The Last Step Chapter 35: The Wife Gatherer

Kaiser's Perspective:

I woke up with the usual feeling: the crisp air of morning sneaking through the open window, the sll of fresh earth outside, and the faint sounds of birds preparing for their daily routines.

Yet, today was... different. I never imagined I'd be spending my morning with Levi's sister, of all people. Fate really does love playing its little jokes on .

I stretched, pulling myself out of bed. I didn't have much ti to waste—no use dragging this out. A quick glance around the room confird that it was, indeed, another day in Levi's house.

The walls were lined with a few rustic wooden shelves, so holding old books, others trinkets that looked like they'd been there longer than Levi had. I didn't mind it, though. The quiet, the warmth of the hearth crackling softly... it felt like ho, for now.

I quickly got dressed—nothing too fancy, just my usual outfit. It wasn't like I needed to impress anyone today... well, maybe Emma, but I wasn't going to admit that aloud. The boots went on with a satisfying thud, and the cloak? Always a perfect touch, especially when leaving Levi's house without giving away too much about myself. I didn't need people to know my every move.

When I walked into the living room, though, I found Emma already standing by the door. Her cheeks were a little pink, and she was fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. The sight almost made chuckle. It was way too early for her to be this shy, but here she was, looking a bit like a deer caught in the headlights.

"You're up pretty early," I said, leaning against the doorfra. "Didn't take you for an early bird."

She shot a sheepish smile. "Well, you know... I was, uh, too excited to sleep. I've been really looking forward to today," she said, her voice trailing off just a bit at the end.

Her blush deepened, but she tried to cover it up with a small, playful grin. "Well, I couldn't exactly sleep in when I've got such an... interesting day ahead," she said, her voice a bit shy.

I raised an eyebrow. "Interesting, huh? What, you've never been on a hike before?"

She laughed softly, her smile still there but with a hint of hesitation. "I an... it's not every day I get to go out with soone who actually knows how... I feel, right?"

I raised an eyebrow again, the words catching off guard. "Oh? So you think I get how you feel?" I said, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

Her grin faltered for just a mont, and she looked away. "I an... you seem to understand, more than most," she mumbled, clearly uncomfortable.

I leaned against the doorfra, giving her a knowing look. "I'll try my best not to make you regret it," I said, letting the teasing tone soften just a bit. I didn't want to push too hard. "But if you ever need soone to talk to, you know I'm pretty good at listening."

She blinked at , then flashed that playful grin again, though the blush on her face never quite faded. "Guess so. Just don't go getting lost on , alright?"

"So, where exactly are we going? Sowhere special, or are you just dragging out for a random adventure?" I asked, giving her a knowing grin.

Her eyes sparkled, but she looked away, clearly flustered. "Well... there's this flower field up by the peak of the mountain outside of town. It's really beautiful this ti of year. I thought you'd enjoy it."

I chuckled, watching as she tried to downplay the situation, probably feeling a little too exposed with how much she was revealing. "Is this your idea of making it... intimate, Emma?" I teased, stepping a little closer.

Her face turned scarlet, and she quickly waved her hands in front of her, shaking her head. "N-no! It's just a flower field! I thought you'd like the view!" she stamred.

I couldn't help but notice how she was acting. Emma was usually playful, carefree even, but there was a softness around now, a hesitation. It wasn't like her usual teasing self. She was a bit shy, and it made wonder... maybe this ant sothing more to her than she was letting on.

Emma... she hides her feelings. She likes people who listen, who understand her. People who don't judge her for the way she acts, for the way she teases, for the way she shields herself from the world. I've seen it before, and it's clear now. She doesn't want to get hurt, but it seems like she's letting in.

I cleared my throat, breaking my thoughts. "If you say so... it's just a flower field, right?" I said, half-mocking, half-encouraging her.

She gave a sideways glance, then let out a soft sigh, her shoulders slumping a bit. "What's wrong? Don't you want to go? If not, I can—"

I quickly cut her off with a smile. "I'm fine. Lead the way." I pushed off from the doorfra, giving her a nod to show her I was ready.

Her face brightened instantly. "Good! Don't keep waiting!" she said, her voice light and excited as she made her way out the door.

I followed her, but just as I was about to step outside, I felt a hand grab my arm from behind.

I turned around, brow furrowed. "What's—"

And there she was.

"Kai... are you leaving really?" Celia's voice had a soft, almost fragile tone, as if her words carried a weight that she didn't want to show.

The sound of her calling "Kai" struck sothing deep in my chest. It used to be just Elfie who called that—her voice echoing in my mories, comforting and painful at the sa ti. I couldn't stop the smile that tugged at the corners of my lips, despite the sting in my heart.

There was sothing about Celia calling that, though, that made realize how far we'd co. It felt... warm, and yet strangely bittersweet.

I shook it off, trying to focus on the mont. Celia was here, right in front of , looking at with those wide eyes that always seed to be searching for sothing. I had to do my best to reassure her.

"Yeah, I have to," I said, trying to sound casual about it. "It's a request from Levi. I owe him for everything, and Emma's really looking forward to it." I gave her a reassuring smile, hoping she'd see it for what it was—a favor, nothing more.

Celia didn't respond right away. Her gaze dropped to the ground, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks as she muttered, "I don't think you've ever really taken her out... It's always just around you."

I sighed, leaning in just a little closer to her. "You're not gonna lose , Celia. You know that, right?" I reached out and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "This is just sothing I promised I'd do. It'll make Emma happy. She's excited, Celia. I'm just doing my part."

Her lips pressed into a tight line, but I could see the soft vulnerability in her eyes. She was quiet for a mont before speaking again, her voice soft but edged with sothing almost possessive.

"I don't want to share you. I don't want to see you with anyone else, especially when I know... I know I'm important to you."

I could feel the shift in the air, the unspoken tension. I couldn't help but tease her a bit, trying to ease her worries. "Oh? You jealous, Celia?" I gave her a smirk, raising an eyebrow. "What's the matter? Are you trying to make this more... intimate than it is?"

Her blush deepened, and I could see the jealousy in her eyes. "I just don't want anyone else... taking my place," she muttered, almost to herself, though her grip on my arm tightened.

I chuckled softly, enjoying the teasing but feeling a sense of warmth at the sa ti. "You're acting like I'm going off on so grand adventure or sothing. It's just a walk up a mountain. Nothing to worry about."

She gave a small, reluctant smile, but there was a sadness behind it. She was really worried about losing , wasn't she? It wasn't just jealousy—it was fear.

Then, in the middle of the tension, she looked at with those big red eyes and asked, "Kai... do you really an it? What you said that day? The day you woke up from your injuries... when you said I was part of your heart?"

I paused, eting her gaze, feeling the weight of her question. That day had been a turning point. I had said those words because they were true—Celia had been there for in a way no one else had.

She was more than just a friend. "Yeah, I ant it. You're a part of my heart, Celia," I said, giving her a soft, comforting smile.

Her cheeks flushed, and for a mont, she seed a little lost for words. Then, her hands raised above her head in a sudden, cheerful movent. "I'm glad! I'm glad I'm important to you, Kai!"

I laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Of course you are," I said. "And just rember, tomorrow, you and I—just like I promised. We'll go out, no more distractions, alright?"

Her eyes softened, though she still seed reluctant. "I... I don't know if I like it when you're with soone else."

I shrugged casually, trying to keep the mood light. "Co on, Celia. It's not a big deal. I'm not leaving you or anything. We're an adventuring party rember?"

She crossed her arms, still a little pouty, but eventually gave in with a resigned sigh. "Fine, fine. I'll let you go... but only because you promised. Tomorrow, though. Just us, okay?"

I couldn't resist the urge to tease her, knowing she was still a bit upset. "You know, it's kinda cute how worried you are," I said with a playful grin. "Are you, like, starting to like or sothing?"

Celia's face instantly turned bright red, and she looked away, clearly flustered. "No! That's not it at all!" she stamred, her voice wavering slightly. She was trying so hard to sound serious, but the way her hands fidgeted gave her away.

I leaned a little closer, smirking. "Really? Are you sure? 'Cause you're blushing like crazy right now."

She quickly shook her head, her words coming out faster. "N-no! I don't like you like that!" But then, her voice softened, and she added, almost too quietly for to catch, "Maybe... a little..."

I raised an eyebrow, pretending to act surprised. "A little?"

Her arms crossed tightly, and she huffed, her face even redder now. "Maybe... more than a little," she muttered under her breath, but loud enough for to hear, her words laced with embarrassnt.

I smiled softly, enjoying the mont more than I let on. "Celia, you're adorable." But I let the tease die down, knowing it was enough for now. She was clearly a little overwheld, but I couldn't help feeling warm at how she was so honest in her own shy way.

I chuckled, shaking my head as we walked side by side toward the door. "Silly girl."

But as I glanced at her, walking beside , I couldn't help but think that despite the teasing, Celia's heart was so pure. She wore her emotions so openly, even if it sotis got tangled up in her pride.

I never really understood how soone could be so genuine, so completely unguarded with their feelings. It was one of the things I admired most about her, even if it drove crazy sotis.

As I stepped outside, Emma was waiting, a playful smirk on her face. "What took you so long, Kaiser? Were you busy with your girlfriend?" she teased.

I gave her a wry smile. "Celia's not my girlfriend, Emma. But I was just telling her to keep herself safe while I'm gone."

Emma pouted, crossing her arms. "You're just too nice to her, huh?"

I smirked. "You're the one being clingy right now. Are you sure you're not the one with a secret crush?" I teased back, enjoying the way she glared at .

Emma stuck her tongue out. "Shut up, Kaiser."

I just grinned, giving her a wink. "Alright, alright. Let's get going then."

The two of us walked side by side toward the flower field, the mountains looming in the distance.

The streets of Levinton were as alive as ever, bustling with voices, the clinking of carts, and the hum of people going about their day.

As Emma and I walked side by side, I couldn't help but notice the way the sunlight flow off her hair. It made her look even more ethereal, like so kind of radiant being ant to shine brighter than the ordinary world.

"Look at that," Emma teased, pointing at a nearby vendor selling strange-looking fruits. "I bet you've never seen anything like that before."

I glanced at the fruit. "I've seen it. But I've never tasted anything like it." I grinned. "Maybe we should get so. I can't leave Levinton without tasting the mystery fruit."

She laughed, but there was a softness behind her eyes now. Ever since that talk we had, her teasing was a little more careful, like she didn't want to push too hard but still found a way to make smile.

"I think it'll be fine without your 'mystery' fruit. Besides," she added with a sly smile, "you'd probably end up making so face that'll haunt for the rest of my life."

I chuckled. "If that's the case, maybe I should avoid embarrassing myself in front of you. Wouldn't want to ruin that pretty smile of yours."

Her cheeks flushed, but she quickly hid it behind a playful roll of her eyes. "You're too full of yourself, you know that?"

"Full of myself?" I raised an eyebrow. "I'm simply acknowledging the undeniable truth. Your smile has this... undeniable effect on ."

She elbowed lightly, but I kept my cool. It was becoming too easy to make her laugh, to see her shy away just enough to show her real feelings.

My real reason for this, though, wasn't just to enjoy the day with her. No, it was to make sure she felt sothing more for —enough to trust , enough to open up, to reveal the secrets of Levi's Guild, and perhaps even the hidden truths about the other Sword Saints.

As we neared Celestial Apex, the guild where Levi's notorious guildmates gathered, I felt sothing shift in the air. Zain stood there, leaning against the stone pillar, his eyes narrowing when he spotted us.

His gaze flickered to , and a hint of jealousy was evident in his posture. Of course. I could feel it before I even had to look. He wasn't going to let this go quietly.

I sighed inwardly. Zain.

Zain pushed off the pillar and stepped in front of us, blocking our path. His voice was casual, but there was a certain edge to it. "Where are you taking her, Kaiser?"

As Zain stood there, blocking our path, my face grew deadly serious. I couldn't ignore the mories flooding back, mories I'd tried to bury.

Zain.

He was the one who threatened to get rid of Celia, to crush the only person I had left. The sa Zain who had dared to belittle her, as if her smile didn't an a damn thing. I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening, the anger simring just beneath the surface. But it wasn't just anger—I felt sothing deeper, darker.

I couldn't forget how Celia had looked at this morning, her smile as sweet as it was innocent. The way she had called "Kai," with such warmth in her voice, like Elfie used to. The mory of that voice, that soft, comforting tone, made my heart ache in ways I didn't know it could.

I had been weak, scared, and I had let her go once. I wasn't going to make that mistake again. I won't fear anyone ever again. Not Zain, not anyone.

My face shifted to one of quiet intensity. Zain noticed, but I could see it didn't quite register with him. He was too focused on Emma.

Emma, on the other hand, seed unfazed. She was always good at hiding what she didn't want to show. But I could see the slight tension in her shoulders.

"I'm taking her to the flower field outside of town," I said, voice low but steady.

Zain's gaze flickered to Emma. His eyes softened, but only for a mont. "The flower field?" he repeated, as if trying to gauge sothing. "That's a bit far out. What's out there that's so special?"

Emma crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Nowhere you should be worrying about."

Zain's lips twitched into a half-smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He shifted his stance, making sure to stand his ground. "She's Levi's sister. My friend," he said, his voice thick with sothing unspoken. "She shouldn't be with soone like you."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "And soone like is?"

"Soone who—" Zain stopped, his jaw tightening. "It's dangerous out there. There could be monsters. What if sothing happens?"

Emma rolled her eyes this ti. "You worry too much, Zain."

Her tone was playful, but I saw the slight curve of her smile as she tilted her head toward . She was teasing him again, and I couldn't help but feel a spark of pride.

"Besides, I'm the one who asked Kaiser to take ," she continued. "Not the other way around."

Zain's face faltered for a mont, and the jealousy that had been bubbling beneath the surface began to show more clearly. He looked between the two of us, his usual calm composure cracking just slightly.

"You're trusting him?!" Zain's voice dropped, a barely contained bitterness sneaking through. "You really believe a simple E-Rank can keep you safe? Out there, with monsters and danger? It's reckless. You don't know what could happen."

Emma didn't flinch. She t his gaze, her voice firm and calm. "I trust Kaiser."

I felt a jolt of warmth at her words, but I didn't let it show. Zain wasn't done, though. He stepped closer to Emma, his tone now more persuasive.

"Listen, I could take you there. I know the path better. I'm stronger, and I can keep you safe from any harm. You don't have to risk anything." His eyes flickered back to . "Kaiser... doesn't know what he's getting you into."

I could feel the fire growing in my chest, but I kept my voice steady. "She made her choice. And I'll make sure she's safe."

Emma stepped between us then, her voice unwavering. "I've made my choice, Zain. I'm going with him."

Zain was quiet for a mont, the words stuck in his throat. His eyes, though, told another story—one of growing hatred, and sothing darker, sothing I couldn't quite put my finger on.

But Emma had already made her decision.

And now, as I looked at Zain one last ti, I couldn't help but feel the pull of sothing deeper than just jealousy or rivalry. Sothing more... dangerous.

I couldn't help but let my mind wander, watching Zain's eyes narrow as he looked at and Emma. Is he jealous? The thought lingered in my mind, and I couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at my lips.

Does he think I'm stealing his girl? It was almost amusing, really. But I let my expression harden, my thoughts going serious. It was easy to see how people like Zain operated—selfish, possessive, thinking they had so claim to others. But Emma wasn't so prize to be won.

Zain's voice broke through my thoughts, sharper now. "You're really taking her to the flower field?" His words were heavy with sothing that wasn't just concern.

Emma looked at him with playful defiance, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Why, Zain? You afraid I'll get lost?" she teased. But there was sothing else in her voice now—a slight hesitance. I could feel it.

The softness in the air, the small trace of shyness she tried to hide from . It made feel good, but I couldn't let myself get too distracted. There was a prickling tension here that I didn't want to ignore.

Zain wasn't having it. "I could take you," he insisted, trying to cover up the jealousy that slipped through in his tone. "It's dangerous out there. You should co with soone who can actually protect you."

Emma tilted her head, her lips still curling up in that teasing way. But her voice dropped a little, more serious now. "I'm fine, Zain. I asked Kaiser to take . So, I'm going with him."

She reached for my hand, her fingers grazing mine, sending a small shock through . The way she held onto , even if it was just a simple gesture, made wonder if she trusts now.

I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as Zain stood there, frozen for a second. His eyes flickered with anger, but he said nothing for a mont.

Zain's glare shifted to then, his eyes burning with sothing darker. "What did you tell her, Kaiser?" he asked, his voice low, seething. "What makes her want to go with you instead of ?"

I took a step forward, styling my hair just a bit, looking as relaxed as ever. I could feel Emma's hand still in mine, the warmth of it grounding . I looked Zain dead in the eyes, my voice playful yet dripping with mockery.

"Nothing really, Zain~" I said, stretching the words out like I was savoring the mont. "It's just my charm, you know. Around the south of Celestine, they called 'The Wife Gatherer.'"

Zain's jaw dropped. I could practically hear the air leave his lungs as his eyes widened in disbelief. It wasn't often that people were struck speechless, but I'd apparently found a way.

"Ridiculous," he finally muttered, his brows furrowing.

I smirked, running a hand through my hair with effortless confidence. "Not at all. It's experience. And the truth," I mused, tilting my head slightly. "Kaiser Everflirt, at your service."

I glanced at Emma, and her face was flushed—deep red, as if my words had made an impact she wasn't ready for. I couldn't help but smile at that. She was so cute when she blushed.

Before Zain could say anything more, Emma tugged forward, her hand still gripping mine, pulling away from him. "Stop bothering us," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I chose to go with him, so let's just go."

Zain was left standing there, staring at us, his fists clenching at his sides. His lips were tightly pressed together in anger. The tension in the air had thickened, but we didn't give him another glance. I walked beside Emma, her hand still in mine, the path to the flower field stretching ahead.

As we continued walking, I couldn't help but hear Zain's voice faintly in the distance, muttering sothing under his breath. "I'll make you lose everything, Kaiser... for taking her away from ."

I couldn't be sure if Emma had heard it, but I sure did. I wasn't worried, though. Zain was just a nuisance, and I wasn't afraid of anyone anymore—not even him.

With Emma by my side, the rest of the world could wait.

The air was crisp, fresh with a hint of pine as we left Levinton behind, the town shrinking into the distance as we began our journey toward the mountain. The path through the forest was dense, sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating patches of warmth that felt like little gifts from the sky.

The mountain lood ahead, its peak hidden by clouds, but I knew we were heading toward sothing beautiful—the flower field.

The forest was peaceful, almost quiet enough to hear the rustle of the trees as they swayed gently in the wind. I glanced at Emma, walking beside . She was so quiet, almost nervous, and I couldn't help but notice the way her hand was still clasped in mine.

It was strange, how sothing so simple could make her seem so... delicate. But it was also kind of cute, how she seed to be realizing just how much she was holding onto . The faint blush creeping up her neck made smirk.

"Sothing on your mind?" I teased her, raising an eyebrow.

She glanced at , clearly flustered, and tried to pull her hand away, but I tightened my grip, not giving her the chance. "What?" she said, her voice a little shaky.

"I just... I didn't realize..." She trailed off, her face turning a shade redder. She was trying to play it cool, but her body language was betraying her.

I chuckled. "So, you're shy now? You're the one who dragged away from Zain, rember?" I gave her hand a little squeeze. "Didn't think you were the shy type."

Emma bit her lip, trying to look unaffected, but I could see the way her cheeks flushed a little deeper. "I didn't drag you away," she shot back, her voice feigning irritation.

"I just—" She stopped mid-sentence, her playful teasing fading as her eyes flicked to the ground. "Okay, maybe I did." She sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

I laughed softly, my grip on her hand firm but gentle. "It's alright, Emma. I don't mind. But you know..." I paused, making sure she was looking at , "You've got a habit of stealing hearts, don't you?"

Her brow furrowed, and I could see the gears turning behind her eyes. "What do you an?" she asked, trying to sound uninterested, but I could tell she was intrigued.

"Zain," I said, dropping the na casually, "he's looking at you like you're the last star in the sky. Do you think he likes you?"

Her reaction was imdiate. She shook her head, a little too quickly, and I could see her body stiffen. "No," she said, avoiding my eyes. "No, that's not it. He's just... he's just being friendly."

I didn't buy it. I knew exactly what I was seeing. The tiny shifts in her posture, the flicker of hesitation in her eyes. She was lying.

"Emma," I said softly, my voice low and teasing, "You know you're not fooling , right? I can see it in your eyes." I gently tilted her chin up with a finger, making her et my gaze. "Tell the truth."

She sighed, defeated, her shoulders slumping slightly as she gave in. "Fine," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't know when it started, maybe after he started the Guild with Levi. It's like... ever since then, he's been doing little things, trying to get my attention. I think he likes , but not in a normal way. It's... almost obsessive. Like he needs to notice him."

Her words made my blood run a little cold. The way she described him, it was almost like she was talking about a possessive shadow. "Obsessive?" I repeated, my voice steady but laced with concern. "What do you an by that?"

Emma paused for a mont, looking down at the ground. "It's... hard to explain," she began, clearly uncomfortable. "He gets upset if I talk to anyone else for too long. He always tries to do things for , even when I don't ask. It's like he's trying to keep to himself, like I'm his and no one else can have ."

I squeezed her hand again, my thumb rubbing over her skin soothingly, and she looked up at , eyes wide. "It's okay, Emma. You don't have to worry about him anymore," I said, my voice gentle but firm. "You don't deserve to feel like you're soone's possession."

She smiled softly at , her anxiety slowly lting away. "Thanks, Kaiser," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

I flashed her a grin, my gaze playful as I gave her hand a comforting squeeze. "You'd probably be lost without , huh?" I teased, leaning in a little closer, my breath warm against her skin.

Her cheeks flushed once again, and I could see her trying to hold back a laugh. "Stop it," she mumbled, though there was a lightness to her voice now, a softness I hadn't heard before.

I couldn't help but flirt a little more, my tone lowering to sothing more intimate. "You know, I'm starting to think you've got a thing for , Emma," I said with a smirk, the playful teasing lingering in my words.

Emma's eyes widened, her face turning beet red as she fumbled for words. "I—What? No!" she stamred, her voice high-pitched as she tried to backpedal. "I'm just—You're just... ugh, stop ssing with !"

I laughed softly, loving how flustered she was. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with ."

She huffed, turning her head slightly, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes as she stole a glance at . "...What did you an by that earlier? 'The Wife Gatherer'? What kind of nonsense were you saying in front of Zain?"

I smirked. "Oh, that? Just a little title I earned in the south of Celestine. Apparently, stealing girls' hearts left and right leaves an impression."

Emma's grip on my hand tightened instantly. "That's a joke, right?" Her voice was lighter, teasing—but I caught the slight strain underneath.

I humd, tilting my head. "Hmm, let's see... I've held a lot of girls, danced with them, whispered things into their ears..." I trailed off, watching as her fingers curled even tighter around mine.

She scoffed, her lips pressing into a thin line before she shot back, "Oh? So you just go around charming every girl you et? How bold, Kaiser." There was a teasing lilt in her tone, but sothing possessive lingered behind it.

I chuckled. "It's not a very important title, really. Just sothing people called in the south."

Emma clicked her tongue, giving a side glance before muttering, "You shouldn't say things like that... or do them. Especially not in front of ."

I raised a brow, amused. "Why? Does it bother you?"

She huffed, turning her head away with a slight pout. "...Maybe."

By the ti we reached the flower field, the atmosphere between us had shifted. She was still blushing, her heart rate a little faster, but she wasn't as guarded anymore. I could tell I'd made her feel safe with .

When I finally let go of her hand, I saw it—the brief sadness in her eyes, the way her fingers twitched slightly as if resisting the loss. It was subtle, but undeniable.

For a mont, she looked as if she was losing sothing she didn't want to let go of. But before that feeling could take hold, she forced herself to turn away, pretending to be captivated by the beauty of the flowers in full bloom. A distraction—one she clung to.

"Wow," Emma breathed, her eyes lighting up as she took in the sight. The field stretched out before us, vibrant colors of every hue mixing in a srizing pattern. "It's beautiful..."

She walked toward the peak, her steps light, and I couldn't help but follow. As she stood at the edge, staring out over the vast field, I could see the calmness in her features, the way she seed to let go of everything for a mont.

I took a deep breath, then plucked a white flower from the ground, walking up behind her. I leaned in close, just enough for her to notice . "You're gorgeous," I said, my voice quiet but sincere, the words slipping out like they were ant to be heard. "The way you shine under the sun... you belong here, among the flowers."

Emma's breath hitched as she stared at , her fingers twitching slightly at her sides. Her cheeks, already flushed, deepened in color as she struggled to form words.

"I-I... you—" She bit her lip, exhaling shakily. "A-Are you serious, Kaiser?" Her voice trembled, laced with hesitation. "O-Or are you just... just saying that?" She swallowed, eyes darting away. "B-Because if you're j-just teasing , then—"

I tilted my head slightly, my gaze never wavering from hers. "Emma," I interrupted softly, my voice carrying no trace of mockery, only certainty. "I don't use flattery."

Her lips parted slightly, her breath shallow as I stepped closer, closing the distance between us.

"I don't say things I don't an," I continued, my voice smooth, unwavering. "When I told you that you're beautiful, that you belong here among the flowers, I ant every word."

Her eyes widened, searching my face as if trying to find any hint of deception. There was none. I saw her exhale slowly, her body relaxing, the tension lting away like snow under the sun.

A small, genuine smile broke through her hesitation, her expression softening completely. For the first ti, there were no walls, no guarded posture—only Emma, completely open before .

"You..." She let out a quiet laugh, almost in disbelief. "You really are sothing else, Kaiser." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the weight in her words was heavy.

She took a step closer, her eyes never leaving mine. "I think... you're the only one who really understands ."

And in that mont, I knew—I had her completely.

Gosh, that took a while. Enough with the seducing and charming. Now, she's exactly where I need her to be—completely vulnerable, completely open.

It was all part of the plan. I played my role well, made her smile, made her feel safe, and in return, she'll tell everything she knows about the guilds.

Still, in the process, I made her happier. Who knows, she might even start falling in love with . It's unfortunate, really. Any other man in my position would've fallen for a girl like her—pretty, playful, a smile that could make anyone's heart skip a beat.

She's standing there now looking from the peak, blushing, smiling to herself, lost in thought. And I know exactly who she's thinking about.

.

But... in my life, I've never fallen in love. That feeling is unknown to .

Maybe if I had been born under different circumstances—if I had a childhood, a family, a life where I wasn't abandoned, beaten, and left to rot—then maybe, just maybe, I could've felt what love was.

Maybe I wouldn't be so empty inside. Maybe I wouldn't have had to manipulate, deceive, and use people just to survive.

Maybe... I could've been a real person.