The crimson glow of the setting sun stretched across the streets of Danos City.
Merchants were closing their shops one after another, their cheerful voices slowly fading into the evening breeze. The smell of freshly baked bread mixed with the earthy scent of vegetables from the market, while children chased one another through the streets before their parents called them home.
Walking quietly through the crowd was a man carrying a sleeping child in his arms.
"...Zzz..."
Haruwiko rested peacefully against Cecelion's chest, his tiny hands clutching the front of his father's coat. His silver hair swayed gently every time Cecelion took another step.
Cecelion looked down at the sleeping boy.
A soft smile naturally appeared on his face.
"(Whisper) He's sleeping soundly..."
His fingers gently brushed Haruwiko's messy bangs away from his eyes.
Only then did the tension in his shoulders finally disappear.
A few minutes ago, he had truly believed he might lose control of the situation.
Seeing Haruwiko's vampire instincts awaken for the first time had frightened him more than any battlefield ever had.
Thankfully...
Everything had settled down.
For now.
The old wooden wagon rolled slowly beside him.
The horse snorted quietly as it pulled the cart along the peaceful road.
"Leader—"
Ejji suddenly stopped himself.
He awkwardly scratched the back of his head before smiling.
"Ah... Cecelion-sama."
Cecelion raised an eyebrow.
"Hm?"
"Are you and Haruwiko alright back there?"
Instead of answering immediately, Cecelion climbed into the wagon, careful not to wake the sleeping child. The wooden seat creaked beneath his weight.
He let out a long sigh.
"...Your wagon is surprisingly comfortable."
He ran a hand across the polished wood.
"You've taken good care of it."
Ejji laughed sheepishly.
"It isn't anything special."
Cecelion looked around.
The wheels had been repaired recently.
Fresh ropes secured the cargo.
Even the horse looked healthy and well-fed.
"I'm impressed."
"It seems you've been doing well."
Ejji waved both hands.
"Eh?"
" please Cecelion-sama Don't tease me."
"Compared to you, I'm still just an ordinary farmer."
Cecelion couldn't help laughing.
"Hahaha..."
"Perhaps."
"But..."
His smile softened.
"Are you truly sure we're not troubling your family?"
Ejji answered without even thinking.
"Of course."
"You've already said you'll pay rent."
"So don't worry."
Cecelion slowly nodded.
"I see..."
Then another thought crossed his mind.
"...By the way."
"How much is the rent?"
Ejji blinked.
"...Honestly?"
"I have no idea."
"...What?"
"My wife handles all of our household expenses."
"So..."
"You'll have to ask Yuna."
Silence.
Cecelion's smile slowly froze.
"...I see."
He lowered his head.
(Please let it be cheap...)
Haruwiko shifted slightly in his sleep.
"...Mmm..."
He rubbed his cheek against Cecelion's shoulder before falling asleep again.
Ejji couldn't help smiling.
"He really trusts you."
Cecelion looked at his son.
"...He's still just a child."
"I want him to feel safe."
The wagon continued down the country road.
Stone streets gradually became dirt paths.
The noise of the city disappeared behind them.
Golden wheat fields stretched across the horizon, dancing gently beneath the evening wind.
In the distance...
A modest farmhouse slowly came into view.
Thin trails of smoke rose from the chimney.
Several chickens wandered freely around the yard, while a pair of goats lazily chewed grass beside a wooden fence.
The scent of freshly cut hay drifted through the air.
The wagon finally came to a gentle stop.
"We're here."
Ejji climbed down first before turning toward Cecelion.
"Cecelion-sama."
"We've arrived."
"Hm?"
Cecelion slowly opened his eyes.
"...Ah."
"I fell asleep."
He smiled awkwardly.
The warmth of the wagon and the peaceful ride had finally allowed his exhausted body to rest.
He looked down.
Haruwiko was still sleeping peacefully.
"...Haruwiko."
He gently patted the little boy's head.
"Wake up."
Tiny crimson eyes slowly peeked open.
"...Papa?"
"We're here."
Haruwiko rubbed both eyes with his tiny fists before looking around.
"...Where are we?"
Cecelion climbed down from the wagon while carrying him.
"This is my friend Ejji's home."
"He invited us to stay for a while."
Haruwiko looked toward the farmhouse.
His eyes immediately sparkled.
The warm orange light shining through the windows made the house feel inviting.
A gentle breeze carried the delicious smell of freshly cooked soup.
"...Wow."
"It smells really good."
His stomach let out a tiny growl.
"...Grr..."
Haruwiko quickly covered it with both hands.
"...It wasn't me."
Ejji laughed.
"I think your stomach disagrees."
Haruwiko's cheeks turned bright red.
Cecelion chuckled.
"It seems someone is hungry again."
"P-Papa..."
"It really wasn't me..."
The adults exchanged amused smiles.
For the first time since arriving in Danos City...
The atmosphere finally felt peaceful.
Standing before the wooden door, Cecelion suddenly hesitated.
"...Ejji."
"Hm?"
"Are you absolutely certain?"
"I don't want to cause trouble for your family."
Ejji sighed before placing both hands on his hips.
"Cecelion-sama."
"How many times do I have to tell you?"
"My home is your home."
Then he grinned mischievously.
"...As long as you remember the rent."
Cecelion nodded seriously.
"I won't forget."
Haruwiko looked back and forth between the two adults.
(Papa's friend is really kind...)
Ejji stepped toward the front door.
Knock.
"Yuna!"
"It's me!"
"I'm home!"
For a brief moment...
The house became completely silent.
Then soft footsteps echoed from inside.
"I'm coming!"