The seasons changed with the passing months, yet one thing remained constant—Aya would always wait in the same spot whenever Nine was away. Whether beneath the pale pink blossoms of spring, the golden haze of summer, the auburn leaves of autumn, or the crystalline frost of winter, she remained. It was a quiet, unspoken promise between them.
But to Colla, that ever-deepening bond felt impenetrable, like an iron wall she could never slip through. She watched from the sidelines as time molded them into something even more striking, more magnetic.
Aya, once a sweet-faced girl, had grown into a woman whose beauty was impossible to ignore. She moved with a grace that made strangers pause, her mere presence captivating. And yet, Colla had taken it upon herself to stand guard, shielding her from wandering eyes and grabby hands, as though protecting a rare and delicate gem.
Nine, however, had become something else entirely. He was no longer just a young warrior—he had transformed into the kind of man who could make entire taverns go silent the moment he walked in. His once-boyish features had sharpened, his piercing gaze capable of melting hearts or freezing them solid. His broad shoulders carried both strength and menace, and his name alone was enough to send shivers down the spines of those who heard it.
Colla would admit—"You two would make a sickeningly attractive couple." But her fear of Nine kept her from saying it out loud.
Today, Nine had finally returned. His longest absence had been over a month, and with each journey, the time he spent away seemed to shrink. As if he could no longer bear to be apart from Aya.
The moment he stepped inside, his dark eyes found her.
"Aya."
His voice, deep and rich with longing, sent a visible shudder through her. Aya melted into his embrace, burying her face in the familiar scent of steel, smoke, and something distinctly him.
Colla, ever the observer, silently excused herself, stepping just outside the door. Nine had made it clear before—he despised her ever-watchful gaze intruding on their moments.
Inside, he wasted no time. He lifted Aya by the waist with ease, settling her onto his lap as they sat on the edge of the bed, facing each other. His touch was firm yet tender, his presence overwhelming.
"I was aiming for Greed," he murmured, his lips brushing against her skin. "It's taking longer than expected. I've already killed… thousands. Taken everything. Everything." His arms tightened around her as if to steady himself against the weight of his own words.
Aya traced soothing circles on his back, her voice gentle. "Maybe this path isn't yours to take." She tilted her head, searching his eyes. "You're strong, Nine. And wise. But it's not your responsibility to bear the weight of the world. You can protect us. You are my world."
Nine pulled away slightly, his gaze unreadable. "It's not as shallow as you think, my love," he replied softly. "I will continue this path."
Disappointment flickered across Aya's face. Her lips trembled as she shifted away, crawling toward the edge of the bed. But before she could escape, firm hands grasped her waist, pulling her back into the warmth of his embrace.
"Aya..." His voice was dangerously alluring, sending a shiver down her spine. "My Aya, I know you've been preparing to leave me."
She stilled.
Nine effortlessly flipped her onto her back, his body caging her beneath him. His dark eyes burned with intensity.
"I wouldn't leave you," she protested breathlessly.
Nine laughed, though there was no humor in it. "Not today. Not tomorrow. But one day." He dipped his head, inhaling deeply against her neck. "Roses," he murmured, his breath hot against her skin.
Aya shivered. "N-Nine…"
"You've become a fine woman." His fingers traced from her thighs, up her abdomen, before finally cupping her chest. The featherlight touch sent an unfamiliar heat curling through her, a soft moan escaping her lips.
"!!!"
The sound struck Nine like a bolt of lightning. His eyes widened, as if just realizing something. Abruptly, he pulled away, staring at his hands—then lower, at the unmistakable reaction in his pants.
Aya, flushed with embarrassment, quickly sat up and adjusted her dress, avoiding his gaze.
Nine ran a hand down his face before glancing at her, hesitant. "Did I scare you?"
Aya hesitated, then shook her head. "I… I don't know. We've been intimate before, but this—this is different."
Nine frowned in thought before smirking. "Was I a natural in bed?"
The two virgins burst into laughter, though it quickly died down into awkward silence.
Then, Nine grinned. "Shall we start a family now?"
Aya's face darkened. "Then stop going to battle. I don't want a dead husband."
"Once I succeed, I will."
"You won't change your mind, will you—"
Nine raised a finger, silencing her. His expression turned serious.
"Wait for me."
Without another word, he stood and walked into the bathroom. When he returned, relief crossed his face as he tossed the sheet he had used to… deal with his problem onto the bed.
"Come," he said, his voice lighter now. "It took me a long time to find a suitable house. I'll show it to you."
Aya tilted her head. "Why aren't you holding my hand?"
Nine sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Because if I touch you now, I might get hard again. Just hurry and stay close to Colla."
Aya wasn't entirely sure what he meant by hard, but she obeyed nonetheless.
The carriage ride lasted nine hours, the road winding through a vast valley. Nine held the reins, his focus unwavering, while Colla kept Aya entertained with tales of her past mercenary work.
When they finally arrived, Colla hopped off first, stretching her legs. Nine reached out his hand to help Aya down, and she took it without hesitation.
The moment her feet touched the ground, a gentle breeze wrapped around them, carrying the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers.
Before them stood a quaint house, nestled within a clearing. A stone fountain bubbled softly nearby, encircled by wildflowers and towering trees. The scene was something out of a dream—both mystical and cozy, a perfect sanctuary.
"Does it suit your taste?" Nine asked, watching her intently.
Aya's face lit up, her eyes shimmering with delight. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before dashing off. She twirled among the flowers, fingertips grazing soft petals, her laughter blending with the rustling leaves.
Colla smirked. "I don't know what else you could possibly need, but this place has everything." She whistled before strolling away—just in time to avoid Nine's irritation.
But Nine hardly noticed.
His gaze remained fixed on Aya—on her radiant smile, her laughter filling the air.
For a moment, all else faded.
There was only her.