Greed in the Shadows

The soft golden glow of morning peeked through the window of The Brass Lantern, slipping past the curtains and crawling across the bed in lazy warmth.

Cian stirred.

And then… froze.

There was a warmth pressed against him—skin-to-skin. He blinked once. Twice. Then slowly looked down.

Shirayuki was snuggled into his chest, eyes gently closed, hair scattered like a wild halo across the pillow. Her breathing was steady… peaceful… and, oh gods—there was only a blanket between them and decency.

[System Booting...]

[Daily Report: "Congratulations, Player. You've successfully completed: The Forbidden Sword Polishing Side Quest."]

Cian's eyes shot wide open.

"S-System—shut it!" he hissed, face burning red.

[System Message: "I'll log this as a critical hit... in stamina."]

From the corner of the room, a tiny, sharp-toothed grin sparkled like trouble incarnate. Solaira, comfortably perched atop the windowsill, crossed her tiny lizard arms with smug satisfaction, her tail flicking playfully.

If she could speak, her expression alone screamed:

"Exactly as planned, mortal."

Cian narrowed his eyes, whispering, "You… were in on this, weren't you?"

Solaira gave a single, slow nod.

A thud echoed as Cian collapsed backward onto the pillow, one hand over his face. "I need holy water… and maybe a priest."

[System Suggestion: "You'll need more than that, champ. Maybe a cold lake. Or divine intervention."]

He groaned.

But still…

He didn't move.

And beside him, Shirayuki curled even closer, a soft sound slipping past her lips—sweet, innocent… and enough to make Cian's sanity teeter on the edge again.

Downstairs in The Brass Lantern, the scent of warm bread, sizzling meats, and honeyed tea filled the air.

Cian sat at the table, still trying to mentally recover from the morning chaos. His face was flushed, eyes darting nervously every time Shirayuki—now dressed and freshly brushed—nuzzled against his side, her cheeks lightly pink as well.

Across from them, Solaira sat smugly in a tiny wooden bowl like it was a throne, tail flicking happily as she stared at the steaming food laid out before them.

"Eat up, dears!" the cheerful innkeeper grinned as she set down two more plates stacked high. "You two were… tired, huh? Didn't even hear the knock this morning. Young love, I tell ya!"

Cian choked on his tea.

[System Message: "This woman knows."]

He glared silently at the floating text, but said nothing.

Shirayuki happily munched on a soft roll, her hands clutching the edges like it was the most precious thing in the world. Crumbs dusted her cheeks as she squeaked in delight, biting into a honey-drenched fruit tart next. Her little hedgehog ears twitched with joy.

Solaira, not to be outdone, hopped into a plate and helped herself—tearing into a slice of bacon like a dragon claiming her hoard.

The innkeeper only laughed, placing a gentle hand on Cian's shoulder. "Make sure to eat well, lad. You've got that drained look of a man who… slept well."

Cian's entire soul combusted.

[System: "Status effect applied: Embarrassment x100."]

But deep inside, he smiled.

Surrounded by warmth, food, teasing companions, and soft laughter… it finally felt like a morning worth waking up to.

The town's central park was alive with color and laughter as Cian stepped onto the cobbled path, flanked by Shirayuki and Solaira. Lanterns swung gently overhead, bobbing in the wind, and the smell of roasted dumplings and caramel treats drifted through the air.

It wasn't a grand festival, but it was enough to make Shirayuki's ears perk up and her hands tighten on Cian's sleeve. She looked around with gleaming eyes, as if the entire place were made of magic.

Solaira clung to Cian's other side, her claws wrapped around the strap of his bag, her bright eyes darting around curiously. Though she never spoke, her tail occasionally twitched in excitement.

"Wanna try a game?" Cian asked, tilting his head toward a ring toss booth.

Cian stepped up first to the ring toss. He lined up a throw, tongue tucked in the corner of his mouth in concentration. Clink! The first ring landed, wobbling before it slipped down over the peg. Two more followed, earning him a small cheer from the boothkeeper and a fluffy fox plush with oversized eyes.

He turned and offered it to Shirayuki. Her red eyes widened. She hugged it tightly to her chest, her soft furred cheeks burning pink as she leaned slightly against him, tail swaying.

Solaira blinked at the toy, then cocked her head—seemingly unimpressed—before flicking her tail and pointing at a nearby balloon-dart stall with her claw. Cian chuckled. "You want a prize too?"

She gave the tiniest nod.

Challenge accepted. Cian tossed a few darts. Pop—pop—pop! One after another. He won a little keychain plush shaped like a dragon. Fitting.

Solaira accepted it with a tiny chirr, hugging it against her scaled chest. Her expression was subtle, but the smug glint in her eyes said it all.

Next up was Shirayuki's turn. She took the rings with hesitant hands, stepping up to the line. The first one missed. So did the second. The third bounced off the rim. Her head lowered slowly, shoulders shrinking, and her ears drooped low.

Cian knelt beside her, gently rubbing the back of her head. "Hey, it's okay." Her bottom lip quivered. She looked up at him, eyes glossy.

He offered her his last ring.

She took it with trembling fingers, locked eyes with him, and gave it a toss.

Clink!

It landed.

Shirayuki blinked in disbelief—then leapt into him, hugging him tightly. Her soft cheek pressed against his as she gave a little sound of excitement, tail wagging rapidly. Cian laughed, hugging her back.

Solaira clapped her claws together quietly, nodding in approval.

They continued strolling through the park, playing games and sharing a roasted sweet potato on a stick. Shirayuki nibbled it carefully, cheeks full, occasionally offering a bite to Solaira.

They stopped under a tree as afternoon light filtered down in golden beams. Shirayuki dozed off beside him with the plush still tucked in her arms. Solaira leaned against the tree, curled up with her tail wrapped around her like a sleepy serpent.

Cian let out a breath, closing his eyes for a moment.

> [System Notification: Peace and fluff levels are off the charts. Please proceed with caution—possible cuteness overload.]

He smirked. "Even you can't ruin this moment."

As Cian relaxed under the tree, the gentle breeze swaying the leaves above, Shirayuki trotted toward a row of fluttering wind chimes that hung on strings. She gently tapped one with her finger, ears perking up at the tinkling sound, tail swishing with delight. Solaira stayed curled nearby, lazily flicking her tongue in and out.

But then... a shadow fell across the grass.

A man in fine silk robes stood tall near the game stalls. His hair was neatly slicked back, his gloves pristine, and a smug half-smile curled on his lips as his sharp gaze followed Shirayuki's every move—up... down... slowly... lingering.

> [System Alert: Warning—Pervert detected. Look at that slimeball, Cian. His eyes are undressing your girl.]

Cian's eyes narrowed.

The noble finally stepped closer, clasping his hands behind his back. "She's quite the rare breed," he said, voice smooth like oil. "Exotic... delicate... obedient, I assume." His gaze didn't lift from Shirayuki, who remained blissfully unaware as she leaned in to sniff a flower-shaped candy.

Cian stood up, face darkening.

The noble glanced at him, bored. "How much?"

The words echoed like a slap in the air.

Cian's jaw clenched.

Shirayuki tilted her head, catching the shift in tension. She turned, blinking curiously, plush fox still clutched to her chest.

> [System Comment: Oh no. He really said it. Cian, my boy—go full 'Main Character Energy' now.]

Cian stepped forward slowly. "You got five seconds to take your eyes off her."

The noble raised a brow, amused. "You misunderstand. I'm willing to pay generously. Whatever you want. Gold. Gems. Land, even—"

Cian's fist cracked his glove.

Shirayuki's ears lowered, catching the edge in his voice.

Solaira hissed low, her slitted eyes narrowing.

> [System Note: Cian's patience has officially left the building.]

Cian took another step, voice calm but sharp. "She's not for sale. She's not yours to look at. And if your eyes wander again... you'll be wearing them around your neck."

The noble stiffened. "Do you know who I am?"

"No," Cian said bluntly, "but you're about to be known as the noble who pissed himself and ran."

A beat of silence.

The noble scoffed, turned on his heel, and stormed off, muttering something about "uncultured thugs."

Cian let out a breath, rolling his neck. Shirayuki walked to his side, tugged gently on his sleeve, and held the plush up like a shield, her eyes wide with silent thanks.

He softened. "Sorry about that."

> [System: Confirmed—Cian: Level 100 in 'Protective Boyfriend' Energy.]

"Oh shut up," Cian muttered under his breath, brushing a hand through his hair. His heart was still pounding, not from the noble's audacity—but from the way he looked at her. Like she was an object. Like he could just take her.

He looked down at Shirayuki, who tilted her head with a small, innocent blink, still hugging the plush toy. Completely unaware of the storm she'd just stood in the middle of.

Cian knelt down, patting her head gently. "Don't worry," he said quietly. "I'm not letting anyone lay a finger on you."

She beamed, her nose twitching.

They turned to walk back toward the stalls, Solaira trailing behind them, her tongue flicking.

But even as the wind carried laughter and the scent of candied fruits, Cian's smile faded slightly.

Because deep inside, something clawed at him.

That noble…

That look…

He'd seen it before.

> Not everyone walks away when you warn them once.

> Some people… do terrible things to get what they want.

> Even if it means killing someone.