The morning sun draped Valentine territory in a gentle gold, its warmth nudging away the last traces of night's quiet beauty. Luca ran at a steady pace through the peaceful streets, each breath filling his lungs with crisp air as his footsteps tapped lightly against the cobblestone.

Her Majesty had already departed before dawn.

Honestly, it was already beyond belief that Celestia—the Empress—had stayed even a single night. The thought made him almost laugh, a faint exhale leaving his chest as he shook his head.

She really is unpredictable…

Residents along the way paused in their early routines — shopkeepers sweeping storefronts, children dragging sleepy feet after their parents, young guards on patrol — all offering polite bows or warm smiles.

"Good morning, Lord Valentine!"

"Have a fulfilling day, Young Lord!"

He returned each greeting with a nod or a small wave, a genuine smile tugging at his lips.

This… this was still strange to him. Being greeted with respect. Being recognized. Having a place where people smiled at his presence instead of overlooking him like a ghost. Yet, the warmth of it settled into him like sunlight through chilled glass.

Still, his gaze—fixed ahead—carried resolve beneath that surface calm.

No matter what, we leave tomorrow.

The more time I stay here, the more I stagnate. I can't afford to waste a single day.

He increased his pace, leaping over a narrow stone bridge and pushing deeper into untouched land. After several minutes, his surroundings shifted. Forest merged with newly carved pathways and constructed clearings — work that shouldn't have been possible so quickly.

But there it was.

The newly established Elven Settlement.

Elegant wooden houses stretched upward in curved designs that mimicked growing trees — roofs shaped like layered leaves, walls decorated with swirling vine motifs. Luminescent crystals embedded in the structures shimmered faintly even under daylight, a testament to elven craftsmanship and mana synergy.

Elves walked freely here — no longer shackled by fear or hostility.

Little children chased butterflies barefoot through flowering patches, their laughter like soft windchimes. Adult elves carried woven baskets, trading fresh fruit and herbs with human merchants at humble market stalls. A few knights patrolled the border—not with harsh vigilance, but quiet guardianship.

The scent of blooming herbs carried lightly in the air, mixing with the distant sound of waterfalls fed by the forest river nearby. Nature and civilization intertwined seamlessly, peaceful and alive.

Luca slowed his run, breath hitching—not from exhaustion, but surprise.

"I… didn't expect things to progress this quickly."

The elves noticed him. Some paused and offered respectful nods—gratitude shining in their bright eyes. To them, Luca wasn't just a young noble.

He was the one who saved their people.

Who fought for them.

Who gave them a home.

A small elven girl, no older than eight, darted forward, clutching a freshly plucked lily.

"Thank you, Sir Luca!" she chirped, placing it into his hands before scampering away with giggles trailing behind her.

Luca looked down at the delicate flower — petals glowing faintly, like tiny moons caught in morning light.

His smile widened… softer, gentler.

Maybe… this wasn't wasted time at all.

Elowen arrived with Sylthara at her side, the faint scent of forest dew still clinging to them. She eyed the people surrounding Luca — elves who bowed their heads in gratitude, soldiers who nodded with respect, even a few younger elves staring at him with sparkling curiosity.

Elowen smirked lightly, teasing,

"Looks like someone is popular."

Luca mused right back with a casual shrug,

"I've always been popular."

Elowen let out a soft, melodic laugh — one Luca hadn't heard from her in a long time. Hopeful. Alive.

He smiled, genuine warmth flickering in his gaze.

"It's good to see you like this, Senior Elowen."

Her laughter faded into a quieter, more reflective smile.

"We can't always stay in the past," she murmured. "We have to move on… or at least try to."

Sylthara placed a gentle hand over Elowen's shoulder, supporting her silently. Luca nodded firmly.

"I believe you both will be great leaders to your race. And we'll definitely pass through these difficult times together."

Both elves nodded, their eyes turning toward the recovering settlement — families rebuilding homes, children daring to laugh again, elders singing old songs to mend their spirits.

Luca's voice softened, but held conviction,

"If you need anything, tell my father. He'll do everything he can."

Elowen breathed in, then turned her gaze fully to him — something resolute now shining in her eyes.

"I will definitely do so," she said. Then, after a heartbeat,

"But first… I need your help."

Luca blinked, puzzled, the shift in her tone unmistakable.

"…My help?"

The wind carried a hush across the clearing as Elowen stepped closer, her expression turning serious — almost urgent.

Elowen's expression softened, though a faint shadow of hesitation lingered in her emerald eyes. She took a slow breath, as if steadying her resolve, before asking:

"When are you leaving back on your trip?"

Her tone was gentle, but there was a weight beneath it — concern, urgency… perhaps even fear of the future.

Luca looked toward the horizon where the morning sun cast long streaks of gold over the newly built village. His voice was calm yet determined:

"Most definitely today."

The wind carried the words away, and with them, a flicker of peace from Elowen's features. She pressed her lips together for a moment, fingers curling slightly at her side. Then her gaze shifted — just briefly — to Sylthara, who stood beside her with her arms crossed and an impassive expression… though the faint tremble at the tips of her pointed ears betrayed her curiosity.

With a subtle, encouraging nod from Sylthara, Elowen gathered her courage and returned her eyes to Luca.

"Then…" she began quietly, "I have a request."

Luca tilted his head, puzzled.

Elowen's voice grew steadier, though her hands fidgeted with the hem of her battle-worn cloak.

"If you don't have any problem… please take Sylthara with you."

Luca blinked — once, then again. The words didn't register at first. His brows shot up in shock, body stiffening as he turned to Sylthara, who met his gaze directly.

Her eyes shimmered like fresh spring leaves, not with childish eagerness, but with a fierce longing — a yearning for something beyond the boundaries that had always caged her.

Elowen, noticing Luca's surprise, hurried to clarify, stepping closer as if trying to bridge the sudden emotional distance.

"She's been locked away in the elven forest for so long," she said, voice laced with aching protectiveness. "If she is to lead our race in the future, she must know the world — its beauty, its cruelty. I would guide her myself but…"

Her shoulders slumped, vulnerability exposed.

"…I can't leave right now. Not when our people finally have a chance to breathe again."

Luca looked down, tapping his thumb slowly against his palm — a gesture he always did when conflicted. His mind raced. Traveling wasn't a peaceful stroll; it was chaos, danger, and constant uncertainty.

His voice carried that reluctance:

"We're… not exactly going on a tour. The places we go aren't safe."

Sylthara stepped forward then, her expression tightening — pride and annoyance flickering across her face.

"I am strong," she declared, chin lifted. "I can take care of myself."

The air around her almost crackled with the quiet authority she carried — the aura of someone who had faced death and refused to kneel.

Luca paused, taking her in. Her determined stance, her unwavering eyes… and something else — a fragile hope she was desperately trying to hide.

Yes… she could endure it.

Finally, he exhaled, his resolve settling into place.

"…Fine."

Both elves reacted instantly.

A radiant, grateful smile bloomed across Elowen's face — small yet full of relief, her eyes softening as if a heavy burden had finally eased.

Sylthara's lips curved upward, confidence flashing like a spark in her gaze. Her tail of silver hair swayed lightly with excitement she tried — and failed — to conceal.

Elowen bowed her head slightly.

"Thank you, Luca."

Luca scratched his cheek lightly, adopting a resigned yet fond expression as he pointed at Sylthara — almost teasing, but with warmth behind the gesture.

"Get ready. We'll be leaving soon."

Sylthara straightened, hand resting over her heart as she nodded firmly — like a soldier accepting a sacred mission.

For the first time since he met her… Luca saw anticipation lighting her entire face. A girl stepping beyond her walls. A leader taking her first step into the world.

And somewhere in the quiet morning breeze…

a new story began.

By the time Luca returned to the manor, the warm morning light had fully embraced the city — streaks of gold slipping through windows and brushing against polished floors like gentle reminders of new beginnings.

He pushed open the large doors and stepped inside with quick, purposeful strides. His heart hammered with a mix of anticipation and urgency. The decision had been made — no hesitation, no delay.

"Aurelia. Lilliane. Selena. Kyle."

His voice echoed through the corridors, clear and commanding, but tinged with excitement. One by one, footsteps approached — some brisk, some hesitant.

Aurelia arrived first, her fiery hair still slightly tousled from her early training. A bead of sweat slid down her cheek as she sheathed her practice spear. Her brows creased in concern as her gaze searched Luca's face.

Selena followed soon after, calm and composed as always — though her cool amethyst eyes sharpened, sensing the tension in the air without a word spoken. Her cloak rustled softly behind her.

Kyle hurried in next, brushing off dust from his shirt as if he'd tumbled out of bed — again. His breathless grin faded when he noticed Luca's serious expression.

Lilliane came last, quietly stepping in, her fingers anxiously twined together. She tried to appear brave… but worry flickered in her eyes.

All four stood before Luca.

Waiting.

Luca lifted his chin slightly, shoulders squared. A subtle gust of wind drifted through an open window, brushing against him like a push forward — toward fate.

And with unwavering determination burning in his eyes, he spoke:

"Get ready."

His voice firm, steady — a leader's voice.

"We are leaving. Now."

Aurelia's eyes widened, surprise quickly replaced by a smirk — excitement glinting behind her fiery determination.

Selena's lips parted slightly — not in shock, but acceptance. She simply nodded once, already calculating and preparing in her mind.

Kyle blinked, stunned for a heartbeat — then his grin returned, bigger and bolder, adventure written all over it.

Lilliane swallowed hard — heart racing — but she stepped closer, gripping her skirt tightly.

They trusted him.

Wherever he went… they would follow.

Luca took a slow breath, gaze sweeping across the faces of his companions — his friends. The ones who had chosen him… and the ones he had chosen.

This wasn't just another journey.

This was the next step toward their future — and his own path of strength.

Outs

ide, somewhere far beyond the horizon, danger awaited.

But so did growth.

And hope.

Their next chapter had begun.

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