Beneath the orange sunset sky, the sun dipped low on the horizon as the teenager Ichiro stood at the edge of the shore. The sea breeze tousled his short black hair and tugged at his loose shirt. He savored the feeling of damp sand between his toes and the splashes of the waves against his ankles.

Peace. Tranquility.

It felt like forever since he'd last allowed himself such feelings.

"The scenery is beautiful. I must admit, I feel a bit jealous."

Ichiro glanced over his shoulder to see a familiar figure approaching—a tall, blonde-haired, pale-skinned man whose striking face had deceived many about his age.

Ichiro didn't let his eyes off the man as he drew alongside him.

"In Averia, there are only mists and trees." The man continued.

"—And perhaps a few squirrels as well."

The man stifled his laughter as Ichiro let out a smile. "Yeah."

"Sorry to call you at such a time, Albert. I know you're busy back there."

"You know I'm always here for you." Albert's blue eyes studied Ichiro intently. "What's going on, Ichiro?"

"I've received a call… from Sakurajima." Ichiro put out a pensive expression.

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Albert went still. "Your former clan?"

"No, not them." Ichiro shook his head. "It was from an acquaintance of Mom's. An old friend of hers."

"What did she want?"

"She wants me to return to Sakurajima."

"And?" Albert studied Ichiro's face intently. "What did you say to her?"

"I haven't yet given an answer."

"Not to mention, what about your former clan? Surely, they won't just stand idly for this. They're the ones who sent you and your parents into exile."

"She said she would take care of them."

"Can you trust her?"

"She's always an honest and sincere woman. Mom always trusted her."

Albert nodded. "So, what will you do?"

Ichiro shrugged, his eyes still fixed on the distant horizon as if searching for answers within the crashing waves. "I'm not sure."

"Don't lie to yourself, Ichiro." Albert scoffed, shaking his head. "The fact that you're even considering it means you want to go back. You're just afraid to admit it."

"What do you think I should do?" Ichiro turned towards Albert and searched his face.

"It's not my decision to make. It's yours." Albert held Ichiro's gaze. "Of course, I'd prefer if you stayed, but I'll support whatever choice you make."

A hint of uncertainty crept into Ichiro's voice. "And what about the others? Will they allow this?"

"Let me handle them," Albert reassured Ichiro, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. You focus on what you need to do. I'll discuss it with Lord Verwhite if need be."

Ichiro nodded. He tilted his head back, gazing at the sky as if searching for answers.

"May I ask you something, Ichiro?" Albert suddenly asked.

"What is it?" Ichiro replied without looking at him.

"Why do you want to return?"

Ichiro remained silent. He didn't expect the question. For a few seconds, he wondered if he had to answer, but as soon as his eyes returned to where Albert had stood, he disappeared.

He had gone without a trace.

Ichiro gazed up at the darkening sky, his thoughts swirling.

Yet in his heart, he knew—this was a chance to escape his haunted past.

A new start.