Morning in Soren Village arrived softly.

  Light filtered through frost-laced leaves, scattering pale gold across the wooden floor of the tree house. The cold was gentler than the night before, the kind that settled into the bones without biting.

  Akitsu Shouga sat upright near the window, back against the wall, eyes half-lidded. He had not slept much. The forest beyond the glass breathed slowly, as if matching his own pace.

  On the floor, Kael Ardent slept sprawled awkwardly on a thin blanket, one arm flung over his face. His breathing was steady—deep, unguarded. The katana lay beside him, sheathed, close enough to reach without waking.

  Vale moved quietly near the small cooking space, setting water to warm.

  Then—

  Knock. Knock.

  Vale froze.

  Her ears twitched.

  “…That early?” she whispered.

  Akitsu opened his eyes fully but didn’t move.

  Kael snorted softly and turned over.

  Knock. Knock.

  Vale swallowed, walked to the door, and opened it.

  Standing outside was the village chief.

  Tall. Broad-shouldered. Cloaked in layered white and deep green, his long silver hair tied back loosely. His eyes—sharp, ancient—softened the moment they landed on her.

  “Vale,” he said.

  She barely had time to speak before he stepped forward and wrapped her in a firm embrace.

  “You’re alive,” he murmured. “Unharmed.”

  Vale laughed weakly, hugging him back. “Father, I—yes. I’m fine.”

  His gaze slid past her shoulder.

  And landed on Akitsu Shouga.

  The chief stiffened.

  Inside, Kael shifted at the sound of voices.

  The chief’s composure shattered instantly.

  “Why—” he choked, pointing inside, “why is he here?!”

  Vale spun around. “Wait—Father, please, listen—!”

  “That human—!”

  “I let them stay,” Vale said quickly. “Both of them.”

  The chief paused.

  “…Explain,” he said tightly.

  Vale stepped aside and gestured him inside. “Please. Just—come in.”

  Reluctantly, the chief entered.

  He took one look at Kael sleeping on the floor and nearly stumbled.

  “…Another human?” he muttered. “I thought there was only one staying.”

  Akitsu rose smoothly and inclined his head slightly. “Good morning.”

  The chief’s eye twitched.

  Vale hurried between them. “Father, please. Let me explain everything. From the beginning.”

  She spoke slowly.

  About the chase.

  The archers.

  The tree house.

  The duel’s aftermath—careful, respectful, omitting things she could not explain.

  Akitsu listened silently.

  The chief’s expression shifted constantly—anger, doubt, disbelief, and finally something quieter.

  “…You let them stay here?” he asked Vale.

  “Yes,” she said firmly. “They were injured. Hunted. And they protected me.”

  The chief exhaled slowly. “You always did have a dangerous sense of mercy.”

  Vale smiled faintly. “I learned it from you.”

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  That earned a snort.

  The chief turned to Akitsu, straightened, and spoke formally.

  “I am Eldran Thalos Soryn,” he said. “Chief of Soren Village. Guardian of its roots and blood.”

  Akitsu bowed slightly. “Akitsu Shouga. I'm currently a wanted Criminal.”

  “…it's no surprise your here,” Eldran muttered.

  At that moment, Kael groaned and sat up.

  “…Why is it so loud?”

  He blinked.

  Then froze.

  “…Why is there a giant elf staring at me?”

  Eldran’s brows furrowed. “Who is the boy?”

  “I thought you were the only human staying,” Eldran said to Akitsu.

  Akitsu glanced at Kael. “…This is your grandson.”

  The room went silent.

  “…What?”

  Akitsu continued evenly, “Kael Ardent. Former hero of the kingdom. Declared a heretic alongside me.”

  Eldran stared.

  Then at Vale.

  Then back at Kael.

  “…Grandson?” he whispered.

  Vale inhaled. “…Father… Kael is my son.”

  The chief’s knees nearly buckled.

  “You—” He pointed at Vale. “You had a child?!”

  Kael raised a hand awkwardly. “…Hi?”

  Eldran rushed forward and grabbed Kael by the shoulders.

  “You’re real,” he said breathlessly. “You’re actually real!”

  Kael panicked. “I—uh—sir—personal space—!”

  Eldran pulled him into a crushing embrace.

  “I wanted a grandchild for centuries!” Eldran exclaimed. “Centuries! And you were just—out there—being hunted by humans?!"

  Kael blinked, stunned. “You’re… excited?”

  Eldran pulled back, eyes shining. “Excited?! I’m ecstatic!”

  Vale covered her mouth, laughing.

  Akitsu stared.

  “…I didn’t expect that reaction,” Akitsu admitted.

  Eldran wiped his eyes. “My daughter never showed interest in companionship. I thought my bloodline would end with her!”

  Vale muttered, “That’s not exactly true…”

  Kael smiled uncertainly. “…So, uh… Grandpa?”

  Eldran beamed. “Say it again.”

  “…Grandpa?”

  Eldran laughed—a deep, booming sound that filled the tree house.

  “Yes! Yes, that sounds perfect!”

  He turned to Akitsu suddenly. “You.”

  Akitsu stiffened slightly.

  “…Thank you,” Eldran said gruffly. “For keeping him alive.”

  Akitsu nodded once. “He did most of it himself.”

  Kael scratched his head. “I mostly just stab things.”

  Vale sighed fondly.

  They sat together soon after—tea warming in wooden cups, morning light growing brighter.

  Eldran listened as Kael spoke about the academy. About battles. About running.

  “…You’re safe here,” Eldran said firmly. “For now.”

  Akitsu looked toward the window. “We’ll leave in a few days.”

  Eldran nodded slowly. “…I know.”

  Vale’s ears drooped slightly. “Still… I’m glad we have this moment.”

  Kael smiled. “Me too.”

  Ayaka peeked out from behind Akitsu’s sleeve and waved.

  Eldran stared. “…And who is that?”

  Akitsu sighed softly.

  “…That’s a longer story.”

  For the first time in days, the room felt warm.