Her eyes were wide open. Kiyoshi could see his reflection in her dark pupils, just as she saw herself mirrored in his. At the last moment, they both turned their faces away, cheeks burning red.
"Hmm okay, I'm heading to sleep now," Sakura said quickly, breaking the tense silence.
"Mmm yeah, I'm sleepy too," Kiyoshi mumbled, staring at the floor.
Next morning in the garden (in front of the Lord)
"Kiyoshi and Sakura, am I right?" asked the Lord in his deep voice.
"Yes, my Lord," they answered together.
The Lord's expression turned serious. "Do you know why you are here? "
Kyoshi:"we are here for delivering the letter."
The Lord: " yes, but there is more to it. As history says, the goddess of the forest granted us the power of beast mode. Not only elves - some other races and families have this kind of power. This is a secret power, so it is not common knowledge."
He continued, "We royals can use this power after we are 100 years old. There is an elf's flame that we believe was passed down by the goddess. The flame is a divine gift - it heals any wound and never dies. When royal blood reaches 100 years, our family performs a ritual. The person stands in the fire pit - the flames won't burn them. After some time, a plant grows in that flame and bears fruit. By eating that fruit, we gain the power of a beast that suits us."
The Lord's face darkened. "But for some years, the fruit has been bitter and doesn't have the same effect.
We believe the goddess' blessing is decreasing. Galfi were be able to restore some of its true power with her blessing."
Kiyoshi frowned. "Why are you telling us this secret?"
"The witch is old," the Lord said simply. "She might die anytime. The time has come to change the witch." He pointed at Kiyoshi. "You have the blessing of the forest goddess. You may not have power like us, but you can restore the fruit."
Kiyoshi shifted uncomfortably. "My Lord, I don't know how to do it."
"That's simple - ask the goddess," the Lord replied.
Sakura nudged Kiyoshi. "You have the blessing of the forest goddess ?"
"I know that now," Kiyoshi muttered.
The Lord leaned forward. "I can see the goddess' blessing. This must stay secret between us. Will you accept my quest?"
Kiyoshi bowed. "Yes, my Lord. It would be my pleasure."
After some time
"It's time for training!" Nanime announced with a sharp smile.
Nanime and Sakura dueled first. Though Nanime was holding back, Sakura couldn't land a single hit. The princess moved like the wind, her attacks precise and effortless.
Meanwhile, Kiyoshi sparred with Nanime's assistant. He struggled to keep up, barely blocking her strikes.
"You're not bad... for a healer," the assistant panted.
Kiyoshi gritted his teeth. Why am I so weak? Even with MP, my offensive skills fail. It's like something blocks them - and the pain...
Soon, both Sakura and Kiyoshi lay defeated on the training ground.
Nanime stood over them, arms crossed. "Sakura, you leave too many openings. An intelligent monster would kill you." She turned to Kiyoshi. "Don't rely on healing magic alone. It won't replace lost blood or flesh - just speeds recovery. Overuse risks your health. Your cells may lose their natural healing ability."
She pointed at Sakura. "Only let him heal you halfway. Your body must learn to recover on its own. Otherwise, you'll lose that ability completely."