The passage of five years had brought significant changes to the Chika household. Kaname, now a lively and intelligent girl of five, had grown under the careful watch of Kaito and Airi. Her presence remained a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few within the clan.
Per Kaito's orders, Kaname's world was confined to the palace grounds, her movements restricted to isolated areas. Despite the polished surroundings and abundance of gifts, her room above the library stood as a gilded cage, devoid of even a window to witness the changing seasons. Guards maintained a constant vigil, further emphasizing her seclusion.
Captain Haru, Airi, and a hand-picked team overseen by Kaito provided Kaname with specialized training. Despite her limited exposure to the outside world, Kaname found solace in Yasushi's companionship. He became her sole friend and confidant, attending her training sessions and making every effort to stay close whenever he could.
As Yasushi entered adolescence, his bond with Kaname deepened. He insisted on continuing their shared baths and often left his own bed to sleep alongside her. Airi encouraged this intimate connection, seeing it as a foundation for their future.
Kaname's beauty also became more defined with each passing year, her quick intellect and ability to absorb information astonished those around her. Yet, the absence of a birth element concerned Kaito, who tirelessly researched her possible origins, only to reach a frustrating dead end.
Under Airi's proud care, Kaname flourished but the outside world grew increasingly tumultuous. Yazumi attacks escalated in frequency and destruction, keeping Kaito's attention divided.
However, as the winter solstice approached and preparations for the fall festival began, an unsettling calm descended upon the Living Realm, the sudden cessation of attacks creating an eerie atmosphere of anticipation...
- -