TYND 27

“I—…”

When Theon began to speak, Rothy lifted his downcast eyes. 

“I’ll set you free.”

“……”

“I promise. I’ll end your war. You won’t have to part with Chi-chi, and you’ll live at the estate with Chase’s grandkids. I’ll make sure of it. So, you mustn’t give up either.”

Theon wasn’t someone who made promises about the future. Ever. Having witnessed fifteen years of meaningless deaths on the battlefield, he’d learnt how futile it was to make guarantees about tomorrows. But now, he’d to say it. 

Because—

“Yeah, Theon. Thank you.”

Rothy smiled faintly—a far too melancholic smile for someone who was only sixteen. It wasn’t born of genuine belief in Theon’s words but seemed more like an attempt to reassure him.  

Rothy didn’t believe him at all. 

That was precisely why Theon had to say it. It was less for Rothy and more of a vow to himself. 

Their group had never stayed more than two days in a single place until now. Even disguised as mercenaries, they drew too much attention, and the journey was taking longer than expected. However, they’d decided to stay three days in Aephys, owing to the special relationship between the North and the city.  

Aephys, the largest city near the North, had maintained generations of close ties with House Falsen through the governing Nymphea baronial family.

Though the city was prosperous with fertile land, it didn’t produce any magic stones. It’d relied on the North for magic stones import and processing techniques, trading silk, livestock, and grain in return. The trade had continued for several centuries, creating a brotherhood-like bond between the two. 

When the Great Northern Mine collapsed, drastically reducing production, the North temporarily halted exports. Despite that, Aephys continued to provide silk, livestock, and grain without demanding compensation. They even dispatched heating system technicians, physicians, and healing priests to aid the North. 

After reading about their unyielding support in the territorial report, Theon decided he must personally convey his gratitude to the Nymphea barony.  

“Send word that I’ll meet them before we depart tomorrow afternoon.”

“Tomorrow, Your Grace? If they find you’re here, they’ll want to see you right away.”

“Today won’t do.”

Theon handed the letter for Baron Nymphea to Ultje and stood up. The chief steward blinked before responding with a polite “Yes”. Though Ultje could handle it alone, Theon also sent Zey, who’d familial ties to the barony. While waiting for the two to return with a response, he gave the rest of the group some free time. 

“Thank you, Your Grace. I’ll check out what the training grounds are like in the big city and see what new equipment they have.”

The Knight-Captain flexed his muscles and left. 

“There’s supposed to be Aephys’s biggest magic shop district nearby. I’m going to buy everything I can.”

Chungnip, equally excited, grabbed his pouch of gold coins. Glancing at Rothy, who was seated by the window watching the streets outside, he turned to Theon:

“Your Grace, may I take Rothy with me? He’s a mage too, so I’m sure he’ll enjoy it as well.”
Hearing his name, Rothy turned to look at their direction, but Theon didn’t look up from his morning paper as he replied. 

“You’re not allowed.”

“I just thought Rothy might get bored being indoors all day…”

“He won’t be. We’ll be going to the festival together.”

Chungnip’s eyes widened in surprise. So did Rothy’s—apparently, this was news to him. 

“Ah, I see! Well, I hope you both have a delightful time. I’ll be off now!” 

Chungnip grinned and left the inn with a bounce in his step. 

“……”

Rothy, meanwhile, seemed too distracted to focus on the view outside anymore. He fidgeted slightly before sliding off the chair and scampering across the room into the dressing room. Through the door’s narrow gap, Theon saw him changing into some casual wear. Once dressed, Rothy stood on tiptoes, trying to reach the fur coat hanging on a rack that was too high for him. He even jumped a few times, but his hands couldn’t quite reach.  

Theon was just about to rise and assist when Rothy resolved the issue by using magic to float the coat down. With some effort, he slipped his arms into the heavy coat, carefully buttoning it up before stepping out of the dressing room. 

Crossing the room again, he picked up the weasel sunbathing in the middle of the table and cradled it in his arms. The creature drooped limply between his hands like a wet rag. Hugging the weasel to his chest, Rothy quietly seated himself across from Theon.  

Chi-chi, perhaps too warm in his embrace, squirmed in an attempt to escape. When Rothy didn’t let go, it let out a feeble chitter before resigning itself to its fate, going limp once more.

“……”

Rothy waited patiently for Theon to finish his paper and take him to the festival. Theon, however, could no longer focus. He’d originally planned to go out in the afternoon, thinking Rothy could enjoy the warm and quiet morning indoors before heading out.  

Rustle

As he folded his newspaper, Rothy’s green eyes sparkled like sun-caught gems. 

“Rothy, if it’s alright with you, shall we go now?”

“Yeah… right now’s perfect!”

Theon couldn’t help but smile as he watched him jump up and scurry to the door. Though his heart likely yearned to explore the city all day, his body simply couldn’t keep up. With limbs as thin as fish bones, Rothy needed at least ten minutes’ rest after every thirty minutes of walking. 

Even so, he thoroughly enjoyed himself—he ate white cotton candy as fluffy as his hair (though after three bits, he got tired of it, leaving he rest to Theon who finished it despite its cloying sweetness), he rode a magical flying ride (technically restricted to children under fifteen, but the operator let him on without hesitation), and they also watched a minstrel tell a story about the Snow Fairy blessing the North with snowfall. 

Rothy’s green eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity throughout the day, lifting Theon’s own spirits in turn. Yesterday, this bustling liveliness had felt awkward and jarring, but now it seemed almost welcoming. 

During his fifteen years on the frontlines, visits to civilian settlements had been unavoidable. The atmosphere in those places, however, was always weighed down by the heavy air of defeat—dreary and sombre. He’d often questioned what they were fighting for.  

But now, having claimed victory, he saw the city brimming with life. Its citizens celebrated in genuine peace, and Theon found himself moved by the experience. 

After wandering around for some time, Theon decided Rothy needed a break. He guided them to a café with a terrace overlooking the bustling streets. 

“Uhm… Sir, what would you like to order?”

“A sweet, warm tea for the child and a strong coffee for myself.”

“Yes. So… will those two drinks be all?”

Theon was about to nod but noticed Rothy staring fixedly at something—the desserts displayed in the glass case. 

He’ll probably get full after just a bite or two.

Still, he couldn’t just ignore the longing in Rothy’s gaze. With a small sigh, Theon ordered the dessert that Rothy’s eyes lingered on the longest as well.

When Theon handed over the gold coins, the staff, visibly intimidated by his imposing presence, fumbled as they returned his change. Along with it, they handed him something unexpected—a wooden token with a number on it.

What’s this?

Theon frowned, his gaze fixed on the token. He’d no idea what it was for, but he chose to find a seat first. Rothy pointed toward the terrace.

“Theon, there’s an empty seat over there.”

“It’s still too cold outside. Let’s sit indoors.”

“Alright.”

Theon chose a table in the very centre of the café. As when they’d first entered, a strange silence fell over the space once they sat down. It was impossible not to notice them.  

Rothy, with his snow-white curly hair, emerald-green eyes that sparkled like jewels, rosy cheeks, and plump lips, looked like a doll crafted by a master artisan. 

And then there was Theon, the towering man who appeared to be the boy’s guardian. At first glance, his intimidating aura made others avert their eyes. But for those who dared a second look, it became impossible to ignore his striking handsomeness.  

With jet-black hair, eyes as red as blood, a delicate yet sharp nose—his features seemed so perfectly arranged that one might think they’d been sculpted by Seará herself. The pure, brilliant red of his eyes should’ve been unsettling, yet the wistful, melancholy expression he wore made hearts flutter—regardless of gender. 

“Looks like the kid takes after his mother.”

“The dad’s terrifying…”

“But wow, he’s gorgeous.”

“The kid’s like a doll. Is it a girl or a boy?” 

The whispers were faint, but for an Aura Master like Theon, every word was perfectly clear. 

“People seem to think I’m your father,” he remarked with amusement. 

“……!”

Rothy looked shocked, his eyes wide. Then, with a determined expression, he declared, 

“Theon, that must feel unpleasant. Theon’s a young bachelor… I’ll go and tell them! I’ll explain that we’re not related at all!”