Chapter 11: A New Chapter at School
The morning light streamed into Kaito's room as he got ready for his first day at school. Standing by the doorway, Miya adjusted the hem of her apron, watching him with a soft smile.
"Are you sure you're ready for this?" she asked.
"Yeah, I think so," Kaito replied, adjusting his schoolbag nervously. "It's just... weird going back to a normal life after everything that's happened."
Miya chuckled. "You'll do fine. Just remember, you're not alone in this world anymore."
With a quick goodbye, Kaito stepped out of the house, leaving Miya to her chores and training.
A Queen's Visit
Not long after Kaito left, a gentle breeze swept through the mansion. Miya, busy with cleaning, paused and turned to the entrance.
"I was wondering when you'd show up," Miya said, smiling knowingly.
Standing at the door was Kazehana, her long hair flowing elegantly, and an air of serenity about her. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" Kazehana said, her voice carrying both warmth and longing.
Miya gestured for her to come inside. "We have much to discuss."
The two Queens sat together, and Miya recounted all that had transpired since she found Kaito. Kazehana listened intently, her expression softening when Miya described Kaito's character.
"He's shy, innocent, and a little naive," Miya said with a chuckle, "but he's also reliable, brave, and everything we could hope for in a King. He's perfect for us."
Kazehana's eyes glimmered with emotion. "I've waited so many lifetimes to meet him again. To think he's so close now…"
Miya placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Then go to him. Slowly build your bond, and when the time is right, form your contract. He's waiting for you, even if he doesn't know it yet."
Kazehana smiled. "Thank you, Miya. I'll take it from here."
With that, she left, carried by the wind.
The First Encounter
At school, Kaito navigated the unfamiliar environment with a mix of curiosity and anxiety. He tried his best to blend in, but his thoughts often drifted to the life he was building as a King.
Unbeknownst to him, Kazehana watched from a distance, her gaze soft and filled with longing.
Suddenly, a loud roar shattered the school's peaceful atmosphere. A Class D monster burst through the courtyard, sending students running in all directions.
Kaito barely had time to react as the creature lunged toward him. Its sharp claws raked across his side, and he collapsed, unconscious.
A Queen's Protection
Before the monster could strike again, Kazehana appeared, her presence commanding and graceful. With a flick of her wrist, the wind howled around her, forming a barrier that deflected the monster's attack.
"Stay away from my King," she murmured, her voice firm yet tender.
In a series of elegant movements, Kazehana unleashed a torrent of wind that sliced through the monster, reducing it to nothingness. She then scooped Kaito into her arms and carried him to the rooftop, where no one could see them.
As she laid him down gently, Kazehana knelt beside him, her gaze lingering on his face.
"You've grown so much," she whispered, brushing a stray hair from his forehead. "But you're still the same Kaito I've always known."
The Awakening
Kaito stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked a few times, his vision focusing on the serene figure beside him.
"Who… who are you?" he asked weakly.
Kazehana smiled. "Just someone who was passing by. You were in trouble, so I helped."
"You saved me," Kaito said, sitting up slowly. "Thank you."
She nodded but didn't reveal more. "You should be more careful. Monsters like that aren't common, but they can be dangerous."
"Why did you help me?" Kaito asked, his curiosity growing.
Kazehana hesitated, then leaned in close. "Let's just say… you're special to me. We'll meet again. Don't worry."
Before Kaito could ask more, Kazehana stepped back and disappeared into a swirl of wind, leaving him bewildered.
Back Home
The school declared a week-long closure due to the monster attack, so Kaito returned home earlier than expected.
Miya greeted him with concern, noticing his injuries. "What happened, Kaito?"
Kaito recounted the day's events, describing the mysterious woman who had saved him. Miya listened quietly, her expression unreadable.
When he finished, Miya smiled. "Don't worry. Maybe you'll see her again soon."
She gently tended to his wounds, her touch soothing. As the evening wore on, Miya tucked him into bed, sitting beside him.
"You've been through a lot today," she said, stroking his hair. "But you did well. I'm proud of you."
Kaito blushed but didn't protest as Miya leaned down to kiss his forehead, then his cheek. "Goodnight, Kaito," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him.
"Goodnight, Miya," Kaito replied, feeling a sense of comfort and security as he drifted off to sleep.
Unbeknownst to him, Kazehana stood on a distant rooftop, gazing toward his home with a mixture of hope and determination. Her heart told her that their reunion was only the beginning of their story.