Rysaz, accompanied by ten soldiers, made her way toward Lumeria. After days of travel, they finally reached the city. Once the guards at the gate completed their inspection, she was allowed entry. The mayor himself came out to greet her, bowing deeply with both hands clasped together, his voice dripping with flattery:
"Oh my, what an honor it is for our humble city to welcome someone as distinguished as Lady Rysaz! Surely you have come here with an important purpose? If you would allow me to know, we can prepare more properly."
Rysaz replied calmly,
"I am simply here to investigate a few matters."
The mayor paused briefly, then nodded with a knowing look in his eyes.
"Ah… so it is about that matter."
He bowed once more and personally escorted her and her soldiers to their lodgings. As they walked, his tone turned wary:
"You must be careful, my lady. The incident with Kael and that boy… whatever caused it might still be lurking within the city."
Rysaz gave a slight nod.
"Thank you for the warning."
By noon, after settling into their quarters, Rysaz gathered her soldiers.
"Spread out and investigate the city. Report back to me tonight."
They saluted in unison and departed. Rysaz, meanwhile, followed the mayor's directions toward the Adventurers' Guild.
As she arrived, the sound of wooden swords clashing rang out from the training yard behind the guild. Curious, she went around and found two figures sparring — a young man and a boy of about eight or nine. Before she could get a good look, the young man suddenly turned, his voice filled with astonishment:
"Wait… Rysaz? Is that really you? I can't believe I'm seeing you again!"
Rysaz froze, then recognized the familiar face — Kael. He had once been her dearest comrade in the hero's party… and perhaps more, if not for what had happened in the past. Spotting the boy beside him, a pang of sadness welled up in her heart.
That must be his son… she thought.
Kael continued calling her name with genuine joy, but his words barely reached her. Memories from years ago swirled through her mind, until the boy asked innocently:
"Who's that, Brother Kael?"
Rysaz's eyes widened. His brother? A nephew? Or maybe just a child Kael is helping? She couldn't be sure. To cut through her thoughts, she vaulted over the fence and landed before them. Kael stepped forward with a radiant smile:
"You've been well, I hope? It's been so long — I'm truly glad to see you!"
But Rysaz ignored the pleasantries and asked bluntly, her tone cold:
"That boy… is he your son?"
Kael blinked in confusion.
"Huh?"
She pressed again, more firmly:
"I asked you — is that your child?"
Kael scratched his head with a sheepish laugh.
"No, no. This is Renar. His family was lost in an accident. I've just been looking after him, teaching him. The other day he asked me for some training, so we're practicing swordplay together."
His voice grew proud as he added:
"You'd be surprised by Renar's determination. He's strong — stronger than most give him credit for."
Meanwhile, Rysaz's gaze wandered to Kael's well-toned abs, her lips almost parting unconsciously. Renar, standing beside them, could only smile awkwardly at the odd atmosphere.
A little later, Kael invited her into the room he had recently rented near the guild. They sat together and reminisced for hours — about their old party, Kael's rise into the top twenty adventurers in the king's tournament, and the day their feelings had to be set aside when Rysaz chose her own path.
Renar listened with wide-eyed wonder, fascinated by the stories of their past adventures.
Eventually, Kael asked:
"So, what brings you here?"
Rysaz explained the mission entrusted to her by the king. Kael nodded, then recounted everything that had happened — the two men in black, the chase across the rooftops, and the monster he could never forget. Renar joined in, telling his part of the story — the moment Kael collapsed, and the mysterious pendant. Both Kael and Rysaz were stunned.
Rysaz examined the pendant but found nothing unusual. Returning it to Renar, she shook her head.
"Nothing at all."
Then she stood.
"That's enough. I'll return to the capital and report this."
Kael frowned slightly.
"You won't stay for a few days?"
"This is a mission. Now that it's done, I must go back," Rysaz answered firmly, though her voice softened at the end. She extended her hand.
"But I'll come back — one day, not too far from now."
Kael clasped her hand tightly, smiling.
"Then next time, let me take you out to eat — and maybe have some fun."
That evening, under the crimson glow of the setting sun, they parted before the Adventurers' Guild. Kael called out farewell after farewell, while Rysaz looked back once, smiling gently with a nod. Behind him, Renar waved too, his innocent grin radiating warmth.
As she walked under the twilight sky, Rysaz felt a lightness in her heart. The thought that Renar was only Kael's disciple filled her with quiet joy.
Perhaps… my chance isn't gone yet, she told herself.
Meanwhile, Kael was overjoyed to be reunited with his old comrade, and Renar whispered to himself:
"I've just gained… a very special friend."