First, I'm sorry for the typos in the last two chapters. I posted them in a rush while driving.
Yes, there will be reactions, but it's difficult not to mix up the reaction cast's mindsets and characterization with the characters who aren't in the reaction hall and have learned a lot more.
The reaction cast has experienced and learned different things, so their mindsets and thoughts can be different from their counterparts outside the reaction hall. I'm worried I'll accidentally mess up some characters' mindsets if I constantly switch between them.
So, the reactions will return once I've reached a certain point.
If you've noticed, I've also written the recent chapters in a way that Master Sunless and the Lord of Shadows can't really be connected as the same person yet. Even if the cast reacted to these chapters, they wouldn't have enough information to connect the two identities.
The reactions should return in another two or three chapters, once I actually show the connection between Master Sunless and the Lord of Shadows.
This is a fanfic react-to-fanfic story, not canon characters.
You will understand by the end of this chapter *wink*
...
Far from the main battlefield, closer to the territories surrounding Ravenheart, a large convoy moved steadily toward Godgrave.
It was not an army, at least not yet.
Large transports carried food, weapons, construction materials, medical supplies, defensive equipment, tents, and everything else necessary to establish another proper staging camp deeper within the Death Zone. Hundreds of people traveled alongside it, most of them mundane workers and Awakened support personnel, while a respectable number of Awakened and several Masters guarded the formation.
There were no Saints among them.
There was little reason for there to be.
The route had already been cleared, the frontline was still far away, and this was supposed to be nothing more than another supply convoy moving toward a position Song intended to establish.
Then the first transport disappeared into darkness.
An explosion followed a moment later.
The entire formation stopped.
"Attack!"
Weapons appeared as the Awakened escorts immediately moved into defensive positions while several Masters rushed forward.
Then the shadows beneath the convoy began to move.
A dark figure stepped out of them.
Black attire covered his body while the familiar demonic mask concealed his face.
The Lord of Shadows.
For a brief moment, nobody moved.
Then one of the Masters cursed.
"Damn it."
The Lord of Shadows calmly looked across the convoy.
Supplies.
Fortification materials.
Anchoring equipment.
Defensive Memories.
Everything necessary for Song to establish another foothold deeper within Godgrave.
Exactly what he had come for.
One of the Masters stepped forward.
"This convoy has nothing to do with you."
The Lord of Shadows tilted his head slightly.
"Doesn't it?"
"We aren't attacking your Citadel."
"Yes."
The Lord of Shadows's gaze moved toward the transports.
"You're doing something considerably less annoying."
Before the Master could respond, the shadows beneath one of the larger transports surged upward.
Steel screamed.
The entire vehicle was torn apart.
Several nearby workers barely managed to escape before the wreckage collapsed.
Chaos erupted.
"Kill him!"
The command was almost laughable.
The Lord of Shadows disappeared.
The first Master barely had time to turn before a black blade pierced through his chest.
Another attacked from the side.
The Lord of Shadows twisted, caught the man's wrist, and broke it before driving a knee into his stomach and sending him crashing through the side of another transport.
Awakened began attacking from farther away.
The Lord of Shadows vanished into the shadows again before any of their strikes could reach him.
He reappeared among them.
For the next several minutes, the convoy ceased to resemble anything organized.
Supplies burned.
Transports shattered.
Defensive equipment was destroyed.
Masters were struck down whenever they attempted to rally the defenders.
The remaining Awakened eventually began fleeing.
Interestingly, the Lord of Shadows did not pursue most of them.
He was not there to massacre everyone.
He was there to destroy what they carried.
One of the surviving Masters realized that too late.
"You don't care about us."
The Lord of Shadows turned toward him.
The man was bleeding heavily, one arm hanging uselessly at his side.
"You came for the supplies."
A quiet chuckle escaped from behind the demonic mask.
"Very perceptive."
The Master's expression darkened.
"Why?"
The Lord of Shadows looked across the burning wreckage.
"Because armies are irritating."
His voice remained almost casual.
"They arrive somewhere, build walls, establish supply lines, bring more soldiers, and eventually start convincing themselves that the land belongs to them."
He looked back toward the Master.
"I would rather prevent that problem before it becomes established."
The man stared at him.
"You think destroying one convoy will stop Song?"
"No."
The Lord of Shadows sounded faintly amused.
"But it will slow you down."
That was enough.
The Master attacked.
He died moments later.
By the time the Lord of Shadows disappeared, almost nothing useful remained.
The surviving Awakened would eventually return toward Ravenheart and report what had happened.
Another convoy would have to be organized.
More supplies gathered.
Another route chosen.
More escorts assigned.
A camp that should have been established soon would now be delayed.
Perhaps by days.
Perhaps by weeks.
And that was enough.
Every delayed camp meant fewer soldiers arriving where they were needed.
Fewer secure positions.
Fewer supplies reaching the front.
Fewer opportunities for Song to establish itself deeply enough within Godgrave to gain an overwhelming advantage.
The Lord of Shadows stood atop the remains of one shattered transport as black smoke climbed toward the pale sky.
This convoy had not been particularly important by itself.
That was the problem.
The events that eventually became important rarely looked that way when they began.
A camp built several weeks earlier.
A supply route left untouched.
A division arriving sooner than expected.
A commander surviving one battle.
A piece of information reaching the right person.
Small things.
Insignificant things.
Until enough of them gathered together.
And then someone died.
The Lord of Shadows looked across the burning remains one final time.
That camp would not be built today.
Perhaps it would not be built next week either.
The shadows beneath his feet deepened.
One more delay.
One more future changed.
Then the Lord of Shadows disappeared.
...
It was a bright day in Bastion as Nephis made her way toward the Familiar Café.
Several days had passed since their last meeting, and today she was going to meet Master Sunless to begin the process of creating her Memory.
Cassie was already working on finding out more about Master Sunless and his past. So far, however, she hadn't discovered much.
That was fine.
Cassie always came through in such matters.
Today, Nephis had something else on her mind.
Her sword.
As she pushed open the door sometime around noon, the scent of baked goods and sweets immediately assaulted her nose.
Pancakes.
Waffles.
Cakes.
Cupcakes.
Coffee.
And much more.
Nephis paused.
Ah.
Master Sunless must be busy right now.
He was running a café, after all. He had said that he worked in the kitchen himself.
It wasn't as though he would simply abandon everything he was doing and immediately start observing her swordsmanship for the sake of creating her Memory.
She had to be respectful of Master Sunless's usual duties as well.
He was already going out of his way to give special attention to her commissioned Memory. Expecting him to drop everything the moment she arrived would be rude.
So...
She definitely had time to try some more of these delicious dishes.
After all, Master Sunless himself had invited her to come here, eat, and relax.
This time, instead of immediately searching for the man, Nephis looked toward the board displaying the menu as she approached the counter.
However, when her eyes landed on Master Sunless walking out of the kitchen—
She stopped.
Her mind went blank for a moment.
Master Sunless stood there, wiping his hands on his black apron.
Then he noticed her.
A smile bloomed across his face.
Nephis once again experienced that flood of pure passion from him.
It did not help that Master Sunless was very handsome.
And his smile only made him more charming.
"Hello, my lady. I don't think we had a meeting scheduled today, did we?"
Nephis appreciated that he hadn't used her actual name. There were still a few patrons around.
"No. I was hoping to discuss my commission after reviewing my schedule, so we can arrange the dates for our meetings."
Sunny parted his lips slightly before nodding.
"Of course."
Before he could continue, Nephis spoke.
"I was also hoping..."
She added the next part a little more quickly.
"If I can try something from your menu."
Her voice became just slightly quieter toward the end.
No one would have been able to detect the shyness from her expression.
Master Sunless seemed to brighten at the request.
"Of course."
He gestured toward the outside.
"Your seating place is already prepared, actually. May I?"
Nephis nodded.
She followed the handsome Master outside.
Today, however, Master Sunless led her down the same path only to walk straight past her previous table.
Nephis blinked.
She continued following him.
They rounded a small wooden privacy wall built into the deck and walked a little farther until they reached a secluded table with two chairs.
A window and another wall stood behind it.
Nephis looked at him questioningly.
"This is actually my personal seating area," Sunless explained. "I hope the fact that my bedroom is right behind it won't bother you."
He paused.
"The other tables are still visible from the café. I thought that if you wanted to remove your disguise and enjoy yourself, you might appreciate a little more privacy."
Nephis blinked.
That was...
Really thoughtful of him.
More importantly, even now, she could sense no hidden motive behind his actions.
No desire to isolate her.
No ulterior intentions behind bringing her somewhere secluded.
He had genuinely prepared this place simply because he thought she would be more comfortable here.
"I'm sorry if I overstepped a boundary again," Sunless added.
Nephis snapped out of her thoughts.
"No. It's fine."
She hesitated.
There was something she had been wondering about since their last meeting.
"I'm just confused..."
Her gaze settled on him.
"Why are you going so far for me?"
Sunless remained silent.
"Is it because I'm a Saint?"
Nephis hesitated slightly.
"Or because I'm..."
Her disguise disappeared.
Her hair returned to its natural silver-white color.
"Me?"
She would have calmly waited for his answer—
If not for the sudden shift in Sunless's emotions.
Nephis blinked.
'Huh?'
The feelings she sensed from him had spiked the instant her appearance changed.
Sunless took a slow breath.
Then he looked away and cleared his throat, visibly regaining his composure.
Nephis stared.
'What...?'
Finally, Sunny looked back at her.
A gentle smile appeared on his face.
"Well... it's because..."
He paused.
Something changed in his eyes.
Something so gentle that Nephis found herself taken aback.
"It's because you mean so much to me..."
Nephis froze.
'...H-Huh?!'
Was he—
Was he confessing?!
Already?!
This was only their second meeting!
Her inexperienced mind barely had time to begin spiraling before—
"And you mean so much to all of humanity."
"..."
Whatever had been rising inside her plummeted.
Nephis blinked.
Sunless continued, entirely unaware of the crisis he had almost caused.
"Well, it's just that I have great respect for you, Lady Nephis."
"People with power tend to make sure everyone around them knows they have it. But from everything I've seen and heard about you... you've never seemed interested in that."
He paused for a moment.
"Your Fire Keepers don't speak about you like soldiers speaking about some distant commander. They speak about you like someone they genuinely trust."
His smile softened.
"You've gone through more than most people ever will, yet I've never heard of you treating someone as lesser simply because they're weaker than you."
"Truthfully, I have a great deal of respect and admiration for you."
Silence settled for a moment as neither spoke.
For the first time in years, Nephis wasn't quite sure what to say.
Or even what to think.
For years, she had heard countless variations of the same things.
'Changing Star is extraordinary.'
'Saint Nephis is one of humanity's greatest talents.'
'Daughter of Immortal Flame.'
'One of the youngest Saints.'
'Powerful warrior.'
Praise for her strength.
Her talent.
Her lineage.
Her achievements.
But here, this humble Master was saying words she had never really heard before.
Words she hadn't known she perhaps needed to hear.
And if that wasn't enough, his emotions told her just how sincere they were.
There was no flattery.
No attempt to earn her favor.
No hidden ambition.
He meant every word.
Master Sunless genuinely admired her.
Not simply Changing Star.
Not merely the daughter of Immortal Flame.
Her.
Nephis.
She stared at him for a moment before eventually looking away.
"I see. I appreciate that, Master Sunless..."
Her voice quieted.
She wasn't sure what else to say.
It was...
A little awkward.
Master Sunless didn't seem to mind.
His smile simply grew.
"No need. I'm just being honest. Like I said last time..."
His smile brightened, gaining the faintest hint of mischief.
"I never lie, after all."
Nephis blinked.
Then he smoothly changed the subject.
Something she was secretly grateful for.
"Well, please take a seat."
As Nephis did, Sunless somehow produced a menu from his apron.
She stared at it for a moment.
When had he even grabbed that?
He had been wiping his hands when they met today.
Nephis accepted the menu and began looking through it carefully.
Then—
A problem arose.
She had spent so much of her life becoming stronger that even as a child, she had never tasted half of the dishes written here.
Her eyes moved slowly down the menu.
'What... should I pick?'
She glanced toward the patiently waiting Master Sunless.
'What do I pick?'
Her dilemma only grew.
Then a finger gently landed on the menu.
Nephis blinked and looked up.
Sunless was leaning slightly closer, studying the options with her.
"I think you'll like this one if you want something sweet."
Nephis followed his finger.
Then it moved lower.
"And this one if you'd prefer something spicy and more suitable for lunch."
His finger moved again, indicating two more choices.
"Or these two if you'd like a proper lunch followed by something sweet. In that case, I'd add a strawberry milkshake with the meal. It won't interfere with the dessert's taste."
Nephis blinked.
He hadn't simply chosen something for her and left her with an awkward yes as her only option.
Instead, he had narrowed the menu down to several choices based on what she might like—
And then left the actual decision to her.
Nephis quietly read through them.
'They do sound tasty.'
She looked up.
"Can I have the second set you showed?"
Sunless smiled.
"Of course. Would you like the strawberry shake with that, or maybe something else?"
"The shake sounds nice."
His smile brightened.
"You got it."
Then he walked away.
Nephis watched him disappear inside before turning toward the lake.
For the first time since arriving, she simply allowed herself to enjoy the view.
Despite everything, Bastion could be remarkably peaceful.
A gentle breeze drifted across the lake. Forest surrounded the secluded café, and this little corner of the world seemed almost entirely removed from the noise of civilization.
A faint sense of excitement appeared within her.
Master Sunless's cake had been delicious.
She hoped the rest of his cooking would be just as good.
'Well...'
Even without the food, the peace he was offering her was already more than most things in her life could provide.
Her gaze wandered.
Then landed on the window behind her.
Master Sunless's bedroom.
Heavy curtains rested on either side of the sliding window, leaving part of the room visible.
It was neat.
Very neat.
The bed was made, the tables organized, and the floor spotless.
Nephis stared for a moment.
Then, inexplicably, she wondered what the handsome man looked like when he woke up.
Would his hair be scattered all over the bed?
Would he have messy bed hair?
Or would those black strands simply lie around him like silk threads?
Did he sleep in?
Or wake up early?
Maybe he woke with a groggy expression and a small, cute yawn—
Nephis paused.
Actually...
She could imagine him waking early in the morning, black hair scattered around him like silk threads, wearing that same gentle smile that would probably make most women—
Nephis blinked.
Her head immediately turned back toward the lake.
'What am I doing?'
Why was she imagining the handsome Master Sunless waking up in the morning?!
He was already offering his private sanctuary to her so she could relax.
He deserved more respect than having her sit outside imagining him in bed!
Nephis lightly shook her head.
A few quiet minutes passed.
Then she heard footsteps.
"Hey."
Nephis turned.
Master Sunless had returned, carrying a tray and wearing his usual charming smile.
There was no lunch on it.
That was...
A little disappointing.
But only a few minutes had passed.
She had to be reasonable.
"Here's some water."
He placed a glass in front of her.
Then—
A book.
Nephis blinked.
Her gaze moved from the book to him.
"A book?"
"I figured you'd like something to read."
Nephis picked it up and examined the cover.
"It feels nice to read in an environment like this," Sunless explained.
Nephis looked toward the peaceful lake again.
Then down at the book in her hands.
Yes.
She supposed it did.
Nephis picked up the book and looked at its cover as Sunless left to cook.
"Greek folk tales?" she said to herself as she turned the cover, reading the index
The page had many titles she already knew and more that she didn't.
A faint smile appeared on her lips as she remembered her childhood, when her grandmother read her such stories.
She turned to a page she did not know and began reading.
Nephis's expression softened almost imperceptibly.
Her grandmother used to tell her stories like these when she was young.
Before everything had become...
Complicated.
A quiet warmth appeared in her chest.
She turned another page.
A few minutes later, the door behind her slid open.
"Ah."
Nephis looked up.
Master Sunless stood there carrying several plates.
His eyes briefly moved toward the book.
"You started reading it."
He approached and began placing the food on the table.
"Do you like it?"
Nephis glanced back down at the book.
"I do."
Sunless smiled.
"I'm glad."
He placed the final plate before her before setting down the strawberry milkshake.
"That one had quite a few I never knew before."
Nephis looked at him.
"You like heroic stories?"
Sunless paused for a second.
Then shrugged lightly.
"I suppose I do."
He adjusted one of the plates.
"They might be a little childish to some people."
His smile became faintly amused.
"But I like hearing about heroes."
Nephis's gaze lingered on him.
There was something strange about the way he said it.
Not strange enough to be suspicious.
Just...
Warm.
Almost nostalgic.
"I used to listen to stories like these when I was younger," Nephis felt like sharing.
Sunless's hand stopped for the briefest moment.
Then continued moving.
"Really?"
"My grandmother told them to me."
His expression softened.
"She must have been important to you."
"She was."
Nephis looked back toward the book.
"I liked listening to her."
For some reason, the emotions coming from Master Sunless became warmer.
Nephis noticed.
But he simply smiled.
"Then I picked well."
He straightened.
"There now. Let's not wait—the food's warm."
Nephis politely set the book aside and looked down at the dish.
The plate held a decent portion of spaghetti coated in a rich red tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese and several other ingredients.
Despite being a relatively simple dish, it looked remarkably appetizing.
"Did you make this yourself, Master Sunless?" she asked.
"I did," Sunless answered.
Nephis nodded.
She picked up her fork, gathered a small portion, and took her first bite.
Her eyes widened slightly.
It was—
It was...
Delicious.
Nephis usually paid little attention to what she ate.
She had maintained a strict diet for most of her life, and although becoming a Saint meant that indulging occasionally would hardly affect her health, old habits remained.
As a result, her taste buds had been woefully neglected.
But Master Sunless's cooking...
For the first time in years, a simple meal had managed to draw a genuine reaction from her.
Delighted by the taste, Nephis took another polite bite.
Then another.
And another.
She didn't lose her manners, of course.
But she was certainly enjoying the food.
It was only after several bites that Nephis's attention shifted away from the plate.
Something had changed.
Master Sunless's emotions.
She glanced toward him.
There was...
Gratitude?
A great deal of it.
But beneath that gratitude was something else.
Something strangely somber.
Almost nostalgic.
As though the sight of her sitting there, quietly enjoying the meal he had prepared, had reminded him of something.
Or someone.
Nephis frowned faintly.
However, by the time she looked in his direction, Master Sunless had already stepped away, leaving her to enjoy her meal in peace.
She watched him for another moment.
Had she reminded him of something painful?
Nephis didn't know.
And she wasn't going to pry into his personal matters simply because she could sense his emotions.
So, after a moment, she lowered her gaze.
Twisted another small portion of spaghetti around her fork—
And happily returned her attention to the delicious food.
It was only about five minutes after Nephis had finished her meal.
She had returned to her book, occasionally sipping from the strawberry milkshake, when a light knock came from the window.
Nephis looked up.
Sunless walked out carrying a tray.
And sitting atop it was a small chocolate dessert.
Intrigued—and unwilling to admit that she was also a little excited—Nephis watched as Sunless approached and placed the dish before her.
One look at it made her blink.
It was a smooth chocolate dome accompanied by two scoops of ice cream.
Nephis looked up at Master Sunless in confusion.
"You've never had a dome-style dessert?" he asked.
Nephis lightly shook her head.
Sunless nodded.
A smile appeared on his face as he picked up a small dish filled with hot caramel.
"Well, here you go. Watch closely."
Nephis turned her attention back to the dessert.
Sunless slowly poured the warm caramel over the chocolate dome.
At first, Nephis merely watched in confusion.
Then—
Her eyes widened.
The warm caramel began to melt through the chocolate.
Tiny cracks spread across the dome before its shell slowly collapsed inward, revealing the dessert hidden beneath. Melted chocolate and caramel flowed together as a rich, fragrant aroma rose into the air.
Nephis stared.
Fascinated.
Almost like a child witnessing a small magic trick for the first time.
Sunless stepped back and gestured toward the dessert.
Nephis picked up her spoon.
She carefully dug into the collapsed dome, gathering a piece of cake along with some of the warm chocolate and caramel.
Sunless quietly watched as she brought it to her lips.
Nephis took a bite.
Her face lit up.
Immediately, a large, relieved smile appeared on Sunny's face.
He quietly began to step away—
"Master Sunless?"
He stopped.
Nephis's voice carried the faintest hint of cheer.
She looked at him with a small smile.
"This tastes really good."
Then she took another bite.
Sunless's expression softened.
"Then please enjoy it to your heart's content."
Nephis nodded.
She happily returned her attention to the delicious dessert and her milkshake.
Sunny watched her for another moment before leaving her alone.
Some time later, he returned.
By then, the dessert was gone.
Nephis had returned to her book, her posture noticeably different from when she had first arrived.
Her shoulders had relaxed.
She was leaning comfortably into her seat, no longer carrying herself with the constant rigid composure expected of Changing Star.
She looked over as Sunless approached.
"Master Sunless."
"Lady Nephis."
"Have I overstayed?"
Her gaze briefly moved toward the café.
"Do you need me to leave?"
Sunless chuckled and shook his head.
"Not at all."
He approached the other chair but didn't immediately sit.
"I just wanted to ask if you needed anything else."
Nephis's eyes softened.
"No. I think I've had enough to eat for one afternoon. Thank you."
Her gaze drifted toward the lake.
For a few moments, she watched the sunlight shimmer across its surface.
Then—
"Can I ask you something?"
Sunless raised an eyebrow.
"Of course. Provided I can answer it."
Nephis nodded.
Sunless finally took a seat beside her, and for a few moments, neither of them spoke as they simply looked out over the lake.
Nephis's fingers rested against the cover of the book.
"Do you really like these kinds of stories?" she asked.
Sunless glanced at the book before looking back toward the water.
"The heroic ones?"
Nephis nodded.
Sunless hummed quietly.
"I suppose I do."
He leaned back slightly in his chair.
"They might seem a little childish to some people."
His lips curled faintly.
"Great heroes defeating terrible monsters. Saving kingdoms. Standing against impossible odds. That sort of thing."
Nephis looked down at the cover again.
"You don't think they're childish?"
"Not really."
Sunless shrugged.
"I think people are allowed to enjoy things."
He paused for a moment.
"And I like hearing stories about heroes."
Something about the way he said it made Nephis glance toward him.
There it was again.
That strange warmth.
That faint nostalgia she had noticed earlier.
"I used to listen to stories like these when I was young," Nephis said.
Sunless's expression softened.
"Yes, from your grandmother?"
Nephis nodded.
"She used to tell them to me."
A small silence followed.
"She had good taste," Sunless said.
Nephis blinked.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"I thought so too."
Sunless smiled back.
Nephis looked toward the café behind them.
"Can I ask something?" she asked.
Sunless tilted his head curiously. "Go ahead."
"Why did you open this place?"
Sunless paused.
"The café?"
"Yes."
Nephis shifted slightly in her chair.
"You seem to be an exceptional Memory-maker. You could probably earn far more focusing entirely on that."
Sunless stared at her for a second.
Then he chuckled.
"You're probably right."
Nephis waited.
Sunless looked toward the distant trees.
"I didn't grow up in the best circumstances."
His tone remained light, but Nephis immediately felt something change beneath it.
Nothing overwhelming.
Just an old emotion.
Something long accepted.
"When I was a child, I didn't really dream about becoming powerful."
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"I mostly wanted enough money that I wouldn't have to worry about whether I could eat tomorrow."
Nephis remained quiet.
Sunless glanced toward her.
"Disappointed?"
She shook her head. "Not at all. You must have your reasons; I can imagine a little of why from what you told me just now."
Sunless looked at her before smiling. "Thank you
His gaze returned to the lake.
"After I Awakened, obviously, a lot changed."
His expression became thoughtful.
"My standards got a little higher."
Nephis looked around the beautiful café, the peaceful lake, and the private deck.
"A little?"
Sunless turned toward her with an offended expression.
"Lady Nephis, I am an incredibly humble man."
Nephis stared at him.
His expression remained perfectly serious for several seconds before his lips betrayed him.
Nephis looked away as a faint smile threatened to appear.
Sunless chuckled.
"But really..."
His voice softened.
"I think some part of me always wanted something like this."
He gestured around them.
"A quiet place. Enough food. A comfortable bed. Somewhere peaceful."
His eyes moved toward the café.
"Somewhere I could cook, work on Memories when I felt like it, and not have the entire world constantly demanding something."
Nephis looked at him.
She understood that last part more than she cared to admit.
Sunless was quiet for a moment.
Then he added casually,
"I also promised someone I'd do it."
Nephis's gaze sharpened slightly.
"You promised someone?"
"Mm."
He didn't elaborate.
Nephis waited.
Sunless continued looking toward the lake.
His emotions had changed again.
Warm.
Fond.
But there was a trace of something deeper underneath them.
Nephis could have asked.
She didn't.
If Master Sunless wanted to tell her, he would.
Instead, she looked toward the café.
"Do you enjoy cooking as much as Memory-making?"
Sunless thought about it.
"In a different way."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Memory-making is satisfying because it's complicated."
His hand moved vaguely through the air.
"You have an idea, then you figure out how to make it work. Usually while something goes wrong several times along the way."
Nephis nodded.
"And cooking?"
"Cooking is simpler."
Sunless smiled.
"Not easy."
He raised a finger.
"Simple."
Nephis looked at him questioningly.
"You make something."
He gestured toward the empty dessert plate.
"Someone eats it."
His smile grew.
"If they look happy, you did something right."
Nephis's gaze moved toward the plate.
Sunless followed it.
"I like that."
His voice became quieter.
"I like seeing people's reactions."
Nephis looked back toward him.
Again, that warmth.
That same sincerity.
Sunless glanced toward her before looking away.
"When someone enjoys something you made..."
He shrugged.
"It's nice."
Nephis remembered the way his face had changed when she told him the dessert tasted good.
The relief.
The happiness.
The strange nostalgia beneath it.
"I see."
Sunless smiled.
"Besides, food has one major advantage over Memories."
Nephis raised an eyebrow.
"You can eat it."
Nephis stared.
Sunless nodded seriously.
"Very important."
A small laugh almost escaped her.
Almost.
Her gaze drifted back toward the lake.
"You chose this place because it was peaceful?"
"Mostly."
Sunless rested one arm against the chair.
"I like Bastion."
He looked toward the distant city.
"I just like it more from over here."
Nephis followed his gaze.
"Too loud?"
"Very."
"Too crowded?"
"Extremely."
Nephis nodded faintly.
"And everyone wants something from you."
Sunless's eyes shifted toward her.
Nephis went still.
Neither spoke.
His expression softened.
"Yeah."
His voice was quieter now.
"That too."
Nephis looked away.
For some reason, she didn't feel uncomfortable.
There was no pity in his emotions.
No attempt to tell her that he understood everything she went through.
He simply understood enough.
They remained silent for a while.
The breeze moved gently across the lake, carrying the faint scent of trees and water.
Eventually, Sunless glanced toward the book resting in Nephis's lap.
"You can take that one with you."
Nephis looked at him.
"I can?"
"I have others."
He shrugged.
"And I doubt you'll finish it before you leave."
Nephis looked down at the book.
Then toward the lake.
Then back at Sunless.
"I may stay a little longer."
His smile immediately brightened.
"Please do."
Nephis settled back into the chair.
She wasn't entirely sure why those two simple words made her feel so comfortable.
But they did.
"Also." Sunless said.
'Hmm?'
"If you don't want to take the book..."
Sunless smiled teasingly, closing one eye as he brought a finger to his lips.
"Just keep coming back."
...
Nephis stared at him.
She did not feel her cheeks getting warmer at that.
Definitely not.
'Damn it.'
Nephis nodded and looked away.
Was Master Sunless flirting with her?
Or was he simply messing with her?
Maybe both?
But his emotions felt too sincere.
Perhaps he genuinely wanted her to come back. In that case, maybe he was only being honest.
Nephis glanced back at the smiling, black-eyed, handsome devil.
No.
He was definitely teasing her.
At least a little.
Maybe it was all three.
The thought made something flip strangely in her stomach.
Just why was Master Sunless capable of making her feel this way?
Sure, Master Sunless was handsome.
Very handsome.
He had a gentle personality and a beautiful smile. His cooking was beyond amazing, and there was something soothing about his presence.
More than that, he seemed to understand what she needed without forcing her to say it.
Peace.
Privacy.
Good food.
A place where no one expected anything from her.
And he simply...
Gave those things to her.
But still.
Why was it that Master Sunless could make her feel both warm and flustered without even trying very hard?
Countless annoying Legacies had glanced her way over the years. Some had sent gifts, while the more persistent ones had outright placed themselves in her path around Bastion just for an opportunity to speak with her.
Nephis had dismissed them like bugs.
Yet Sunless was making her experience things she hadn't even thought possible.
At that moment, perhaps Nephis did not understand the depth of what she was beginning to feel for him.
She didn't even know what to call it yet.
But she understood one thing.
Sunless was a warm, soothing presence.
And she wanted to be around him more.
Nephis traced her fingers along the binding of the book.
A faint smile appeared on her lips before she gently set it down.
She would rather return.
And perhaps next time...
Instead of sitting alone the entire afternoon, she could enjoy Master Sunless's handsome face while she ate.
Some time later, Nephis appeared at the front of the café.
The last of the earlier crowd had departed, and Sunny was handling the aftermath behind the counter.
"Ah, my lady."
Sunless turned toward her with a smile.
"What can I do for you?"
Nephis approached the counter.
"I just wanted to pay before I leave. How much do I owe you?"
Sunless paused.
Then smiled.
"No need. Everything's on the house."
Nephis blinked.
"W-What?"
"Everything's on the house. You don't have to pay."
Nephis took a step forward, visibly conflicted.
"Master Sunless, I can't simply not pay."
Sunless merely continued smiling.
"If you really want to pay..."
He tilted his head.
"I've already received your payment."
Nephis blinked again.
"Already?"
'Did Cassie tell one of the Fire Keepers to pay beforehand?'
The mischief slowly disappeared from Sunny's expression.
What remained was something much sweeter.
"You smiled."
His head tilted slightly, causing his high ponytail to sway behind him.
"That was more than enough for me."
Badum. Badum.
Nephis looked away.
That warmth appeared in her chest again.
Only stronger.
When she eventually glanced back, she caught Sunless briefly looking away as well.
He cleared his throat before turning back toward her.
Nephis blinked.
'Is he... embarrassed too?'
Then another thought struck her.
'Does that mean Master Sunless is actually flirting with me?'
Her face suddenly felt much warmer as she stared at the handsome Master.
"And if you still want to pay..."
Sunless grinned lightly.
"Then pay whenever your Memory is finished."
Nephis blinked once more before slowly nodding.
"Fine."
"And remember—you have to pay your tab yourself. I won't accept money from one of the Fire Keepers."
'Huh?'
Nephis frowned.
"Can I ask why?"
Sunless rested an elbow against the counter and smiled at her.
Nephis searched his emotions.
Again—
No ulterior motive.
Nothing hidden.
Only that same pure warmth.
"So I can see you again, silly."
...
Nephis's mind stopped.
She looked away and swallowed.
'...Master Sunless!'
She was too occupied with controlling her own reaction to notice the faint redness appearing on Sunny's cheeks.
A soft chuckle escaped him.
Nephis eventually looked back, her expression as composed as ever despite the shy turmoil underneath.
"Do you talk to your other customers like this as well?"
Sunless blinked.
Then straightened.
"Not at all."
He smiled.
"In fact, you're the only one."
"..."
Nephis stared at him.
How could someone's emotions be so innocent and sincere while his mouth spoke like that of an experienced lady-killer?
Finally, she decided to simply ask.
"Are you flirting with me, Master Sunless?"
Sunless blinked.
For perhaps the first time, he actually took a small step back.
But he didn't lose his composure.
Instead, his smile became softer.
"That depends on what you call flirting."
Nephis turned fully toward him.
"If you mean that I'm using pretty words to impress you for a few days because you're beautiful..."
He paused.
Then leaned slightly closer.
"Then no. I'd never flirt with you like that."
Nephis felt his emotions shift.
They were gentle.
Steady.
Like the quiet flow of a stream.
Thump. Thump.
Sunless rested his forearms against the counter.
"I'm just developing a very uncontrollable habit of not keeping my mouth shut despite trying my best."
He tilted his head, smiling.
"And for some reason..."
His black eyes settled on hers.
"I just really like seeing you smile."
...
Nephis didn't know what to think.
She didn't understand what she was feeling either.
Her heart and stomach were undoubtedly doing things she couldn't remember them ever doing before.
'So... he means it?'
Whatever doubts she had possessed slowly disappeared.
Only confusion remained.
Confusion—
And something warm she didn't yet know how to name.
Before Nephis could respond—
The bell above the café door chimed.
Both of them turned.
Aiko walked through the entrance, her black hair swaying behind her.
And in her arms was a little girl.
The child immediately wriggled free, hopped onto the floor, and rushed toward the counter.
"Papa!"
Nephis's pupils widened.
Her gaze snapped toward Sunless.
Sunny's entire face lit up.
He hurried around the counter with a wide grin.
"Papa!"
The little girl threw herself toward him.
Sunless caught her and effortlessly lifted her high above his head before bringing her back down and settling her comfortably on his forearm.
The girl immediately wrapped both arms around his neck.
"Hello, my baby! You're back!"
She leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"I missed you."
Her tiny arms tightened around his neck.
Sunny's expression softened.
"Aww. Did you have fun?"
The girl eagerly pulled back and nodded.
Then she stretched her arms half way they could go.
"I had this much fun!"
Sunny chuckled.
Apparently deciding that wasn't enough, the girl somehow stretched her arms even farther.
"But I'd have had this much fun if you were there!"
Sunny laughed and kissed her cheek.
"Really now? You silly little goose."
"Whatever a goose is!"
Sunny burst out laughing.
Nephis...
Was suddenly very unsure how she was supposed to feel.
The sight itself was undeniably wholesome.
Master Sunless looked completely natural holding the little girl. The girl was clinging to him with obvious affection, and the happiness radiating from him was impossible to mistake.
But—
Something strange twisted unpleasantly in Nephis's stomach.
The girl had called him Papa.
If that was the case...
Master Sunless might have a lover.
Or worse—
'A wife?'
Something sank inside her.
Then Nephis blinked.
'What? Why is that worse?'
She had no right to pry into his personal life.
Master Sunless was allowed to have a wife.
Of course he was.
Still...
Her gaze returned to him.
'Then why did he talk to me like that?'
Sunless had said that he wasn't trying to flirt with her. He simply liked seeing her smile.
Nephis had assumed that was merely his way of avoiding a direct answer.
But now...
Perhaps he really was simply a kind and wholesome person.
Perhaps his admiration for her truly came from nothing more than gratitude toward someone who had spent years protecting humanity from corruption.
That should have been enough.
It was a wonderful reason.
A pure one.
So why...
Why wasn't that enough anymore?
For some reason, Nephis didn't want Master Sunless to merely appreciate her hard work.
She wanted—
Nephis's thoughts abruptly stopped.
Her eyes narrowed faintly.
'Did Master Sunless's room have anything suggesting a second person lived there?'
Her gaze instinctively shifted toward the secluded side of the café.
The bedroom.
She had seen it earlier.
The bed.
The tables.
The room.
Had there been anything belonging to a woman?
A second pillow?
Clothes?
Anything?
Nephis felt a sudden and irrational flash of annoyance.
'Damn it.'
Why hadn't she looked more carefully?
Nephis squirmed internally in annoyance at herself while the others looked on.
Then the little girl smiled.
"You have silver hair!"
Nephis snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her.
Large golden eyes stared back at her, filled with innocent fascination. The sight immediately softened Nephis's expression.
The girl reached out, forcing Sunny to shift slightly with the child in his arms.
"Careful," he said.
Nephis couldn't help but find the girl cute.
"Hello," she said.
The girl's eyes sparkled.
"You're so pretty!"
A faint smile appeared on Nephis's face.
Master Sunless's presence was making that happen rather often lately.
"Thank you."
She paused before crouching slightly.
"You're also very pretty."
The girl's golden eyes shimmered.
"Thank you!"
Then she looked excitedly at Sunless.
"Papa, she's even prettier than you said!"
Nephis froze.
So did Sunny.
The little girl merely looked between them innocently.
Nephis slowly turned toward Master Sunless.
Master Sunless did not look at her.
Instead, he suddenly seemed very interested in the girl sitting in his arms.
Nephis continued staring anyway.
"I-I see. So you talked about me, Master Sunless?"
The little girl blinked, still wearing her innocent smile.
"Well—uh—yes? It's not every day the legendary Changing Star comes to my café, right?"
Sunless gave a slightly nervous chuckle.
"And you said I'm pretty?" Nephis asked as she straightened.
Master Sunless looked away.
"...Yes."
Apparently, the little girl decided that answer was insufficient.
"No, no! Papa said you're the prettiest!"
She spread her arms wide for emphasis.
"Hey!"
Sunless stared at her, his ears turning red.
Nephis fought back a victorious smile.
She also did her best to ignore the strange satisfaction blooming inside her chest at seeing the normally composed Master Sunless blush because of her.
The girl mercifully decided to save him.
"Pretty lady?"
Nephis looked back at her.
"Yes?"
"Can I take your hair?"
Nephis tilted her head at the strange question.
"You want to touch it?"
The girl nodded eagerly.
Nephis gathered some of her silver hair in one hand and leaned closer so the girl could reach it.
But—
"Now, now. That's very rude of you."
Sunless gently caught the girl's arm by the elbow before she could touch Nephis.
Nephis blinked.
The girl looked at Sunny and wilted slightly.
"You can't just take someone's hair, dear. And it's rude to touch someone without their permission."
His reprimand was gentle, but firm enough that the girl lowered her head.
"What do you say when you're being rude?"
The girl looked at Nephis.
"I'm sorry, pretty miss."
Nephis smiled.
"It's fine. I'm not mad."
She glanced at Sunless.
After receiving a small nod from him, the girl leaned closer again.
Nephis didn't question his parenting.
He hadn't been harsh with the child. He was simply making sure she didn't develop bad habits.
Nephis gently ruffled the girl's hair while Sunless watched them with a smile.
Her eyes briefly wandered toward his hands.
All ten fingers were bare.
A tiny flash of satisfaction passed through her.
Then the girl reclaimed her attention.
"Do you want to touch my hair?" Nephis asked.
The girl's eyes widened with excitement.
But this time, instead of immediately reaching out, she looked at Sunless.
He gave her a gentle nod.
The girl beamed.
"Thank you!"
Only then did she carefully reach forward and touch Nephis's silver hair.
Nephis couldn't suppress her smile as she watched the little girl sitting in Sunless's arms, fascinated by the strands slipping between her tiny fingers.
"Miss, miss! Do you think I'll be pretty like you when I grow up?"
Nephis smiled at her.
"I think you'll be prettier."
The girl's smile somehow grew even brighter.
...
Soon, Nephis stood near the door, preparing to leave.
Master Sunless approached her once again.
And once again—
He was carrying a bag.
Nephis immediately frowned.
"Master Sunless, I can't accept this again."
"Don't even try. You're not leaving without food."
Sunless dismissed her protest and held the bag out.
Nephis reluctantly accepted it and looked inside.
Three chocolate dome desserts sat carefully packed within, accompanied by containers of caramel.
Beneath them was a small cake.
"A new flavor," Sunless explained.
Nephis looked at the food with hidden excitement.
"Thank you for today, Master Sunless."
"No need."
He waved her gratitude away before tilting his head with a teasing smile.
"You already know. Pay me with your smiles until I decide whether I'll let you pay your tab."
Nephis fought back another faint smile and nodded.
Suddenly—
"Wait!"
Tiny footsteps hurried toward them.
Sunless and Nephis turned.
Orphne came rushing over on her little legs, a panicked expression on her face—
And a tiny milk mustache above her lip.
Nephis had to fight another smile.
"I didn't say goodbye!" Orphne exclaimed.
"Looks like you were having milk," Nephis said.
The girl blinked.
Then nodded happily.
"Did you finish it?"
"Yes! Aunt Aiko even said I'll get taller now!"
She cheered.
Aiko clearly—
Wait.
Nephis cut that thought short.
She crouched in front of the girl.
Sunless was about to wipe Orphne's mouth himself when Nephis simply used the edge of her sleeve to gently clean away the milk.
Sunless blinked and hesitated.
"Ah... Lady Nephis."
"It's fine, Master Sunless. I don't mind."
Orphne beamed.
Nephis started to rise when the girl looked up at her.
"Pretty miss?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I hug you?"
Nephis blinked, taken aback.
"U-Uh... sure?"
Sunless noticed her awkwardness and seemed ready to intervene.
Too late.
Orphne immediately wrapped her little arms around Nephis's legs.
Nephis stiffened.
She looked down.
Then, somewhat awkwardly, leaned over and returned the embrace while gently patting the girl's head.
Slowly—
Her lips curved into a faint smile.
Sunless stared.
For just a moment, something deeply nostalgic appeared in his eyes.
It was as though he was looking at something he had dreamed about for a very long time.
Then he closed his eyes.
And composed himself.
Nephis didn't notice.
Once Orphne released her, Nephis picked up the bag again.
"Ah! I never gave you my name!"
The girl suddenly gasped.
Sunless chuckled.
"About time you remembered. I was about to say something."
Nephis looked at the girl.
Orphne stepped forward proudly.
"My name is Orphne, and I really like Papa and flowers."
She smiled and gave Nephis a little bow.
Nephis's expression softened.
"That's a very beautiful name, Orphne."
She reached down and gently patted her head.
The girl smiled brightly.
"Thank you! Papa gave it to me!"
Nephis glanced toward Sunless.
"The name belonged to an old friend," he explained quietly. "It felt right..."
Nephis nodded.
She didn't pry.
Instead, she looked at both of them.
"I'll take my leave, then."
Orphne immediately waved.
"Come back soon!"
Nephis gave her a faint smile.
"Lady Nephis."
She stopped and looked at Sunless.
His expression had softened again.
"Please come back whenever you feel tired or overwhelmed."
Nephis blinked.
Once again, Master Sunless somehow managed to make her chest feel warm.
He tilted his head.
"And even if you're not overwhelmed..."
He smiled.
"Please visit me as often as your duties allow."
Badum. Thump.
Nephis nodded, her face feeling warmer, and walked away from the café while Orphne and Sunless watched her leave with smiles.
She made it some distance down the path before looking into the bag, mostly to distract herself from certain thoughts.
The desserts were still there.
Then her eyes landed on a note.
Nephis blinked.
She pulled it out and unfolded it.
'For the Memory commission, I've begun some preparations. It will take some time before I have everything I need. After that, I'll need you to be present so I can study your Aspect and battle art. On the back of this note is a rough draft of my schedule for when we can work on understanding your Aspect and battle art.'
Nephis stopped in the middle of the path.
The café was still visible behind her.
Her face warmed with embarrassment.
'I went there for my sword...'
She stared at the note.
'And came back after eating delicious food.'
She had almost forgotten the entire reason she had visited.
Nephis flipped the note over and studied Master Sunless's schedule.
It wasn't surprisingly packed, but it wasn't particularly free either.
She mentally compared it against her own obligations, already considering which times would work for both of them.
Then she noticed something written beneath the schedule.
Nephis blinked.
She looked closer.
'I'm glad you were able to relax because of me. Please come more often. It makes me happy too.
—Sunless'
Nephis lost another battle against her smile.
...
Later, Nephis was losing an entirely different battle.
She paced back and forth across her room, strange emotions fighting one another inside her while Cassie's head followed her movements with growing amusement.
Left.
Right.
Left again.
Cassie finally spoke.
"You want to talk, Neph?"
Nephis continued pacing.
She hadn't even registered the question.
"Neph?" Cassie called again.
"Huh?"
Nephis finally looked at her.
"You are in some kind of dilemma, right?" Cassie asked.
Nephis looked away, still lost in thought.
"No... it's nothing," she mumbled.
Cassie's lips curled upward.
"Is it about Master Sunless?"
Nephis's head snapped toward her.
"No!"
Cassie's smile widened.
"No?"
"No."
"Really?"
"..."
"Hmm?"
Nephis hesitated.
"...Maybe," she admitted shyly, Master Sunless immediately appearing in her thoughts.
Cassie squealed inwardly.
'I should have watched the whole thing!'
She silently cursed herself for not using her abilities on Nephis after she had started eating.
"Need help?" Cassie asked, not allowing even the slightest hint of her internal excitement to show.
Nephis looked at her worriedly.
"I-It might not be possible..." she mumbled.
Cassie's smile disappeared.
"Why? Did he say something?"
"N-No. It's just that..."
Nephis hesitated.
"Master Sunless has a daughter."
Cassie frowned.
"A child?"
"Yes."
"How old?"
"About three or four, I think."
Cassie nodded thoughtfully.
Nephis watched her with growing anxiety, as though the blind Seer was about to interpret a divine decree.
"Did you meet the mother?" Cassie asked.
Nephis blinked.
"N-No?"
"Did you hear anything about her?"
"No...?"
Cassie sighed.
Nephis immediately became nervous.
"W-Why did you sigh like that?"
There was an almost innocent maidenly worry on her usually composed face.
"Neph, you haven't even asked if Master Sunless is available for a relationship, and you're already worrying like you've lost."
'R-Relationship?!'
Nephis's face warmed again as Sunless's image flashed through her mind.
"I-I never said anything like that."
She tried her utmost to maintain her composure.
Cassie turned toward her and remained silent for a long moment.
"...Sure."
"What does that mean?"
"It means sure."
Cassie stood.
"You know, you could have asked."
"I can't just ask someone if they're married after meeting him twice."
Cassie raised an eyebrow.
"You think he's married?"
"N-No?"
"Then how did you come to that conclusion?"
"W-Well, he didn't have a ring, so I thought—"
Cassie's smile immediately returned.
"You looked for a ring?!"
Nephis realized her mistake.
"I-I didn't! I mean, I didn't mean to—but..."
She stopped.
Then sighed.
"Maybe... I just looked and noticed that..."
Cassie's teasing smile softened.
"Let me think."
Nephis fidgeted nervously.
For perhaps the first time in her memory, she found herself anxiously watching Cassie as though her friend held the answer to some incredibly important question.
Her gaze shifted from Cassie toward the balcony—
In the general direction of the café.
Then—
"Eh?!"
Cassie suddenly gasped.
Nephis whipped around.
Had Cassie figured something out?
Was Master Sunless unavailable?
How?
How had Cassie determined that?
Why did she—
"You have dessert and you didn't tell me?!"
Cassie was already pulling the food out.
Oh.
"Is this a caramel and chocolate dome dessert?! Heat it, please!"
...
A few minutes later, Cassie and Nephis each took a bite of their dessert.
"Mmm..."
Cassie touched her cheek in delight.
Then she turned toward Nephis.
"Neph, you need to date Master Sunless."
"Cough! Cough!"
Nephis nearly choked on her dessert.
She stared at Cassie.
"What?!"
"Oh, please. You'll want to sooner or later. If Master Sunless comes around more often, I get to see this cute side of you, you get a handsome boyfriend, and I get more of these sweets."
Cassie took another delighted bite.
"It's a win-win-win for me."
"T-That's your basis for such a suggestion?"
"Not really. It's just that..."
Cassie's expression became softer.
More serious.
"I've never seen you this happy in all our time together."
Nephis's embarrassment slowly faded.
Cassie continued.
"And now this Master Sunless makes you actually act like a normal person with no pain or problems, even if it's only for a little while."
Nephis became silent.
Her thoughts returned to the black-haired man.
Indeed...
Master Sunless made her act in such a strange manner.
His smile.
His voice.
His face.
His eyes.
Everything about him made her feel so...
Happy.
Why?
Nephis couldn't remember having such a calm and soothing experience with anyone in her entire life.
Not even Cassie made her feel quite that safe.
The only person who came close was her grandmother.
Yet somehow, Nephis had managed to lower her guard around Master Sunless with almost frightening ease.
Why?
She didn't understand.
But for some reason...
Master Sunless felt safe.
Her heart told her so.
And the thought of him smiling that way at someone else...
Of being with someone else...
Filled her with a strange discomfort.
Something almost painful.
Still...
Cassie sighed.
"Alright. The next time you go there, you'll ask them about Master Sunless's relationship status."
Nephis blinked.
"I just said I can't ask Master Sunless if h-he's—"
"Not him."
Cassie sighed and crossed one leg over the other before taking another bite.
Nephis stared at her in bewilderment.
Cassie casually waved her fork.
"Listen, Neph. You don't need to ask Master Sunless anything. Just talk to little Orphne. Ask her about herself, where her mom is, things like that. You'll have your answer."
Nephis blinked.
"Oh..."
Why hadn't she thought of that?
"It's that easy," Cassie said dismissively.
"But..."
Nephis hesitated.
"What if Master Sunless's lover—or Orphne's mother—has already died?"
Her voice became quieter.
"It could hurt Orphne if I make her remember something painful."
Cassie stilled.
After a moment, she sighed.
"Actually... yes. Maybe we should be more careful about that."
Nephis looked at her hopefully.
Cassie sighed again.
"Okay. I'll guide you the next time you go there."
Nephis almost jumped in her seat.
"W-When should that be?"
"Tomorrow, of course!"
"T-That soon?!"
The thought of seeing the handsome Master Sunless again tomorrow immediately sent another strange flutter through her stomach.
"Soon? Neph, this is a matter of love. We mustn't delay even a moment! Tomorrow, you go see Master Sunless, and we investigate the battlefield."
Nephis stared at her.
"You're getting a little intense."
"It's called investment, Neph."
"..."
Despite herself, Nephis smiled faintly and took another bite of the dessert.
'Master Sunless...'
Another small smile appeared on her lips.
...
Beyond the peaceful café of Bastion and the Ivory Tower, where Master Sunless and Lady Nephis's lives were slowly becoming intertwined...
Beyond even the shadows of the Shadow Saint's Citadel...
Past the depths of the Hollow Mountains...
Far from the dark waters of the Forgotten Shore...
Further still, beyond barren lands and untouched territories, within a forest where titanic trees reached toward the heavens—
A human figure stood atop a crumbling building.
Black clothing concealed their body.
A mask covered their face.
Their shape was indistinct.
Their voice impossible to place.
Everything about the creature seemed deliberately obscured.
Beneath their feet, almost completely consumed by time, the fading designation of the ruined structure could still be seen.
LO49.
The masked figure raised its head.
There was no moon in the sky.
Yet the being spoke.
A word that should not have been said.
A name that had to be uttered.
A being that should not have been awakened.
"Asterion."
The name echoed through the fabric of space.
...
Far away—
A man rested calmly upon a land from which he could not leave.
He was within a realm that had yet to be consumed by the Dream Realm, trapped upon its moon.
And yet—
He heard it.
Asterion.
The echo reached him.
His eyes opened.
A golden glow leaked from them as the power of the man stirred, radiating through the surrounding space.
A mythical and amused smirk appeared on his lips.
Asterion remained lying on his side, his head resting casually against his fist as his long hair fell across his shoulder.
"Another fool."
His gaze sharpened.
He reached toward the voice only he could hear.
His senses stretched beyond what should have been possible.
Beyond the moon.
Beyond the realm.
Reaching toward another.
"Where are you, ignorant one?"
His voice carried faint amusement.
He found the thread.
Followed it.
Reached—
And then—
Nothing.
Asterion's smirk faltered.
His amusement disappeared.
'What?'
He reached for the connection again.
The thread obeyed him—
Then slipped away.
The connection broke.
For the first time in a very long time, the Supreme's expression changed.
Asterion slowly sat upright.
His eyes narrowed.
...
Within the Dream Realm, the mysterious figure remained standing atop the ruins.
A demonic mask concealed its face.
The mask bore a certain resemblance to that of the Lord of Shadows—
And yet it was unmistakably different.
"Asterion."
It called his name again.
Essence stirred.
Asterion heard the voice perfectly.
Yet still—
He could not see its owner.
Could not locate it.
Could not reach it.
The masked figure tilted its head.
"Is this what has become of the oh-so-great First Dreamspawn?"
Asterion's eyes narrowed.
Something resembling annoyance began to replace his amusement.
"Worry not."
The masked being's voice remained calm.
"I shall free you from your pitiful existence."
Asterion shot to his feet.
His golden eyes burned.
"Coward."
His voice carried across the lonely moon.
"Where are you?"
...
There was no answer.
Because unlike the masked being's words—
Asterion's voice never reached the one he was speaking to.
For several moments, the Supreme stood silently upon the lonely moon.
Then the voice came again.
Calm.
Distant.
Almost amused.
"The tapestry of Fate is as vast and endless as it is cold and unforgiving."
Asterion's expression hardened.
The masked figure remained motionless atop the ancient ruins.
Then its voice changed.
The amusement disappeared.
What remained was something colder.
"And you will learn what becomes of those arrogant enough to believe they can undermine it."
Asterion's golden eyes narrowed.
"Fate?"
A quiet chuckle reached him.
"For someone born from a dream, you have grown remarkably confident that you understand reality."
The air surrounding Asterion trembled.
"Who are you?"
The masked figure tilted its head.
"You need not know my name."
A pause.
"Only whose web you have disturbed."
For the first time since the voice had reached him, Asterion's anger faded.
Something else replaced it.
Attention.
The being beneath the strange mask slowly raised its head toward the empty sky.
Then spoke a single word.
"Weaver."
...
Asterion became utterly still.
The masked figure continued.
"Firstborn of the Unknown."
The connection between them trembled.
Asterion reached for it immediately.
This time, there was no amusement in his expression.
"Wait."
The masked being ignored him.
"Remember this well, First Dreamspawn."
The edges of its form began to blur.
"Fate may forgive ignorance."
Its voice grew faint.
"We do not."
Then—
The connection vanished.
Completely.
Asterion stood alone upon the moon.
His senses reached outward again.
Nothing.
No thread.
No presence.
No direction.
Not even the faintest trace of the being that had spoken to him.
For a long while, Asterion did not move.
Then his golden eyes slowly narrowed.
"Weaver..."
For the first time since the mysterious voice had called his name—
Asterion was no longer amused.