeted by a familiar face standing by the cart filled with an array of food. However, her crossed arms and impatient tapping of the foot, hinted at her displeasure.

“You’re late.” Rayna scolded with a pouty face.

Hiro glanced at the clock on the wall, offering an awkward smile. “Sorry! I lost track of time.”

Even if it was only partly true—Hiro had been occupied since morning—there was little point in starting another argument.

“Well, you’re here now, so let’s eat already. The food is getting cold.” Rayna sighed, taking the same seat as this morning.

“You could’ve started without me. What if I were even more late?” Hiro suggested, trying to ease the tension.

“Eating alone sucks. It’s way more fun to share your meals.” she explained quietly, her words unexpectedly touching Hiro's heart.

He joined Rayna at the table, feeling a bit shy in the wake of her comment. He couldn't help but notice that she seemed preoccupied, quieter than usual. That's when he remembered something important.

“Rayna, I got you something while I was out.” Hiro announced, breaking the quiet atmosphere of the room.

Instantly, Rayna's eyes lit up and her ears perked up at the mention of a potential gift.

“H-Here.” Hiro, feeling a bit nervous, handed her the paper bag.

Rayna proceeded opened it with care, her nose twitching even before the aroma could escape its confines. Her eyes widened with both surprise and undeniable excitement.

“Is this what I think it is!?” she exclaimed as she peered inside the bag.

“Attaberry cupcake. Lili showed them to me this morning, and I thought it'd make for a good dessert, so I got one for you. Well, with Lili’s money, so I guess it’s kinda lame…” Hiro trailed off, overwhelmed by Rayna's enthusiasm, as she practically jumped with joy.

“Not lame at all!” she insisted, hugging the bag close to her, “Thank you thank you thank you! You have no idea how rare it is!”

“I mean, they did run out fast.” Hiro chuckled, recalling how quickly the cupcakes had sold out earlier.

“Fast doesn’t even cut it!” Rayna exclaimed. “Attaberries are extremely hard to grow. It’s a miracle they were able to restock so soon! Ah, I’m in heaven right now!”

The scene was reminiscent of when earlier this morning, Lili had been similarly excited about the pastry. However, it seemed to bring Rayna even more joy. She eagerly took the cupcake in her hand, ready to savor every bite. Just millimeters before entering her mouth, she hesitated and glanced at Hiro.

“D-Do you want some too?” she asked, visibly forcing herself to be polite, as she struggled with the idea of sharing her treat.

A mere thought of parting with the cupcake made Rayna’s long ears drop and her expression sadden. Hiro could see how much the cupcake meant to her, and he had no intention of taking it away.

“I've already had one this morning. Besides, I got it for you. Enjoy it to your heart's content.” he insisted.

With a grateful smile, Rayna accepted his words and savored each bite of the cupcake. She appreciated Hiro's thoughtfulness, sensing that he had noticed her bad mood. To her, his quiet support and refusal to pry into her emotions were gestures of true friendship. Sometimes, simply being there for someone, providing a sense of normalcy, was more valuable than anything else.

“Thank you, Hiro. For the cupcake and for sharing dinner with me.” Rayna expressed her gratitude, a smile gracing her lips as she settled back into her comfy chair with a cup of tea in hand.

“I should be thanking you, really.” Hiro responded humbly.

“I’m gonna stop you right there. If you really insist on being grateful, then you could do something for me.” Rayna demanded suddenly, her tone serious.

“O-Okay… W-What is it?” Hiro asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

Rayna rose from her seat and began pacing the room, clearly deep in thought. Her own anxiousness was palpable, but Hiro could see she was considering her words carefully. Sensing her hesitation, he prepared himself to listen attentively to whatever she had in mind.

Finally, after a deep breath, Rayna spoke up.

“Let’s become friends!” she declared, her voice ringing out across the room as she came to a stop.

With his breath caught in his throat, Hiro mulled over her words with a slightly dumbfounded expression.

“Aren’t we friends already, though?” somewhat disappointed, he tried to make sense of her request.

Hearing his answer, Rayna squeezed the hem of her uniform and marched over to him.

“Not officially!” she claimed firmly. It was then, that Hiro finally realized what she was trying to convey.

“That’s… pfft!” he couldn't help but stifle a laugh in contrast to her seriousness, “You’re pulling my leg, aren’t you?”

“It’s not funny! It’s serious!” Rayna insisted, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“It kinda is. Official friends, huh? Should we pinky swear on it?” he teased, extending his pinky finger towards her.

“F-Forget it! I hate you!” she cried, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Hiro took a moment to compose himself, glancing at Rayna who was awkwardly trying to hide her face.

“You know… on second thought. I don’t want to be friends with you.” he announced suddenly, an impish grin forming on his face.

This sudden shocking revelation created a temporary silence in the room. Rayna gazed at him anxiously.

“W-What?” her lower lip trembled in fear, words barely leaving her mouth.

Hiro stood up and extended his pinky finger.

“Since we're making it official, why settle for just friends?”

Rayna’s eyes widened, her heart racing and her breath stuck in her throat. Before she could process the situation, Hiro continued, “Let’s be best friends.” he proposed, a grin spreading across his face.

“You jerk!” she yelled, playfully punching his shoulder.

He chuckled, his pinky still extended to affirm their bond. As soon as Rayna composed herself, she corrected her posture.

“Best friends, then.” Rayna confirmed bashfully, her tone soft yet firm.

She was awkwardly gripping onto her left elbow and clearly avoiding eye contact.

“Wait, you really want to be…?” Hiro felt a surge of happiness and embarrassment wash over him. “Don’t you already have someone like that?” he asked.

“Ai is my sister, so it doesn’t count. Lili is my best female friend, William isn’t cut out for it and Felix…” her voice trailed off for a moment, a deep sigh escaping her lips “Felix is no good either.” Rayna hesitated for a moment before gently wrapping her pinky around his. “So… if it’s really not a problem, then…”

Her sincere plea and shyness only went to show the importance of the request. Hiro was both extremely embarrassed, and unimaginably happy at the same time. He took a deep breath, “I… I’d love to.” he finally replied.

As he reflected on their conversation, he remembered his earlier discussion with Ai. It wasn't just Rayna's power that led her to this decision; his actions until now had proven his good intentions.

“By the way, give me a heads-up next time you plan on stepping out. I was assigned as your personal maid, so it’s my responsibility to be by your side when you leave the premises.” Rayna chimed in with a smile.

“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. Lili suggested it after my workout. But yeah, I'll keep you in the loop from now on. It's like a break for you too, right?” he observed, as Rayna sipped her now lukewarm tea.

“I see we have an understanding. I might attract attention outside, being an Elf and all. So, I've come up with a plan to disguise myself!” Rayna exclaimed with visible enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling.

“A disguise you say? Like a cloak with a hood or something?”

From her reaction, it seemed that he hit the nail on the head.

“Exactly. But we need to be cautious to avoid drawing attention. Once we leave, you'll wear a cloak too.” she declared.

Hiro found himself intrigued by the idea of masquerading, despite its simplicity. Moreover, Rayna's infectious enthusiasm left little room for refusal.

“You really do enjoy theatrics like this, huh? That aside, there's one more thing...” Hiro interjected, avoiding direct eye contact with her. “I already know that you have it though here. If it becomes too much, just let me know. We can leave whenever. I can do at least this much to ease your burden for now.”

Rayna fell silent. His considerate words and sincerity were something that she didn’t need powers to recognize or appreciate.

Her initial surprise turned into the most genuine smile yet. Hiro's empathy had relieved her mind from her earlier worries. Instead, she eagerly looked forward to the adventures with her newly made best friend.

“Thanks. I’ll look forward to it!”

Hiro found himself captivated by her expression and the sparkle in her eyes. In that moment, he realized that Rayna's smile possessed an ethereal beauty that surpassed even that of Ai's. The anxiousness and embarrassment he felt became unsignificant whilst witnessing the sight in front of him. Unbeknownst to him, it was at this very moment that his feelings towards Rayna would begin to slowly change.

After dinner, Hiro finally managed to find a moment to relax. He decided to stroll through the gardens Rayna had shown him during the mansion tour. Amidst the tranquility, he found a space to sift through the myriad thoughts swirling in his mind. Despite the loss of his memories, each new experience stirred a sense of familiarity within him. It was as though fragments of his former self still lingered, quietly echoing in the depths of his consciousness.

Hiro pondered whether this sensation was linked to his unique abilities, being the sole human endowed with an Attribute in the world. Many aspects of his situation remained shrouded in mystery, leaving him with unanswered questions. Yet, he took solace in the stability of his memory since awakening in the forest. So far, it had remained intact, a reassuring constant amidst uncertainty.

Initially, Hiro had feared the possibility of brain damage, dreading the erasure of his ‘current self.’ Although the notion seemed irrational, he recognized the profound role memories played in shaping one's identity. Even without his past experiences, Hiro acknowledged that his essence remained unchanged.

‘The current me would just be reset.’ he mused, formulating a theory to rationalize his situation.

For Hiro, the essence of his being lay deep within, mutable yet enduring. He grappled with the fear of losing the moments he had cherished, acknowledging the inherent uncertainty surrounding his amnesia.

‘The alternative would mean death, wouldn’t it? If I were to never wake up again, memories or not, it would mean that my life was over. Even if I were to awaken as a different person, I would still exist. I would still be alive.’ Hiro reasoned, seeking solace in this fragile reassurance.

Despite his trepidation, Hiro accepted the inevitability of his circumstances. He had chosen to eschew the past, embracing the uncertainty of his new future.

“You seem like you’re actually thinking, that’s odd.”

The snarky comment suddenly reached Hiro from behind.

“Are you seriously gonna keep that attitude towards me forever, William?”

“So serious. Have you never heard about a friendly banter?”

Hiro simply rolled his eyes as he turned around to face the Knight.

William seemed to have ignored his response, something else weighing his mind.

“Hiro.” he began, the tone of his voice humble, “What you did for Ai… she was right. In the times we live in, it wasn’t as insignificant as I thought. Thank you for attending to her injury and showing compassion.”

William bent his knee and bowed elegantly in front of him. The sudden gratitude and the display of humility from the knight took Hiro by surprise. His intentions were genuine, there was no doubt about it, William was truly grateful.

“D-Don’t mention it.” he stammered awkwardly, “I just did what I thought was right.”

William stood back up and nodded approvingly, “I do hope you’ll continue to do so in the future as well.”

A bit embarrassed, Hiro flailed his arms animatedly as he shouted, “What brought this on all of a sudden anyway!? I’m seriously confused when praised by you of all people!”

“I’ve reflected on my past actions. In no small part thanks to Ai herself.” William cleared his throat and continued with what he originally intended to discuss, “That aside, Alastair’s still hesitant. I suppose it’s not gonna be as easy as we thought.”

Hiro nodded in agreement. He was well aware of the situation, “It’s only natural, I guess. He barely knows me, after all. It might take time for him to warm up to me.”

“I believe that Alastair’s indecisiveness comes from the actions you took during dinner with him. The kindness and consideration you’ve displayed towards an Elf… towards Ai that is. It may be the reason.”

“As much as I’d like to deny it… you may have a point. I didn’t know anything then.”

Hiro tried to justify his actions even though deep down he knew, that he’d help Ai regardless of the knowledge or the situation.

“I know, you’re not to blame. And I know that you want to get along with everyone, including Rayna and Ai as well. But I must warn you, do not show them any favor in front of other people. More so than that, treat them coldly even. Any Elf for that matter. Especially in front of Lord Alastair.”

Hiro went silent for a second. It was clear from his expression that it wasn’t going to be an easy task, “Ai already warned me about being seen with her in public. So I get it.”

“Exactly. You must… wait.” he stopped, his eyebrow twitching with anger, “Wait a second! What were you doing with Ai all alone!?” William seemed quite aggravated for some reason. He was shouting and staring daggers at Hiro.

“What’s gotten into you all of a sudden!? She wanted to meet later at night to…” Hiro tried to explain the situation calmly but was cut off before he could finish.

“At night!? And here I was considering you my ally!” The knight exclaimed, unsheathing his sword as he grabbed Hiro by the collar.

“…To teach me! About Attributes! That’s all!”

Hearing the rest of the explanation, William finally came to his senses. He let go of Hiro and corrected his posture.

“Of course. I’d expect no less from her.”

“Way to play it off now! You were ready to cut me to pieces!”

While taking his anger out on the knight, Hiro inevitably noticed something strange. William was covering a clear blush on his face and was also avoiding eye contact. It was quite unusual for him to be so flustered.

“I get it now. So that’s how it is. I see, I see.” Hiro mused with a grin and a knowing look.

“Do you want to die, after all?” William grunted defiantly.

Fortunately for both of them, the garden area was devoid of people at the moment. The knight knew about it from the start of course, which’s why he allowed for his temper to let loose. After that, he parted ways with Hiro for the day. The boy sat on the secret bench that Rayna showed him before and sighed with exhaustion. It was an eventful day that wasn’t even over yet. Then, another unexpected guest appeared, interrupting the solitude Hiro was basking in. He didn’t mind it though. If anything, he was glad that so many people interacted with him out of their own volition.

“Big brother Hiro! How was your day?” Liliana inquired enthusiastically.

Hiro smiled at his sister, as she approached and sat beside him.

“Eventful, but great nonetheless. I’ve had a lot of fun.”

Lili was ecstatic about his answer. It was clear how much she cared about Hiro.

His conversation with William still fresh in his mind, Hiro couldn’t help but dig for a few answers from his dear sister. “Hey, Lili. I’ve been wondering, what’s up with William and Ai?” he inquired bluntly.

Liliana chuckled and hummed cheerfully as she replied, “I see that you’ve figured it out. They’re pretty obvious about it, aren’t they? Especially William.” she teased the currently absent pair, “They think they’re keeping it a secret, but we all know the truth already.”

Hearing Lili’s explanation Hiro burst into laughter. He considered the knowledge gained today to be a great way of teasing William if such need presented itself. With a wistful sigh, he stared out into the distance, the comfortable silence engulfing both him and Liliana at his side.