Chapter 12 - A Kingdom’s Warmth and a Shadowed Heart

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The journey back to Astravane was quiet, but not without weight. The cold winds of the mountains had faded, replaced by the familiar warmth of bustling streets and the scent of fresh bread from roadside bakeries. The trio moved swiftly through the capital's lively markets, weaving through people with a sense of purpose.

As they reached their destination, Emily pushed open the heavy wooden door of a small, well-kept shop tucked away in a quieter alley. A familiar scent of metal and coal filled the air.

"We're back, old man!" Emily called out, her voice carrying its usual playful energy.

A gruff yet amused voice responded from behind the counter. "Hmph. Took you long enough, brat."

Kael, looking around the cozy blacksmith shop with curiosity, tilted his head. "Who's this?"

Emily grinned. "Oh, this old geezer is Garrick Ironhand. The one who forged Ray's ghost-hunting swords."

Kael's eyes widened with admiration. "Sir, nice to meet you! I'm Kael." His voice was filled with genuine respect.

Garrick grunted approvingly. "At least one of you knows how to respect his elders, unlike some other brats around here."

Emily pouted. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, nothing," Garrick chuckled. "Anyway, I'm a blacksmith, boy. I don't do useless chatter."

Kael hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Sir, could you check my weapons too? Emily talks a lot about how skilled you are. Maybe I can even learn something from you!" His eyes sparkled with excitement, like a child tasting candy for the first time.

Garrick rubbed his chin, impressed by the boy's enthusiasm. "Fine. Come at night. I prefer working then." His voice carried a seriousness that made it clear—his craft was no joke.

Ray leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed. "You two go play around. I'll stay here."

Emily rolled her eyes but grabbed Kael's wrist. "Come on! Let me show you around!"

As they left, Garrick watched them with an unreadable expression. "That kid…" he muttered. Ray, still leaning against the wall, responded without looking up. "Yeah. He's different."

A Day in Astravane

Emily dragged Kael through the winding streets, pointing out every little thing with enthusiasm. "That's the best bakery! And that's the magic shop where I get my mana potions! Oh, and this is—"

Kael chuckled. "You're really excited, aren't you?"

She huffed. "Of course! You're new here, so it's my duty to give you the full experience!"

They ate delicious street food, played around like siblings, and laughed without a care. For the first time in a long while, Kael felt something stir in his heart—a warmth he hadn't known before.

"You're such a baby, Kael." Emily teased, poking his side.

Kael frowned. "Huh? I'm thirteen, you know! You're six! I'm way older than you!"

Emily stuck out her tongue. "Still a baby!"

Kael sighed. "You're impossible." Then, his tone softened. "But… being with you feels like I have a little sister."

Emily stopped for a second, then gave him the brightest smile. "Then from now on, you're my big brother!"

Something in Kael's chest clenched at those words. He had never had siblings, and neither had Emily. But in that moment, she had given him something more than friendship—family.

Knights of Astravane

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the streets of Astravane took on a golden glow. The peaceful atmosphere was soon interrupted by the thunder of armored boots.

A group of knights rushed through the streets, their presence powerful, their aura thick with determination. Their expressions were intense, as if heading toward something urgent.

Kael frowned. "Emily, what's going on?"

She shook her head. "I don't know. But for the past few months, the knights have been way more active than usual."

As they watched, a small child tripped on the stone pavement. One of the knights abruptly stopped, kneeling down to wipe the dirt from the boy's face. His once-intense aura softened, and he spoke gently.

"You alright, kid?"

The boy sniffled but nodded. "Yes, sir."

The knight smiled and ruffled the child's hair before standing up, his expression hardening again as he rejoined his comrades.

Kael was in awe. "They're different from other knights I've seen…"

Emily smirked. "You know what their first lesson is?"

Kael thought for a second, then snapped his fingers. "Love the people of the kingdom and show them kindness, no matter what."

Emily grinned. "Exactly. Astravane doesn't live for the nation—it lives for its people."

Kael smiled. "That's… a beautiful way to rule. A nation can be rebuilt, but people's lives and their trust can't."

Emily giggled. "See? You're smart!"

Kael puffed out his chest. "Of course!"

A Shadowed Heart

By nightfall, they returned to Garrick's shop. The old man was already setting out food on the table.

"Here. Eat."

Emily took a bite and sighed dramatically. "Old man, your food is amazing as always!"

Garrick grumbled, "Brat, I am good at cooking, you know."

"I know, I know." She smirked, trying not to laugh.

But as Kael sat down, his hands clenched into fists. His face darkened as he stared at the food.

Emily frowned. "Kael? What's wrong?"

Kael forced a smile. "Nothing. I'm fine."

Ray and Garrick exchanged glances. They had both noticed it.

After the meal, Ray leaned against the wall, looking directly at Kael. "Something's bothering you."

Kael stiffened.

Ray continued. "You know… it's not just me who's saved your life. You've saved mine more than once. Against the armored orc. Against the dragon, when you protected Emily. And in the orc city, when you helped us blow that hunter away."

Emily nodded. "We trust you, Kael. Whatever it is, you can tell us."

Kael hesitated. He looked at Ray, then at Emily. Their eyes weren't demanding answers—they were offering him a place to be heard.

He took a deep breath.

"Okay… listen to me carefully."

Silence filled the room. The air felt heavy, as if something big was about to be revealed.

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To Be Continued…