The dim-lit sky stretched above as the cheerful cheers of the crowd echoed into the evening. Outside the pub, lanterns flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets.

Minah stood next to the swaying figure of Andrith, who was trying his best to maintain his balance. "See ya tomorrow, Mercury-san! I'll make sure this old man gets home safe!" she called over her shoulder, a playful grin on her face.

"I'm not that old~!" Andrith protested, his words slurring slightly as he attempted to puff out his chest, which only made him wobble more.

Mercury, approached, wiping a smile off his face. "Hey, do you need a hand getting him home, Minah?"

Minah shook her head, laughter in her eyes. "Oh, no, no! It’s really fine. Their house is just a couple walks away, I can handle this."

"You sure? I don't mind helping," Mercury offered, looking a bit concerned.

“I appreciate it, but I wouldn’t want to trouble you,” Minah insisted, a warm smile on her face. “You’re our guest! Plus, it’s just a short walk.”

Andrith perked up, striking a heroic pose. “Fear not! I shall guide Minah through the treacherous terrain of this dark alley!”

Mercury chuckled. “Just be careful he doesn’t lead you into a fountain again! like that old man said back at the pub!”

Minah laughed. “That was a misunderstanding! I promise we’ll stay dry this time!”

"Alright, just don’t let him trip over his own feet!" Mercury called, shaking his head with a grin.

“Don’t worry! I’ve got him,” Minah said, adjusting her grip on Andrith’s arm. “We’ll see you tomorrow, Mercury-san!”

As they began to walk away, Mercury called after them, “Take care, you two!”

“Will do!” Minah replied, leading Andrith down the path, their laughter echoing into the evening air.

And so, they made their way home under the twinkling stars, their playful banter filling the night.

As Mercury stood there looking at the starry night sky. He then walked the opposite direction, until moments later it dawned on him. "Wait.. where am I headed again?"

he then realized too late that he had forgotten to ask about his lodging, he watched Minah and Andrith which is now nowhere to be seen. “Oh crap, the lodging!” he muttered, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement at his own oversight.

With a resigned chuckle, he turned back and began to walk in the opposite direction, shaking his head. “Next time, remember the lodging first…”

---

The scene then shifted to the cottage where Ralf had been staying. Despite the recent chaos in the village, the small home stood resilient, albeit slightly disfigured. The roof had been patched with mismatched materials, a makeshift solution against the sun and rain, but it still exuded warmth.

Inside, the atmosphere was cozy. Nora sat in her favorite chair by the fireplace, knitting with a focused expression, while Ralf sprawled on the floor, doodling absently with a pen.

Suddenly, the sound of the doorknob clicking echoed through the room, capturing their attention. The door swung open, revealing Minah, looking exhausted as she struggled to carry a wobbly Andrith over her shoulders.

"Nora-san! H-help…!" she gasped, her cheeks flushed from the effort.

Nora set her knitting aside, quickly rising to assist. "Andrith! You're drunk again!"

"W-wa-waarth?" Andrith mumbled, his words slurring together as he swayed slightly.

“Jeez~” Nora sighed, a mix of exasperation and fondness in her tone.

Ralf chuckled from the floor, watching the scene unfold with amusement.

“Gosh, I’m so sorry about this, Minah~”

“Nah, it’s fine! I’ll count this as training!” Minah replied, trying to sound cheerful despite her struggle.

“Huhu, then would you like to eat something to make up for it? There’s still some leftover food on the table,” Nora offered, glancing toward the small dining area.

“Hehe, it’s fine, Nora-san. I already ate,” Minah said, trying to brush it off, but her eyes darted to the table.

“Are you sure~? You've been looking at the table for some time now~” Nora teased, raising an eyebrow.

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“Umm… O-okay,” Minah replied shyly, her resolve crumbling under the warmth of the home.

“Fufu, then help yourself, dear,” Nora said with a smile.

“T-thank you!” Minah exclaimed, her face lighting up as they finally set Andrith down, who promptly slumped onto the couch.

“Phew!” both women exclaimed, wiping their brows dramatically.

As Minah moved toward the table, the familiar scents of leftover stew filled the air, and the laughter of the little family wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

“How about me??” Ralf piped up, eyeing the leftover food with hopeful enthusiasm.

“Ralf, you already ate! Now go to bed; it’s getting late,” Nora replied, shaking her head with a smile.

“But what about Nee-san?” he asked, referring to his older sister, Cindy, who was still out.

“Don’t worry, I’ll call her after putting away my knits” Nora said, as she's putting away her knits at the cabinet below the window

“By the way thank you for helping my husband again, Minah!” Nora said, with a warm smile.

“No worries!” she replied, with a grin.

“You go on ahead; I won’t disturb your meal. And Ralf, it’s bedtime for you.”

“Ugh, fine!” Ralf grumbled, reluctantly trudging away.

Nora donned her cloak, preparing to head out. “I’ll go look for Cindy. I'll be back shortly!”

---

The scene transitioned to the outskirts of the village, where Cindy sat, lost in thought. She pondered the terrible events from that night in the forest, feeling a lingering sense of unease. But as she reflected on her savior, a sense of warmth enveloped her. Clasping her hands to her chest, she embraced the memory.

“Where… is he now?” she wondered aloud, just as a voice broke through her thoughts.

“Yo!”

“Whaaa!” she jumped, startled by the sudden sound as she stumbled on her back.

“Ohh, sorry! Didn’t mean to startle you,” Mercury apologized, stepping closer.

“It’s fin—” As she turned to face him, a flicker of recognition sparked within her along with admiration of his looks which caught her off gaurd.

“Are you alright?” Mercury asked, noting her dazed expression.

That gentle voice… She recalled the mage from her vague memories, the one with a face obscured by light. He resembled him, especially with that robe.

“Hellooo~?” Mercury called, waving a hand in front of her.

“Ah! Ah, right! Sorry about that,” Cindy stammered, shaking her head to clear it.

“You alright?”

“Y-yeah, just lost in thought for a moment.”

“Hehe, so what’s got ya thinking so hard?” he asked, a playful grin on his face.

“Ahh, about that… are you perhaps my savior?” she blurted out.

“What…?” Mercury’s mind raced in panic, despite his calm exterior. Wait, this girl—wasn’t she from the forest? Did she perhaps catch on?

“From the forest?” Cindy pressed.

“What forest?” Mercury feigned ignorance.

Cindy pouted in frustration. “Hmmgg! I know it’s you;

you’re still wearing the same robe!”

“Ohh fu—how did I forget to change—”

“So it is you!” she declared triumphantly.

“…” Mercury sighed, knowing he was caught. he tried playfully denying it as his last attempt “Nooo~”

“Huhu, too late! You don’t have to lie…”

“*sigh* Fine.”

“Wait, really??” Cindy exclaimed, eyes wide.

“What!?” Mercury was just as surprised.

“So you are really… Huhu, I was just guessing, but I never thought you’d admit it!” Cindy smirked, leaning back with a satisfied look.

“Tsk, I don’t even know what’s happening, but you got me,” Mercury laughed, giving in.

“So you are that—” they both said simultaneously.

Cindy: “Servant!”

Mercury: “Being!”

Cindy blinked in confusion. “Hmm?”

“Servant of that being…” Mercury clarified quickly.

“I thought so! It would be impossible since the being was watching from the sky.”

Thank goodness she doesn’t know! Now I just have to make sure it stays that way.

“You won’t look down on me just because I’m a servant, right?” he asked, a hint of worry in his voice to make it sound convincing.

“Oh no! Quite the opposite! In fact, I’m grateful! And besides, why would I look down on my savior?” she replied, leaning in closer with a smug smile.

“That’s true,” he said as he shrugged his shoulders

She leaned back, her playful demeanor returning. “Still… I heard there was a knight as well, but out of the two, I’d prefer you~”

“Heeh, thanks!” Mercury said, a mix of flattery and confusion washing over him. But I’m literally both of them, though!?

“Strangely…” he continued, raising an eyebrow. “Why hasn’t anyone mentioned a mage in the forest? All I’ve heard about is the knight and the being.”

Cindy shrugged, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “Maybe because they were too busy talking about how brave the knight was? But you definitely stood out too!”

“Seems like I need to work on my PR,” Mercury chuckled, shaking his head. “But hey, at least someone remembers me!”

“Of course! How could I forget my savior?” she said, her smile infectious.

And in that lighthearted exchange, the weight of the night’s events began to lift, replaced by a budding friendship and shared laughter under the stars.

“But in all seriousness, Why hasn’t anyone mentioned anything at the forest? All I heard was talk about a knight and my master”

She replied softly. “That’s because I told everyone to keep it a secret”

His brow furrowed in curiosity. “But why?”

Cindy tilted her head, her innocent expression feigning surprise. “You don’t like it?”

“No, I’m just curious is all” he replied, waving a hand dismissively.

Cindy stepped closer. “Well... I think I shouldn't do it without your permission, otherwise you wouldn't be able to come here if I reveal your identity, or should I not do so?”

Mercury crossed his arms, a smirk forming on his lips. “Nah, it’s a good thing, actually. Otherwise, I couldn’t sneak around the village without someone shouting, ‘Look! It’s the mage!’ Trust me, some would definitely rat me out!”

She giggled, a light, tinkling sound that brightened the glade. “Fufu, so I did good, right?” she asked, batting her eyelashes playfully.

“Sure you did” he replied, his tone akin to that of an older brother.

On an impulse, Mercury reached out and patted her head.

Cindy’s eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze.

“O-oh! my apologies!” he stammered, taken aback.

Realizing his mistake, Mercury felt ashamed and guilty for what he'd done. She reminded him so much of his little sister that he can't help but be do it. “Did that make you uncomfortable?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Cindy shook her head, a shy smile breaking through her initial shock. “No, it’s fine. Do it more...” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Huh?” Mercury leaned closer, puzzled.

“Nothing!” she squeaked, quickly looking away, her face turning a brilliant shade of red.

He chuckled, the mischief in his eyes sparkling. “Oh, I heard that! If you’re fine with it, kid, I’ll keep going!”

Cindy giggled, her embarrassment fading as delight took over. “Hehe~”

I know it seemed wrong for me to do this, but I can't help but be overwhelmed by a sense of longing for my family, it feels like I've replaced one of my family members to fill the gap in my hole. Even now I still miss them and she even reminded me of.. her..

As he continued to pat her head as he hide what he truly felt deep inside. Overwhelmed by emotions, sorrow and loneliness filled his heart until it is slowly replaced the moment he saw the girl's face and can't help but feel endeared, happy for her, his face let out a warm smile as he saw her expression shifted to one of pure joy, a childlike happiness blooming on her face.

That's right, they may be similar in a way but I got to acknowledge the fact that this little girl in front of me is an entirely different person.

Just then, a voice called out from behind them. “Oh my~ What do we have here?”

Cindy jumped, her face flushing as her mother, Nora, strolled into view, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

“M-mom!?” Cindy exclaimed, eyes wide.

Nora crossed her arms, feigning seriousness. “No wonder I couldn’t find you! You’ve been here all this time all lovey-dovey with someone, and he’s quite a looker at that!”

“I-it’s not like that!” Cindy protested, flustered.

Nora turned her gaze to Mercury, her playful demeanor returning. “Fufu, thank you for keeping her company, sir...?”

“Mercury,” he replied, offering a slight bow.

Nora’s eyes twinkled. “Hoho, what a nice name! A well mannered gentlemen. Well then, do you mind staying for the night, Mercury-dono?”

Cindy looked at Mercury, her expression a mix of hope and embarrassment. “M-mom...” she murmured, a plea evident in her voice.

Mercury glanced between the two, feeling the weight of their eager gazes—Cindy’s hopeful eyes and Nora’s teasing smile. “Well, I guess it’s fine. I haven’t found my lodging yet,” he admitted.

Nora clapped her hands together, her grin widening. “Then how about you stay with us until you do?"

"Thankyou so much. Then I'll be under your care mrs.?"

"Norhyamien, just call me Nora for short" as she let out a light giggle trying to sound cute

Cindy frowns in embarassment