CHAPTER 19: A WARRIOR’S FAREWELL

The sun had barely risen, casting long golden streaks over the quiet town of Ezakar. The air was still, as if the world itself was holding its breath. The distant chatter of the marketplace, the occasional clang of a blacksmith’s hammer, and the soft rustling of leaves in the morning breeze—all of it felt distant.

In front of the Tanaka household, Takeshi stood in full armor, ready to leave for war.

The steel plates of his chest piece gleamed under the early light, bearing the crest of Ezakar’s military. His green officer’s cloak fluttered slightly with the morning wind, and at his hip, his trusted sword rested in its scabbard. His horse stood nearby, saddled and waiting.

Alice stood on the wooden porch, her arms crossed over her chest, watching him with a forced expression of calm. She had been through this before. She knew what it meant when a soldier prepared to ride off.

But this time, it was different.

This time, it was her husband.

This time, it was war.

Myura stood beside her mother, helping prepare Takeshi’s supplies, but her hands were trembling. She tried not to show it, but her crimson eyes betrayed her emotions.

She didn’t want him to go.

She didn’t want to lose him.

Takeshi noticed—of course, he did.

He always noticed.

He sighed and turned away from his horse, walking over to his daughter with a smirk. “What’s with that face?” he teased lightly. “You’re acting like I’m going off to get myself killed.”

Myura pursed her lips. “Because you are.”

Takeshi chuckled. “Oh, come on. I’m not that easy to get rid of.”

He placed a hand on her head, ruffling her black hair. “Besides, you should be using this time to train, not worrying about me. You’re still slow on your right foot.”

Myura huffed. “Am not!”

Takeshi grinned. “Oh? Then prove it when I get back.”

Despite herself, Myura let out a small, reluctant laugh. Takeshi’s smile softened as he watched her, his daughter, his pride.

Then, his expression grew serious. “Here,” he said, reaching into his satchel. “I was going to wait until I came back to give you this, but… now seems like the right time.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

He pulled out a dagger—but not just any dagger.

The handle was crafted from an unknown dark metal, polished to perfection, fitting comfortably in her hands. The blade itself was engraved with an intricate swirling pattern, reflecting light in a way that almost made it shimmer with different colors. A soldier’s dagger, but finer than any ordinary weapon.

Most striking of all was the crest carved into the pommel—Takeshi’s personal emblem.

“This belonged to my mentor,” Takeshi explained. “It was passed down to me when I became a commander. He told me that a blade is more than just a weapon—it’s a reminder.”

Myura stared at the dagger, her fingers hesitating to take it. “A reminder of what?”

Takeshi knelt in front of her, meeting her eyes. “That no matter how strong we are, we never fight alone. This dagger has carried the will of those before me, and now… I’m entrusting that will to you.”

Myura’s vision blurred as tears welled up.

“I want you to think on that,” Takeshi said softly. “I want you to find your own strength… but also remember that there are people who will always be by your side. You’re never alone, Myura. Never.”

Her hands trembled, but instead of taking the dagger, she suddenly threw her arms around his neck.

Takeshi stiffened slightly, caught off guard, before slowly wrapping his arms around her in return.

The two held each other for what felt like an eternity.

Finally, Myura pulled away, wiping her eyes with a teary smile. Takeshi smirked and gently placed the dagger in her hands.

“You take care of that for me, alright?”

She nodded, holding it close to her chest.

Takeshi turned to Alice, his expression shifting into something gentler, quieter.

Alice met his gaze, and for a moment, the world faded around them.

The battlefield. The war. The uncertainty of return.

None of it mattered—only this moment.

“You were always too stubborn,” Alice murmured, folding her arms.

Takeshi chuckled. “You love me for it, don’t you?”

She exhaled sharply. “I love you in spite of it.”

He smirked. “Close enough.”

Alice’s resolve broke, and she sighed, stepping forward. “I knew this day would come. I always knew.”

Takeshi reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “That doesn’t make it any easier, does it?”

Alice’s eyes shimmered. “No… it doesn’t.”

He cupped her cheek, his calloused thumb tracing gentle circles against her skin.

Alice inhaled shakily. “Promise me…” Her voice faltered. “Promise me you’ll come home.”

Takeshi hesitated.

Alice shook her head, her voice dropping to a whisper. “No. Don’t lie to me. Just… promise you’ll try.”

His throat tightened. “I swear it, Alice.”

She exhaled through her nose, nodding. That was all she needed.

Then, softly, she smiled. “You’re still an idiot.”

Takeshi smirked. “Yeah… but I’m your idiot.”

Alice let out a short laugh before closing the distance between them.

Their lips met in a kiss—a slow, lingering, desperate embrace.

A promise. A plea. A silent goodbye.

Myura turned away, holding the dagger tighter.

She had two fathers.

One from this world—Takeshi.

And one from her past life.

Both had the same smile.

Both had the same kindness.

But Takeshi was different. He showed his love openly.

And she wasn’t about to let that become a memory.

As they pulled away, Alice rested her forehead against his, whispering, “I love you.”

Takeshi smiled softly. “I love you too, darling.”

He stepped back, looking at his family one last time.

Then, with a deep breath, he turned toward his horse.

Alice held Myura close as they watched him ride away.

The dust settled. The wind carried the echoes of his departure.

And the world around them suddenly felt far too quiet.