The aroma of roasting meat and simmering spices filled the castle kitchen, a symphony of culinary delights orchestrated by the bustling cooks. But amidst the flurry of activity, a problem arose.
"We're out of rosemary!" one of the cooks exclaimed, his voice laced with panic. "And it's the Duke's favorite stew!"
Kaito, who was helping to chop vegetables, overheard their dilemma. He glanced at Mary, who was polishing silverware nearby. "Mary," he suggested, "perhaps you could gather some rosemary from the forest? You know those woods well."
Mary hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Of course," she said, her voice calm and reassuring. "I'll be back soon."
Kaito, remembering his suspicions about Mary, felt a surge of concern. He couldn't let her go alone. "I'll come with you," he offered.
Mary's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with gratitude. "Thank you, Master Kaito," she said. "That's very kind of you."
She retrieved a basket and a small dagger from her room, and they set off towards the forest.
They entered the forest, the sunlight dappling through the leaves, casting intricate patterns on the forest floor.
Mary hummed softly as she gathered the rosemary, her nimble fingers plucking the fragrant sprigs from the bushes. Her hair, unbound and free, flowed in the gentle breeze, catching the sunlight like spun gold.
Kaito watched her, his heart filled with a mix of admiration and apprehension. He was drawn to her kindness, her gentle spirit, but he couldn't shake off the lingering suspicion, the memory of the shadow, the strange scent, the mysterious woman in the photograph.
Their peaceful foraging was interrupted by a guttural growl. Kaito's senses sharpened, his hand instinctively reaching for the dagger at his belt.
A group of orcs emerged from the
undergrowth, their eyes gleaming with malice, their weapons raised.
Kaito and Mary exchanged a quick glance, then sprang into action. Kaito, remembering his training with Gavril, moved with a newfound fluidity, his sword a blur of motion as he parried a blow and countered with a swift thrust. Mary, despite her smaller stature, fought with a fierce determination, her dagger flashing in the sunlight, her movements agile and precise.
They worked together seamlessly, their attacks complementing each other, their combined strength pushing back the orcs. Within minutes, the orcs lay defeated, their bodies scattered amongst the trees.
Kaito and Mary, their breath ragged, leaned against a nearby tree, catching their breath. Kaito, surprised by their swift victory, realized how much he had improved, how far he had come in his training.
"We make a good team," Mary said, a smile gracing her lips.
Kaito returned the smile, a genuine warmth spreading through him. He had to admit, he was starting to enjoy Mary's company, her cheerful spirit a welcome contrast to the darkness that surrounded them.
They continued their journey, their steps lighter now, their spirits lifted by their shared victory.
They reached a familiar river, its waters sparkling in the sunlight. Kaito recognized it as the same river where he had bathed with Elara and Hope.
Mary, with a sigh of contentment, removed her shoes and dipped her feet into the cool water. She closed her eyes, her face tilted towards the sun, a peaceful serenity settling over her features.
Kaito, drawn by the tranquility of the moment, joined her by the riverbank. They sat in comfortable silence, the only sounds the gentle flow of the water and the chirping of birds in the trees.
"I'm not from this kingdom," Mary suddenly confessed, her voice soft. "I was brought here as a child, a refugee . The Duke took me in, gave me a home, a purpose. I owe him everything."
Kaito listened intently, his heart filled with a newfound understanding. He had judged Mary too quickly, had let his suspicions cloud his judgment. He saw her now, not as a potential threat, but as a loyal servant, grateful for the kindness shown to her.
They returned to the castle, the basket filled with fresh rosemary. The cooks, relieved and grateful, quickly set to work preparing the Duke's favorite stew.
Later that evening, Kaito, Elara, and Hope enjoyed a delicious meal together, the warmth of the fire and the shared laughter chasing away the shadows of the day.
As the storm raged outside, its thunder echoing through the castle walls, Hope woke from her sleep, her small body trembling with fear. Her eyes wide with apprehension.
"Kaito," she whispered, her voice small. "Can I sleep with you? I'm scared."
Kaito, his heart melting at her vulnerability, smiled gently. "Of course, Hope," he said, opening his arms to her. "Come here."
Hope climbed into bed beside him, her small body snuggling against his. Kaito wrapped his arms around her, his heart filled with a protective warmth.
He would keep her safe, he would protect her from the storm, from the darkness, from the curse that threatened to consume them all.
He closed his eyes, the sound of Hope's gentle breathing a soothing lullaby against the backdrop of the raging storm. He had found a purpose in this world, a reason to fight, a reason to live. And he would not let it be taken from him.