The next morning.
Hazuki was washing his body in the stream not too far from the orphanage backyard, humming softly as he scooped up the cold, clear water. Sunlight filtered through the trees, and the morning mist still clung to the grass.
He enjoyed the quiet.
No monsters.
No nobles.
Just birds chirping and cool water.
His arms moved lazily as he cleaned up, the ripples spreading across the stream. His black hair stuck to his face, but he didn't care. It was peaceful.
A few giggles.
Hazuki paused mid-splash and turned his head slowly.
There, by the small wooden fence, were two familiar figures. Chasia, balancing on the top rail, and Elvia standing beside her with a flat expression and twitching ears.
"Oi!" Hazuki shouted. "Don't stare too much!"
Elvia blinked.
Chasia grinned.
"But uncle, you're the one who wash in the open," Chasia said, swinging her legs over the fence like it was the most normal thing in the world.
