Chapter 7 -2_1-

As soon as they entered the house, Sayu pulled Nujah further in, eager to show him around. Meanwhile, the mother and father—less fearful now after hearing the stranger's name—exchanged glances of recognition. They had once witnessed firsthand the things he had done in the distant past.

With a respectful smile, the father bowed slightly.

"Please, make yourself at home, sir. We'll prepare something to eat."

Their tone was kind and genuinely welcoming. Nujah blinked in surprise—he didn't expect such warmth—but sensed no ill will, so he let it be.

The parents stepped into the kitchen through a doorway framed by twisting tree leaves. As they disappeared, their voices remained cheerful—"Their movements were too focused—almost like something bigger than dinner was coming."

Sayu tugged his sleeve again. "What are you waiting for? Come on. I'll show you our princess. She gets moody if she's not greeted properly before meals."

Without question, Nujah followed. But as they approached a floral-carved door, he suddenly froze. A wave of heat and an invisible pressure pulsed from the other side.

He instinctively pushed Sayu behind him, drawing his blade.

"Stay close and stay quiet," he whispered.

Sayu opened her mouth to protest, but Nujah silenced her with a gesture. Whispering a minor incantation, he pushed the door open—

—only to find a monstrous, hound-like creature sprawled across the room's floor, seemingly asleep.

Nujah narrowed his eyes. "These things don't sleep."

Sayu slowly regained her voice and tried to step past him.

"Wait, wait—don't hurt her!"

Nujah didn't lower his weapon.

"This... is your princess?"

Sayu shrugged, arms crossed. "She's just fluffy and dramatic."

Nujah raised an eyebrow.

"Fluffy? That thing looks like it guards the gates of hell."

Sayu smirked. "Yeah, but only on Mondays."