"Erica, are you awake…?"
Bang!
The door burst open as Pyra rushed in, alarmed by Erica's earlier scream. Her breathing was heavy. Her eyes immediately locked onto Erica—who sat on the bed, trembling… crying.
"Hic… hic…"
Soft sobs escaped the girl's lips. Her shoulders shook. Her head was bowed, and tears streamed down her cheeks.
Pyra approached without a word. She gently stroked Erica's hair… then pulled her into a warm embrace.
"Erica… it's okay now. Everything's going to be all right," Pyra whispered, her voice as gentle as a breeze.
"But… Grandma's… gone…" Erica sobbed. Her voice cracked under the weight of sorrow.
The memory was still fresh.
The moment her grandmother's body fell, pierced by bone arrows.
How she had shielded Erica from the Black Mage's final attack.
And in her fading consciousness… Erica remembered a Knight—stepping into the chaos to save them all.
It's all my fault…
If only I'd been stronger…
If only the system had worked better…
Guilt wrapped around her heart tighter than any wound could.
Pyra held her hand tightly.
"It's all right, Erica… Many lives were saved this time. Your grandmother… would've been proud of you."
Hic…
Erica slowly looked up. Her eyes still wet, but her breathing was steadier. The sobs faded, replaced by quiet sniffles.
Silence fell over the room.
Only the soft wind through the window whispered from outside…
A reminder that this was not the end.
"Come on… let's make sure you place a flower on her grave."
Pyra's voice was calm, filled with warmth. She gently took Erica's hand and led her toward the graveyard.
Outside the castle wall stood a small temple surrounded by rows of humble stone graves. This was where the dead were laid to rest—after a proper cleansing ritual, so their souls could sleep in peace.
In rural areas, far from temples or priests, bodies were usually cremated. Their ashes buried to honor the dead.
Because if a corpse was left to rot in the forest…
By the next night, it might rise as an Undead.
Dark creatures often appeared in the wilderness—especially after sunset. That's why the outer territories of the kingdom lived in constant fear.
It was different near major cities. Forests were regularly purified by priests. Noble families even donated money to keep their regions safe.
The Goddess Letticia was revered as the deity of light and life—
The warmth that welcomed children into this world.
The source of love… and hope.
If the Knight's Code was the foundation upon which the Kingdom of Tharsaros stood,
Then Letticia's teachings were the walls that protected it from ruin.
Erica stood before a simple stone grave.
The evening breeze carried the scent of wet earth and wildflowers growing around the burial site. In her hand, she clutched a white lily.
Slowly, she knelt and placed the flower gently upon the grave.
'Erica, why are you sleeping in that place…?'
'This is my home, Grandma.'
'What nonsense… calling that sad excuse of a shack a home? When it rains, it leaks inside.'
'Come. Stay with me. I've got a little hut that's more like a real house.'
'Okay~'
Erica closed her eyes.
The memory returned—clear and warm.
She still remembered that day… when her grandmother took her in. She had been thirteen.
Just two years…
But it felt like a lifetime.
"…Thank you, Grandma," she whispered, voice almost lost to the wind.
On the way back to the inn, Erica quietly observed the city.
Even near the outskirts, it felt so much more alive than the slums she once called home. Merchants served hot meals. Guards patrolled. It felt safe.
"Erica, will you come with me… to the Red Magic Tower in the south?"
Pyra finally asked, breaking their long silence.
Erica stopped walking.
The gray sky began to drop its first snowflakes—
A sign that winter had arrived, and the year was ending.
Fsshh…
Snow landed on her palm. She stared at it for a moment and whispered,
"…What year is it now?"
"Huh?" Pyra blinked in confusion.
"Um… it's year 497 of the Tharsaros Kingdom," she answered after thinking for a moment.
Erica stood still. Her gaze locked on the falling snow.
Year 497…
That meant two more years.
The year 500… was when the main scenario of the Otome Game began.
Erica clenched her fists gently.
She knew now where she needed to go.
"Yes… of course. I'll go to the Magic Tower with you," she answered with certainty.
Pyra smiled—relieved.
"Good. Then let's return to the inn and rest for tonight. Tomorrow… a new journey begins."
Snow continued to fall—coating the path behind them.
A new chapter was starting…
But this time, her steps were steady.
Cling!
The inn door opened with a soft jingle. The evening was lively—mercenaries and merchants warmed themselves behind sturdy wooden walls.
Pyra guided Erica to an empty table.
"Welcome," a waitress greeted, bowing slightly.
"One room with a single bed, please. And for dinner: two bowls of bread and soup. Don't forget warm milk for my friend… and ale for me," Pyra said, handing over some coins.
"Right away," the waitress said and disappeared into the kitchen.
Soon after…
"Well, look who it is!"
A large man approached their table. It was the mercenary leader who had fought alongside them.
"You look pretty healthy," Pyra said with a small smile.
"This ale works better than any potion!" the man laughed.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself earlier. Name's Daniel—leader of the Stellhart Mercenaries, western division."
Erica's eyes narrowed slightly at the name.
Stellhart…
That name… it wasn't unfamiliar.
"So, what's next for you two?" Daniel asked, pulling out a chair.
"After a bit of rest, we'll head to the southern Duke's territory," he added.
"We're heading to the Red Magic Tower in the south," Pyra answered casually.
"If you'd like, we can give you a ride. I'll also cover your stay tonight. Consider it payment for saving our lives."
"That sounds good to me," Pyra said, nodding.
That snowy night, the mercenaries and a pair of mages celebrated—drinking, laughing, feasting as if to forget the battlefield they'd barely escaped.
Meanwhile, Erica returned to her room.
She sat at the edge of the bed, staring at the Summoner Stone her grandmother had left behind.
Now, it looked empty.
Stellhart…
Ragnar Stellhart…
A man who would one day be known as the Mercenary King.
And also…
One of the main love interests for the protagonist in this Otome Game.