As Kairo laughed with the children, a calm shadow approached from behind them. The footsteps were measured and confident, and the boy's fine silk clothes shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
"Prince Kairo."
Kairo turned, blinking in surprise. Before him stood a boy around his age, though his dignified posture and composed expression made him seem older. His hair was neatly combed, and his stance carried the unmistakable weight of noble upbringing.
"I am Leonhart Valerius,"
the boy said formally, bowing with surprising grace for someone so young.
"The son of Duke Valerius. We met at the royal banquet last year… though it seems you may not recall."
Kairo's eyes widened. Leonhart… oh, now I remember. He slapped his forehead lightly and smiled sheepishly.
"Ohh! That's right. You were there when Father held that grand party! Sorry—I didn't remember your name because of… well… sleeping for an entire year."
The other kids chuckled at Kairo's casual honesty. Leonhart, however, didn't laugh. He studied Kairo's face for a moment, then gave a small smirk.
"Hm. A fair excuse, I suppose. Still, I'm glad you are awake. Rumors were spreading that you might never return."
Kairo tilted his head, scratching his cheek.
"Rumors? Uhhh, don't people have any other work here? They need to focus on their jobs instead of gossiping."
Leonhart's gaze sharpened.
"Some nobles whispered that the kingdom would weaken without the prophesied child. But now… seeing you here, strong and alive, I can tell those whispers were foolish."
Liana stepped forward, crossing her arms with a confident huff.
"Foolish indeed. Kairo has already proven his worth."
Ayaka nodded quickly, adding with quiet determination,
"Y-Yes! He's more than worthy!"
In his mind, Leonhart fought to keep his composure.
Damn these girls… Can't we just talk peacefully? My father told me to respect women and not be rude… These annoying brats keep interfering. I need to have a proper conversation and they just— ugh, I shouldn't think ill of anyone. God forgive me.
The tension broke as Kairo scratched his cheek again, feeling everyone's eyes on him.
Why does it feel like everyone's staring at me with such heavy eyes…?
Still, he offered Leonhart a friendly smile.
"Well then, Leonhart, since we're friends from last year… let's start fresh. I'll remember your name this time, I promise."
Leonhart's smirk softened into a small, genuine smile.
"See that you do. Because from now on, I'll be watching you closely, Kairo."
Don't worry, Kairo, Leonhart thought warmly. It was because you met so many people. I will become your best friend. You won't forget me even after a million years.
Kairo grinned mischievously.
"Please just don't peek at me while I'm having a bath or something… Well, if you really want to, I can—"
"No way! I won't watch you that closely! Ugh, don't make me sound weird!" Leonhart protested, his face flushing slightly.
Before the conversation could continue, the rest of the friends came rushing toward Kairo.
"Oiii Kairo! You're back!" Renji shouted.
"Ohhh, it's Renji! You're still exactly like you used to be — you haven't changed at all," Kairo replied with a laugh.
Renji ran straight in and hugged him tightly.
"Well, I should be angry because you said I didn't change… but you're finally here. I'm so glad you're awake."
Daichi and Hina also jumped in, wrapping their arms around Kairo in a group hug.
"Oii Akio, we planned that we would jump together!" Daichi complained.
"Darn it, I couldn't reach you as fast as you did, Akio!" Hina added.
Then both Daichi and Hina looked at Kairo with tears in their eyes.
"Hey, you idiot… don't leave us like that again."
Akio, also crying, chimed in,
"Hey, you both said exactly what I wanted to say! We're even now."
Kairo smiled softly, eyes warm.
"Yeah… you guys really haven't changed at all, huh?"
Rose and Mita came running next and joined the hug.
"Finally you're awake! We both prayed for you every day," Rose said.
"Yeah, we'll have our campfire tonight. We always missed you, Kairo. I'm so glad you're back,"
Mita added with a bright smile.
After talking and laughing with everyone, they decided not to play any games. Kairo still wasn't in any condition for roughhousing, and no one wanted to push him.
Instead, they simply stayed together — talking, teasing, and sharing the simple joy of being reunited.
For Kairo, surrounded by his friends' warmth and concern, the heavy weight he had carried since waking up felt just a little lighter.
These bonds… this was worth protecting.
No matter what lay ahead.
The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in gentle shades of orange and gold. Kairo's laughter with the children still lingered in the air when a calm, familiar voice called from behind.
"Young master Kairo."
It was Sebastian, his ever-dutiful butler, bowing politely. His silver hair shimmered faintly under the fading sunlight, and his expression carried both warmth and quiet authority.
"Your Highness, you've only just woken after a year. Though I understand your wish to reunite with your friends, your body still requires ample rest. The king and queen are awaiting your return."
Kairo let out a small sigh and scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips.
"Yeah, you're right, Sebastian. I guess I got a little carried away. My body… it still feels heavy."
He turned to his friends — Liana, Leonhart, and the rest of the children. A soft, genuine smile spread across his face.
"Well, everyone… I'll have to go for now. But I promise, I'll come back stronger. Next time, we'll play tag again — and I won't lose to anyone. Then we'll have that campfire we talked about."
"Don't you dare break that promise!" one of the boys shouted, grinning widely.
"We'll be waiting!" Liana said, her smile bright and warm.
Ayaka clasped her hands together in front of her, whispering shyly,
"Please… rest well, Kairo-sama."
Leonhart smirked with his usual sharp confidence.
"Don't make me wait too long, Kairo. The kingdom needs its prince at full strength."
Kairo waved one last time, his heart warm despite the lingering fatigue weighing on his limbs.
"Goodbye for now, everyone."
With Sebastian guiding him, he turned and headed back toward the towering palace gates. The fading laughter of his friends followed him like a gentle blessing, echoing softly in his ears as he stepped back into the grand royal halls.
This is only the beginning… Kairo thought, clenching his fists with quiet resolve. I need to become strong enough to protect this happiness.
As the heavy gates closed behind him, the warmth of the reunion lingered in his chest — a small but precious light against the shadows still waiting in the distance.
He would grow stronger.
For them.
For all of them.