The capital of Eizo unfolded beneath a sky tinged with morning gold, its bustling streets alive with merchants calling wares, the scent of roasted meats drifting through the air, and the rhythmic toll of the grand clock tower that stood as the city's proud centerpiece. From high above, the sharp hum of an aircraft cut briefly through the noise before fading into silence, vanishing as though it had never been there.
Yamori leapt from the invisible vessel, his red coat fluttering around him as he landed against the clock tower's side. With a small dagger, he struck the stone face of the tower, sliding down its surface in a controlled descent until his boots touched the cobblestones below. Graceful as a shadow, he sheathed the blade and let out a faint sigh.
"Time to get some equipment before the day arrives."
He blended into the crowd with practiced ease, his sharp gaze scanning the vibrant streets. The capital was as loud and restless as he remembered, but Yamori had no time for sightseeing. His path led him to a sturdy little shop wedged between two larger buildings, the worn wooden sign swinging faintly with the breeze. It was a place he knew well—Kael's Forge & Wares.
The familiar smell of steel and oil greeted him as he entered, though the counter sat empty. Yamori blinked once, twice, confusion flickering across his usually calm features. Kael was never far from the counter.
The back door creaked open, and out shuffled Kael himself, beard long and white, his dwarven frame still broad despite age. His eyes widened the moment he saw Yamori.
"Ah, Sinbad's child? What in the gods' names brings you here?" His gaze darted toward the door, then back at Yamori. "Hold on. You came alone? By yourself?"
Yamori tilted his head slightly, saying nothing.
Kael's frown deepened, realization dawning. "It takes two days by cart from the east. Unless…" He trailed off, rubbing his temple. "You used the White Crosses? No, you didn't—damn boy, you took the airship, didn't you?"
Yamori gave a single nod.
Kael groaned, tugging at his beard. "Your father will have my hide if he finds out I helped you. Hells, boy… if you came all the way here in that thing, then this isn't just a casual visit, is it? What's so important?"
For a moment, Yamori was silent, as though ordering his thoughts carefully. Finally, he raised his eyes.
"I'd like to use your kitchen."
Kael blinked. His bushy brows furrowed as though he'd misheard. "I'm sorry, maybe I'm going deaf in my old age, but did you just say you want to use my—"
The sharp chime of the front door's bell cut him off. Yamori turned, his hand twitching slightly toward his sword. A woman had stepped inside.
She was striking—long raven hair cascading down her back, her black eyes sharp yet carrying a kind of warmth. She wore a flowing red dress tailored to perfection, the hem brushing lightly against polished shoes.
Kael straightened immediately, his tone shifting, his hands clasped firmly behind his back. "I told you a thousand times, girl, I won't sell this shop to your boss. Not today, not ever."
The woman bowed politely, her gaze flicking toward Yamori for a brief heartbeat before returning to Kael. "Please reconsider," she said softly. "But I am not here on behalf of my employer. My caretaker requires new equipment."
She glanced toward the door. "Oh, Lenny~"
The bell chimed again. A man hurried in, short blue hair disheveled, his sharp suit slightly wrinkled. His blue eyes widened in exasperation.
"Dammit, Yuta, stop running ahead! The boss will have my head if you get lost—" He froze mid-sentence, his gaze snapping toward Yamori. His face paled instantly. "The hell… the devil's child?"
Yamori stared back, unblinking, though his mind turned. The man's expression was thick with recognition, yet Yamori himself could not place him.
Kael cleared his throat sharply, silencing the moment with a single cough. "Enough of that. If you're here for equipment, I suggest a steel blade. Something practical for your… friend."
Yuta, the raven-haired woman, dipped slightly, lifting the hem of her dress in gratitude. "Thank you, Master Kael." She turned, her caretaker in tow, and followed Kael toward the racks of weapons.
Left behind, Yuta lingered only a moment before glancing at Yamori again. She moved closer, her height just enough to look down on him by an inch. He stole a brief glance at her face, then away, but she smiled as though amused by his reserve.
"I'm Yuta," she said brightly, extending her hand. "It's nice to see a new face."
Yamori's hand met hers firmly, though his expression remained still. "Yamori."
The moment their hands touched, the air seemed to shift—faint, inexplicable. His eyes widened just slightly, though Yuta released her grip without comment, her smile unbroken. Before anything more could be said, Kael and Lenny returned, the transaction complete.
"It's always a pleasure doing business with you," Yuta said, bowing with grace. Her eyes lingered briefly on Yamori. "And meeting you as well… Yamori."
With that, she and Lenny departed, their presence fading into the city's noise.
Kael turned, stroking his beard as he eyed Yamori, who still stood by the counter, gaze distant. "What's with that look? Don't tell me you've gone and fallen in love. Doubtful, but stranger things have happened."
Yamori exhaled slowly, almost a sigh. "Yuta… she's from the underground pleasure district, isn't she?"
Kael's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing at first. The question hung between them like a blade.