The grand hall of the kingdom sparkled under the morning sun. Banners of crimson and gold fluttered in the gentle breeze coming through the arched windows. Servants hurried back and forth, placing golden chalices and polished platters on the long oak tables. The scent of roses and candle wax hung in the air, creating an odd but elegant combination.

  At the center of the hall, standing atop a raised dais, was the kingdom’s hero. His white hair glinted like freshly fallen snow, his red eyes glinting like molten rubies. A pristine katana rested at his side, its white sheath adorned with red roses and a crimson cloth tied around it. Every step he took exuded calm precision, a grace that captivated every onlooker.

  The king cleared his throat, and the murmurs in the hall fell silent.

  “Today,” the king announced, his voice echoing, “we honor the bravest hero in all the kingdom. This warrior has defended our lands, our people, and our very way of life. We are proud to reward him for his unparalleled courage!”

  The crowd erupted into applause. The hero bowed respectfully toward the royal family, his katana making a soft metallic whisper as he drew it slightly, then sheathed it again.

  As the king stepped forward with a golden medallion, the hero’s gaze flicked toward the far corner of the hall. Something—or someone—pulled at him. A boy, standing quietly near the side doors, dressed in simple clothing. Akitsu Shouga.

  There… he muttered under his breath. He felt an urge to move, to cross the hall and speak to the boy, but as he stepped forward, a wall of nobles, guards, and attendants subtly blocked his path.

  “What’s happening?” he thought, frustrated. Why can’t I reach him?

  “Enjoy your reward,” the king said, placing the medallion around the hero’s neck. “Your bravery has brought pride to the kingdom.”

  The hero bowed stiffly, still glancing at Akitsu. But the boy melted back into the crowd, gone before he could even take a step.

  Outside the castle, the sun hung high, warming the cobblestone streets. Akitsu walked with Kaoru and her family, careful not to draw attention. The plaza buzzed with merchants and nobles alike, children darting between legs, and nobles laughing extravagantly over trivial matters.

  A group of spoiled noble children noticed Akitsu. They were dressed in silk and gold, faces twisted into cruel grins.

  “Well, well,” the tallest sneered, “what do we have here? A poor boy daring to walk among us?”

  Another boy stepped forward and tried to trip Akitsu.

  Akitsu stopped, his red eyes narrowing slightly. Calmly, he placed one hand on the first boy’s shoulder and tilted him gently. The boy stumbled forward and landed in a pile of mud. Gasps erupted from the crowd.

  “Oops,” Akitsu murmured, brushing off imaginary dust. “I guess clumsiness is contagious.”

  The other nobles rushed him, attempting to push or grab him. Every attack failed. Akitsu ducked, sidestepped, and maneuvered with unnatural precision, leaving them tripping over each other or colliding with their own servants. Wine, pastries, and silk robes were ruined in the chaos.

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  Kaoru’s eyes widened. “Shouga-kun… how are you doing that?”

  Akitsu smiled faintly. “It’s easier to avoid trouble than to fight it.”

  A third noble, red-faced and furious, stomped toward Akitsu. “You dare humiliate us?”

  Akitsu tilted his head, expression calm. “I don’t dare. You simply made it easy for me.”

  The boy stomped again, only to slip on spilled wine and fall. Akitsu reached out instinctively, catching him by the arm and setting him upright, leaving the boy embarrassed and silent.

  Kaoru pulled Akitsu away, giggling. “You’re amazing! They didn’t stand a chance.”

  Akitsu smirked. “It’s not about standing a chance. It’s about knowing how to survive.”

  As they walked back to Kaoru’s mansion, Akitsu’s mind wandered to the hero. What was it about him? Why did he try to reach me?

  At the mansion, Kaoru’s parents were waiting, fussing over her and Akitsu.

  “You’re back early,” Kaoru said, her eyes sparkling. “Did those spoiled brats give you trouble?”

  Akitsu shrugged. “They learned their lesson. I suppose that’s one way to start the day.”

  Kaoru’s mother smiled warmly. “You’re very brave, young man. Kaoru is lucky to have you looking out for her.”

  Akitsu shook his head. “I’m just… trying to keep her safe.”

  Kaoru looked at him with admiration. “You’re amazing, Shouga-kun. I’m glad we met!”

  Akitsu smiled faintly, allowing himself a rare moment of peace.

  Far above, in the castle hall, the hero turned to the king. “Father, I… I saw him again.”

  The king raised an eyebrow. “Who, my son?”

  “The boy,” the hero said, clenching his fists. “The one at the edge of the hall. Akitsu Shouga.”

  The king frowned. “What about him?”

  “I don’t know,” the hero admitted, voice tight. “There’s something about him… I can’t explain it. I need to find him.”

  The king sighed. “He’s just a common boy. Do not let this obsession cloud your judgment.”

  The hero’s red eyes burned. “I can’t ignore it, Father. I have to know.”

  But the boy was gone, swallowed by the crowd and the world outside the castle.

  That evening, Akitsu sat by the window of Kaoru’s mansion, watching the sun dip below the horizon. He thought of the hero, of red eyes and white hair, of a pull he couldn’t explain.

  Kaoru approached, brushing his shoulder lightly. “Shouga-kun… what are you thinking about?”

  Akitsu smiled faintly. “Someone I can’t reach… for now.”

  Kaoru’s eyes narrowed, playful yet sharp. “Are you thinking about someone else, or just overthinking again?”

  Akitsu chuckled. “Maybe a little of both. But for now, I’m safe here.”

  Somewhere, far above in the castle, the hero stared at the horizon. Red eyes burning, hands clenching the hilt of his katana, knowing that for now, the boy had eluded him.

  I’ll find him. Somehow… I’ll find him.