As Ronan heard Seraphina calling out to him, he quickly turned toward her. She had just bid farewell to an elderly woman, her calm voice still carrying the dignified tone of a knight, even in casual conversation. Her silver hair shimmered softly in the afternoon light, a strand brushing her cheek as the wind blew gently past.
"Your friend told me you were looking for me," she said, walking toward Ronan with a composed but slightly curious expression. "He said it was something important."
Ronan let out a silent sigh and thought to himself, Of course... George. That brute always acts before thinking. He turned to her with a slight, nervous smile. "Ah, yes. I did have something to give you."
Seraphina's expression shifted, her brows knitting gently. "I'm still on patrol, Ronan. As a knight, I'm not allowed to accept gifts from civilians—especially merchants. It could be seen as favoritism, and I wouldn't want to set the wrong example."
Before Ronan could fumble out a response, Han Seohan—hovering invisibly beside him—sighed in relief. That's just like her, he thought. Always by the book.
Ronan, trying to reassure her, quickly spoke. "It's not like that. I promise this isn't a bribe. You'll understand once you see it."
He reached into the pouch tied to his belt and carefully pulled out a small, worn pendant. He gently held it out to Seraphina.
Her expression froze as her gaze fell upon the familiar silver locket. She reached for it slowly, as though scared it might vanish if she touched it too quickly. Her fingers curled around it, trembling ever so slightly.
Click.
She opened it.
Inside, the faded image of her mother smiled back at her—a younger Seraphina nestled beside her. The moment the photo met her eyes, her breath caught in her throat. Her lips parted, but no words came out. For a few seconds, the noise of the town around them vanished—replaced by the flood of memories.
"I…" she began, her voice quieter than usual. "You have no idea how much this means to me." She closed the pendant gently, holding it to her chest like a fragile treasure. "Thank you… truly."
Ronan smiled, glad to see her respond so genuinely. "I just thought… it might be special to you. I found it in the debris of your old home, and I knew it belonged in the right hands."
Seraphina blinked away the moisture in her eyes, regaining her composure. "This is… more than just special. I can't accept this without giving you something in return. Ask for anything—anything within my power, as long as it's not immoral, and I'll grant it."
Ronan chuckled nervously and shook his head. "There's no need for all that. But… if you really want to repay the favor…"
He paused and then spoke with more sincerity, "Come visit the village sometime. Everyone still remembers you. They'd be glad to see you again—even if just for a short while."
Seraphina's expression changed. Her smile faltered, and her eyes drifted downward, suddenly distant. The playful warmth that had briefly returned to her features disappeared.
After a long moment of silence, she finally replied, "I'll… try."
Ronan didn't push further. "There's no rush. Just know we'll be leaving in a few days with our merchant caravan. If you decide to come, we'd be honored to travel with someone as reliable as you."
Seraphina nodded softly, slipping the pendant into the pouch by her side. "Thank you again… for bringing this to me."
She turned and began walking down the stone-paved path, her back straight, her steps silent—but Han could feel something had shifted. Beneath that armor, the ice she carried in her heart had started to crack… even if just a little.
And perhaps, that was enough—for now.