A lord's duties

The streets were unusually calm, yet the presence of Ryuko Carnage did not go unnoticed. As he strode through the mist-veiled town, heads lowered in silent respect — a gesture not of fear, but of profound gratitude. The Carnage Household had long protected these lands, and though their methods were often drenched in blood, none could deny the peace they had carved out through sacrifice and strength.

Ryuko's steps led him toward the old church at the heart of the town, but before reaching its doors, his gaze fell upon a trio of children playing just beyond its entrance. Their laughter echoed in the cool air, small figures clad in clothes worn thin, their faces marked with the smudges of carefree play. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he slowed his stride, crouching slightly to meet their eye level, his voice gentle — a stark contrast to his reputation.

"And what do we have here?"

His tone was light, almost playful.

"May I ask what game you're playing? It seems quite fun."

The three children froze for a moment, their innocent eyes studying him — curious, but not yet afraid. Two boys, slightly older, stood protectively beside a younger girl whose bright gaze held no caution. It was the little girl who answered first, her voice high and unburdened.

"We're playing skipping! You hop on one leg and try to touch the other player before they hop away. Do you wanna play too, mister?"

The boys remained wary, their instincts sharper than her own, sensing the weight Ryuko carried. Their shoulders tensed ever so slightly, small hands clutching one another behind her back. Ryuko, noticing the unease in their eyes, merely smiled — a rare, fleeting gesture — before reaching into his cloak. With a slow, deliberate motion, he drew out a small leather pouch, the unmistakable jingle of gold filling the air. He knelt down and placed the pouch gently into the little girl's hands.

"I'd love to, truly." His voice was soft, with a warmth few had ever heard.

"But I have a meeting inside the church. Take this, and run along with your brothers, alright? I'm sure we'll meet again soon."

Their eyes went wide with astonishment — the kind only children could express, pure and unrestrained. The two boys bowed their heads deeply, the girl mimicking them with her own awkward curtsy. Ryuko gave them a final nod before turning, stepping through the grand doors of the church, leaving the children with their treasure and their innocent wonder.

Inside, standing at the altar, was Touka — her presence poised yet softened by years far removed from the battlefield.

"My, my," she greeted with a teasing smile, her hands clasped in front of her.

"That's a different expression than usual. You almost look… happy. What brightened your day, dear father?"

Ryuko exhaled softly, the corners of his mouth curling just faintly before fading back to neutrality.

"Nothing of note," he replied.

"Have you done what I asked of you?"

Touka gave a light clap of her hands, her smile deepening with quiet pride.

"Yes, as promised. While my son Dazai was occupied building his new training hall, I used the surplus materials to complete the orphanage you requested."

Ryuko hummed in response, a sound laced with rare gratitude and relief. Another weight lifted from his shoulders.

"It's strange," he mused after a moment's pause.

"How much you've changed since crossing paths with my son, Ryomen. It's as if a light found its way into your heart… and, perhaps, into his as well."

Touka's brow lifted slightly, but her surprise quickly gave way to curiosity.

"Oh?" Her voice was gentle, yet curious.

"What exactly are you implying, father?"

Ryuko chuckled softly, his gaze drifting to the ancient wooden doors before returning to her.

"For a former queen of the Iron Kingdom, you've grown far softer than you were in those days. After all, it was Ryomen who slew the Iron King and reduced your kingdom to ruin… yet here you stand, by his side even now. Admittedly, Astra's current king was taken hostage by the Iron Kingdom, so perhaps it was fate… but tell me, what led you to embrace the man who destroyed everything you once ruled?"

Touka's laughter was soft, but sincere — a melody that echoed through the old church.

"I never thought you'd ask me that, not after all these years." She stepped down from the altar, her footsteps light.

"Very well. At first, it was nothing — idle banter between two souls who stood on opposite sides of a blade. But he was persistent, unreasonably so. One day, out of nowhere, he confessed his fondness for me. I thought it was a joke, so I returned the sentiment just to amuse myself."

Her smile grew wistful, eyes reflecting memories long past.

"But he said it again — and this time, he asked me to be his. I didn't take him seriously at first… but his foolishness, his honesty, his relentless determination, it chipped away at the iron around my heart. He made the strangest requests, said the most ridiculous things… yet I could see it, clear as day. This was a man who would never abandon me, no matter what. He is dangerous, unpredictable, but… he is mine. And that, in the end, was enough."

Ryuko nodded slowly, the faintest glimmer of admiration in his eyes.

"You brought light to a man who knew only darkness," he said quietly.

"That is why he is the man he is today — a man even his parents could not mold into something better. You gave him something they could not."

He bowed his head slightly, not out of deference, but in acknowledgment — a gesture rarely afforded by Ryuko Carnage to anyone.

"Thank you."

The silence that followed was warm, a moment of shared understanding between two souls forever bound by family, by blood, and by the strange, unrelenting tides of fate.