After Kan reunited with his family, he introduced them properly and invited everyone inside—including Aster.
As Aster approached the doorway, he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
He looked like someone preparing for battle.
'Just a guest. I'm just a guest,' he repeated to himself.
In truth, until he left his village, Aster had never once entered another person's home as a guest.
Except Hans's.
Yes, he had stayed at Duke Alaris's residence—but that had been different. He had been there on a mission. He had no choice.
This was different.
His mother had taught him many things—table manners, how to behave while eating, how to carry himself properly.
But she had never taught him how to act as a guest.
Because he had never had the opportunity.
No one in his village would invite him into their home.
So he had convinced himself that he didn't need to learn such things.
'Why didn't I learn it from Mother back then?'
Suddenly, Valorant appeared behind him.
"Why are you standing there like a statue?"
Aster turned.
"Nothing."
"Then get in."
He pushed his disciple forward.
Aster nearly stumbled as he entered but managed to steady himself.
Once inside, he instinctively began studying his surroundings.
After all—
Understanding the environment was the foundation of every battle.
Kan's house was far larger than it appeared from outside. The ceiling was high. The interior was clean and well-kept.
As Aster observed the room, he noticed Kan repairing one of his child's broken toys.
And suddenly—
His own home came to mind.
After his father abandoned them, Aster and his mother had lived alone.
Whenever something broke in their house, his mother would try her best to fix it.
She was knowledgeable and intelligent.
But when it came to repairs—
She lacked experience.
More often than not, the item remained broken.
Even so—
She always tried.
A faint smile tugged at Aster's lips.
'It was amusing watching her fix things.'
The memory warmed him for a moment.
'Whatever she fixed always needed fixing again.'
He glanced at Kan's son, who looked at his father like he was a hero.
The smile slowly faded.
A heaviness settled in his chest.
He pressed a hand against his heart.
'Why did my father abandon us?'
He didn't know.
Maybe he never would.
But one thing was certain—
'When I find him… he will answer for everything.'
Suddenly, Kan's wife called from the kitchen, inviting everyone to eat.
Without delay, they gathered around the table.
The size of the table—and the number of chairs—suggested Kan frequently hosted guests.
There were more seats than his family alone required.
They all sat together for dinner.
Even though some of them were strangers.
When Kan's wife noticed Aster sitting quietly, she approached him.
"Let me help you."
Aster looked confused.
She adjusted the dish in front of him and placed a spoon in his hand.
'She thinks I'm blind.'
Suna and Kan couldn't suppress their laughter.
Kan grinned.
"Mar," he said gently, "the boy isn't blind."
Mar narrowed her eyes.
"What?"
Valorant spoke calmly.
"He doesn't need his eyes to see. He has a different ability."
Mar slapped her forehead lightly.
"I'm so sorry! I thought…"
Kan burst into loud laughter.
Mar covered her face, embarrassed.
Kan kept laughing.
Then—
Mar slowly lowered her hand and fixed him with a sharp glare.
Kan's laughter died instantly.
Cold sweat formed on his forehead.
Desperate to escape the situation, his gaze landed on Aster.
"Aster, why aren't you eating?"
It was true.
Aster hadn't touched his food.
He simply sat there, spoon in hand, head lowered.
Kan's young son, Lukas, nudged him.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
Suddenly—
Aster stood up abruptly.
Everyone stared at him in confusion.
Without looking at anyone, he stepped away from the table and left the house.
***
The moment he stepped outside, Aster moved as far away from the village—and from Kan's home—as he could.
He ran at full speed until no one could see him.
His fists were clenched tightly.
His jaw locked.
It felt as though he might explode.
Why did he leave like that?
It wasn't because of Kan or Mar.
Their conversation hadn't hurt him.
It wasn't because of Suna's laughter either.
Then why?
It was their happiness.
He had sensed it the moment he entered that house.
They were a happy family.
Kan was a good father.
Mar was a good mother.
They had a warm home.
Soft beds.
People they loved.
All the things Aster could only dream of.
Yes, it might seem strange.
After all, Aster had already lived one life.
He should understand.
But—
He didn't.
In his previous life, he had been a great hero.
Yet not once in those memories had he ever been happy.
All he remembered was fear.
Pain.
And betrayal.
A happy family had always felt like a fantasy.
He stopped in the forest once he was far enough.
Making sure no one was nearby—
He shouted with everything he had.
Trying to expel the storm inside him.
'Why can't I live a normal life? Like everyone else… like them.'
That thought lingered.
Then his mother appeared in his mind.
The one person who had never abandoned him.
He sat down on a fallen tree trunk and muttered softly,
"I miss you, Mother."
He remained there for some time—
Until someone approached.
"So this is where you are."
Aster lifted his head.
"What is it?"
Anna walked over and sat beside him.
She carried a thicker coat.
"Put this on."
"Did you forget I can use Flame Mana?"
Anna didn't respond.
He couldn't safely use it right now.
Silence settled between them.
Until Anna broke it.
"They're a happy family, aren't they?"
Aster feigned ignorance.
"What are you talking about?"
"They're not wealthy. They're not mages. But they're happy."
She paused.
"When I saw Kan with his children… I remembered the time I spent with my parents. We were so happy. Now… all that remains are memories. And it hurts."
Aster added quietly,
"Seeing them happy…"
Anna tossed the coat over his shoulders.
"But I still have those memories. Yes, they hurt. Yes, they reopen old wounds. But that pain is proof they existed."
'People find happiness in different places. Some in life. Some in dreams.'
Anna placed her hand on his shoulder.
"They're always with us. In our hearts."
Then she stood and walked back toward the village.
Aster remained seated for a long time.
Until he gathered himself.
'I'll apologize to them later.' he muttered, rising to his feet.
He began walking back toward the village.
Then—
A sharp, suffocating smell of smoke reached him.
It was a scent he knew too well.
'That's impossible!'
He ran.
With everything he had.
And when he reached the village—
He saw it.
He saw the village consumed by flames.