Sirvan smiled as he approached Mark and his children.
The glow of the remaining fires from the previous day's battle reflected against his armor, giving his face a warmer appearance despite his exhaustion.
He spoke lightly:
"How are my warriors doing today?"
Nero answered as he sat beside Mark, brushing the dust from his torn clothes.
"We're fine. Just a little exhausted... Who would've expected Canria to come under an attack this brutal?"
Mark slowly shook his head, his eyes following the remnants of smoke rising in the distance.
He let out a heavy sigh.
"Yeah... And it's a good thing our commander friend arrived just in time."
Sirvan laughed, his voice breaking through the silence like a reassuring breeze.
"Again, man? Your house is practically at the edge of the kingdom. It's hard enough to reach it even with the transport gates."
Everyone laughed.
Even Mark smiled despite his injuries.
"You were always telling me that you knew a beautiful place near the capital."
Sirvan smiled as he looked toward the horizon.
"Yes. And I was right."
Mark returned the smile, though it concealed a deep sadness.
"But I preferred the quiet... and I found it in Canria."
A brief silence followed.
The only sound was the rustling of wind passing through the ruined houses.
Sirvan approached Kartithia, crouched down, and gently patted her hair.
"Well then, little princess... how are you feeling?"
She looked up at him with bright eyes, the faint firelight reflected within them.
She smiled innocently.
"I'm fine!"
Sirvan smiled and rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Good to hear that... Staying safe and healthy is the most important thing."
He then turned toward Aether, who sat silently against the wall.
His eyes were fixed more on the ground than on the faces around him.
Sirvan spoke gently:
"And what about you, little knight?"
But Aether's face was downcast, his features buried beneath a shadow of sadness.
His voice came out quietly.
"I'm fine..."
Sirvan smiled warmly and placed a hand on his head.
"You were incredible out there, kid... Even better than your father."
Mark laughed, trying to hide his pride.
"That's true. He fought like a real knight."
Nero added as he patted Aether's shoulder:
"And you didn't even cry. Well done, Aether."
Aether's cheeks turned red with embarrassment.
A small smile appeared on his face.
Then a short laugh escaped him as he looked toward Kartithia.
The two children smiled together.
For a brief moment, that innocent smile was enough to lift the weight from the room...
And return a little warmth to the hearts of the three warriors.
After a moment of silence, Nero spoke hesitantly:
"What about Canria? Are we going to reclaim it?"
Sirvan's expression became serious, his voice growing firmer.
"Yes. The King has given his orders. We'll return to Canria soon and reclaim it, even if it has been reduced to ruins."
Concern appeared in Nero's eyes.
He lowered his voice.
"Are you going?"
"Of course. Eyria, the General, and I will lead the mission."
Sirvan paused.
"Though I don't think it will be easy this time... The presence of Dark King III in the area makes every step dangerous."
Mark's chest suddenly rose as he spoke firmly:
"Prepare a sword for me. I'm coming with you."
Sirvan stopped.
He looked into the eyes of a friend whose stubbornness he knew all too well.
Then he placed a heavy hand on Mark's shoulder.
"Mark... Don't forget that you're injured. Your hand hasn't even healed under the care of the kingdom's best healers, and your body isn't what it used to be."
Mark clenched his trembling fist stubbornly.
"Even without a hand, I can kill them."
Sirvan laughed softly.
But there was more sorrow than amusement in that laugh.
"I know you're brave. I've fought beside you in battles we'll never forget..."
His expression became serious.
"But this battle is different, my friend. Your strength is beginning to fade."
He looked toward the children.
"I suggest you let your body recover and focus on what's most important right now..."
Sirvan smiled gently.
"Taking care of Kartithia and Aether."
The smile remained on his face, carrying confidence...
But also an acknowledgment of a reality that could not be escaped.
Mark remained silent for a moment.
He looked at his two children.
Then slowly nodded.
"Alright... I trust you, Commander."
But deep inside...
Mark knew that the coming battle would take something from him that no one could ever return.