Then Kael heard it.
A sharp, desperate cry echoed from a narrow alley, cutting through the noise of the street.
He stopped mid-step.
"Hat," Kael said quietly, his gaze sharpening as his senses focused. "Something's happening."
"Yes, Master. I sensed it as well."
Without hesitation, Kael turned toward the sound.
The moment he reached the alley, the scene unfolded before him—several men closing in on two girls, blocking every possible path of escape. The girls clutched each other tightly, trembling as they retreated until their backs pressed against the cold stone wall.
And then Kael saw their faces.
Time slowed.
Sunlight slipped between the buildings, catching strands of golden and violet hair. Their wide eyes reflected fear… and something else. Something that made Kael's chest tighten without warning.
His heart skipped.
Heat rushed to his face.
Hat drifted closer, clearly amused.
"Oh? Master, what's wrong? You appear… overheated."
"I-It's nothing!" Kael snapped, quickly turning his face away.
Hat chuckled softly."My, my… so this is what they call love at first sight."
Kael clenched his fist.
"Enough. They need help."
He stepped forward.
"Are you two alright?" Kael asked, his voice calm yet firm.
The girls looked at him—and hope flared instantly.
"Yes! Please!" one of them cried.
Kael turned toward the men. The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by cold resolve.
"Step away from them."
One man scoffed."Look at this brat. Get lost before you get hurt."
"Leave. Them."
The man snarled and charged.
The air exploded.
Kael leapt forward, twisting midair, vaulting clean over the attacker. Before the man could react, Kael's heel crashed into his spine, slamming him face-first into the ground.
"You chose the wrong target," Kael said coldly.
Another man rushed him.
Kael caught his wrist, twisted sharply, and flung him aside. The body struck stone with a dull thud—unconscious before a scream could escape.
Weapons were drawn.
Kael didn't flinch.
"Hat," he said without turning. "Protect them."
"At once!"
Hat floated toward the girls."Don't worry. My master never loses. Oh—and my name is Hat."
The men attacked together.
Kael vanished.
He reappeared above them, descending like lightning. His fists struck with crushing force. His kicks sliced through the air. One fell. Then another. Then another.
The last man froze in terror.
Kael landed in front of him.
One strike.
Silence returned to the alley.
Kael exhaled slowly.
"It's over."
He turned.
The girls were staring at him.
Awe filled their eyes… along with something warmer.
"Are you hurt?" Kael asked gently.
They shook their heads.
"N-No… thanks to you," one said softly.
Kael scratched his cheek, embarrassed."I—I should introduce myself. I'm Kael Valcrest."
Their eyes widened.
"Valcrest…? A noble?"
"Yes," Kael replied. "But also an adventurer."
Before they could say more—
"Guards! Over here!"
The girls flinched.
One of them grabbed Kael's sleeve for a brief moment—warm, fleeting.
"We have to go."
"Wait—your names—!"
They smiled as they ran.
"We'll tell you next time," one called back."We promise."
Moments later, guards arrived and dragged the criminals away. After explaining the situation, Kael was left standing alone in the street.
Hat floated beside him, smirking.
"Oh dear, Master. I believe your heart has already been stolen."
"T-That's not true!" Kael protested.
Hat laughed."The gods adore dramatic meetings. You will see them again."
Kael gazed down the road where they had vanished.
"…I hope so."
A massive mansion soon came into view, its towering gates glowing beneath the fading sunlight.
Hat stared in awe."Ohhh… it's big."
"For now," Kael said softly, "this is home."
The doors opened.
Rows of maids stood in perfect formation. At their center waited an elderly but dignified butler.
"Welcome home, Master Kael."
Kael nodded."Stain… is my brother here?"
Stain bowed."Lord Lucian is currently at the castle with Prince Alex. He left a message—he wishes to see you on the prince's birthday."
Kael smiled faintly."I understand."
"And your parents will arrive tomorrow morning."
"That's good."
Stain's gaze shifted to Hat."M-Master Kael… what kind of bird is—"
"I am not a bird," Hat declared proudly. "I am Hat. A flame-bound spirit."
Stain stiffened."Y-Yes… Sir Hat."
Kael sighed."That's enough. Please show me to my room."
Exhaustion claimed Kael the moment he lay down on the bed.
His thoughts drifted back to the market.
The girls.
"…They were beautiful," he murmured.
Hat tilted slightly."Master… those girls wield light and dark magic."
Kael sat up."Is that dangerous?"
"Rare," Hat replied. "Blessings that appear once in centuries. And… something felt wrong."
Kael's gaze hardened."Then we'll be ready."
Hat hesitated, then spoke of King Julius—of a hidden place, of a sword that absorbed magic and burned it into flame.
Kael's eyes gleamed.
"That sounds worth seeing."
"Then tomorrow?" Hat asked.
Kael nodded."Tomorrow."
Lying back, Kael stared at the ceiling.
A mansion filled with strangers.Two girls bound by light and darkness.And a path once walked by a legendary king.
Somewhere beyond the walls of the capital, fate stirred once more.
Slowly, Kael closed his eyes.