Aaki walked through the palace grounds, scanning the area.
Then he saw her.
Miyuna was walking in through the main gate.
"Where have you been?" Aaki asked, stepping toward her. "I was looking for you."
Her eyes were calm. Too calm.
"I just went for a walk around the kingdom."
She looked at him briefly.
"Did you need something?"
"…Nothing important," Aaki said. "I was just worried. I hadn't seen you since morning."
"I'm fine," Miyuna replied.
Then she walked past him.
"If there's nothing else, I'll see you later."
Something in her tone felt… distant.
"Miyuna," Aaki called out.
She stopped—but didn't turn fully.
"Is something wrong?"
"…No. Everything's fine."
Aaki frowned slightly.
"Then come help me with the training."
Silence.
She didn't answer.
She just started walking again.
Aaki moved to stop her—
—but suddenly—
She turned.
Her fist shot forward.
Aaki froze.
The punch stopped just an inch from his face.
The air behind him exploded—
CRACK.
A deep fracture spread across the stone wall.
Aaki swallowed.
"What was that…?"
Miyuna's gaze was sharp.
"You're a teacher now," she said coldly.
"How can you let your guard down like that?"
Aaki didn't respond.
"Is this how you're going to train them?"
Her eyes narrowed.
"Never let your guard down, Aaki."
She turned—and walked away.
Aaki stood there, unmoving.
Then slowly, he looked at the wall behind him.
Cracked… from just the pressure.
"…That was fast," he muttered.
His eyes darkened slightly.
I don't understand what she's thinking right now…
But this isn't normal.
"Master!"
The prince and princess came running.
"What happened?" the prince asked. "Did something happen between you and Big Sis?"
Aaki straightened.
"…No," he said calmly. "She was just reminding me to stay alert."
"Stay alert?" the prince frowned.
"It's nothing," Aaki said. "Get back to training."
Far above—
The wind shifted.
A presence watched everything.
"Oh… how interesting," the God of Wind murmured.
"Even like this… she avoids his questions perfectly."
A faint smile formed.
"Miyuna… what an intriguing woman you are."
"Dear Lord."
A heavenly guard approached and bowed.
"Do you have a moment?"
The God of Wind stretched lazily.
"I have all the time in the world. What is it?"
"The Younger Knights wish to see you. Shall I send them in?"
A small smile appeared.
"…Send them."
Four figures entered and bowed.
"Good evening, Lord."
"Oh?" the God of Wind chuckled. "Look at this. The little knights have grown."
"What brings you here?"
Arius stepped forward first.
"We're here to talk about Amelia's children."
"Watch your words, Arius!" Eryon snapped.
"How dare you say her name like that? Show some respect!"
"I said nothing wrong," Arius replied coldly.
Kaien stepped in.
"She's not our 'big sister.' She's a former knight."
"Someone who broke the rules doesn't deserve respect."
Eryon's eyes flared.
"Say that again and I'll cut your tongue out."
"Calm down," Seiyu said quietly. "There's no point arguing with someone who's forgotten their origin."
Kaien scoffed. "Look who's talking."
"Enough."
The God of Wind's voice cut through them instantly.
The air went still.
"You're in heaven," he said. "Act like it."
He placed a hand on Eryon's shoulder.
"Calm down."
Then his gaze shifted to Arius and Kaien.
Cold.
"You don't have the right to speak like that. Don't forget who she was."
A pause.
"…Understood?"
"Yes, sir," they said immediately.
The pressure vanished.
And just like that, his tone shifted again—light, playful.
"Now then," he said with a smile, "what did you want to talk about?"
Seiyu stepped forward.
"We want to know about her children."
The God of Wind tilted his head.
"And why is that?"
"…We just want to make sure they're safe."
A small chuckle escaped him.
"They're fine," he said. "Completely safe."
"Aaki is strong enough to handle any threat."
Relief flickered across their faces.
"That's good to hear," Seiyu said.
"…But," the God of Wind added.
Their expressions tightened.
"Aaki's younger sister has been missing for years."
Silence.
"He's been searching for her… but hasn't found her."
Eryon stepped forward instantly.
"What?! Then I'll go find her—"
"Stop."
The word alone froze him.
"Don't act so impulsively."
"…But—"
"If you interfere," the God of Wind said calmly, "the Elder Knights won't stay silent."
That was enough.
He stepped closer, placing a hand on Eryon and Seiyu's heads.
"Even if your intentions are right… breaking the rules will cost you."
"…She's safe," he added quietly. "Trust that."
"Just don't do anything reckless."
"…Understood," they both said.
"And you two," he called out.
Arius and Kaien stepped forward.
He placed a hand on their shoulders.
"I know you're frustrated," he said.
"But don't forget—you're standing here… because of her."
Both of them went silent.
Their heads lowered.
"…We're sorry," they said. "Eryon… Seiyu…"
"It's fine," Seiyu replied.
"We'll take our leave now," Arius added.
"You're always welcome," the God of Wind said with a smile.
The Younger Knights left.
Silence returned.
The God of Wind looked into the distance.
"…What interesting children."