Kuro walked back to Fenric's house, jaw still tight from the confrontation.

  Ravmor's killer.

  Ella's words echoed in his mind. She knew. Or suspected. Either way, she was a problem.

  He pushed open the door.

  Fenric lay sprawled on the hard floor, still sound asleep, snoring like a hibernating bear. Kuro stared down at him.

  At least one thing is simple.

  He nudged Fenric with his boot. "Wake up, idiot."

  Fenric's eyes cracked open slowly, as if pushing against a great weight. He squinted up at the figure standing over him.

  "Kurooooo!" His voice cracked with enthusiasm despite the obvious pain. "You woke before me, eh? Good job, partner!"

  "It's eleven."

  Fenric blinked. "...What?"

  "Eleven. In the morning. Idiot."

  "Yeah, right—"

  Fenric executed a perfect kick-up, landing on his feet with feline agility. He spun to look at the clock on the wall. His face went pale.

  "Holy Molly, why did I sleep this much?" He pressed both hands to his temples. "And my fucking head hurts like hell."

  "That happens when you drink till your nose bleeds."

  "Yeah, I was just happy to see Ella. And Lovia was there, so I got a bit out of control." Fenric's tail swished as he grinned. "Surprisingly, you look fine. Did the beer run out before you got any?" He laughed.

  "Ha. Ha." Kuro's voice was desert-dry. "Anyway, let's go."

  "Go where?"

  "Job. Capture some bandits." Kuro pulled a crumpled flyer from his pocket and held it up. "Gear up."

  Fenric's ears flattened. "Calm down, partner. You just killed a big-ass orc yesterday. Why don't we rest today? You deserve it."

  "Not a chance." Kuro's jaw tightened. "You know my goal. I'm already pissed I can't reach higher ranks faster. I don't have time to waste."

  "You'd reach higher ranks if you told people the truth."

  "I know. And I don't want that." Kuro crossed his arms. "I'm pretty sure Rhanes knows the truth. He could raise my rank."

  "Yes, but it's not that easy," Fenric sighed. "The guild system isn't just Master and members—it's a chain. Every detail gets recorded. They need evidence for your sudden promotion. You can't jump from D to B without documentation."

  "Hm."

  "I understand the frustration, but you can't overwork yourself to death, man—"

  Fenric's ears suddenly swiveled toward the window. His head tilted, picking up something in the commotion outside. He caught a single word rising above the street noise.

  Emberthaw.

  His eyes went wide. "Wait! I totally forgot about it!"

  Kuro raised an eyebrow. "About what?"

  "Emberthaw! The Spring Festival! It welcomes prosperity for the new season!"

  "Okay. So?"

  "So?" Fenric's face lit up with a huge smile. "So you go to the festival and enjoy your day off!"

  "Yeah, right. I don't have time for this. I have to—"

  "Yeah, yeah, I've heard it a thousand times. You have to get to the second city. I get it." Fenric stepped closer, his tone shifting from playful to insistent. "But it's just one day, man. I heard it's awesome—there'll be dancing, plays, delicious food from across the lands. Don't miss it, partner."

  "Beast, do I look like someone who—"

  "Enough." Fenric's voice hardened. "For once, you obey me. Go to the festival. Enjoy it." His grin returned. "Of course, I mentioned food—which means different kinds of drinks too. What do you say?"

  Kuro stared at him for a long moment. Then let out a defeated sigh.

  "Fine."

  He turned toward the door.

  "Wait!" Fenric called. "Are you going like that? Dude, it's a festival. Wear some decent clothes."

  "Nope."

  "Come on, man! You have some weird relationship with your wardrobe." Fenric threw his hands up. "Fine. At least remove your coat. Winter's over."

  "Fiiiine."

  Kuro shrugged off his heavy overcoat and wide-brimmed hat, revealing the field tunic beneath—dark, practical, clearly military in design. He muttered under his breath as he walked toward the door. "Why am I even listening to him?"

  He reached the main gate and stopped, turning to look back. Fenric stood in the doorway, smiling.

  "Why are you standing there smiling like an idiot?" Kuro asked. "Aren't you coming?"

  Fenric's smile faltered. "What? Oh. Uh... I'm not interested. I already went last year, so..." He shrugged, trying to look casual.

  Kuro's eyes narrowed. "So you're not allowed."

  Fenric's tail drooped. "...Yes. Half-beasts aren't welcome. Unlike our town, Normain—where the festival is held—is harsher about that kind of thing."

  "Then I'm not going either."

  "Partner, no! You can't do that!" Fenric stepped forward, ears perking up in panic. "I was hoping you'd bring back some unique drinks! And if you're shy about going alone, I'll drop you at the town gate." He grinned weakly. "Or could it be you're worried I can't go, and you'll feel lonely without me? Don't worry—I'm sure Lovia will be there. It's her hometown, after all. So?"

  Kuro's eye twitched. "Yeah. Let's go then."

  "Good! I can only come as far as the gate, okay? Let's go."

  Beretta roared to life. Moments later, they were speeding down the road toward Normain.

  On the Road

  Kuro sat in the sidecar, watching the countryside blur past.

  "Beast."

  "Yes?"

  "Did you say anything about me to your friend?"

  Fenric glanced over. "Friend? You mean Ella?"

  "Mm."

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "No. I didn't even get a chance to speak with her properly. Why?" He paused, then understanding dawned. "Is this about Ravmor?"

  Kuro didn't respond.

  "Of course she knows." Fenric sighed. "I'm pretty sure that's why she even came back here—probably heard about the mosrel horn."

  "Tch. Annoying."

  "Oh, come on. It's not bad. You could become her friend. Maybe even join the—"

  "Beast."

  "Nothing! We're almost there."

  They passed wagons traveling along the rough roads, weaving through small forests until the main entrance to Normain Town appeared ahead. It was easily twice the size of Bear Path.

  Fenric brought Beretta to a stop just outside the gates.

  "This is it, partner. Beyond this point, I'm not allowed."

  Kuro stepped out of the sidecar, studying the town walls. "Looks big."

  "Oh yeah. Main hub of these parts, after all." Fenric leaned on the handlebars. "I forgot to mention—the people here worship a specific Elven goddess of growth and prosperity. When they start their prayers during the festival, you'd better follow along. If you don't, you'll become a target for both the people and the authorities. It's tradition."

  "Too many fucking rules."

  "Yeah, tell me about it." Fenric grinned. "And watch your sword. It's a festival—crowds gather thick. Easy to get pickpocketed."

  He gave Kuro a mock-serious look, then waved. "See you later, partner!"

  Beretta's engine growled, and Fenric drove back toward Bear Path.

  Normain Town - Evening

  Kuro entered through the gates.

  It was already evening. Street lamps and festival lanterns glowed brightly, filling the town in a sea of stars. People from surrounding villages had gathered here, setting up stalls that sold food, desserts, carvings, utensils, and more.

  The crowd grew thicker by the minute.

  Among the sea of festive clothing and laughter, Kuro—dressed in his dark military tunic and carrying a black sword—looked distinctly out of place.

  Heads turned. Some people pointed. A few laughed.

  Tch. I hate crowds. Why did I agree to this?

  He scanned the street, looking for an escape route.

  Let's just find a liquor store and get the hell out.

  The town was neatly arranged—brick and wood houses lined wide streets paved with cobblestones. Shops displayed colorful wares behind glass windows. Everything was orderly, clean, prosperous.

  Kuro's eyes caught a particularly fancy-looking establishment ahead. A large sign hung above the door: a painted image of a woman in very little clothing, drinking from a bottle that spilled generously across her chest.

  He stopped, staring.

  What's that? A pub or a brothel?

  He shrugged. Whatever.

  He started walking toward it—

  Kuro's shoulder slammed into someone. He kept walking.

  "Hey! Watch where you're—"

  A massive hand grabbed Kuro's shoulder, yanking him backward. He didn't budge.

  The man behind him—bald, tattooed, heavily muscled—snarled and raised his fist.

  BOOM.

  The punch came from Kuro's left—a blur of motion ending in the man's face.

  The bald man flew backward, nose shattered, and crashed into a market stall.

  Kuro turned.

  Lovia stood beside him, fist still extended, breathing hard.

  "Cutie..." Her face flushed. "Are you okay?"

  "Lovia?"

  Her face flushed red. "Hi! How... are you... um..." She was visibly nervous, shifting her weight from foot to foot. "What are you doing here alone? You were about to get hit just now, you know..."

  Kuro glanced at the bald man. His nose was crushed, blood pooling beneath his head. His friends were gathering around him, shouting angrily.

  He looked back at Lovia.

  She wore a striking corset gown—a unique blend of formal elegance and daring design. The bodice was fitted, embroidered with intricate floral patterns. The skirt flowed to mid-calf, practical enough for movement but clearly meant for celebration.

  "Uh. Yeah. I'm fine." Kuro gestured vaguely at the unconscious man. "You came alone too?"

  I came with Master Rhanes! Lovia's voice rose in pitch, almost panicked. "Of course! As his friend and employee! Nothing else! Don't misunderstand, okay?"

  "Uhm... Sure."

  "Uh... Kuro?"

  "Hm?"

  "Do you... by any chance... remember yesterday? At the guild?" She looked like she wanted to sink into the ground. "Um..."

  "Oh yeah. You sure drink a lot, huh?" Kuro's tone was completely neutral. "You even painted Ella's face."

  Lovia froze. Her face went white.

  I can't believe this. He remembers. Dammit. My worst day ever. What do I do? What do I say?

  "Haha! You remember, huh?" Her laugh was strained. "I'm not usually like that, you see. Yesterday I just got caught up in the celebration and... I'm sorry that—"

  "Hm?" Kuro tilted his head. "Why?"

  "Uh. Well. Because, you know, I was... do I have to say it? Can't he get it? God, he's dense..." She was digging at the ground with her foot, eyes darting everywhere except at him. "Uh..."

  "Forget it." Kuro turned back toward the pub. "I'm going for a drink. Wanna come?"

  "Again?!" she screamed.

  Every head on the street turned to stare. Lovia's face went crimson.

  "...Why not?" Kuro asked, genuinely confused.

  After yesterday's display, he's still okay with seeing me drink? Doesn't he feel disgusted? Why?

  "Lovia?"

  Kuro waved his hand in front of her face.

  "Oh! Yes! Of course!" Her eyes suddenly brightened. "But before we drink, why don't we enjoy the festival a bit?"

  Kuro hesitated. "...Sure. What do you want to do?"

  The Festival

  What followed was chaos.

  Lovia dragged Kuro from stall to stall with the enthusiasm of someone making up for lost time. They ate food, desserts, and bought trinkets.

  "Try this one!" Lovia pulled Kuro toward a dart game.

  The stall owner grinned, gesturing to colorful balloons pinned to a board. "Three darts, three gold! Pop five balloons, win a prize!"

  Lovia handed over the coins. "You go first, cutie!"

  Kuro picked up a dart, weighing it. Light. Unbalanced. Terrible aerodynamics.

  He threw anyway.

  Pop.

  Dead center.

  He threw the second.

  Pop.

  The third.

  Pop.

  The stall owner's grin faltered. "Uh... that's three. You need five for—"

  Kuro grabbed three more darts from the rack.

  Pop. Pop. Pop.

  Six balloons. Perfect shots. The crowd around them had gone quiet.

  Lovia burst into laughter. "You're supposed to make it look hard, cutie! Now he has to give you the big prize!"

  The stall owner reluctantly handed over an enormous stuffed bear. Kuro looked at it. Then at Lovia.

  "...What do I do with this?"

  Her laugh was bright enough to light the whole festival.

  They indulged in fish-your-food and betting. They even passed Rhanes, who just nodded with a smile and returned to his duties.

  Time passed.

  Evening gave way to night, the sun having settled hours ago. Lanterns glowed brighter. Music began to drift from the town square.

  Then, a loud voice echoed across the festival grounds:

  "ANNOUNCEMENT! THE SPRING FESTIVAL EMBERTHAW, IN THE NAME OF OUR ELVEN EVERGODDESS MIRIS THALORNE, IS BEGINNING NOW!"

  "Cutie! Let's go!" Lovia grabbed Kuro's hand and pulled him forward. "It's about to start!"

  She was having the time of her life. Her smile said everything. Kuro let himself be dragged along, seeing no escape.

  They reached the town's main square.

  Seating had been arranged in concentric circles around a raised stage at the center. Most of the crowd was already seated. Those still standing quieted as the announcement echoed again.

  Lovia found seats in the front row and pulled Kuro down beside her.

  "Do you know anything about the play?" she asked.

  "Play? Like... a drama?"

  Of course he doesn't. He lost his memory, after all. Lovia's expression softened. Oh, sweetie. Look how cute he is.

  "Just watch," she said gently.

  Kuro glanced around. He noticed Rhanes seated in the main area—an elevated platform reserved for dignitaries. Beside him sat someone who looked like the mayor of Normain, flanked by another man who might have been Bear Path's mayor. Guards surrounded them, watching the crowd.

  A drum beat echoed across the square.

  Dishh. Dishh. Dishh.

  Silence fell. The stage lights brightened.

  "THE FIRST SPROUT!"

  A hero in crude armor faced a towering figure draped in furs—the Frost Giant.

  Wooden swords clashed. Exaggerated spins. Theatrical combat. The hero's blade struck home. The giant fell.

  The crowd erupted in cheers.

  Kuro watched, unmoved. This part I understand. Kill the threat.

  But the celebration ended quickly.

  Snow began to fall—white fabric descending from above. Villagers stumbled onto stage, shivering. Fires went out.

  Twenty years passed in minutes. The hero aged before their eyes—hair whitened, movements slowed.

  Lovia leaned forward in her seat, transfixed. Kuro noticed the crowd's faces. They weren't just watching—they were remembering. This story meant something to them.

  More than just a play.

  The aged hero began his final journey. Step by agonizing step toward the frozen giant. When he reached it, his costume hands fell away. Frostbite had taken his fingers.

  Gasps rippled through the audience.

  He placed his stumps on the corpse and began to pray.

  "Please... help us. In exchange for my life... end this winter."

  Lovia's hand found Kuro's, squeezing tight.

  Fire consumed the hero.

  But then—a voice, ethereal and feminine:

  "AS YOU WISH, MY HERO."

  The flames turned gold. From the ashes, one green shoot emerged.

  The first sprout they named Emberthaw.

  The entire audience rose to their feet. Kuro stood with them, pulled by Lovia's insistent hand.

  "PRAISE THE ELVES! PRAISE THE ELVEN GODDESS! PRAISE THE EVERSPRING MIRIS THALORNE!"

  Three times the chant rose. People wept openly. Lovia's eyes glistened.

  Kuro stood among them, hands mimicking prayer, feeling the weight of hundreds of voices raised in unison.

  A hero trades his life for power to save others.

  He thought of the curse mark pulsing beneath his sleeve.

  What did the Bird take from me?

  The chanting continued. He didn't have an answer.

  The play ended.

  Music began—a lively, rhythmic tune played by musicians at the edge of the stage. The crowd began to move. Those willing to dance stepped forward, forming a circle around the stage, hands joining, feet moving in practiced steps.

  The Dance

  Lovia hesitated for just a moment—then found her courage. She grabbed Kuro's hand and pulled him forward.

  "W-what are you doing?" Kuro looked genuinely startled.

  "Dancing! Of course!"

  "No. No way. I don't—"

  But Lovia was already positioning him, placing his hand on her waist, taking his other hand in hers.

  The music swelled.

  She began to move, pulling him along. Kuro stumbled at first—clearly unpracticed—but his natural coordination kicked in. Within moments, he was matching her steps, moving in rhythm with the circle of dancers.

  Lovia's smile was radiant.

  Kuro's expression was a mixture of confusion, annoyance, and resignation.

  Watching from the Shadows

  At the edge of the square, leaning against a wooden post, Ella stood watching.

  Her arms were crossed. Her face was set in a frown.

  She watched Lovia spin Kuro in a clumsy but earnest circle.

  Watched Lovia laugh, face glowing with happiness.

  Watched Kuro—who never smiled, who barely spoke, who fought like a demon—look almost... human.

  Ella's jaw tightened.

  She turned away.

  And disappeared into the crowd.