The glow of Renjiro's birthday celebration lingered in the air as the night wound down. Lanterns flickered faintly in the cozy wooden house, casting warm shadows over the scattered remnants of cake and gifts. Selena stood near the hearth, her red hair catching the firelight, as she turned to her mother with a curious tilt of her head.
"Mom," she asked, her voice soft but probing, "are the royal families really coming to our village?"
Naomi paused, setting down a tray of empty cups. A gentle smile curved her lips as she met her daughter's gaze. "Yes, my dear. How did you know?"
Selena smirked, folding her arms. "I saw an invitation on the table. You're going to a meeting, aren't you?"
Renjiro, lounging against the wall with his new silver chain glinting around his neck, perked up. "Really, Mom? You got invited?"
Naomi nodded, her expression softening with a hint of pride. "Yes. It's because of your father. Years ago, he helped Mizuhara grow—his archaeological work mapped the mineral veins that protect us. Since he's away, they've called me out of respect."
Yuki, still nibbling on a skewer from Reina's stash, leaned forward from her seat. "Why are they coming? And when?"
Naomi settled into a chair, her hands folding neatly in her lap. "Every five years, the four great families—the ruling houses of the human, dwarven, elven, and demi-human kingdoms—meet to discuss the safety of their people, trade agreements, and treaties to prevent war. This time, they've chosen our village. They'll arrive in about ten days."
Himari, her soft voice barely rising above the crackling fire, asked, "Do they always come here?"
"No," Naomi replied, shaking her head. "They pick a different village each time. It's an honor that Mizuhara was chosen."
The room buzzed with quiet murmurs as the weight of the news settled in. But the party's warmth soon reclaimed the moment, and laughter resumed until the stars hung heavy in the sky. As the night drew to a close, Haruto, Reina, Takeshi, Yuki, and Himari gathered their things, waving to Renjiro at the door.
"Thanks for today, guys," Renjiro said, his smile genuine and unguarded, a rare softness in his dark grey eyes.
Takeshi grinned, clapping him on the shoulder. "Don't thank us, idiot. You're our friend."
Renjiro's smile widened as he watched them go, their figures fading into the lantern-lit streets. The door clicked shut, leaving the house quiet once more.
Outside, the group trudged homeward along the winding dirt paths of Mizuhara, the chill of December 8th nipping at their heels. Reina, her red hair bouncing with each determined step, broke the silence.
"Hey," she said, glancing at Yuki, Takeshi, Himari, and Haruto, "how about we become adventurers?"
Takeshi's blue eyes lit up. "Is that even possible? Can we?"
"Of course we can," Reina shot back, her confidence unshakable. "We've all got cores—well, most of us."
Himari's face fell, her voice small. "What about Renjiro?"
The group slowed, a shadow of sadness passing over them. Renjiro, their unshakable friend, still hadn't awakened his core—a fact that gnawed at them all.
Haruto, ever the steady one, raised a hand. "Don't worry. There's a support category—luggage carriers, scouts, that sort of thing. If Renjiro registers as a supporter, he can come with us."
Yuki nodded, her black eyes brightening. "Problem solved! He's coming. But… he can't fight, right?"
"True," Reina admitted, "but we could start with an E-rank gate. It's easy enough for him to handle, even without a core."
Haruto smiled, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "Don't underestimate him, either. Core or not, Renjiro's observation skills and swordplay are better than ours. He's got a knack for it."
Yuki grinned. "I'm in. So, where do we apply?"
"Kagetsura," Reina said firmly. "It's the closest village with an adventurer's guild—just a day's trip."
"When do we go?" Himari asked, clutching her scarf against the cold.
Reina tapped her chin. "How about December 11th? It's Monday—start of the week, fresh beginning."
Takeshi snorted. "You always say stuff like this, and it never happens."
"Shut up, Takeshi!" Reina snapped, glaring at him.
Takeshi ignored her, turning to Haruto. "You're bringing Renjiro, right?"
Haruto blinked. "Why me?"
Yuki smirked. "Because you two are always roaming around together. Who else?"
"Fine," Haruto sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'll get him."
Himari piped up, her voice hesitant but thoughtful. "Why don't we bring Selena too? She's taking the Tenshou Academy entrance exam next year—it's the best academy on the continent, in Fukihana, dwarven kingdom. Real battle experience could help her, especially since she's a prodigy."
Haruto shot her a mock glare. "You're piling more work on me, huh? Fine, I'll bring Renjiro and Selena."
The plan was set, and the group parted ways under the moonlit sky, their hearts buzzing with the promise of adventure.
Monday morning dawned crisp and clear, the sun barely peeking over Mizuhara's rocky cliffs. Haruto trudged up the path to Renjiro's house, his breath fogging in the cold. He knocked on the door, and Naomi answered, her warm smile as welcoming as ever.
"Auntie," Haruto began, "are Renjiro and Selena home?"
Naomi chuckled, resting a hand on her hip. "Haruto, I've told you—call me Mom."
He grinned sheepishly. "Okay, Mom."
"They're here," she said, but before she could finish, two voices erupted from inside—loud, bickering, and unmistakable.
Naomi sighed, shaking her head. "Those two are at it again. Go stop them, will you?"
"Got it, Mom," Haruto said, stepping inside.
In the main room, Renjiro and Selena faced off like warring storm clouds. Renjiro, his white hair a wild mess, glared at his sister. "You don't have eyes, Selena! Why'd you step on me?"
Selena smirked, her tone dripping with mischief. "Oh, sorry, I always step on ugly things."
"Ugly?" Renjiro sputtered. "You're the brainless monster here!"
"What did you just say?" Selena fired back, hands on her hips.
Haruto stepped between them, arms raised. "Enough! I've got something to say."
Renjiro whirled on him, still fuming. "What do you want, huh?"
Haruto kept his cool, though a grin tugged at his lips. "Me, Himari, Reina, Takeshi, and Yuki—we're registering as adventurers. Why don't you two join us?"
Selena's eyes lit up, her anger forgotten. "That's why you're here? Count me in—I could use the experience."
Renjiro, however, crossed his arms, his glare sharpening. "If you're all signing up, why'd you come drag me into it, you bastard? Lost your tiny brain?"
Haruto's grin turned wicked. "Because we need a supporter—and that's you. Carrying luggage suits you perfectly."
"Ha! That suits you better," Renjiro shot back, smirking.
"I'm not here to argue," Haruto said, his patience thinning. "Are you coming or not?"
Renjiro leaned in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, please, great king, kneel and beg me to join you."
"You little—!" Haruto started, but Selena stepped in, grabbing both by the shoulders.
"Stop it, you idiots," she said firmly. "We're wasting time. Let's go."
Haruto nodded, turning to her. "Selena, head to the eastern gate—everyone's waiting there. I'll bring this stubborn mule."
"Got it," Selena said, flashing a grin before darting out the door.
Haruto turned back to Renjiro, who still glowered at him. "Go freshen up and eat something, you bastard."
"Don't order me around," Renjiro snapped, but he relented. "I'll be ready in ten minutes."
Thirty minutes later, Haruto sat on the porch, tapping his foot. "As usual," he muttered, half-amused, half-annoyed
The door creaked open, and Renjiro stepped out. Haruto's jaw dropped. For the first time, Renjiro's silver-white hair was tied back in a neat topknot, accentuating his sharp features and dark grey eyes. He looked… striking. Haruto smirked to himself, thinking, Every girl in the village is done for. Himari might faint on the spot.
"It's weird seeing you with your hair tied," Haruto said, standing up.
"Shut up," Renjiro grumbled, brushing past him. "Let's go."
They set off toward the eastern gate, the morning sun climbing higher. As they walked, Haruto glanced sidelong at his friend. "So… what do you think about the Himari?
"Renjiro's steps faltered, his dark grey eyes narrowing as a faint flush crept up his neck.
"I…"