After a whole month, the king finally returned to the wounded soldiers' camp. And the moment he arrived, that sense of security came flooding back, you could see it in the eyes of the injured.

  “My people, I have returned, and we have triumphed! We drove the Astryers into retreat!” he shouted proudly, and in the next moment, the crowd exploded into cheers, cries, and overwhelming joy.

  Kazuki, who was drinking with Isran at the time, heard it, of course. And a warmth spread in his chest. Joy… and a strange but welcome feeling of safety.

  “Hey, did you hear that?” asked Isran. “The king’s throwing a banquet, right here in the wounded camp. It’s for his daughter’s birthday. She’s turning eighteen.”

  A banquet? Kazuki thought. Honestly, that doesn't sound so bad. I haven't had a decent meal since I came to this world.

  “No, I didn’t hear. But I’m definitely going,” he said without hesitation.

  “Huh? Aren’t you usually totally against that kind of thing?” Isran asked, clearly surprised.

  “Yeah, well, I’ll be real with you, I’m just going for the food,” Kazuki laughed. Let’s see if he still wants to come.

  “Oh, then we had the same idea,” Isran said with a grin.

  Guess I didn’t need to worry after all. Kazuki could barely wait. For weeks, he’d been living off dry bread, flavorless porridge, and drinks that were either water or watered-down milk. Absolutely joyless.

  “Hey, when is the banquet anyway?” Kazuki asked, still completely clueless.

  “It’s in one week, so, today in seven days,” Isran answered. “Seriously? You plan to go to the banquet but don’t even know when it is?” he laughed.

  This guy’s kinda annoying… but I still like him, Kazuki thought.

  “Alright, alright, stop laughing,” he said, even as he enjoyed just being around Isran. The evening went on like that, just the two of them, until it quietly came to an end.

  Six days later

  Since the night they’d decided to go to the banquet, six days had passed. On the evening before the feast, the boys were once again at their usual pub—something of a nightly tradition by now.

  “So, you excited for tomorrow? Real food at last,” Isran asked, already a little tipsy.

  “Hell yeah. I’m gonna stuff myself full,” Kazuki laughed. “I’ll clear the whole damn table.”

  “But hey, different topic… When are you going to talk to your friend Sebastian again? He’s not gonna turn you away, you know,” Isran said, trying to encourage him.

  Kazuki’s expression changed in an instant. The smile disappeared, like he’d just seen a ghost.

  Not this again, he thought. It hit him right in the heart. He’d tried so hard to keep those feelings locked away.

  “Please… just drop it, alright? I’ll do it when the time is right,” Kazuki said with a blank stare, so empty it could’ve swallowed someone whole. Isran left it at that.

  Drowned in emotion again, Kazuki called it an early night.

  What do I even want? How is this supposed to go? What if I never find the courage… or what if he pushes me away again?

  I couldn’t handle that. If he rejects me again, it’s really over. That thought terrifies me.

  Maybe… sometimes you just have to leave things the way they are. Maybe then, they’ll get better on their own.

  With that thought, Kazuki tried to shut down everything running through his head, but the pain in his chest wouldn’t fade. So he decided to sleep it off.

  But then… she appeared again.

  That strange woman who looked just like him.

  Those pitch-black eyes that pierced right through him.

  Her again…

  Inside, he was already crying, but outside, he stayed strong.

  “So, what kind of poetic crap are you gonna feed me this time?” Kazuki asked sarcastically. He just wanted out of this damn dream.

  “When her crown falls, no one will hear it break. But you… you have to be there to pick it up, not the gold, but the heart beneath it.”

  Another line that left him speechless.

  What the hell is that supposed to mean? Kazuki thought, lost and frustrated.

  Morning came. Kazuki woke up and looked around, just in time to see Isran walking up to him.

  “Well, look who’s finally awake. Today’s the day! Real food at last!” said Isran, his usually calm eyes practically glowing with excitement.

  The hours leading up to the banquet flew by. When the time finally came, the boys made their way to the hall.

  As they arrived, Kazuki immediately heard the voice of the princess.

  “Dear guests, I’m happy to see you all here. I wish you a wonderful evening!”

  With her speech done, the air filled with music, laughter, and the delicious aroma of food and wine. The mood was festive and vibrant.

  Finally, food, Kazuki thought, eyeing the tables overflowing with wine, fruit, and endless delicacies. But then, his gaze locked onto someone.

  Sebastian.

  Oh great… appetite ruined.

  “Hey, are you even listening to me?” Isran’s voice cut through his daze.

  Kazuki hadn’t realized he’d just been standing there, glaring at Sebastian.

  Isran gave him a light smack on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s grab a drink.”

  “Yeah, alright,” Kazuki muttered, trying to force a smile even though he wasn’t feeling it.

  The evening passed faster than he expected. After the banquet, Kazuki decided to go for a walk. This time, he took a different path.

  Change of scenery might help, he thought. But inside, he was anything but calm. The alcohol hadn’t dulled the sharp pain in his chest, a heavy knot that refused to go away.

  Huh? What’s that over there?

  In the distance, someone was moving. A person?

  As he got closer, he could make out the figure.

  A girl?

  Her golden hair shimmered faintly in the moonlight. Even through the blur of his half-drunken gaze, he recognized her.

  Only one person has hair like that…

  “Princess Rina? What are you doing out here?”

  Crap. Why did I even say anything?

  The princess turned toward him.

  “What was your name again…? Oh right! Kazuki – the guy with the strange name. What about you? What are you doing out here?”

  Strange name? Great. Off to a fantastic start.

  “Uh… I just needed some air. Clear my head… from some dumb thoughts,” he replied, his voice a bit strained.

  Rina tilted her head slightly. “Dumb thoughts? And they bother you that much?” Her voice was soft, almost motherly.

  What is this, therapy? Kazuki looked away awkwardly.

  “Alright… I’ll tell you. But you have to promise not to laugh, okay?”

  “I promise.”

  Kazuki hesitated.

  Why am I even doing this? Why am I telling a total stranger about my problems? She’s got nothing to do with my life…

  And yet… it felt right.

  “So… I had a close friend. Or maybe… I still have one. We haven’t spoken in almost two months. And I don’t know how to fix things. How to apologize…”

  His voice softened.

  “It was my fault. The fight… it started because of me. I was jealous. He had a great reputation. And me… well, mine was garbage. I hated him for that. Even though…”

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  He paused, swallowing hard. The pain in his chest tightened, but he kept talking.

  “Even though I hated him… I don’t want to lose him. What kind of feeling is that?”

  God, this is pathetic. I’m standing here pouring my heart out to a girl I barely know.

  Rina didn’t speak for a moment. The night wind played with her hair as her calm, green eyes studied him.

  “Hm…” She touched her chin thoughtfully.

  “I’m no expert… but I think that just means your friendship really mattered to you,” she finally said, her voice low and gentle.

  “If you can’t forget someone, even after hurting them… it means they still matter to you. A lot.”

  Why does it sound so easy when she says it?

  “Jealousy isn’t pretty. But it’s human. Everyone compares themselves to others. Everyone has doubts. And yeah, sometimes we hurt people, and ourselves. But you regret it, don’t you?”

  Kazuki nodded silently.

  I’ve regretted it this whole time. I just didn’t have the guts to admit it.

  “Then talk to him. Honestly. Tell him what you feel, even if you’re scared of how he might respond,” she said, smiling faintly.

  “Real friendships can survive mistakes. And if they can’t… then maybe they were never real to begin with.”

  Kazuki looked at her.

  Suddenly, she didn’t seem like a princess anymore, but someone who had been hurt, too.

  Why does it feel like she knows exactly what she’s talking about…?

  “You’re pretty wise for someone who’s only eighteen,” he muttered.

  Rina chuckled softly. “Or maybe I’m just good at pretending. Sometimes, that’s all it takes for people to open up.”

  Kazuki dropped his gaze.

  What kind of person is she…? I barely know her, and yet she understands more than anyone else ever has.

  “Yeah… you’re right,” he said quietly. “I need to do it. I can’t keep running away.”

  He looked up.

  “Princess, thank you. I feel like… I can face him now. Tomorrow, I’ll apologize.”

  “I’m glad I could help,” she said with a smile. “But for now, you should get some rest. You’re a little tipsy.”

  Kazuki gave a weak laugh. “Guess I am… Good night, Princess.”

  “Good night, Kazuki,” she called after him.

  He turned to glance back at her one more time, then made his way to his room.

  That girl… I don’t know what it is about her… but she has something…

  …oh no. Don’t tell me I’m falling for her.

  That was Kazuki’s last thought before collapsing onto his bed.

  Kazuki woke up the next morning.

  No hesitation. No excuses.

  He jumped up as if something had pushed him and rushed straight toward Sebastian’s tent.

  As soon as he saw it, his heart grew heavy.

  Shit... am I really going to do this?

  His breath caught, and his legs suddenly felt like lead.

  “What do you want now?” Sebastian asked, sounding slightly annoyed.

  Kazuki swallowed.

  “I… I want to apologize.”

  A lump formed in his throat. He lowered his eyes.

  Damn it, I didn’t want to cry...

  “I… I’m a complete idiot. I messed everything up. Please forgive me…”

  he said, as tears streamed down his face.

  There was silence for a few seconds. Then:

  “Oh come on… you really cry like a little kid. That’s so embarrassing.”

  Sebastian looked at him seriously.

  I knew it. I knew this was a terrible idea...

  Kazuki dropped to his knees, his fists trembling.

  But suddenly, a hand clapped onto his shoulder.

  Laughing.

  “Get up, you idiot. I’m not mad at you anymore. It’s been almost two months.”

  Sebastian grinned.

  “Stop crying already, you crybaby.”

  Kazuki blinked, confused.

  What… that’s it? It was that easy?

  “So… you really forgive me?” he asked, still teary-eyed.

  “Yeah, don’t worry about it,” said Sebastian.

  “But seriously, stop crying. Both of them laughed. For a moment, everything was okay.

  Kazuki felt like a huge weight had finally been lifted.

  But then, sirens.

  A sharp, piercing alarm ripped them from the moment.

  The Astryer had entered the camp.

  “Damn it!” Sebastian shouted. “Come on Kazuki, we have to run!”

  A chill ran down Kazuki’s spine.

  Why now of all times?! And… damn it, Isran!

  “No! We can’t leave! Isran’s not here, we have to find him!” Kazuki cried, panicking.

  “Are you insane?! Walking back into the camp now is suicide! Let’s go, come on!” Sebastian yelled, just as panicked.

  But Kazuki shook his head.

  “No! I’m going to find Isran!”

  He turned and started running back into the chaos.

  “You’re seriously suicidal and insane!”

  Sebastian cursed as he pulled a dagger from his pocket and chased after Kazuki.

  No matter what happens... I will find Isran.

  He never gave up on me, and I won’t give up on him.

  Kazuki ran. Chaos everywhere. But he didn’t stop.

  While running, he picked up a few stones from the ground, the only thing he could use to defend himself if it came to it.

  "No matter what happens, I will search for Isran. And I will find him."

  Kazuki thought to himself, he didn’t want to abandon Isran. Because Isran never abandoned him.

  So they ran. Bodies lay everywhere, tents were burning, tortured screams came from every direction. But Kazuki was determined.

  I have to find Isran, no matter what.

  "Hey Kazuki, watch out!"

  shouted Sebastian as he shoved Kazuki to the side. An arrow grazed Kazuki’s head, Sebastian had pushed him just in time.

  "Thanks… but we have to keep going," Kazuki said, stressed.

  "Running around carelessly won’t help you," Sebastian warned. But it was pointless, Kazuki wasn’t listening.

  Shit… please be alive. I’ll find you. So just stay alive, Isran.

  But while Kazuki was lost in thought,

  "Hey! Watch your head!" shouted Sebastian.

  Kazuki looked up, and there he was.

  A massive soldier. Sword raised high.

  Kazuki stumbled back in shock, the swing missed him by a hair.

  Shit… this guy’s huge… at least six foot three.

  Kazuki didn’t hesitate. He threw his stones, but they bounced harmlessly off the armor.

  "HA HA HA!" the giant laughed.

  "You think pebbles will hurt me? That’s an insult! And for that, you’ll die!"

  Suddenly his expression twisted, murderous rage flaring in his eyes.

  Kazuki scrambled back. Now he was next to Sebastian.

  "Man… you were standing on the edge of death," said Sebastian, still stunned Kazuki had survived.

  But the giant charged at them.

  "Sebastian, attack! We have to fight, there’s no other way!" Kazuki shouted.

  The giant stormed forward with a roaring war cry. The ground shook under his weight, his heavy armor clanking with every step, like the bells of an execution.

  Sebastian leapt to the side, just in time to dodge the greatsword’s arc. The strike hit the ground, spraying dirt and shards everywhere.

  Kazuki ducked on instinct.

  That would've split me in half…

  "Keep moving! I’ll distract him!" shouted Sebastian, pulling out his daggers.

  He was fast. Unbelievably fast. Like a shadow, appearing and disappearing just outside the giant’s reach.

  "YOU LITTLE WORM! STAND STILL!!"

  The soldier swung wildly, too slow. Sebastian was already behind him, trying to slice at the back of his armor, too thick.

  "Damn… almost!" he cursed.

  Kazuki stood a few feet away, hands full of stones, breathing hard.

  I have to help… somehow…

  He threw a stone.

  Clack. Nothing. It bounced off the chest plate. No effect.

  "What was that?! A child throwing dirt?!" the giant roared. "You’re both a joke!"

  But the distraction worked. Sebastian ducked under another swing and slashed the giant’s thigh. Not fatal, but it made him howl.

  "Kazuki!" Sebastian gasped. "His neck! That’s the weak spot!"

  Kazuki gasped, reaching into his pocket, his fingers closed around a sharp, jagged stone.

  Just one throw… it has to hit…

  He waited. Watched. The giant screamed, raising his sword overhead, exposing the gap between helmet and breastplate.

  Now!

  Kazuki hurled the stone with all his strength.

  A bloody impact.

  "ARRRGH!! MY EYE!!"

  The giant screamed in pain, stumbling back.

  Sebastian moved instantly. He dashed forward, jumped, pushed off the giant’s leg,

  and drove both daggers into the gap at the neck.

  A wet, slicing sound.

  The soldier gurgled, reaching blindly for the boy on him, but his hands found nothing.

  Then he fell.

  With a loud crash, the colossus hit the ground. Blood oozed from his armor, spreading like a dark shadow.

  Sebastian landed, breathing hard.

  Kazuki stared. The stones slipped from his hand.

  "He… he fell…," he muttered.

  "Only because you gave me the opening," Sebastian said calmly. Still holding the daggers, blood dripping from the blades.

  The fight was over.

  But something snapped inside Kazuki.

  Shit… I really did that? That means… I’m a killer…

  But he pushed the thought aside. Isran was more important now.

  "Come on, Sebastian! We don’t have time to waste. Let’s go!" Kazuki shouted, stressed.

  They ran deeper into the camp.

  And it was worse than any nightmare. Corpses, fire, blood everywhere. The once lively place was flattened.

  It looks like… my worst nightmare…

  Shit, where is that guy… man, please be alive…

  Kazuki didn’t look down again. He kept the stones ready, then he heard screams. And a familiar voice.

  "Sebastian, do you hear that? That’s Isran!" he shouted in relief, but it didn’t last.

  Because when they followed the screams, they saw it:

  A badly injured Isran, surrounded by three Astryan soldier