The sun had already climbed higher than usual when Kaito’s eyes finally opened.

  Golden light streamed through the thin curtains of the inn room, warming the wooden floor and the edge of his bed. For a moment, he simply lay there, listening.

  Birds chirping outside.

  Faint chatter from the street below.

  The clatter of plates from the inn’s dining area.

  He turned his head toward the other bed.

  Empty.

  “…Kael?”

  The blanket was tossed aside, still slightly warm.

  Kaito sat up slowly, running a hand through his hair. “He wakes up early when food is involved, apparently.”

  After washing his face properly, he headed downstairs.

  The familiar smell of freshly baked bread and soup greeted him immediately.

  And there—

  At one of the tables near the window—

  Kael was sitting between Serena and Renna, happily eating breakfast.

  Kael had a plate piled higher than seemed reasonable for someone his size. Bread, scrambled eggs, grilled sausage, and fruit were stacked neatly in front of him.

  Serena was laughing softly at something he had said.

  Renna looked half amused, half exasperated.

  Kaito stopped halfway down the stairs.

  “They’re getting along just fine,” he muttered under his breath.

  Kael noticed him first.

  “Hey! Finally awake?” he called out, mouth half full.

  Serena turned.

  “Good morning, Kaito.”

  Renna raised her cup casually. “About time.”

  Kaito smiled faintly. “Good morning.”

  He walked over and took a seat beside Kael.

  Ririna approached almost immediately, holding a wooden tray.

  “This one’s yours,” she said warmly. “Enjoy.”

  “Thank you,” Kaito replied.

  As he began eating, he studied the scene in front of him.

  Kael looked surprisingly natural sitting among them, despite being an ancient S-rank monster.

  “So,” Kaito asked casually, “how long have you been up?”

  Kael swallowed another bite. “Long enough.”

  Serena added with a small smile, “He woke up just before sunrise and came down quietly.”

  Renna snorted. “Quietly? He asked for seconds before I even finished my first plate.”

  Kael frowned. “This form consumes a lot energy.”

  “Sure,” Renna replied teasingly. “We’ll go with that.”

  The atmosphere was light.

  Comfortable.

  And Kaito felt something settle quietly in his chest.

  Tomorrow, they would leave this town.

  But today—

  Today felt peaceful.

  Raven Trading Company

  After breakfast, they gathered their belongings and stepped back into the streets.

  The town felt lively as ever. Merchants called out prices, children ran between stalls, and travelers moved in and out of the gates.

  Their first stop was Raven Trading Company.

  The large wooden building stood near the market square, its sign decorated with a black raven perched atop a golden coin.

  Inside, shelves were lined with supplies—ropes, lanterns, cookware, travel gear, and various adventuring necessities.

  A tall merchant greeted them with a practiced smile.

  “Welcome! Looking for some gear or product?”

  “Yes,” Kaito answered. “We’ll be heading to Grainford soon.”

  The merchant nodded knowingly. “Long road. You’ll need proper equipment.”

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  They spent nearly two hours browsing.

  Serena carefully inspected a large cooking pot, checking its durability and looking for towels for everyone.

  Renna looking for shampoo and mountain shoes.

  Kael wandered curiously between shelves, occasionally poking at items.

  “What is this?” he asked, holding up a spoon.

  Renna blinked. “A spoon.”

  “I know that. But why so many shapes?”

  Serena laughed. “Different uses.”

  Kaito purchased practical items—new plates, spoons, a sturdy cooking pot, preserved spices, rope, and a larger tent that could accommodate four comfortably.

  Then they stepped outside to take a look and test the carriages.

  Several models were displayed near the back lot.

  After some discussion and negotiation, Kaito chose a solid wooden carriage reinforced with iron bands, sturdy enough for long-distance travel. It came with a healthy brown horse already trained for road routes.

  “Forty gold coins,” the merchant confirmed.

  Kaito handed over the payment without hesitation.

  Renna whistled softly. “That’s almost our entire reward.”

  Kaito nodded. “That’s for a good use.”

  Kael walked around the carriage, tapping its side.

  “This will carry us?”

  “Yes.”

  He tilted his head. “Humans make strange moving boxes.”

  Serena giggled.

  After loading their newly purchased supplies inside, they guided the carriage toward the Adventurers’ Guild to store it temporarily in the guild’s stable yard.

  Farewell at the Guild

  Once the carriage was secured, they stepped back into the guild building.

  Garrick stood near the central hall, speaking to a group of adventurers.

  When he noticed them, he dismissed the others.

  “So. It’s time.”

  Kaito nodded. “We leave tomorrow.”

  Garrick look at them carefully.

  “You’ve grown fast. Faster than most.”

  Renna grinned. “Don’t sound so sentimental.”

  Garrick’s lips twitched faintly. “Just don’t get yourselves hurt.”

  “We won’t,” Serena replied confidently.

  Sofia hurried over from the reception desk, eyes already glistening.

  “You’re really going?”

  “Yes,” Kaito answered gently.

  Sofia clasped her hands together. “Please take care of yourselves. We’ll miss all of you.”

  Renna stepped toward Ellie, who stood quietly behind the counter.

  “Thank you,” Renna said softly. “You’ve been taking care of me since we became friend.”

  Ellie smiled warmly.

  “We’ve been friends since childhood. It’s your turn to see the world now. Do everything you’ve ever wanted to do.”

  She looked at Kaito.

  “Please take care of her.”

  Kaito placed a hand over his chest.

  “Don’t worry. We protect our comrades.”

  Serena added gently, “We’ll come back someday.”

  Kael folded his arms smugly.

  “Hehe. Don’t worry. I’m here. No one will dare cause trouble for them.”

  Garrick raised an eyebrow slightly but didn’t argue.

  Their farewells were brief but meaningful.

  Then they stepped back outside.

  On the way back to the inn, they stopped at several stalls.

  Fresh meat.

  Vegetables.

  Bread for travel.

  Dried fruit.

  Kael insisted on selecting extra meat.

  “For emergencies,” he claimed.

  Renna rolled her eyes. “For snacks.”

  As they neared the inn, Kaito slowed.

  “You three head back first,” he said casually. “I’ll meet you there soon.”

  Serena tilted her head. “Where are you going?”

  “Just something quick.”

  Renna smirked knowingly. “Suspicious.”

  Kaito waved it off lightly and turned down another street.

  He stopped in front of a small clothing store.

  The display window showed fine fabrics—robes, boots, travel cloaks.

  He stepped inside.

  The shopkeeper greeted him politely.

  After a short search, Kaito found it.

  The robe Serena had admired days ago.

  Blue and white fabric with delicate silver embroidery.

  Elegant, but practical.

  He purchased it without hesitation.

  Next—

  A pair of sturdy yet stylish boots Renna had glanced at during their visit in the Raven Company.

  He added simple but comfortable travel clothes for himself.

  And a small set of fitted clothing for Kael.

  As he stepped out of the shop, he felt strangely satisfied.

  Tomorrow, they would leave this place.

  Today was for gratitude.

  When Kaito returned, Renna was sitting downstairs with Ririna, chatting casually.

  He walked over and placed a small wrapped box in front of her.

  “What’s this?” Renna asked.

  “Open it.”

  She raised an eyebrow but unwrapped it quickly.

  Inside—

  The boots.

  Her eyes widened.

  “Wait… these are the ones from the Raven Company but look a bit different.”

  Kaito shrugged lightly. “You kept looking at them and I saw a similar one in the clothes shop.”

  Renna stood up immediately and slipped them on.

  They fit perfectly.

  She took a few steps, testing the balance.

  “…You idiot,” she muttered, though her voice was softer than usual. “You didn’t have to.”

  Kaito smiled faintly. “Consider it preparation for the road.”

  Renna looked away, trying to hide the faint blush on her face.

  “Thanks.”

  He nodded and headed upstairs.

  In his room, Kael was sitting cross-legged on the bed, staring out the window.

  Kaito handed him a small bundle.

  “For you.”

  Kael blinked. “What is it?”

  “Clothes. Travel-friendly.”

  Kael opened it slowly.

  Dark red and black clothing, simple but comfortable.

  He looked at it for a moment.

  “…You bought this for me?”

  “Yes.”

  Kael’s expression shifted subtly.

  “Humans are strange.”

  “Why?”

  “You give things without expecting immediate return.”

  Kaito shrugged. “You’re part of the team now.”

  Kael didn’t respond, but he placed the clothes carefully beside him.

  Then Kaito stepped back into the hallway and knocked gently on Serena’s door.

  “It’s open,” she called.

  He entered.

  Serena was packing her stuff in the bag.

  “What is it, Kaito?”

  He handed her the box.

  “Open it.”

  She blinked in surprise and did as he asked.

  When she lifted the lid—

  Her breath caught.

  “The robe…”

  She ran her fingers gently over the fabric.

  “It’s the one from that shop.”

  Kaito scratched the back of his neck slightly.

  “You kept looking at it every time we walking pass the shop.”

  Serena held it against herself, eyes shining.

  “So you notice that I have been looking at that shop and this robe ….It’s beautiful…”

  She looked up at him.

  “Thank you.”

  Kaito smiled. “We’re leaving tomorrow. I thought…”

  Before he could finish—

  Serena stepped closer.

  Very close.

  Then she rose slightly on her toes.

  And pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

  For a heartbeat—

  Kaito’s mind went blank.

  Serena’s face flushed bright pink.

  “Th-That’s… just a thank you,” she said quickly.

  Then she turned and hurried out of the room before he could respond.

  Kaito stood there, frozen.

  His hand slowly touched his cheek.

  “…Was that a kiss from a lady?” he muttered.

  A slow grin spread across his face.

  “That’s… surprisingly satisfying.”

  He shook his head and followed downstairs.

  That evening, they shared dinner together one final time in the inn.

  Ririna had prepared a generous meal—stew, roasted vegetables, bread, and dessert.

  Laughter filled the room.

  Kael listened quietly, occasionally adding sharp comments.

  Renna bragged about her new boots.

  Kaito watched them all with quiet contentment.

  Tomorrow—

  They would leave this town behind.

  But tonight—

  They were together.

  After dinner, they said their goodnights and returned to their rooms.

  As Kaito lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, he exhaled softly.

  “It’s time to move on to a bigger city.”

  From the other bed, Kael’s voice came lazily.

  “Grainford.”

  “Yes.”

  Silence lingered.

  Then Kael added quietly, “This will be interesting.”

  Kaito smiled faintly.

  “Yes. It will.”

  Outside, the town slept peacefully.

  Unaware that tomorrow—

  Crimson Blade would begin a new chapter.

  To be continued.