Elderhaven shimmered under the glow of a full moon, the festival in full swing. Laughter echoed through the streets as villagers, adventurers, and newly settled dwarves celebrated together. Stalls lined the village square, offering roasted meats, spiced cider, and hand-crafted trinkets. The aroma of fresh bread and sizzling skewers mixed with the crisp night air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy.

Kaito leaned against a wooden railing near the central pavilion, watching as children played with glowing emberflies that flickered like tiny stars. The festival had been planned as a way to bring the people of Elderhaven closer, and so far, it seemed to be a success.

"You look lost in thought," Elara’s voice drifted beside him, soft and uncertain.

Kaito turned, finding the dryad standing a few feet away, the moonlight making her emerald hair shimmer like woven strands of nature itself. She wore a flowing dress of deep green, decorated with subtle floral embroidery that only enhanced her connection to the earth. Tonight, however, she seemed different—nervous, hesitant, as if caught between words she longed to say and fears she couldn't voice.

“I was just thinking about how much Elderhaven has changed,” Kaito admitted. “It’s growing faster than I ever imagined.”

Elara nodded, stepping closer. “Growth is natural. But it also means change, and change can be... difficult.”

Kaito sensed there was more to her words than just the village’s progress. Before he could ask, Liora’s energetic voice cut through the moment.

“There you are, Kaito! What are you two whispering about?”

The beastkin rogue bounded toward them, a mischievous grin on her face. Her fox-like ears twitched as she took in Elara’s flustered expression, and something in her amber eyes glinted with knowing amusement.

“Nothing,” Elara replied quickly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Liora smirked. “Uh-huh, sure. Well, since I found you, you’re coming with me. Seren and I signed you up for the archery contest.”

Kaito sighed. “Did I have a say in this?”

“Nope!” Liora beamed. “Come on, it’s for fun!”

Before Kaito could protest further, she grabbed his wrist and practically dragged him toward the festival grounds. Elara followed, her expression unreadable.

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The archery contest took place near the eastern field, where targets of varying sizes were set up. The rules were simple—hit the targets with as much precision as possible within three shots. Several skilled archers had already competed, but as Kaito was handed a bow, he noticed one particular competitor standing off to the side.

Rylan, the charismatic A-rank adventurer who had recently dueled Kaito, stood with his arms crossed, watching the contest unfold. When he caught Kaito’s gaze, he grinned. “Think you can beat my score?”

Kaito smirked. “Guess we’ll find out.”

Taking his stance, Kaito steadied his breathing and drew back the bowstring. He released the first shot—it struck just shy of the bullseye. Adjusting his grip, he took another shot, this time landing closer. His final arrow split the previous one, nearly dead center.

Liora whistled. “Not bad, not bad. But Rylan still has you beat by one point.”

Rylan chuckled. “Close, but I remain undefeated.”

Seren, who had been observing silently, leaned over to Kaito. “He’s insufferable when he wins. You should’ve aimed for his ego.”

Kaito laughed. “I’ll get him next time.”

The night continued with more contests, music, and feasting. Yet, through it all, Kaito couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still left unresolved.

Later, as the festival wound down and lanterns flickered gently in the cool breeze, Kaito found himself wandering near the northern gardens. The sound of rustling leaves drew his attention, and when he turned, he found Elara standing beneath the great willow tree, the silver glow of the moon casting delicate patterns across her face.

She hesitated before speaking. “Kaito, I… there’s something I need to say.”

Kaito stepped closer, sensing the weight in her voice. “What is it?”

Elara took a deep breath, her hands tightening at her sides. “Ever since you arrived in this world, you’ve changed so much—not just Elderhaven, but the people around you. Me included.”

Kaito listened, his heart steady but attentive.

“I used to be content watching the seasons pass, tending to the trees, never daring to step beyond my grove. But you…” She lifted her gaze, vulnerability shining through. “You made me want more.”

Kaito’s breath caught as Elara took a step closer. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “I want to be more than just the village’s gardener. I want to stand beside you, not just as an ally, but as… something more.”

The words hung between them, raw and uncertain.

Kaito felt the weight of the moment, the trust she had placed in him. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Elara… I—”

Before he could finish, a sudden burst of laughter echoed from nearby. They turned to see Liora and Seren peeking from behind a tree, their expressions a mix of amusement and mild panic at being caught.

Liora grinned. “Oops, did we interrupt something?”

Seren sighed. “This is why I told you to stay quiet.”

Elara, flustered beyond words, turned on her heel and fled into the night, leaving Kaito standing with a bemused expression. He exhaled, shaking his head. “You two have the worst timing.”

Liora shrugged. “What can I say? It was getting good.”

Seren crossed her arms. “I’ll talk to her. Give her time.”

As they departed, Kaito looked back toward the moonlit grove where Elara had stood. The night had been filled with revelry, but its true moment of importance had been quiet, heartfelt.

He knew this wasn’t the end of their conversation. Only the beginning of something more.