Morning arrived gently.
Sunlight slipped through the curtains and spread across the floor in pale gold lines. The mansion was already awake, but the quiet kind of awake that came from routine rather than urgency. Nev sat on the edge of his bed, tying the straps of his boots, feeling a calm energy he had not known before.
He was tired. His muscles still carried the dull ache of a night spent training until dawn. But beneath that exhaustion was something else. Excitement. Purpose. The kind that made even simple movements feel lighter.
A soft knock came at the door.
"My lord," a familiar voice called, careful and polite. "Breakfast is ready."
Nev paused for a moment before answering. "I will be there."
The door opened just enough for Mei to peek inside.
She had served the Nolen household for several years and had been assigned as Nev's personal maid since he was young. She was nineteen now, graceful and composed, with long white hair cut in a wolf style that fell down her back and framed her face. Her maid uniform was neat and spotless, every fold pressed with care.
She smiled when she saw him standing and dressed.
That alone made her blink.
Nev usually stayed inside. He slept late. He skipped meals. He avoided movement unless it was necessary. But today, he was awake early, boots on, posture straight.
Mei bowed slightly.
"You are early today," she said.
Nev nodded. "I trained last night."
Her eyes widened just a little before she hid it. "I see. Breakfast will still be warm."
As she turned to leave, she glanced back once more.
Something about him felt different.
At the dining table, Nev ate quietly. The food tasted better than usual. Perhaps because his body needed it. Perhaps because his mind was no longer drifting aimlessly. Across the table, his parents exchanged brief glances but said nothing. They noticed. They always noticed.
After breakfast, Nev stood and picked up his coat.
"I am going out," he said.
His mother paused. His father raised an eyebrow.
"Out?" his father repeated.
"Yes," Nev replied. "To shop."
There was no hesitation in his voice.
His parents did not laugh. They did not question him. His mother simply nodded. "Take Mei with you."
Mei bowed again, hiding her surprise behind professionalism.
Outside, the city felt alive. Shops were opening. Merchants shouted prices. People moved with purpose. Nev walked beside Mei at a steady pace, his eyes scanning the streets naturally. He did not hunch his shoulders. He did not avoid glances.
Mei noticed everything.
This Nev walked like someone who expected the world to respond to him.
She followed half a step behind, hands folded neatly, eyes attentive. Inside her thoughts stirred quietly.
He used to avoid crowds.He used to look down.He used to hesitate before every choice.
Now he walked forward without pause.
She watched him stop at street corners, observing people, noticing patterns. She wondered what had changed overnight.
They reached the armor district near midday. Rows of shops displayed shields, helmets, and layered leather suits reinforced with metal plates. Nev entered one of the more reputable stores, marked by a clean sign and well-maintained equipment.
The shopkeeper bowed slightly. "Looking for protection, young lord?"
"Yes," Nev said. "Light armor. Durable. Flexible."
The man nodded and brought out several pieces. Nev examined them carefully. He checked stitching, weight, balance. He tested how easily the armor moved with his body.
Mei watched in silence.
He knows what to look for.
Nev chose a fitted chest piece reinforced along vital points, light gloves with reinforced knuckles, and a belt designed to hold a sword at the waist without restricting movement. Practical. Efficient.
Then he placed his own sword onto the belt.
For the first time, the blade rested naturally at his side.
Nev straightened and smiled.
It was small. Genuine.
Mei felt her chest tighten slightly.
This Nev looked… happy.
As they left the shop, Nev adjusted the belt once more and walked with a lighter step. He looked down at his hand resting near the sword and felt a quiet thrill.
This was not fear.
This was readiness.
Unseen by them, a figure stood across the street, half-hidden among shadows and passing crowds. His gaze followed Nev with quiet focus. He did not approach. He did not speak.
He simply observed.
And then he turned away, already carrying news meant for someone else.