The forest gradually thinned as the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in streaks of orange and crimson. The steady rhythm of the horse’s hooves softened as Renna gently pulled the reins.
“Let’s stop here,” she said.
Ahead was a wide clearing surrounded by towering trees and enormous weathered stones. One massive rock stood like a natural wall, shielding the area from the wind. The ground was flat and dry—perfect for camping.
Kaito nodded in agreement. “This place is good.”
Renna guided the carriage toward a large tree and tied the horse securely. She patted its neck. “You did well today.”
Kaito wasted no time. He unloaded the tent and began setting it up near the large stone, using it as partial cover. His movements were efficient and practiced; in only a few minutes, the tent stood firm.
Nearby, Serena knelt with Kael, gathering dry branches.
“Here, this one’s good,” Kael said lazily, handing her a thick piece of wood.
Serena smiled. “Ohh nice, thank you.”
Kael shrugged. “Food gives motivation.”
Soon, a small campfire crackled to life. The golden light flickered across their faces as dusk settled gently around them.
When everything was ready, Kaito stepped toward the carriage and brought out a large pot.
“I’ll make something special tonight,” he announced.
Renna raised an eyebrow. “Special?”
Serena leaned closer curiously as Kaito poured water into the pot and placed it over the fire. He began slicing vegetables—carrots, leafy greens, wild herbs they had gathered earlier. Then he added thick cuts of wolf meat and freshly caught fish from earlier stops.
Finally, he reached into a small pouch and added crushed chili peppers and a deep red paste.
A rich, spicy aroma immediately filled the air.
Serena’s eyes widened. “Aww… what is this smell?”
Renna sniffed the air dramatically. “That’s spicy for sure.”
Kaito laughed. “I just added some chili pepper and some red stuff.”
“Red stuff?” Renna repeated suspiciously.
“Trust me,” he said confidently.
He placed a lid over the pot and let it simmer. The bubbling sound blended beautifully with the crackling fire. The forest grew darker, but the warmth of the campsite made everything feel safe.
After a while, Kaito lifted the lid.
Steam burst into the cool evening air, carrying a rich fragrance that made everyone instinctively lean forward.
The soup was vibrant—red broth shimmering under the firelight, vegetables softened perfectly, meat tender and floating alongside fish slices.
Renna didn’t wait long. She grabbed a bowl and chopsticks, scooped some broth and fish, and blew on it before taking a bite.
Her eyes widened immediately.
“It’s hot… and spicy… but that’s good!” she exclaimed, already reaching for another piece.
Serena carefully tasted hers next.
Stolen novel; please report.
She closed her eyes briefly as the warmth spread through her body. “Hmm… that’s delicious. I’ve never eaten something like this before.”
Kaito chuckled softly. “Back then, I didn’t have many ingredients. But now we do.”
Kael took his bowl and tasted it without hesitation.
“Oopss… it fits my taste,” he said calmly, though he was already eating faster than the others.
They laughed.
The four of them sat around the fire, bowls in hand, enjoying the meal together. The spicy heat chased away the night’s chill. Laughter echoed lightly between the trees.
There were no monsters.
No tension.
Just warmth.
When they finished, Renna stretched and leaned back on her hands. “That was the best dinner so far.”
Serena nodded and look at kaito with a smile “Your cooking is getting better now.”
Kaito scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed. “It’s nothing special.”
“It is,” Serena said softly with small red blush on her cheek.
For a brief moment, their eyes met in the flickering firelight. The glow reflected in her emerald eyes, and Kaito felt something stir quietly inside his chest.
Before the silence could grow too heavy, Renna stood up and clapped her hands lightly.
“Alright. Tonight, you sleep. Serena and I will keep watch.”
Kaito blinked. “Are you sure?”
Renna crossed her arms. “You’ve been driving and fighting. Rest.”
Serena nodded. “Just go and rest we will keep everyone safe here.”
Kaito looked at them for a second before smiling. “Then if you’re sleepy, wake me up. I’ll take my turn.”
“Good night,” Renna said.
“Good night,” Serena echoed gently.
“Good night, then,” Kaito replied.
He glanced toward the tent.
As expected, Kael was already asleep, curled comfortably under his blanket, completely undisturbed by the world.
Kaito shook his head lightly and entered the tent. Within minutes, exhaustion claimed him.
Outside, the forest grew quiet.
The stars emerged one by one, glittering above like scattered diamonds.
Renna and Serena sat side by side on a fallen log near the campfire, its flames now softer and calmer.
For a while, they simply listened to the night.
After a few hours, when the fire had turned to glowing embers, Serena spoke quietly.
“How do you feel about the journey… since we have reach this far.”
Renna looked up at the sky thoughtfully.
“It feels amazing,” she admitted. “I’ve never traveled beyond our town before. Everything feels new… exciting.”
She smiled faintly.
“And I feel like we’re a family. Taking care of each other.”
Serena’s expression softened. “A family…”
She liked that word.
After a brief pause, Serena added carefully, “How about Kaito?”
Renna blinked.
“Eh? Why are you asking about him right now?” she said, her voice slightly higher than usual.
Serena tilted her head with a teasing smile. “Just curious.”
Renna’s cheeks warmed faintly in the firelight. She looked away, pretending to focus on the trees.
“Well…” she began slowly. “I feel very safe with him around.”
Serena stayed quiet, listening.
“He’s reliable,” Renna continued. “Ever since we met, he’s been taking care of us. He plans everythings, cooks for us, protects us… even buys us things without saying much.”
Serena smiled gently.
“And I enjoy his food,” Renna added quickly, as if trying to lighten her own serious tone.
Serena let out a soft laugh. “Hm you got the point.”
Renna glanced at the tent where Kaito was sleeping.
“He doesn’t say much about himself,” she said more quietly. “But he always thinks about us first.”
Serena followed her gaze and smile.
“Yes… we feel safe with him around.”
The night breeze brushed through their hair.
Serena clasped her hands loosely in her lap.
“So let’s enjoy every moment with him,” she said softly. “From now on… to the very end.”
Renna looked at her, then nodded firmly.
“To the very end.”
They both leaned back slightly, gazing up at the vast sky.
The stars seemed endless.
The world beyond the forest felt large and unknown.
But in this small clearing, beside a fading fire, they felt content.
After a while, Renna yawned. “Your turn to talk. How do you feel about this journey since you travel with kaito?”
Serena hesitated.
Then she smiled faintly.
“I’m happy.”
“That’s it?” Renna teased.
Serena shook her head slightly. “Not just because of the adventure. Not just because we’re strong.”
She paused.
“I’m happy because… I don’t feel alone.”
Renna didn’t interrupt.
Serena’s eyes softened as she looked toward the tent again.
“I’ve always trained alone. Fought alone. Lived thinking strength was everything.”
She inhaled gently.
“But now… when we fight, I know someone is behind me.”
Her lips curved into a warm smile.
“And when we eat, we laugh together.”
Renna leaned her shoulder lightly against Serena’s.
“Yeah. It’s better this way.”
The embers glowed softly between them.
After some time, Serena stood up. “You should rest a bit. I’ll keep watch.”
Renna shook her head. “No, we’ll both stay a little longer.”
They remained there quietly, watching the stars, listening to the forest breathe.
Inside the tent, Kaito stirred slightly in his sleep.
Unaware of the conversation.
Unaware of how deeply he was trusted.
Outside, the two girls continued to guard the night—not just for safety, but for the warmth of the bond they were slowly building together.
The forest remained peaceful.
And under the endless sky, their journey felt less like travel—
And more like home.
