The Next Morning…
Morning came quietly—almost too gently for a world that had nearly fallen apart the night before.
Sunlight poured over the city of Dichondra like a blessing, golden rays stretching across rooftops, streets, and the castle walls. It was the brightest day of the year, as if the sky itself had chosen to celebrate the survival of the land.
Gone were the echoes of laughter, music, and clinking glasses from the grand celebration. The streets, once alive with chaos and joy, were now pristine. Not a single trace of the party remained.
The people had cleaned everything themselves.
No orders. No commands.
Just gratitude.
It was their way of honoring the heroes who had fought for them… and won.
Inside the castle, in the guest chambers reserved for honored visitors, silence lingered.
Leo was the first to wake.
His eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the soft light filtering through the curtains. For a brief moment, he simply lay there, unmoving, staring at the ceiling as if trying to hold onto the last seconds of peace.
Then reality settled in.
This is the day.
The thought struck him with quiet certainty.
Today, they would leave.
Today, everything would begin again.
He sat up slowly, running a hand through his hair, his chest tightening—not with fear, but with the weight of what lay ahead. Responsibility rested heavily on him, more than ever before.
Beside him, Rein stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open, and she turned her head toward Leo, her expression soft and calm despite the lingering exhaustion.
"Good morning," she said gently, her voice still laced with sleep.
Leo glanced at her and gave a small nod.
"Morning."
No more words were needed. The silence between them wasn't empty—it was understanding.
Across the room, Ethan let out a low groan, shifting slightly before dropping his arm over his face.
"Why does everything hurt…" he muttered.
Beside him, Helmond lay flat on his back, completely motionless, staring at the ceiling as if questioning every decision he had made the night before.
"…I think I died," Helmond said blankly.
"You wish," Alice's voice cut in.
She stood near the window, arms crossed, already fully awake.
Despite being the most intoxicated out of all of them the previous night, she looked the most composed now. Her gaze was fixed outside, observing the calm morning with sharp awareness.
"Both of you are just weak," she added without turning around.
Helmond let out a quiet groan. "You drank more than all of us combined…"
"And I'm still standing," Alice replied calmly.
A soft knock broke the moment.
Before anyone could respond, the door opened.
Princess Katelyn stepped inside.
She carried a tray of food herself—carefully prepared, still warm. There were no servants behind her. No guards. No royal presence.
Just her.
"The knights said your ship is ready," she said, placing the tray gently on the table. "Everything you'll need has been prepared."
Her tone was steady.
Too steady.
But her eyes betrayed her.
There was something behind them… something she was trying to hold back.
Flashback — The Night Before
Before the night had ended, Leo had already spoken to the King.
They would leave at dawn.
There was no hesitation in the King's response. Orders were given immediately—knights and servants worked through the night, gathering supplies, preparing the ship, ensuring that the heroes would have everything they needed for their journey.
Katelyn had not known.
Not until it was already decided.
Back to the Present…
Ethan stood up slowly, his expression shifting the moment his eyes met hers.
He walked toward her.
No jokes. No teasing.
Just quiet understanding.
Without a word, he pulled her into his arms.
Katelyn froze for a second… then held onto him tightly, her fingers clutching the back of his clothes as if afraid he might disappear.
"I'll come back for you," Ethan said softly.
His voice was gentle—but firm.
"I promise."
Katelyn's grip tightened.
"Don't think about anything else," he continued. "I'll be back as soon as we finish our mission."
Her voice came out barely above a whisper.
"I'll stay here… and wait for that."
Ethan pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her.
Then he kissed her.
Soft. Certain.
Katelyn closed her eyes and kissed him back, pouring everything she couldn't say into that single moment.
Behind them…
The room fell into an awkward stillness.
"…Woah," Helmond muttered quietly. "That's the King's daughter."
Rein blinked. "So they're really together?"
Alice smirked faintly. "I like it. It suits them."
Leo crossed his arms, watching with a small, approving smile.
"You better keep that promise," he said.
Ethan chuckled lightly, not letting go of Katelyn.
"I will."
Moments Later…
The mood shifted.
Reality returned.
Bags were packed. Weapons secured.
Everything was ready.
There was nothing left to delay.
Katelyn walked with them through the castle halls, escorting them personally.
Ethan held her hand the entire time.
Neither of them said anything.
They didn't need to.
When they stepped outside…
They froze.
A massive crowd had gathered.
Thousands of people filled the open space before the castle, their voices rising into cheers the moment they saw the heroes emerge.
At the front stood the King and Queen, waiting on a grand stage.
They were clapping.
Proud.
Grateful.
Leo and his team stepped forward, climbing onto the stage.
They waved to the crowd, smiles on their faces—but beneath those smiles was something deeper.
This wasn't just a celebration.
It was farewell.
The King stepped forward, raising his hand.
The crowd slowly quieted.
"These heroes…" he began, his voice strong and clear, "…saved our land."
"They uncovered the truth and protected us from the shadows within."
"They saved all three cities—Fescue, Nimblewill, and our beloved Dichondra."
Cheers erupted once more.
He continued.
"Leo—the leader who guided them to victory."
"Rein—whose support never wavered."
"Alice—the mind behind their success."
"Helmond—the strength that secured their triumph."
"And Ethan…"
The King paused, glancing toward his daughter.
"…the one who protected not only this kingdom—but my daughter."
A hush fell over the crowd.
Then, clearly and proudly—
"I accept you as the suitor of Princess Katelyn."
For a second, silence.
Then—
The entire city exploded with cheers.
Ethan smiled and turned toward Katelyn.
Without hesitation, he kissed her again.
Right there.
In front of everyone.
The crowd roared louder than ever.
Leo clapped.
Rein laughed softly.
Even Helmond grinned.
Alice simply nodded, as if approving of the moment.
But the celebration slowly faded…
As something else approached.
From the distance, a solemn procession moved forward.
The Kingdom of Nimblewill had arrived.
Their King and Queen walked slowly, their expressions heavy with grief.
Between them, carried by honored knights…
Was a casket.
Inside lay their son—the prince who had fallen after becoming the vessel of Zagan.
Silence spread across the entire city.
Then, one by one…
People bowed their heads.
Songs began to rise—not mournful, but respectful.
Honoring his memory.
Acknowledging his sacrifice.
The King and Queen of Nimblewill broke into tears.
But within those tears… was relief.
Their son was not remembered as a monster.
But as a prince.
Leo and his team stood quietly.
Respectfully.
Then, slowly…
They turned.
At the docks, the ship awaited them.
The sea stretched endlessly beyond the horizon, calm yet full of uncertainty.
A new journey.
A new chapter.
Leo stepped on board first.
Then Rein.
Alice.
Helmond.
Ethan lingered.
He turned back.
Katelyn stood there, tears already forming in her eyes.
He walked back to her one last time.
Gently, he held her face.
And kissed her.
"I won't break my promise," he said.
Then he left.
The ship began to move.
Slowly at first… then steadily.
The crowd waved.
The King and Queen stood proudly.
The people cheered.
But Katelyn…
She didn't wave.
She simply stood there.
Watching.
Holding onto the last image of him.
Tears slipped down her cheeks as the distance grew wider.
As Ethan… slowly disappeared beyond the horizon.
And just like that—
They were gone.