Chapter 3: Like a flower that has its own way of growing

RUKE 12, AD141

Time passed quickly.

There were many things I had gone through in this village — many things I had learned, and many people I had met. Now, I was at the flower field near the village, under a tall tree that I often visited.

Nyra laughed cheerfully, running across the flower field.

“Try to catch me if you can, Tyerven!” teased Nyra, as she played tag with Tyerven.

Tyerven ran after her, but from the way he moved, it was clear he was holding back.

“Just wait... Nyra!”

While Nyra and Tyerven kept running farther away, Ceryn and I just sat together, enjoying the cool breeze under the big tree. The sound of rustling leaves was pleasant to hear.

“Look at this beautiful flower, Sinhart,” said Ceryn, pointing at one flower that looked different from the others.

“That flower... does look different, like it’s been well cared for,” I replied.

“Of course. I come here every morning to water it,” said Ceryn proudly.

After being friends with her for quite a while, I could understand a little. Ceryn was a flower maniac — but she only cared for one specific flower. Meanwhile, Nyra and Tyerven didn’t really care much about flowers. Still, this flower field was indeed a wonderful place to visit.

“Flowers are like friends to me,” she said softly with a gentle smile.

“Their colors bring beauty to this world!” she continued.

Nyra and Tyerven, who had been running earlier, came back. Their faces looked exhausted. Nyra immediately collapsed onto the grass near Ceryn, while Tyerven sat beside me.

“Are you okay, Nyra? You look really tired,” Ceryn asked, worried.

Nyra just raised her thumb toward Ceryn in response. That afternoon felt peaceful. Spending time with the three of them was the best part of my life right now. Playing, meeting, talking, and going home together every evening… I felt like I was starting to understand what friendship truly meant. The curiosity I once had had finally been answered — by them.

“Sinhart, don’t just sit there! Come play with me and Nyra!” shouted Tyerven, patting my shoulder hard.

Nyra, who heard that, groaned.

“If Sinhart joins, it won’t be fun! He never gets tired of running!”

“Then let’s just play another game.”

“You three better rest. The sky will get dark soon,” said Ceryn, her eyes still fixed on the flower.

“She’s right. We should rest,” I added.

Suddenly, Nyra stood up and quietly walked behind Ceryn. She looked at Tyerven and me while pressing her finger to her lips — telling us to stay quiet. It seemed she was planning something mischievous.

Slowly, Nyra crept closer behind Ceryn. Ceryn didn’t notice at all — she was too focused on the petals in front of her. Nyra’s mischievous grin grew wider. Once she got close enough, she quickly poked Ceryn’s sides.

“W-wah! Hahaha! W-what are you doing!?” Ceryn shrieked, unable to stop laughing from being tickled.

Tyerven and I just sat there, speechless, watching them — until someone suddenly spoke behind us.

“All right, it’s time for you kids to go home.”

That voice sounded like Mrs. Elowen — Ceryn’s mother.

“The festival will start in two days. The village will be busy tomorrow, so you must rest and help out,” continued Mrs. Elowen.

“Yay, the festival! It’s going to be so much fun!” said Nyra, still sitting on top of Ceryn.

“Get off me first, Nyra!” shouted Ceryn.

“Ah, sorry, Ceryn,” replied Nyra quickly.

The three of us laughed at their antics — beneath the big tree, where sunlight gently filtered through the leaves.

After that, the five of us walked home together and split up on the way to our houses. The sky was starting to darken, and I was grateful to arrive home just in time.

As soon as I entered the house, the smell of my mother’s cooking filled the air. I quickly looked for her. When I reached the kitchen, the bubbling sound of soup made me even hungrier.

“Mom! I’m home!”

I saw her stirring the pot, wearing her green apron. On the dining table were several other dishes already prepared. I rushed to take a seat, but before I could, she stopped me.

“Sinhart, go wash up first after playing outside.”

“Yes, Mom,” I replied weakly and headed to the bathroom.

After bathing and changing into clean clothes, I returned to find her. 

“Mom, I’m done,” I said, looking around the kitchen.

“Mom?”

I searched every corner, but she wasn’t there. Since I couldn’t find her, I decided to wait at the dining table. I pulled a chair and sat down.

Three plates had been set — warm soup and several side dishes placed neatly. That’s when I realized... Where was Father? He was always home before sunset. He was never late.

He was the one I always looked forward to seeing at times like this. When he came home, he would always tell me fascinating stories. Stories about the Continent of Stass — the land of humans.

About elves and crystal humans. I remembered Father saying elves had long ears, while crystal humans had skin that shimmered like gemstones. He also once told me about the salamander monster — with a fiery tongue and razor-sharp scales. I often wondered how he knew all that... maybe because of his job.

I found myself lost in thought, thinking about Father who hadn’t returned.

My eyes fixed on the soup, steam rising gently into the air. As I watched the steam curl toward the ceiling, my mother pulled a chair and sat beside me.

Somehow, even before she did, I could already sense her presence behind me. It often happened when I was deep in thought — my heartbeat would rise slightly. I once asked Father about it, and he said it was normal... for someone like me. But Ceryn, Nyra, and Tyerven never experienced it.

“Sinhart...” my mother called softly, breaking my thoughts.

“Y-yes, Mom. Sorry, I was daydreaming,” I answered.

Her expression looked... sad — as if she carried heavy news.

“Sinhart... your father won’t be coming home tonight.”

My body froze for a moment. I felt disappointed, but I knew Father’s work was important. I tried to stay strong — pretending it was something I had gotten used to.

“It’s okay, Mom. Dinner will taste the same even without Dad,” I said, forcing a small smile — just to comfort her.

It was the first time I had ever seen that lo

ok on her face. Something must have happened to Father. I could only hope... that he was safe — and that he’d come home in time for the festival.

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