his breathing with his hand.

His vision darkened as his eyes fluttered shut. He looked only at himself, before finally opening his mouth.

“I will do that, Salvos. I promise.”

Daniel opened his eyes, and Salvos smiled. She took a step back, sighing in relief.

“Thank you, Daniel. I’m sure you will find love again one day.”

He shook his head, mustering up a resolved look.

“I should be the one thanking you, Salvos.”

She just beamed. And he glanced towards the encampment— towards the bonfire, now filled with life.

“Let’s go back. It seems we missed a lot while we were gone.”

Salvos nodded, starting down the hill.

“Yep! I’m sure Edithe is getting worried about us. Come on!”

She ushered him forward. Daniel started after her, then paused. He watched her walk ahead of him for a moment, then he closed his eyes.

“Daniel? What are you doing?”

She called out, glancing back at him. And the young man took in a deep breath.

“I’m on my way!”

He dashed after her, slowing only when he was by her side.

“Did something happen?”

She cocked her head at him, but he just continued past her.

“Come on, now you’re the one who needs to hurry up!”

“Wha— hey! Not fair!”

Salvos gave chase to him as he started sprinting towards the encampment with a smile on his face. Laughing. And this time, it was a genuine laugh.

Scarlet arrived at the party as the bonfire began to fade away. The music was now mellow. Slow, just like the dancing. Most of the crowd had already dispersed. She saw adventurers and soldiers alike retiring for the night. A few of them, like that redhead from the Valiant Dreamers and her leader, were getting into the same tents as each other.

It wasn’t too unusual of a sight, but that still made the Red Rose quick a brow. She swept her gaze over the remaining figures here. Titus the Thrilling Bard was strumming his lute, playing music that he shouldn’t be able to create with that instrument. The [Hero] sat with a bowl of soup, staring down into the clear liquid by himself, evidently in deep thought.

Salvos danced slowly next to the bonfire. She moved with a fiery partner— one who could match her movements. A clone of herself.

Scarlet shook her head and turned to the man standing behind her.

“This is what Titus has been doing, I guess.”

Mori Gladius just nodded slowly, not giving a visible reaction.

“I see.”

The Red Rose stood next to him in silence, their figures overlaid against the large fire. For a moment, neither said anything. Then Scarlet shuffled her feet and glanced over at Mori.

“Can we.. can we dance together?”

He tilted his head at her, almost like he was uncomprehending. The Champion of the Human Lands raised his head, thinking it over for a second. Finally, he nodded.

“Very well, Scarlet.”

And her heart leapt in her chest. He took her by the hand, leading her to the bonfire. They joined the dancing figures— couples who held each other intimately. Lovingly.

Mori Gladius held her close, and Scarlet felt at ease. She felt warm in his arms, getting everything she had ever wanted. She had dreamt of a moment like this for so long. Now, she was finally getting it.

And as the music finally came to a close— as the dancing stopped and Scarlet faced Mori’s affectionate gaze— she knew.. the Red Rose knew.. that this wasn’t the man she loved.

This wasn’t Mori Gladius.