Morning arrived quietly over the village.
Winter clouds drifted across the pale sky, and snow still covered most of the farmland beyond the houses. The fields surrounding Johan's farm had turned completely white. Nothing could grow in soil like that.
For now, the farm had fallen silent.
Johan stood outside the farmhouse earlier that morning, staring at the frozen ground as snow crunched beneath his boots.
"…guess farming's over for a while."
The soil was too cold. Too hard. Even the toughest crops wouldn't survive a winter like this.
Fortunately, he had prepared.
Inside the storage shed were sacks of grain, dried vegetables, and salted meat. Enough to last more than a month.
Food wasn't the problem.
Sitting around doing nothing was.
Which was why—
Vein now found himself somewhere completely different.
The village market.
Voices filled the winter air as merchants called out from their stalls. Wooden carts rolled across the snowy street, and the smell of roasted meat and fresh bread drifted between the buildings.
It was far livelier than the quiet farmland.
Vein walked slowly through the street, a wooden crate resting against his right shoulder. His right arm supported the weight carefully, while his left remained secured in a sling.
Even carrying something like this was still awkward.
But he had gotten used to doing most things with one hand.
The crate was filled with fruit—apples, dried berries, and a few winter oranges.
Three months ago, this would have been impossible.
Now it barely slowed him down.
Ahead of him, Elna waved.
"Over here!"
Her floating chair hovered beside a small wooden stall near the corner. A simple cloth banner hung above it, and baskets filled with herbs, bottles, and dried plants were already arranged neatly on the table.
Vein stepped forward and lowered the crate.
THUMP.
Elna leaned forward, her eyes sparkling as she picked up an apple.
"Hehe. This batch looks good."
Vein rolled his shoulder.
"…carrying things with one arm is still annoying."
Elna smirked.
"Well, obviously. You decided to get half your body chewed by a Nightbound Beast."
She tossed the apple into a basket.
"Be grateful the arm still works."
"…fair point."
—
Vein spent the rest of the morning helping at the stall.
With only one hand free, his tasks were simple. Passing fruit, carrying smaller crates, handing back change when Elna told him how much.
The market remained lively, people moving constantly between stalls. Some glanced at Vein with curiosity, whispers spreading quietly about the young man who had fought a Royal Knight the day before.
Vein ignored it.
For once, he was just helping someone.
And strangely enough—
it felt peaceful.
By late afternoon, the market began to quiet down.
Merchants packed their goods, carts rolled away, and the noise gradually faded.
Elna stretched slightly in her chair.
"Good work today."
She tossed a small pouch toward him.
Vein caught it.
"…what's this?"
"Your pay."
He frowned immediately.
"I can't take this."
Elna rolled her eyes.
"You worked all day. Take it."
He tried to hand it back, but she pushed his arm away.
"Don't argue. Consider it part-time market training."
Vein sighed.
"…fine."
He slipped the pouch into his pocket and turned toward the road leading back to the farm.
—
The evening air had grown colder.
Snow crunched beneath his boots as he walked through the village. Most stalls were already closing, but one remained open near the center of the road.
Various items were displayed across the table—gemstones, simple weapons, travel gear.
Vein slowed.
Then stopped.
A bag caught his attention.
Not too large. Not too small.
A traveler's bag.
Simple leather. Sturdy.
For a moment, he just stared at it.
Then, without thinking too much—
he bought it.
The merchant wrapped it quickly, and Vein took it in his right hand.
"…maybe…"
He glanced down at it.
"…I'll give it to Sylva."
If he saw her again.
—
As he continued walking, voices rose from a nearby alley.
A small crowd had gathered, whispering nervously.
Vein frowned.
"…what's going on?"
Curious, he stepped closer.
Then he froze.
Sylva stood at the center of the alley.
Calm. Unbothered.
Two men lay on the ground beside her, tied tightly with thick rope.
One was massive, nearly as large as a bull, with short horns and dark tattoos covering his upper body.
The other was smaller, with green skin and a lizard-like head. His severed tail lay a few steps away, still twitching faintly.
"…damn woman…" the lizard-man groaned.
Sylva ignored him.
Her gaze had already shifted.
Toward Vein.
The moment she saw him, she walked over.
"What are you doing here?"
Her voice was calm, but her eyes were sharp.
"…I was helping Elna at her stall."
Sylva's brows twitched slightly.
"…Elna?"
Something in her tone shifted.
Subtle.
But unmistakable.
"…yeah."
She crossed her arms.
"Hm."
Silence followed.
Awkward.
"…well," Vein said, scratching his neck, "I should probably head back."
He turned—
But Sylva grabbed his sleeve.
"…wait."
He stopped.
"Hm?"
She looked at him for a moment.
Then tilted her head.
"Did you forget something?"
"…forget something?"
He thought for a moment.
"…I don't think so."
Sylva's cheeks turned faintly red.
She stepped closer.
Then leaned toward him, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"So…"
"…what do you want today?"
Vein blinked.
Sylva looked away, clearly embarrassed, but still continued softly.
"…whatever you ask…"
"…I'll grant it."
—
Vein stood in front of the inn Sylva had rented.
He had been waiting for nearly half an hour.
The sky had turned deep blue, the last traces of sunset fading as cold air settled over the village.
"…maybe she changed her mind."
The door opened.
Footsteps approached.
Vein looked up—
And froze.
Sylva stepped out.
Not in her usual mage robes.
Instead, she wore a dark green dress. Soft black fabric covered her shoulders, and a ribbon rested beneath her collar. The layered skirt moved gently with the wind.
Elegant.
Simple.
Beautiful.
For the first time, she looked less like a mage—
and more like an ordinary girl.
Her silver hair swayed softly, lantern light reflecting in her blue eyes.
She looked at him.
Then quickly looked away.
A faint blush appeared.
She stepped closer, lightly holding the edge of her skirt.
"…so."
Her voice was quieter than usual.
"…how is it?"
Vein stared for a moment longer than necessary.
"…well?" she pressed.
"…say something."
"E-eh—"
He scratched his neck.
"Th-that outfit…"
He hesitated.
Then spoke honestly.
"…it looks really good on you."
Sylva blinked.
"…really?"
He nodded quickly.
"It suits you."
For a moment, she just stared at him.
Then—
she smiled.
A bright, genuine smile.
"…good."
She looked down shyly, unable to hide it.
—
"…but why did you change clothes?" Vein asked.
Sylva stared at him.
"…seriously?"
"…what?"
She turned away with an annoyed huff.
"You're unbelievably dense."
"…huh?"
She muttered under her breath.
"…I wanted to look cute in front of you."
"…what did you say?"
"…nothing."
She crossed her arms.
Then, after a pause—
"…this is the first time someone has ever asked me on a date."
Vein froze.
"…a date?"
"Yes."
"But we're just walking around—"
Her face turned red.
"…isn't walking together…"
"…just the two of us…"
"…basically a date?"
Vein processed that slowly.
"…oh."
From her perspective—
this was absolutely a date.
Which meant—
he had accidentally asked her out.
"…well?"
"…I guess it counts."
Sylva peeked at him.
Her face turned even redder.
Then—
KRRRRUUUK—
A loud sound broke the moment.
Both froze.
Vein looked down.
Sylva covered her stomach instantly.
"…you didn't hear that."
Vein stared.
Then—
he burst out laughing.
"HAHAHA—"
"H-HEY!"
She kicked his leg lightly.
"That's rude!"
"Sorry—" he said, still laughing. "That timing was perfect."
She pouted.
"…I hate you."
"Sure you do."
He gestured toward the lantern-lit street.
"Come on. Let's find something to eat."
Sylva hesitated—
then walked beside him.
Still pouting.
But smiling.
Under the soft glow of the village lanterns—
Vein and Sylva
went on their first date.
—
The night market was still lively.
Rows of lanterns hung across the street, their warm light painting the snow-covered road in soft gold. Merchants called out from their stalls while the smell of grilled meat, sweet pastries, and hot soup drifted through the cold winter air.
Vein and Sylva walked side by side through the crowd.
Sylva looked around with quiet curiosity, her blue eyes moving from stall to stall.
"…there are a lot of people."
"Yeah," Vein said. "The night market's always busy."
They stopped near a food stall where thick steam rose from a large pot. The smell was rich. Deep. Almost addictive.
Sylva leaned closer, her eyes lighting up.
"…Royal Feast Crab."
Vein blinked. "You know it?"
Sylva nodded and pointed at the pot, where chunks of white crab meat floated in golden broth.
"That's from a Royal Feast Crab. A giant crab that lives deep in the ocean."
"…that sounds more like a monster."
"It basically is," she said calmly. "When it's alive, it's terrifying. Its shell is like armor, and its claws can crush fishing boats."
Vein stared at the pot again.
"But once it's cooked…"
Sylva's gaze softened slightly.
"…it becomes one of the most addictive foods in the kingdom. The meat is sweet, soft, and rich. Most people who try it once will want it again."
Vein glanced at the stall owner.
"…sounds expensive."
"One bowl," Sylva said casually. "One gold coin."
Vein froze.
"…one gold coin?"
Sylva nodded.
Then, before he could stop her—
she sat down.
Two bowls were placed in front of them.
Steam rose into the cold air.
Sylva picked up her spoon.
And started eating.
Fast.
Very fast.
Vein had barely taken two bites when Sylva finished her entire bowl.
"…another one please."
The stall owner laughed.
"Coming right up."
Second bowl.
Gone.
"...one more."
Third bowl.
Gone.
Vein slowly lowered his spoon.
"…Sylva."
"Hm?"
"...aren't you afraid of getting fat?"
Silence.
The spoon stopped mid-air.
Sylva slowly turned toward him.
"…what did you just say?"
"…what?"
"You idiot," she said flatly. "There are things you never say to a woman. That's one of them."
"…I didn't call you fat."
"…same thing."
Vein leaned back.
"…women in this world… and women in my old one…"
"…exactly the same."
Sylva ignored him.
"Excuse me. Another bowl."
"…another?"
Fourth bowl.
Vein slowly reached for his coin pouch.
Ten gold coins.
That was everything.
He looked at the pouch.
Then at Sylva.
Then back at the pouch.
One bowl. One coin.
Sylva was already halfway through the fourth.
"…you've got to be kidding me."
Another bite.
Another coin gone.
The pouch felt lighter.
Much lighter.
By the time Sylva finished her sixth bowl, the table was covered in empty dishes.
Vein paid silently.
Six gold coins.
Gone.
Sylva stretched happily.
"Ah… that was good."
Vein tied his pouch back to his belt, staring into the distance like a man who had just suffered a financial tragedy.
—
They continued walking through the market.
The crowd had thinned, and the night had grown quieter. Above them, the winter moon shone brightly, silver light spreading across the snow-covered street.
Sylva walked beside him in silence, her silver hair reflecting the moonlight.
The quiet between them felt… comfortable.
They passed a shop selling adventurer equipment. Leather belts, travel pouches, charms made from monster bones, and small weapons lined the display.
"…adventurer gear," Sylva said.
"Yeah. Travelers pass through here all the time."
She examined a small wolf-fang charm, then placed it back.
They kept walking.
Further ahead, bright banners and laughter filled the air. A row of game stalls had gathered a crowd.
Knife throwing.
Sylva picked one up casually and threw it.
THUNK.
Dead center.
Another.
THUNK.
Perfect again.
The stall owner stared.
"…well. Guess you win."
Next came archery.
She drew the bow.
Release.
Bullseye.
Again.
Bullseye.
Again.
Bullseye.
Vein shook his head.
"…remind me never to fight you."
Sylva giggled softly.
At another stall, three cups were shuffled quickly over a glowing crystal.
"Where is it?" the man asked.
Sylva pointed instantly.
"That one."
Correct.
The man sighed.
"…how?"
"…magic."
Before Vein could respond, music filled the street.
Drums. Flutes. Strange instruments.
A crowd gathered.
"…a parade," Sylva said.
Soon it appeared.
Massive creatures moved slowly through the street. A horned beast glowing with patterns. A giant lizard with crystal spikes. A floating jellyfish creature shining with soft blue light.
They looked dangerous.
But calm.
Children laughed and ran beside them.
Lantern light reflected across scales and fur.
Sylva watched quietly.
"…beautiful."
Vein glanced at her.
For a moment, he wasn't sure what he was looking at.
The parade.
Or her.
—
The night had grown quiet.
The crowd had thinned, and most of the stalls were already closing. Lantern light flickered softly across the snow-covered street, casting long shadows over the empty road. The cold air settled in, sharper now that the noise had faded.
Vein and Sylva walked side by side.
Neither of them spoke.
Then—
"…Sylva."
She looked at him.
"Hm?"
Vein hesitated for a moment.
"…there's something I wanted to give you."
Sylva blinked.
"…give me?"
A small leather bag.
Simple.
Sturdy.
Meant for travel.
"…I saw it earlier," Vein said, scratching his neck. "Thought you might need it."
Sylva stared at it.
For a moment, she didn't move.
Then slowly—
she reached out and took it.
Her fingers brushed lightly against his before closing around the leather.
"…for me?"
"…yeah."
Silence.
She looked down at the bag, running her fingers along its surface.
Then—
a small smile appeared.
Soft.
Genuine.
"…I like it."
Her voice was quiet.
But warm.
She held it close for a moment longer.
Then suddenly—
She stepped closer.
"…Vein."
"Hm?"
Without warning—
she grabbed his hand.
"…come with me."
Vein blinked.
"Wait—where are we going?"
"I want to show you something."
Her voice stayed calm.
But her hand tightened slightly.
Before he could ask anything else, she pulled him forward.
The lantern lights faded behind them.
Snow crunched beneath their steps as she led him toward the forest.
The market sounds faded behind them as they entered the forest path outside the town.
Snow crunched beneath their boots.
Moonlight filtered through the trees.
Then—
the forest opened.
Vein stopped.
A wide meadow stretched before them, covered in pale blue and white flowers.
Even in winter.
Moonlight poured across the field, turning it silver.
Sylva ran forward.
Her steps were light as she reached the center, petals swaying around her.
Then she stopped.
The moonlight fell on her.
Her silver hair glowed softly.
The world felt still.
Silent.
She turned back.
Smiling.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Vein looked at her.
"…yeah."
"Very beautiful."
But he wasn't looking at the field.
He walked toward her.
Then sat down.
Back to back.
Their shoulders touched lightly.
Neither spoke.
Above them, the moon watched quietly over the endless sea of flowers.
—
They sat there, back to back.
Their shoulders touched lightly.
The cold of winter no longer felt sharp.
Only quiet.
Only warmth.
The flowers swayed gently under the moonlight.
For a while—
neither of them spoke.
Then—
"…Vein."
Her voice was soft.
"Hm?"
There was a brief pause.
"…next week…"
She hesitated.
"…I'm leaving Velmora."
Vein blinked.
"…leaving?"
Sylva gave a small nod, even though he couldn't see it.
"You don't believe me?"
"…no, it's not that," Vein said quietly. "Just… sudden."
She exhaled softly.
"I'm a traveler, Vein."
Her fingers tightened slightly against the fabric of her dress.
"I can't stay in one place for too long."
Silence followed.
"…I see," Vein murmured.
The wind passed through the field.
Then—
"…and also…"
Sylva's voice dropped slightly.
She lowered her gaze.
Her hand moved, lightly touching the bag Vein had given her.
"…I want to ask you something."
Vein stayed still.
"…come travel with me."
The words were quiet.
Almost carried away by the wind.
"You're strong now, Vein."
Her fingers tightened around the bag.
"You can survive out there."
Silence.
The world felt still.
The moonlight stretched across the endless field of flowers.
Vein didn't answer.
He couldn't.
Because for the first time—
He realized.
This wasn't just a walk.
This wasn't just a night.
It was a choice.
And no matter what he said—
Everything after this
would change.
—
Eventually, they left the meadow.
The forest guided them back toward the town.
Lantern light returned.
At the edge of the street, they stopped.
This was where they parted.
"…well," Sylva said. "I guess this is it."
"…yeah."
Silence lingered.
Then she smiled.
"Don't think too hard."
Her eyes met his.
"You still have a week."
"…yeah."
"Good night, Vein."
"Good night."
She walked away.
Her figure disappeared among the lantern lights.
Vein stood there for a moment.
Then turned.
The road toward the farm was quiet.
Snow crunched beneath his boots.
But his thoughts were elsewhere.
Stay.
Train.
Live a quiet life.
Or leave.
Travel the world.
And follow Sylva.
The cold wind passed through the empty road.
Vein walked on.
Still unsure
which path
he would choose.