Emi's nose twitched, and so did Tetak's beak, the scent of meat soaked in sauce filling their senses.
Tetak pecked Emi on the head, and she spoke to him calmly.
"I know, we're almost there. No need to rush."
Despite what had happened earlier, Emi jumped down from Adior's shoulder. Adior instinctively reached out, trying to catch her as she suddenly dropped, but she landed lightly on her feet.
"Don't worry, Adior," Lucas said. "She's quicker and tougher than she looks… though her appetite is a little too strong."
"I—it just surprised me," Adior replied, worry still clear on his face after Emi's sudden jump.
Emi began hopping forward, step after step, and Tetak fluttered every time she jumped down. Lucas watched the scene, his lips moving into a soft, genuine smile.
The road was paved with carefully placed stone, similar to the festival square. The houses were neatly aligned, all built from red brick, comforting to look at despite their differing heights.
They passed a flower shop, its windows shaped like branches and blossoms. Just looking at the arranged flowers and the vendor watering them filled the heart with calm.
That was what set the city of Rokem apart—aside from the white root-like patterns drawn along the roads, all leading toward the center, as if pointing to the city's heart.
Lucas watched Emi while speaking to Adior, his tone shifting from friendly to cold.
"So, Adior… why did you help Emi? I doubt someone of your standing acts without reason."
Adior swallowed hard, stuttering slightly—not out of weakness, but lingering shock.
"I-I didn't come because of her. Something led me here… and I don't think it was the girl. I think it was you. There's something familiar about you."
He continued, struggling a little with his words.
"I-I apologize if the way I speak offended you… or if I shouldn't have spoken at all."
Lucas felt awkward hearing this.
"No need to apologize. You saved me. He wouldn't have backed off if you hadn't appeared."
Adior didn't respond. Not a single word. He simply fell silent.
Lucas sighed. "Alright. If you don't want to talk, that's fine."
Emi shouted, waving a meat skewer while chewing.
"Luuucas! Come quick! Tetak jumped down!"
Tetak had already hopped off Emi's head toward the cart, and Rod was laughing at the sight.
Adior slowed his pace as Lucas stepped ahead, raising his hand to greet Rod. Behind him, a shadow appeared—a tall figure with long black hair, the same shade as Lucas's. He smiled as if he recognized Adior, standing there quietly, observing.
Emi called out again, holding one skewer in her hand and another in the other, meat still in her mouth.
"This one's yours, Adior!"
Hours after the incident, Lucas took Emi and Tetak to the park. The house was a mess, so he had called a carpenter to fix the door and left him to work.
Lucas sat on a bench, staring at the trees, the small pond, and the stone path beneath his feet. Nearby, Emi and Tetak were playing, imitating Lucas from earlier—when he had tried to strike Rion.
Tetak stood just like Lucas had: one foot back, one wing curled like a clenched fist, the other extended forward. His expression was calm but furious, just like Lucas's gaze had been.
Before Tetak could finish his "attack," Emi punched him, sending him flapping away. He quickly recovered and chased her through the park.
Lucas stared in disbelief, whispering to himself.
"What kind of bird is this…?"
"Hello."
A soft, gentle voice greeted him. It was Hana, the flower vendor. She stood there without showing her Mardion horns, wearing a light summer dress that fluttered with the breeze. Her short hair danced with the wind, glowing warmly, freckles scattered across her cheeks.
Lucas looked up. "Ah… hello."
She leaned slightly toward him, a few strands of hair falling forward. She brushed them back behind her ear.
"Is this seat taken?"
Lucas gestured beside him. "No, please. Go ahead."
She stepped closer, adjusting her dress with both hands as she sat, making sure it stayed in place.
Lucas kept watching Emi and Tetak, who were still "fighting," both wearing serious expressions. Confusion crept across his face.
"So… we meet again, Fighter Tetak," Emi said coldly, as if she were about to kill someone.
"Kok-kak… It's been a long time," Tetak replied, wearing the same frozen expression.
Emi turned her head. The wind suddenly picked up, autumn-colored leaves swirling through the air, cutting across their faces. The scene looked like a dramatic moment straight out of a play.
"It's time to end everything."
Tetak clenched his wings, ready to fight.
"Kak… then let's finish it," he said calmly.
Lucas found himself drawn into their strange little drama, curious to see how it would end—and who would win.
Suddenly, Hana grabbed Lucas by the chin and turned his face toward her.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you."
Lucas lost focus for a moment, though his eyes still tried to drift back toward Emi and Tetak.
"There's no other solution—"
She kissed him.
Lucas's eyes flew wide open.
He pushed Hana away and jumped up from the bench.
"What are you doing?!"
Hana replied calmly, "Nothing… except that the council is waiting for you."
Lucas's vision blurred. Dizziness overwhelmed him as he dropped to his knees.
"What do you want from me…?" he muttered heavily.
"Lucas… Lucas…"
The last thing he saw was Hana's face.
The last things he heard were Tetak's frantic chirping—and Emi calling his name.