Sarah Susago — POV
The moment I stepped outside, I pressed my back against the wooden door of our house, trying to calm myself down after what my father had said.
My heart was beating faster than usual—much faster. I felt embarrassed, overheated, my cheeks burning. I placed both hands on my chest, trying to steady my breath. My whole body felt warm, like my blood was rushing in every direction at once. I could feel every thump of my heartbeat.
I reached into my pocket and took out the gift I'd received—
a silver necklace with a red, heart–shaped gem inside.
I hadn't even put it on yet.
Or… I couldn't. Not after everything that happened.
Dad said that, and I ran out like lightning. I only thanked Mom for the necklace. I didn't even thank Dad properly…
"I forgive you, Dad…" I whispered quietly. "You didn't mean it like that. I could never be mad at you."
And Mom… I should apologize to her too. I stormed out without thanking her at all.
A cold gust of wind hit me, snapping me back to reality.
My long brown hair whipped in every direction. Some strands got into my eyes, and I brushed them aside, pulling my hair over my back. The air was clean and sharp. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the clear sky. It was cold, but my thick red sweater kept me warm enough.
My heartbeat slowed a little, though embarrassment still simmered inside me.
"Lazar… what is he going to think about the necklace?" I murmured while walking toward his house.
On my way there, my imagination tormented me with every possible response:
"Hm? A gift?"
"A necklace? Where?"
"Well… it's nice, I guess, but I've seen better."
"Why something like this? Wouldn't you prefer something more girly?"
I shook my head violently.
"No! There's no way he would ever say something like that."
He wasn't like that at all. I had no reason to think such nonsense.
Before I knew it, I was standing in front of Lazar's house.
I lifted my hand to knock—but froze right before touching the door.
Why did I stop…? I've done this so many times before. Why am I suddenly acting weird?
My father's voice echoed in my mind:
"You two spend a lot of time together…"
I clenched my teeth as heat rushed back into my cheeks.
Come on, Sarah… not now. Calm down.
I inhaled deeply, raised my hand again, and this time I didn't hesitate.
Knock. Knock.
I waited.
From inside, a familiar voice called out,
"Coming!"
Footsteps approached, and the wooden door opened.
Maya stood there, looking surprised—but her expression softened immediately.
"Sarah?" she said warmly. "What brings you here? Do you need something?"
"Hello, Miss Maya…" I said shyly, fidgeting with my fingers.
"U-um… is Lazar here?"
"Lazar?" she repeated. "He went out about ten minutes ago."
"He… went out?" I asked. "Do you know where he went?"
Maya tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Hmm… I'm not completely sure. He rarely tells us where he's going. But if I had to guess, he probably went into the forest."
"In the forest!?" I blurted out.
I immediately bowed my head. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice…"
Maya laughed softly.
"It's fine. Really. And yes—he often goes to the lake inside the forest. He told me he likes spending time there. So I assume that's where he went."
"Thank you, Miss Maya… I'll come back later then."
"Oh don't be silly, Sarah. Come inside! You'll freeze out here," she said as she suddenly grabbed my hand and gently pulled me inside.
"I made something special. Come, come."
Inside, she asked:
"Would you like something to drink?"
"N-no, it's fine, Miss Maya. I don't—"
"Oh, come on. Why are you so shy today?" she teased. "You've been here so many times. And look at that red face! You act like a little kid. Who would believe you're older than Lazar?"
I sat down awkwardly on the couch, staring at the floor.
"Tea? Juice?" she asked.
"O-okay… tea is fine."
"Alright, just a moment."
While she was in the kitchen, I looked around. On the small carved wooden table were neat stacks of papers—probably belonging to Lazar's father. I was curious but didn't touch anything.
Maya returned with two steaming cups.
"Here you go," she said, handing me one. "Hope you like it."
"Thank you…" I said, taking a sip.
The warmth spread through my hands and chest.
"Mmm… this tea is delicious. What flavor is it?"
Maya grinned.
"I'm glad you like it. It's wild rosehip tea. With a bit of honey. One of Lazar's favorites."
"He always brings some when he returns from the lake," she added, laughing. "He actually prefers it cold, can you believe that?"
We both laughed and kept chatting for a while.
Eventually, I glanced at the door.
"He's still not back..."
"Seems like it," Maya replied.
"Does he always stay this long in the forest?"
"Oh, yes. Sometimes for an hour. Sometimes even longer."
"A-an hour!?" I exclaimed. "But that's dangerous! How can you let him go alone?! Anything could happen to him!"
Maya lowered her gaze.
"Lazar always begged us to let him go. Ever since Keigo first took him there, he kept asking to return. Eventually… I gave in."
Her voice trembled.
"Every time he leaves… my heart races. I'm scared something will happen to him. If something did… I-I…"
"Miss Maya!"
I suddenly stood up.
"Please don't say things like that! Instead of imagining the worst, try to think about what he sees there, and why he keeps going. You're his mother—you should believe in him, no matter where he is."
As soon as I finished, embarrassment hit me like a wave.
What did I just say!?
I sat back down, mortified, face burning.
Maya stared at me—first stunned, then amused, then something softer.
"What's with young people these days?" she sighed. "Teaching adults how to think. You kids grow up too fast."
Her eyes rested on me thoughtfully.
"You know, Sarah… lately you've been spending an awful lot of time with Lazar."
I froze.
"And you talk about him a lot. And worry about him even more."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Tell me… are you two—"
"NO!" I choked on my tea. "N-no, it's not like that!"
"Uh-huh…" she hummed, unconvinced, leaning closer.
She placed her hand gently on mine.
"Sarah… look at me."
I slowly lifted my eyes.
"I know you like my son," she said softly. "Talking about feelings is hard. I was your age once too. I know what it's like."
Her gentleness only made me more embarrassed.
I stared at my tea.
My hands trembled lightly.
"M-maybe… I find him attractive…" I whispered.
"M-maybe I like something about him…"
Maya's face lit up with joy.
"And what do you like about him?"
I hesitated—but answered.
"His… hair. His behavior toward me. His green-blue eyes. He's… different."
Maya laughed happily.
But my expression dimmed.
"But… I don't think he feels the same way."
"And why would you think that?" she asked gently.
"I don't know… he doesn't show anything…"
"You're wrong," Maya said firmly. "Lazar cares about you far more than you think. He cares about everyone close to him. He just doesn't show emotions well. He never has. Even as a child he avoided gatherings, loud places, even guests. He preferred silence. And with no school nearby, he never had the chance to interact with others his age. So of course he struggles with emotions."
Her words hit me hard.
I thought I understood him.
But… maybe I didn't know him as well as I believed.
"That's… kind of sad," I whispered.
"I don't think so," Maya replied. "If he's comfortable, then it's fine. I'd love for him to spend more time with others, of course… but forcing someone never helps."
I nodded quietly.
"Miss Maya… I've stayed too long. I should go."
She stood up with me.
"It was lovely having you here. I haven't had a conversation like this since I left the castle."
"You used to work at the castle?" I asked curiously.
"Oh yes," she said, smiling. "I left because I met Keigo. He was still a soldier back then. He kept coming to the store where I worked… asking questions… trying to impress me. Eventually I fell for him."
"That's adorable," I said with a small smile.
We reached the door and stepped outside.
The cold bit at our faces.
"Thank you for the tea, Miss Maya."
"The pleasure is mine, Sarah. Visit anytime."
I looked toward the forest.
"You're not planning to go there, are you?" she asked suddenly.
I froze.
She stepped closer, worried.
"Don't. It's too dangerous. If something happens to you, what would I tell Marco and Maria? I already worry enough about Lazar…"
I lowered my head.
Maya sighed, reached into her pocket, and pulled out a small blue–glowing crystal.
"Sarah… this is a Mana Shard. Keep it with you. Don't let go of it."
She placed it into my hands.
It was cold and pulsed softly.
"As long as it glows, you're safe. If it flickers—or stops glowing—return to the village immediately. And if you can't… hide. I'll find you, I promise."
We walked together toward the gates of the forest—two large red wooden gates connected at the top.
Before I stepped in, Maya hugged me tightly.
"Listen," she said softly, "walk straight until the path splits. Take the left path. Not the right one. The lake will be on your right after a short walk."
"Yes, ma'am!" I said instinctively.
"This isn't a joke, Sarah," she warned. "Be careful."
I swallowed hard.
"I understand, Miss Maya."
She hugged me again.
"Please come back safely."
"I will."
I stepped through the gates and began walking down the path.