The morning after the wedding—Fiona awoke with a heavy heart.
She hadn't fully accepted her situation,but she knew she had to adaptand learn to live in this unfamiliar place.
With that thought,she got dressed and headed to the dining hall.
When she arrived,Kairos was already seated.She said nothing, choosing instead to quietly sit down.
Seeing this, Kairos tried to offer a small smile."How is everything...?Is the food alright?"
"It's fine,"Fiona replied flatly,not meeting his gaze.
"If you need anything from now on,feel free to ask me or the servants.I'll do my best…so you don't feel uncomfortable."
"…Thank you."
Noticing her distance,Kairos chose not to press further.He knew it wouldn't be easy to win her heart—but he was determinedto show her his sincerity.
Their meal continued in silence.
Days passed.Little by little,Fiona began adjusting to life in the estate.
She spent her time reading,walking in the garden,and getting to know the household staff—all of whom welcomed her kindly.Though it was clear to everyonethat the bond between her and Kairos remained distant.
As for Kairos...Every day,he continued to approach her gently.When he couldn't speak to her directly,he would leave small gifts at her door—new books, delicate accessories,or her favorite flowers.
One day,he knocked on her door with a gentle voice.
"Fiona, may I come in?"
"You may."
Kairos stepped inside with a book in hand."I saw this new title at the shop and thought of you...You seem to enjoy reading,so I figured it might interest you."
He smiled softly."Also...If you're feeling bored,would you like to go out sometime?A walk in the city might lift your spirits."
Once again,he had approached her calmly.Though Fiona hadn't opened her heart completely,she was beginning to see him in a new light.
Over time,she realized that Kairos was responsible,disciplined,and kind.
He trained daily,managed estate affairs,and never mistreated anyone.
He was nothing like the cold-eyed boyshe remembered from the academy.Those once-intimidating eyesnow held a quiet warmththat left her curious.
Nearly a year went by.The silence that once stifled themhad become peaceful—almost comforting.
Though they still hadn't sharedan honest conversation about their feelings,every morning,Fiona would find herselflooking for the small gifthe always left by her door.
It seemed that their relationshipwas slowly beginning to blossom.But just then...a silent threat crept in without warning.
A letter arrived from the Elvareth household.
Its contents shook her—her older brother, Cedric,had been gravely injuredin a surprise attack by a demon noble.
Anxious and confused,Fiona paced her room,knowing war was drawing near.Kairos, too, had become increasingly busy with royal matters—his summons to the battlefield would likely come any day.
As she hesitated to speak of the letter,Kairos approached her first.
"You should go, Fiona...He's your brother.He needs you."
His voice was calm and steady."I've got business at the palace anyway.You can leave tomorrow.I'll catch up later."
His words warmed her heartmore than she expected.She nodded softly,and returned to her room to pack.
The next day,Fiona returned to House Elvareth—the place she hadn't visited in nearly a year.
The pain of her departure still lingered,but this time,she came for a different reason.
When she visited Cedric,he smiled weakly from bed.
"Fiona...?It's really you...Sorry I couldn't be at your wedding."
She offered a faint smile."It's okay...What about you?How are you feeling?"
"Nothing serious,"he lied."Just a small wound.I'll be fine."
After a short chat,Fiona stepped out,only to find her parents waiting outside the room.
"How is he?What did the doctor say?"
Their faces were grave.Her father sighed."Fiona...Cedric doesn't have much time left."
"What...?!"
"He was poisoned by a demon's venom.The external wounds can heal...but the poison is eating away at his mana core.It's fatal."
"There's only one way to save him—we need the blood of the demon noble who attacked him."
Fiona nearly collapsed.The chances were slim.
A single demon noblewas strong enough to requireat least a level-8 combatant to subdue.Tracking one downin the middle of a war-torn battlefield?Almost impossible.
"Fiona?Is something wrong?"
A voice called out behind her.When she turned,Kairos was standing there.
Seeing him sparked a faint hope—but she hesitated.
Would he really help?They weren't that close.She had no right to ask.
Sensing her doubt,Kairos stepped forward,his voice firm but gentle.
"If there's anything I can do...just say the word."
She stayed silent.
He took another step closer."Let me make up for everything.Whatever it is—I'll do it."
She clenched her fists.Her voice trembled.
"Will you...help me defeat that demon noble?"
He didn't hesitate."Of course.Leave it to me."
The next day,Kairos began preparing his forcesand departed for the battlefield.