The Wife Gatherer

Kaiser's Perspective:

I woke up with the usual feeling: the crisp air of morning sneaking through the open window, the smell of fresh earth outside, and the faint sounds of birds preparing for their daily routines.

Yet, today was... different. I never imagined I'd be spending my morning with Levi's sister, of all people. Fate really does love playing its little jokes on me.

I stretched, pulling myself out of bed. I didn't have much time to waste—no use dragging this out. A quick glance around the room confirmed that it was, indeed, another day in Levi's house.

The walls were lined with a few rustic wooden shelves, some holding old books, others trinkets that looked like they'd been there longer than Levi had. I didn't mind it, though. The quiet, the warmth of the hearth crackling softly... it felt like home, for now.

I quickly got dressed—nothing too fancy, just my usual outfit. It wasn't like I needed to impress anyone today... well, maybe Emma, but I wasn't going to admit that aloud. The boots went on with a satisfying thud, and the cloak? Always a perfect touch, especially when leaving Levi's house without giving away too much about myself. I didn't need people to know my every move.

When I walked into the living room, though, I found Emma already standing by the door. Her cheeks were a little pink, and she was fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. The sight almost made me chuckle. It was way too early for her to be this shy, but here she was, looking a bit like a deer caught in the headlights.

"You're up pretty early," I said, leaning against the doorframe. "Didn't take you for an early bird."

She shot me a sheepish smile. "Well, you know... I was, uh, too excited to sleep. I've been really looking forward to today," she said, her voice trailing off just a bit at the end.

Her blush deepened, but she tried to cover it up with a small, playful grin. "Well, I couldn't exactly sleep in when I've got such an... interesting day ahead," she said, her voice a bit shy.

I raised an eyebrow. "Interesting, huh? What, you've never been on a hike before?"

She laughed softly, her smile still there but with a hint of hesitation. "I mean... it's not every day I get to go out with someone who actually knows how... I feel, right?"

I raised an eyebrow again, the words catching me off guard. "Oh? So you think I get how you feel?" I said, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

Her grin faltered for just a moment, and she looked away. "I mean... you seem to understand, more than most," she mumbled, clearly uncomfortable.

I leaned against the doorframe, giving her a knowing look. "I'll try my best not to make you regret it," I said, letting the teasing tone soften just a bit. I didn't want to push too hard. "But if you ever need someone to talk to, you know I'm pretty good at listening."

She blinked at me, then flashed that playful grin again, though the blush on her face never quite faded. "Guess so. Just don't go getting lost on me, alright?"

"So, where exactly are we going? Somewhere special, or are you just dragging me out for a random adventure?" I asked, giving her a knowing grin.

Her eyes sparkled, but she looked away, clearly flustered. "Well... there's this flower field up by the peak of the mountain outside of town. It's really beautiful this time of year. I thought you'd enjoy it."

I chuckled, watching as she tried to downplay the situation, probably feeling a little too exposed with how much she was revealing. "Is this your idea of making it... intimate, Emma?" I teased, stepping a little closer.

Her face turned scarlet, and she quickly waved her hands in front of her, shaking her head. "N-no! It's just a flower field! I thought you'd like the view!" she stammered.

I couldn't help but notice how she was acting. Emma was usually playful, carefree even, but there was a softness around me now, a hesitation. It wasn't like her usual teasing self. She was a bit shy, and it made me wonder... maybe this meant something more to her than she was letting on.

Emma... she hides her feelings. She likes people who listen, who understand her. People who don't judge her for the way she acts, for the way she teases, for the way she shields herself from the world. I've seen it before, and it's clear now. She doesn't want to get hurt, but it seems like she's letting me in.

I cleared my throat, breaking my thoughts. "If you say so... it's just a flower field, right?" I said, half-mocking, half-encouraging her.

She gave me a sideways glance, then let out a soft sigh, her shoulders slumping a bit. "What's wrong? Don't you want to go? If not, I can—"

I quickly cut her off with a smile. "I'm fine. Lead the way." I pushed off from the doorframe, giving her a nod to show her I was ready.

Her face brightened instantly. "Good! Don't keep me waiting!" she said, her voice light and excited as she made her way out the door.

I followed her, but just as I was about to step outside, I felt a hand grab my arm from behind.

I turned around, brow furrowed. "What's—"

And there she was.

"Kai... are you leaving really?" Celia's voice had a soft, almost fragile tone, as if her words carried a weight that she didn't want to show.

The sound of her calling me "Kai" struck something deep in my chest. It used to be just Elfie who called me that—her voice echoing in my memories, comforting and painful at the same time. I couldn't stop the smile that tugged at the corners of my lips, despite the sting in my heart.

There was something about Celia calling me that, though, that made me realize how far we'd come. It felt... warm, and yet strangely bittersweet.

I shook it off, trying to focus on the moment. Celia was here, right in front of me, looking at me with those wide eyes that always seemed to be searching for something. I had to do my best to reassure her.

"Yeah, I have to," I said, trying to sound casual about it. "It's a request from Levi. I owe him for everything, and Emma's really looking forward to it." I gave her a reassuring smile, hoping she'd see it for what it was—a favor, nothing more.

Celia didn't respond right away. Her gaze dropped to the ground, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks as she muttered, "I don't think you've ever really taken her out... It's always just me around you."

I sighed, leaning in just a little closer to her. "You're not gonna lose me, Celia. You know that, right?" I reached out and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "This is just something I promised I'd do. It'll make Emma happy. She's excited, Celia. I'm just doing my part."

Her lips pressed into a tight line, but I could see the soft vulnerability in her eyes. She was quiet for a moment before speaking again, her voice soft but edged with something almost possessive.

"I don't want to share you. I don't want to see you with anyone else, especially when I know... I know I'm important to you."

I could feel the shift in the air, the unspoken tension. I couldn't help but tease her a bit, trying to ease her worries. "Oh? You jealous, Celia?" I gave her a smirk, raising an eyebrow. "What's the matter? Are you trying to make this more... intimate than it is?"

Her blush deepened, and I could see the jealousy in her eyes. "I just don't want anyone else... taking my place," she muttered, almost to herself, though her grip on my arm tightened.

I chuckled softly, enjoying the teasing but feeling a sense of warmth at the same time. "You're acting like I'm going off on some grand adventure or something. It's just a walk up a mountain. Nothing to worry about."

She gave me a small, reluctant smile, but there was a sadness behind it. She was really worried about losing me, wasn't she? It wasn't just jealousy—it was fear.

Then, in the middle of the tension, she looked at me with those big red eyes and asked, "Kai… do you really mean it? What you said that day? The day you woke up from your injuries... when you said I was part of your heart?"

I paused, meeting her gaze, feeling the weight of her question. That day had been a turning point. I had said those words because they were true—Celia had been there for me in a way no one else had.

She was more than just a friend. "Yeah, I meant it. You're a part of my heart, Celia," I said, giving her a soft, comforting smile.

Her cheeks flushed, and for a moment, she seemed a little lost for words. Then, her hands raised above her head in a sudden, cheerful movement. "I'm glad! I'm glad I'm important to you, Kai!"

I laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Of course you are," I said. "And just remember, tomorrow, you and I—just like I promised. We'll go out, no more distractions, alright?"

Her eyes softened, though she still seemed reluctant. "I… I don't know if I like it when you're with someone else."

I shrugged casually, trying to keep the mood light. "Come on, Celia. It's not a big deal. I'm not leaving you or anything. We're an adventuring party remember?"

She crossed her arms, still a little pouty, but eventually gave in with a resigned sigh. "Fine, fine. I'll let you go… but only because you promised. Tomorrow, though. Just us, okay?"

I couldn't resist the urge to tease her, knowing she was still a bit upset. "You know, it's kinda cute how worried you are," I said with a playful grin. "Are you, like, starting to like me or something?"

Celia's face instantly turned bright red, and she looked away, clearly flustered. "No! That's not it at all!" she stammered, her voice wavering slightly. She was trying so hard to sound serious, but the way her hands fidgeted gave her away.

I leaned a little closer, smirking. "Really? Are you sure? 'Cause you're blushing like crazy right now."

She quickly shook her head, her words coming out faster. "N-no! I don't like you like that!" But then, her voice softened, and she added, almost too quietly for me to catch, "Maybe... a little..."

I raised an eyebrow, pretending to act surprised. "A little?"

Her arms crossed tightly, and she huffed, her face even redder now. "Maybe... more than a little," she muttered under her breath, but loud enough for me to hear, her words laced with embarrassment.

I smiled softly, enjoying the moment more than I let on. "Celia, you're adorable." But I let the tease die down, knowing it was enough for now. She was clearly a little overwhelmed, but I couldn't help feeling warm at how she was so honest in her own shy way.

I chuckled, shaking my head as we walked side by side toward the door. "Silly girl."

But as I glanced at her, walking beside me, I couldn't help but think that despite the teasing, Celia's heart was so pure. She wore her emotions so openly, even if it sometimes got tangled up in her pride.

I never really understood how someone could be so genuine, so completely unguarded with their feelings. It was one of the things I admired most about her, even if it drove me crazy sometimes.

As I stepped outside, Emma was waiting, a playful smirk on her face. "What took you so long, Kaiser? Were you busy with your girlfriend?" she teased.

I gave her a wry smile. "Celia's not my girlfriend, Emma. But I was just telling her to keep herself safe while I'm gone."

Emma pouted, crossing her arms. "You're just too nice to her, huh?"

I smirked. "You're the one being clingy right now. Are you sure you're not the one with a secret crush?" I teased back, enjoying the way she glared at me.

Emma stuck her tongue out. "Shut up, Kaiser."

I just grinned, giving her a wink. "Alright, alright. Let's get going then."

The two of us walked side by side toward the flower field, the mountains looming in the distance.

The streets of Levinton were as alive as ever, bustling with voices, the clinking of carts, and the hum of people going about their day.

As Emma and I walked side by side, I couldn't help but notice the way the sunlight flow off her hair. It made her look even more ethereal, like some kind of radiant being meant to shine brighter than the ordinary world.

"Look at that," Emma teased, pointing at a nearby vendor selling strange-looking fruits. "I bet you've never seen anything like that before."

I glanced at the fruit. "I've seen it. But I've never tasted anything like it." I grinned. "Maybe we should get some. I can't leave Levinton without tasting the mystery fruit."

She laughed, but there was a softness behind her eyes now. Ever since that talk we had, her teasing was a little more careful, like she didn't want to push too hard but still found a way to make me smile.

"I think it'll be fine without your 'mystery' fruit. Besides," she added with a sly smile, "you'd probably end up making some face that'll haunt me for the rest of my life."

I chuckled. "If that's the case, maybe I should avoid embarrassing myself in front of you. Wouldn't want to ruin that pretty smile of yours."

Her cheeks flushed, but she quickly hid it behind a playful roll of her eyes. "You're too full of yourself, you know that?"

"Full of myself?" I raised an eyebrow. "I'm simply acknowledging the undeniable truth. Your smile has this... undeniable effect on me."

She elbowed me lightly, but I kept my cool. It was becoming too easy to make her laugh, to see her shy away just enough to show her real feelings.

My real reason for this, though, wasn't just to enjoy the day with her. No, it was to make sure she felt something more for me—enough to trust me, enough to open up, to reveal the secrets of Levi's Guild, and perhaps even the hidden truths about the other Sword Saints.

As we neared Celestial Apex, the guild where Levi's notorious guildmates gathered, I felt something shift in the air. Zain stood there, leaning against the stone pillar, his eyes narrowing when he spotted us.

His gaze flickered to me, and a hint of jealousy was evident in his posture. Of course. I could feel it before I even had to look. He wasn't going to let this go quietly.

I sighed inwardly. Zain.

Zain pushed off the pillar and stepped in front of us, blocking our path. His voice was casual, but there was a certain edge to it. "Where are you taking her, Kaiser?"

As Zain stood there, blocking our path, my face grew deadly serious. I couldn't ignore the memories flooding back, memories I'd tried to bury.

Zain.

He was the one who threatened to get rid of Celia, to crush the only person I had left. The same Zain who had dared to belittle her, as if her smile didn't mean a damn thing. I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening, the anger simmering just beneath the surface. But it wasn't just anger—I felt something deeper, darker.

I couldn't forget how Celia had looked at me this morning, her smile as sweet as it was innocent. The way she had called me "Kai," with such warmth in her voice, like Elfie used to. The memory of that voice, that soft, comforting tone, made my heart ache in ways I didn't know it could.

I had been weak, scared, and I had let her go once. I wasn't going to make that mistake again. I won't fear anyone ever again. Not Zain, not anyone.

My face shifted to one of quiet intensity. Zain noticed, but I could see it didn't quite register with him. He was too focused on Emma.

Emma, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. She was always good at hiding what she didn't want to show. But I could see the slight tension in her shoulders.

"I'm taking her to the flower field outside of town," I said, voice low but steady.

Zain's gaze flickered to Emma. His eyes softened, but only for a moment. "The flower field?" he repeated, as if trying to gauge something. "That's a bit far out. What's out there that's so special?"

Emma crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Nowhere you should be worrying about."

Zain's lips twitched into a half-smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He shifted his stance, making sure to stand his ground. "She's Levi's sister. My friend," he said, his voice thick with something unspoken. "She shouldn't be with someone like you."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "And someone like me is?"

"Someone who—" Zain stopped, his jaw tightening. "It's dangerous out there. There could be monsters. What if something happens?"

Emma rolled her eyes this time. "You worry too much, Zain."

Her tone was playful, but I saw the slight curve of her smile as she tilted her head toward me. She was teasing him again, and I couldn't help but feel a spark of pride.

"Besides, I'm the one who asked Kaiser to take me," she continued. "Not the other way around."

Zain's face faltered for a moment, and the jealousy that had been bubbling beneath the surface began to show more clearly. He looked between the two of us, his usual calm composure cracking just slightly.

"You're trusting him?!" Zain's voice dropped, a barely contained bitterness sneaking through. "You really believe a simple E-Rank can keep you safe? Out there, with monsters and danger? It's reckless. You don't know what could happen."

Emma didn't flinch. She met his gaze, her voice firm and calm. "I trust Kaiser."

I felt a jolt of warmth at her words, but I didn't let it show. Zain wasn't done, though. He stepped closer to Emma, his tone now more persuasive.

"Listen, I could take you there. I know the path better. I'm stronger, and I can keep you safe from any harm. You don't have to risk anything." His eyes flickered back to me. "Kaiser... doesn't know what he's getting you into."

I could feel the fire growing in my chest, but I kept my voice steady. "She made her choice. And I'll make sure she's safe."

Emma stepped between us then, her voice unwavering. "I've made my choice, Zain. I'm going with him."

Zain was quiet for a moment, the words stuck in his throat. His eyes, though, told another story—one of growing hatred, and something darker, something I couldn't quite put my finger on.

But Emma had already made her decision.

And now, as I looked at Zain one last time, I couldn't help but feel the pull of something deeper than just jealousy or rivalry. Something more... dangerous.

I couldn't help but let my mind wander, watching Zain's eyes narrow as he looked at me and Emma. Is he jealous? The thought lingered in my mind, and I couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at my lips.

Does he think I'm stealing his girl? It was almost amusing, really. But I let my expression harden, my thoughts going serious. It was easy to see how people like Zain operated—selfish, possessive, thinking they had some claim to others. But Emma wasn't some prize to be won.

Zain's voice broke through my thoughts, sharper now. "You're really taking her to the flower field?" His words were heavy with something that wasn't just concern.

Emma looked at him with playful defiance, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Why, Zain? You afraid I'll get lost?" she teased. But there was something else in her voice now—a slight hesitance. I could feel it.

The softness in the air, the small trace of shyness she tried to hide from me. It made me feel good, but I couldn't let myself get too distracted. There was a prickling tension here that I didn't want to ignore.

Zain wasn't having it. "I could take you," he insisted, trying to cover up the jealousy that slipped through in his tone. "It's dangerous out there. You should come with someone who can actually protect you."

Emma tilted her head, her lips still curling up in that teasing way. But her voice dropped a little, more serious now. "I'm fine, Zain. I asked Kaiser to take me. So, I'm going with him."

She reached for my hand, her fingers grazing mine, sending a small shock through me. The way she held onto me, even if it was just a simple gesture, made me wonder if she trusts me now.

I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as Zain stood there, frozen for a second. His eyes flickered with anger, but he said nothing for a moment.

Zain's glare shifted to me then, his eyes burning with something darker. "What did you tell her, Kaiser?" he asked, his voice low, seething. "What makes her want to go with you instead of me?"

I took a step forward, styling my hair just a bit, looking as relaxed as ever. I could feel Emma's hand still in mine, the warmth of it grounding me. I looked Zain dead in the eyes, my voice playful yet dripping with mockery.

"Nothing really, Zain~" I said, stretching the words out like I was savoring the moment. "It's just my charm, you know. Around the south of Celestine, they called me 'The Wife Gatherer.'"

Zain's jaw dropped. I could practically hear the air leave his lungs as his eyes widened in disbelief. It wasn't often that people were struck speechless, but I'd apparently found a way.

"Ridiculous," he finally muttered, his brows furrowing.

I smirked, running a hand through my hair with effortless confidence. "Not at all. It's experience. And the truth," I mused, tilting my head slightly. "Kaiser Everflirt, at your service."

I glanced at Emma, and her face was flushed—deep red, as if my words had made an impact she wasn't ready for. I couldn't help but smile at that. She was so cute when she blushed.

Before Zain could say anything more, Emma tugged me forward, her hand still gripping mine, pulling me away from him. "Stop bothering us," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I chose to go with him, so let's just go."

Zain was left standing there, staring at us, his fists clenching at his sides. His lips were tightly pressed together in anger. The tension in the air had thickened, but we didn't give him another glance. I walked beside Emma, her hand still in mine, the path to the flower field stretching ahead.

As we continued walking, I couldn't help but hear Zain's voice faintly in the distance, muttering something under his breath. "I'll make you lose everything, Kaiser... for taking her away from me."

I couldn't be sure if Emma had heard it, but I sure did. I wasn't worried, though. Zain was just a nuisance, and I wasn't afraid of anyone anymore—not even him.

With Emma by my side, the rest of the world could wait.

The air was crisp, fresh with a hint of pine as we left Levinton behind, the town shrinking into the distance as we began our journey toward the mountain. The path through the forest was dense, sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating patches of warmth that felt like little gifts from the sky.

The mountain loomed ahead, its peak hidden by clouds, but I knew we were heading toward something beautiful—the flower field.

The forest was peaceful, almost quiet enough to hear the rustle of the trees as they swayed gently in the wind. I glanced at Emma, walking beside me. She was so quiet, almost nervous, and I couldn't help but notice the way her hand was still clasped in mine.

It was strange, how something so simple could make her seem so… delicate. But it was also kind of cute, how she seemed to be realizing just how much she was holding onto me. The faint blush creeping up her neck made me smirk.

"Something on your mind?" I teased her, raising an eyebrow.

She glanced at me, clearly flustered, and tried to pull her hand away, but I tightened my grip, not giving her the chance. "What?" she said, her voice a little shaky.

"I just… I didn't realize…" She trailed off, her face turning a shade redder. She was trying to play it cool, but her body language was betraying her.

I chuckled. "So, you're shy now? You're the one who dragged me away from Zain, remember?" I gave her hand a little squeeze. "Didn't think you were the shy type."

Emma bit her lip, trying to look unaffected, but I could see the way her cheeks flushed a little deeper. "I didn't drag you away," she shot back, her voice feigning irritation.

"I just—" She stopped mid-sentence, her playful teasing fading as her eyes flicked to the ground. "Okay, maybe I did." She sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

I laughed softly, my grip on her hand firm but gentle. "It's alright, Emma. I don't mind. But you know…" I paused, making sure she was looking at me, "You've got a habit of stealing hearts, don't you?"

Her brow furrowed, and I could see the gears turning behind her eyes. "What do you mean?" she asked, trying to sound uninterested, but I could tell she was intrigued.

"Zain," I said, dropping the name casually, "he's looking at you like you're the last star in the sky. Do you think he likes you?"

Her reaction was immediate. She shook her head, a little too quickly, and I could see her body stiffen. "No," she said, avoiding my eyes. "No, that's not it. He's just… he's just being friendly."

I didn't buy it. I knew exactly what I was seeing. The tiny shifts in her posture, the flicker of hesitation in her eyes. She was lying.

"Emma," I said softly, my voice low and teasing, "You know you're not fooling me, right? I can see it in your eyes." I gently tilted her chin up with a finger, making her meet my gaze. "Tell me the truth."

She sighed, defeated, her shoulders slumping slightly as she gave in. "Fine," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't know when it started, maybe after he started the Guild with Levi. It's like... ever since then, he's been doing little things, trying to get my attention. I think he likes me, but not in a normal way. It's... almost obsessive. Like he needs me to notice him."

Her words made my blood run a little cold. The way she described him, it was almost like she was talking about a possessive shadow. "Obsessive?" I repeated, my voice steady but laced with concern. "What do you mean by that?"

Emma paused for a moment, looking down at the ground. "It's... hard to explain," she began, clearly uncomfortable. "He gets upset if I talk to anyone else for too long. He always tries to do things for me, even when I don't ask. It's like he's trying to keep me to himself, like I'm his and no one else can have me."

I squeezed her hand again, my thumb rubbing over her skin soothingly, and she looked up at me, eyes wide. "It's okay, Emma. You don't have to worry about him anymore," I said, my voice gentle but firm. "You don't deserve to feel like you're someone's possession."

She smiled softly at me, her anxiety slowly melting away. "Thanks, Kaiser," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

I flashed her a grin, my gaze playful as I gave her hand a comforting squeeze. "You'd probably be lost without me, huh?" I teased, leaning in a little closer, my breath warm against her skin.

Her cheeks flushed once again, and I could see her trying to hold back a laugh. "Stop it," she mumbled, though there was a lightness to her voice now, a softness I hadn't heard before.

I couldn't help but flirt a little more, my tone lowering to something more intimate. "You know, I'm starting to think you've got a thing for me, Emma," I said with a smirk, the playful teasing lingering in my words.

Emma's eyes widened, her face turning beet red as she fumbled for words. "I—What? No!" she stammered, her voice high-pitched as she tried to backpedal. "I'm just—You're just... ugh, stop messing with me!"

I laughed softly, loving how flustered she was. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with me."

She huffed, turning her head slightly, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes as she stole a glance at me. "…What did you mean by that earlier? 'The Wife Gatherer'? What kind of nonsense were you saying in front of Zain?"

I smirked. "Oh, that? Just a little title I earned in the south of Celestine. Apparently, stealing girls' hearts left and right leaves an impression."

Emma's grip on my hand tightened instantly. "That's a joke, right?" Her voice was lighter, teasing—but I caught the slight strain underneath.

I hummed, tilting my head. "Hmm, let's see… I've held a lot of girls, danced with them, whispered things into their ears…" I trailed off, watching as her fingers curled even tighter around mine.

She scoffed, her lips pressing into a thin line before she shot back, "Oh? So you just go around charming every girl you meet? How bold, Kaiser." There was a teasing lilt in her tone, but something possessive lingered behind it.

I chuckled. "It's not a very important title, really. Just something people called me in the south."

Emma clicked her tongue, giving me a side glance before muttering, "You shouldn't say things like that… or do them. Especially not in front of me."

I raised a brow, amused. "Why? Does it bother you?"

She huffed, turning her head away with a slight pout. "…Maybe."

By the time we reached the flower field, the atmosphere between us had shifted. She was still blushing, her heart rate a little faster, but she wasn't as guarded anymore. I could tell I'd made her feel safe with me.

When I finally let go of her hand, I saw it—the brief sadness in her eyes, the way her fingers twitched slightly as if resisting the loss. It was subtle, but undeniable.

For a moment, she looked as if she was losing something she didn't want to let go of. But before that feeling could take hold, she forced herself to turn away, pretending to be captivated by the beauty of the flowers in full bloom. A distraction—one she clung to.

"Wow," Emma breathed, her eyes lighting up as she took in the sight. The field stretched out before us, vibrant colors of every hue mixing in a mesmerizing pattern. "It's beautiful..."

She walked toward the peak, her steps light, and I couldn't help but follow. As she stood at the edge, staring out over the vast field, I could see the calmness in her features, the way she seemed to let go of everything for a moment.

I took a deep breath, then plucked a white flower from the ground, walking up behind her. I leaned in close, just enough for her to notice me. "You're gorgeous," I said, my voice quiet but sincere, the words slipping out like they were meant to be heard. "The way you shine under the sun... you belong here, among the flowers."

Emma's breath hitched as she stared at me, her fingers twitching slightly at her sides. Her cheeks, already flushed, deepened in color as she struggled to form words.

"I-I... you—" She bit her lip, exhaling shakily. "A-Are you serious, Kaiser?" Her voice trembled, laced with hesitation. "O-Or are you just... just saying that?" She swallowed, eyes darting away. "B-Because if you're j-just teasing me, then—"

I tilted my head slightly, my gaze never wavering from hers. "Emma," I interrupted softly, my voice carrying no trace of mockery, only certainty. "I don't use flattery."

Her lips parted slightly, her breath shallow as I stepped closer, closing the distance between us.

"I don't say things I don't mean," I continued, my voice smooth, unwavering. "When I told you that you're beautiful, that you belong here among the flowers, I meant every word."

Her eyes widened, searching my face as if trying to find any hint of deception. There was none. I saw her exhale slowly, her body relaxing, the tension melting away like snow under the sun.

A small, genuine smile broke through her hesitation, her expression softening completely. For the first time, there were no walls, no guarded posture—only Emma, completely open before me.

"You..." She let out a quiet laugh, almost in disbelief. "You really are something else, Kaiser." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the weight in her words was heavy.

She took a step closer, her eyes never leaving mine. "I think... you're the only one who really understands me."

And in that moment, I knew—I had her completely.

Gosh, that took a while. Enough with the seducing and charming. Now, she's exactly where I need her to be—completely vulnerable, completely open.

It was all part of the plan. I played my role well, made her smile, made her feel safe, and in return, she'll tell me everything she knows about the guilds.

Still, in the process, I made her happier. Who knows, she might even start falling in love with me. It's unfortunate, really. Any other man in my position would've fallen for a girl like her—pretty, playful, a smile that could make anyone's heart skip a beat.

She's standing there now looking from the peak, blushing, smiling to herself, lost in thought. And I know exactly who she's thinking about.

Me.

But… in my life, I've never fallen in love. That feeling is unknown to me.

Maybe if I had been born under different circumstances—if I had a childhood, a family, a life where I wasn't abandoned, beaten, and left to rot—then maybe, just maybe, I could've felt what love was.

Maybe I wouldn't be so empty inside. Maybe I wouldn't have had to manipulate, deceive, and use people just to survive.

Maybe… I could've been a real person.