The night's chill had barely faded when Kairo and Luna finally made their way back to the camp. The moon was already dipping behind the trees, painting silver ripples across the grass. Luna walked silently beside him, clutching her cloak.
"Luna," Kairo said quietly, glancing at her. "About what happened tonight—don't tell anyone. Not even Rinn."
Luna nodded without hesitation. "I understand. You have my word, Kairo."
By the time they reached the camp, everyone was still asleep. The only sounds were the crackle of dying embers and the faint snores of tired soldiers. Kairo exhaled softly, a small smile curling at the corner of his lips.
"Let's rest before sunrise," he murmured, spreading his cloak near the campfire. Luna hesitated, then sat beside him. The warmth of the flames and the quiet hum of the forest lulled them into an easy slumber.
Morning came with the faint call of birds. Rinn crawled out of his tent, stretching—and froze. His eyes widened as he saw Luna sleeping peacefully beside Kairo. His jaw dropped.
"W–What in the holy goddess' name—Kairo!!" he shouted, pointing dramatically.
Kairo blinked awake, still half-asleep. "...Rinn? It's too early for your stupidity."
"Too early?! You're sleeping next to her! What kind of indecent hero are you!?"
Their shouting woke the camp. Luna blinked, rubbing her eyes, only to find Rinn waving his arms like a maniac.
"Good morning…" she said softly, then yawned.
Before anyone could say another word, Aster stepped from his tent, hair neatly brushed, voice dripping with confidence. "Ah, my lovely princess! Did you sleep well?" He reached for her hand gallantly.
Luna blinked, startled. "W–What are you—!?"
"Your delicate hands mustn't be cold, milady."
Smack!
"Pervert!" Luna snapped, cheeks red.
The soldiers tried to hide their laughter while Rinn was rolling on the ground, laughing like an idiot. Kairo just sighed, rubbing his temple.
After breakfast, they began their journey toward Valdorheim. The guards kept formation, the carts rolled steadily, and Rinn kept pestering Kairo with questions.
"So… nothing happened last night?"
Kairo gave him a flat look. "No, Rinn."
"Not even a little—"
"No."
Rinn pouted, disappointed.
Meanwhile, in the carriage ahead, Aster continued his hopeless attempts to charm Luna.
"My lady, your eyes are more beautiful than the moon."
"Really? Then go talk to the moon."
He tried again. "You must be tired. Would you like to rest your head on my—"
"Try finishing that sentence and lose your head."
Kairo and Rinn watched from afar, both amused and exhausted by Aster's persistence.
Days passed, and their journey remained uneventful.
By sunset, the group arrived at Valdorheim.
The kingdom was breathtaking—a city of gleaming spires, crowded markets, and banners fluttering in the wind. Kairo couldn't help but notice a small statue nearby—shaped exactly like the one that stood back home, though slightly different in design. For a moment, he felt like something was calling to him.
But before he could approach, Rinn tugged his shoulder. "Hey, stop spacing out! There's a tavern right there!"
Kairo sighed. "Of course, that's what caught your attention."
They continued until they reached a massive mansion surrounded by marble fountains and guards in silver armor. Aster stepped out of the carriage first—Luna reluctantly holding his arm.
Kairo froze. She's letting him do that?
But when he met her eyes, he realized the truth—Luna was just playing along, her expression saying, Don't cause a scene.
Aster glanced back smugly. "Shall we, my lady?"
Kairo's smile vanished, and the air grew cold. Even Rinn could feel it.
"Whoa, easy there," Rinn whispered, elbowing him. "Don't melt the guy with your death stare."
Kairo just muttered, "I'm not jealous."
"Sure you're not," Rinn said with a smirk.
They were soon greeted by Aster's father—a tall, composed man with short blue hair and sharp sapphire eyes, dressed in fine noble clothes. His presence radiated wealth and authority.
"Welcome to Valdorheim," he said with a polite smile. "I am Lord Ardent, overseer of the mines and trade of this kingdom."
Behind him stood a young maid—graceful, with long black hair and deep, mysterious eyes. Her beauty immediately caught Rinn's attention.
"Holy heavens…" he whispered. "She's like an angel."
Kairo nudged him hard in the ribs. "Stop drooling."
Lord Ardent gestured for them to sit. "I must thank you both for escorting my son home safely."
Kairo and Rinn exchanged looks.
"Wait, he's your son?" Rinn blurted out before he could stop himself.
The room went silent. Kairo's face paled. "Well… there goes your head."
Rinn instantly dropped to his knees. "I'M SORRY! I MEANT IT IN A NICE WAY!"
Lord Ardent simply chuckled. "No offense taken. My son causes me trouble too."
Kairo blinked. "So the brat's a family tradition, huh."
Lord Ardent laughed again, clearly amused. "You must stay as guests for a while. Tomorrow, we'll celebrate my wife's birthday. Please, enjoy Valdorheim as you wish."
Before Kairo could decline, Rinn jumped in. "We'd love to stay!"
"...Traitor," Kairo muttered.
Lord Ardent turned to the maid. "Lira, show our guests to their quarters."
"Yes, my lord." Her voice was soft—but carried an eerie calm.
As they followed her down the corridor, Kairo couldn't shake off the feeling that something about her was wrong. Her steps were silent, her aura faint—but her presence… heavy.
He leaned toward Rinn. "You sense that?"
Rinn was too busy staring at her. "Yeah. I sense beauty."
Kairo sighed. "Hopeless."
Their room was lavish—golden curtains, polished marble floors, and two enormous beds. Rinn flopped onto one instantly.
Kairo sat on the other, arms crossed. "Be cautious. That maid—something's off about her."
Rinn peeked one eye open. "You're just paranoid. Or jealous. Probably both."
"Not funny."
As the night deepened, the castle grew silent. But somewhere deep within its walls, in a dimly lit chamber, the maid—Lira—stood beside a young man with crimson eyes.
"The plan is proceeding," she said quietly.
He nodded. "Good. Nothing can interfere. Our kingdom's revival depends on this."
She hesitated. "There are adventurers in the mansion. One of them… I couldn't sense him at all."
The man smirked. "No one will stop us. We are demons, after all."
With that, he vanished into black smoke.
Lira turned toward the moonlit window, her eyes glowing bright violet. "Then everything must go according to plan…"
The faint whisper of magic filled the room—like a curse waiting to awaken.
End of Chapter 6:The Hidden Smile Of Valdorheim.