Part 2
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the large glass skylight, filling the room with a soft, golden glow.
Little by little, the light claimed the space, marking the start of a new day.
Melodía, who had fallen asleep over the piano, slowly opened her eyes, blinking at the morning light.
—What time is it? Is it morning already? —she mumbled as she sat up sluggishly—. Did I fall asleep while playing?
Her eyes landed on a few envelopes carefully arranged on top of the piano, each sealed with her family's emblem.
—So… today's the day —she said quietly, stretching as she finished waking up.
With a light sigh, she picked up the envelopes and held them up, watching them against the sunlight that now lit up the room.
—Time to face reality. But first… I need to deliver these invitations.
She stood with resolve and, after one last glance at the piano, headed toward her room.
—Time to get ready.
Meanwhile, the steady sound of hammering echoed through the air, waking Haruto, who was sleeping peacefully after the intense training with Yuna.
He sat up slowly, still groggy, and followed the source of the noise.
—Good morning, Thalindra. Working this early? —he said, rubbing his eyes to clear them.
The dwarf, with her usual efficiency, didn't look up from her work as she replied.
—Good morning, Haruto. You know what they say—idleness is the root of all evil —she said, striking the metal with precision as she worked on something that didn't quite look like a weapon.
—Actually, you're the last one up. Simmone and Yuna went for a walk a while ago.
—Huh… —Haruto replied, more awake now—. I'm curious, what are you forging?
—A teleportation circle —Thalindra said calmly, still focused on her project.
—You can forge that? I always thought those were made with magic only.
—There are many ways to create one. My grandfather wrote in his journals how to craft a device capable of generating a teleportation circle. I'm just adapting it to my current needs.
—That sounds amazing. Once you're done, want to head into town?
Thalindra finally turned toward him, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
—Sure, just let me finish this part, and then we'll go pick up the rest.
Haruto stayed there, watching Thalindra work.
The passion in her every hammer strike, her attention to detail—it was all clear as day. With each passing day, Haruto felt he understood her a little better, and he admired her tireless dedication more and more.
Meanwhile, in the bustling central plaza, Yuna and Simmone strolled through the crowd of dwarves rushing about, busy with their daily tasks.
Simmone held her parasol, as always, shielding herself from the sun. Though the sunlight wasn't intense, the accessory seemed more like a habit than a necessity.
—I've always wanted to ask you something, Simmone —Yuna said thoughtfully, breaking the silence between them—. Why do you always carry that parasol?
The small girl looked up at her companion, her gaze as neutral as ever.
—It was a gift from my mother. It has nothing to do with protecting me from the sun, if that's what you're thinking.
—And what was your mother like? —Yuna asked with genuine curiosity.
Simmone paused, letting her gaze drift for a moment toward the sky.
—In a way, she was very much like you: kind and warm —she answered in a voice as calm as her expression—. But…
Yuna stayed silent, giving her space to continue.
—As you already know, there's a curse on my family. In my case, it's been slowly taking away my emotions. —she said, lowering her eyes slightly toward the ground—. For my mother, it meant something worse. Ever since I was born, her life began to shorten much faster.
The confession hung heavy in the air, and Yuna lowered her gaze, guilt creeping in.
—I'm sorry… I didn't mean to make you remember something so painful…
Simmone shook her head, her tone as steady as ever.
—Don't worry. It's normal to be curious. This parasol was her last gift to me. That's why I always carry it.
Yuna nodded silently before replying.
—My mother was special too. A beautiful, kind, and strong woman. They say she was a great adventurer in her youth…
Simmone looked at Yuna with a gaze that felt more analytical than emotional.
—Now I understand why you feel that urge to go on adventures —she said in her characteristically neutral tone—. I've been observing you quietly since we met, and I've realized that Haruto was your catalyst for leaving the forest.
Yuna nodded slightly, reflecting.
—You might be right. I love my village, but I've always dreamed of seeing the world beyond the trees…
Her voice trailed off as she noticed Haruto approaching with Thalindra. The two of them were sharing crepes and smiling. For a brief moment, a strange feeling settled in her chest—something unfamiliar… almost like jealousy.
—Look, there they are —Thalindra said, raising a hand in greeting.
Kizuna and Olivia floated cheerfully beside Haruto's shoulders, each holding a mini crepe and munching happily.
—Simmone, Yuna! Good morning! —Haruto called out energetically.
Little Simmone ran over and hugged him with the ease of a younger sister. Yuna watched in silence, offering a gentle smile while quietly pushing down the swirl of thoughts in her mind.
—Good morning, Haruto, Thalindra —Yuna said calmly—. How was your morning?
Before they could answer, a majestic white carriage adorned with golden details appeared on the scene. Its presence was so commanding that all eyes turned toward it.
The coachman, a luminous elf radiating elegance, held the reins with practiced grace. From the window, an elf with a haughty face and condescending gaze glanced at them briefly—like they were nothing more than insects.
The carriage continued, and Yuna, recognizing its direction, reacted instantly.
—Quick, follow that carriage! It's heading to the Star Lumina Inn!
Without hesitation, the group ran toward the inn. When they arrived, they saw the carriage stop in front of the main entrance.
Melodía stepped out of the inn, where a group of escorts patiently awaited her. From the carriage descended a tall, elegant elf dressed in a pristine white suit that radiated authority.
—Armonio, brother, it's a pleasure to see you again —Melodía said, her tone slightly nervous.
—Little sister, it's good to see you too. Father asked me to personally retrieve you —he replied in a smooth voice, though his gaze toward the group was dripping with clear disdain.
Melodía turned to her friends, who watched the scene with evident concern.
—Give me a moment to say goodbye to my friends. I promise I won't take long.
—Make it quick. The journey is long, and we have no time to waste —Armonio replied, maintaining his cold, composed air.
Melodía nodded with a slight bow before stepping toward her group, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
—What's going on, Melodía? —Thalindra asked bluntly.
—I know I owe you all a proper explanation. I asked Yuna to keep this a secret —she said, glancing at Yuna, who gave a silent nod.
—For now, all I can tell you is that I must return to Astralith due to family matters. I don't know how long it'll take…
—But… you'll come back, right? —Haruto asked, visibly concerned.
—I can't say for sure. If my brother Armonio is here, it must be something really serious. He doesn't waste time with trivial things.
Haruto clenched his fists, feeling powerless.
Melodía took out a small set of envelopes and handed them out one by one.
—These are formal invitations to my birthday party. If I'm not back by then… I hope to see you all at the gala —she said, offering them a nostalgic smile before turning to Haruto—. And I'm warning you now, scruffy: you can't show up looking like that. Yuna, please make sure he follows the dress code.
—Don't worry. I'll make sure both he and Thalindra are dressed properly —Yuna replied, returning the smile.
Melodía hugged Yuna warmly.
—I trust you. Keep things in order while I'm gone, okay?
Then she turned to Thalindra, handing her another envelope.
—Thalindra, you're an exceptional friend. Keep being the perfectionist I admire so much, and never stop honing your amazing skills.
The dwarf accepted the envelope, trying to keep her usual serious expression.
—Don't worry. You're my first friend, and if you ever need anything, I'll be there —she said firmly, though she ended up pulling Melodía into a clumsy but heartfelt hug.
Kizuna and Olivia threw themselves at Melodía, hugging her tightly.
—Don't go, Kizu! I promise I'll behave better…
—Comment! Kizuna will behave better, don't go!
Melodía laughed softly, embracing them both while trying to hold back her tears.
—How ironic that at a moment like this, I finally get to enjoy your hugs. Don't worry, we'll see each other again.
At last, she approached Simmone, kneeling to hand her an envelope.
—I expect you to come too, little British lady. Take care of your brother for me, okay?
—Thank you… —Simmone murmured, accepting the envelope and the hug with her usual unchanging expression.
Finally, Melodía stood before Haruto, holding his envelope with both hands.
—Remember, don't embarrass me in front of my parents, alright? —she said with a soft smile, though her tone carried a hint of sorrow—. And I'm sorry for not being more honest before. Maybe our relationship could've been better…
Haruto looked down, unable to hide his guilt.
—I… I'm really sorry —he whispered, his voice cracked under the weight of his emotions.
Melodía hugged him tightly, leaning in to whisper in his ear.
—Don't forget your promise. I'll be waiting… come save me.
With those words, Melodía stepped away from Haruto and walked toward the carriage, each step filled with a mix of nostalgia and determination.
Before she climbed aboard, Simmone approached, holding a small nightingale made of magic. The bird glowed faintly, as if reflecting sunlight, and its details were so delicate it looked almost real.
—You can use this messenger bird to contact us. If you ever need anything, it will let us know —Simmone said in her ever-serene tone.
Melodía gently took the little nightingale and smiled, her face lighting up.
—Thank you, little one. It's a beautiful bird—I'll treasure it.
The bird perched on her shoulder, as if it recognized its new owner.
With one last look at the group, Melodía entered the carriage.
Her figure slowly vanished as the vehicle began to move, carrying away the shining star of the group.
Her brother, Armonio, closed the doors behind her before sitting across from his sister. Melodía's gaze dropped to the floor, lost in thoughts she couldn't shake.
—You shouldn't concern yourself with those people… —Armonio said, breaking the silence with a cold, calculating voice—. They're not worthy of our lineage.
Melodía looked up briefly at him but didn't respond.
—On another note, I hope you're prepared. Father is far from pleased about what happened with Solis.
—I'm sorry you had to interrupt your busy schedule over this —she replied in a restrained tone—. I understand the gravity of the situation.
—Well, it's not like I care —Armonio shrugged, his voice dripping with indifference—. I just wanted to make that clear.
The elf lowered her eyes again. Sadness became more and more evident on her face, as though being separated from the group had torn something from her.
But then, a flicker of light in her right hand caught her attention, pulling her from her thoughts.
When she opened her hand, she found a tiny image of Kizuna winking at her, as if the mischievous girl was sending her a message from afar.
—What is this? —Melodía murmured, surprised.
—What are you talking about, little sister? —Armonio asked, raising an eyebrow.
—Did you see that light? —Melodía insisted, her tone brighter than before.
—I didn't see anything. Probably just your imagination —Armonio leaned back in his seat, clearly uninterested—. Maybe being apart from those weaklings is messing with your head.
Melodía carefully closed her hand, feeling an unexpected warmth. In that instant, she understood what it meant.
—Funny how it had to come to this moment… —she murmured to herself, her words barely audible.
A smile formed on her lips as she turned her gaze to the window, watching the landscape rush by.
She finally understood… she had made her connection to Haruto through Kizuna.
And for the first time in hours, the weight on her chest began to lift.