Moonlight filtered through the towering wutong trees, illuminating a patch of courtyard ground. Though the air was stifling, the moonlit night always brought a hint of coolness—this continent’s magical moonlight.

Silvery light bathed the earth like a sugar-frosted mint leaf. It turned the grass tender white and exuded coolness, easing the summer night’s heat.

Ken searched everywhere but couldn’t find who he sought. Under the ancient, half-century-old tree, he unconsciously relaxed his furrowed brows.

“Finally found you.”

As expected, Allen lay on a branch, gazing leisurely at the distant moon, lost in thought.

Chirp—chirp—

The long cicada cries pierced the silent night, making the summer air more restless and stifling.

The bright moon seemed magical, endlessly drawing Allen in. She stayed silent, deep in contemplation.

Seeing Allen wouldn’t speak, Ken hoisted his basket and scrambled up the tree in seconds.

As usual, she wore an oversized men’s shirt that hung loosely on her, barely staying on. Below, perfectly fitted breeches covered her legs. Her bright silver hair tangled wildly, as if never combed.

Allen turned to him but said nothing.

Time seemed frozen as they silently locked eyes.

“Pfft… haha…” Allen chuckled dryly.

Ken felt confused. On her beautiful face, he saw a trace of self-mockery.

Though she forced a smile, her unnaturally pretty features betrayed her true thoughts.

“You know, climbing this wutong tree took me most of the night,” she finally said, words Ken didn’t grasp.

“I don’t understand.”

“Haha… never mind,” Allen replied with a bitter laugh.

Her body felt boneless and frail. She had no Frenzy or elemental affinity—not even a hint. On this continent, even plants held elemental affinity. Yet she had none, useless as a cripple. She couldn’t be a mage or a warrior.

Worse, an old leg injury ached fiercely during intense movement. A hidden tendon wound refused to heal. That’s why climbing took Allen so long—not from laziness, but her injury.

She wanted to tell Ken, but suspicion held her back. She swallowed her pride with a bitter smile.

“Want some cake?”

Ken knew Allen wouldn’t revisit the topic, so he swiftly changed it.

Allen stared into his brown eyes, silent for a long moment.

“Yes.” She finally spoke, grabbing a cream cake from Ken’s basket. She stuffed it into her mouth, chewing quietly.

Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, layered with unspoken worries. Ken wanted to help but stayed silent, watching the girl devour the cake like she was taking out frustration.

After a while, she finished the cake and drifted back into silence. Bored, Ken lay on the branch and started counting stars.

The eerie quiet hummed with cicadas and frogs in duet, shifting like a melody.

“324, 325…” Ken counted to 326 when Allen finally spoke.

“When I was little, I always dreamed of climbing this tree. To gaze at the stars from the canopy, study the constellations in books. But after that incident, my brothers locked me in my room. I was technically free, but really? I was under house arrest.” She brushed a silver strand from her forehead.

“How’d you know?” Ken asked. He didn’t understand such things. When he’d delivered Allen’s letter to Grand Duke Mana, all three in the hall looked guilty and fell silent. Fresh from the mountains, Ken was slow but sensed hidden truths. They avoided mentioning Allen, distrusting his skills—until he unleashed his pure azure Frenzy, lighting half the hall. They relented, accepting him as a retainer per Allen’s recommendation.

“Ever seen servants sneakily watch you eat a meal?” Allen paused, her wine-red eyes dimming briefly before refocusing.

“They treat me like livestock… denying me basic human dignity. When Master Mi—Michelangelo—took me away, I only knew the world up to age eight.”

“You know, no matter how I adjust, I can’t adapt. I feel like an eight-year-old mind trapped in a teen’s body. They mocked me as slow. My allowance passed from Father to my brothers, who always skimmed some off. What reached me was pitiful. At school, others ‘borrowed’ it—never returned. Sometimes I begged Michelangelo for help. He reported my brothers’ theft to Father, but Father ignored it. He never noticed his other students stole from me too. But that stopped soon after. I grew strong. When I awakened Frenzy, no one at school could beat me. No one ‘borrowed’ money again.”

“Funny, right? Hahaha…” Allen laughed hollowly. These memories flashed like a reel—rushed, over. Was she even the original Allen now? A cloned puppet? She didn’t know. Didn’t want to know. She clung to being herself.

Just… a little changed. Helpless. So helpless…

Silence returned. Ken stayed quiet.

“Thirsty?” Ken broke the quiet.

“Mm.” Allen was surprised. She’d spoken more tonight than ever before—usually so tight-lipped. Yes, she was thirsty.

Ken pulled a teapot and two ceramic cups from his basket. He poured ruby-red tea and handed her a cup.

“You’re doing well, huh? Helping yourself to kitchen cakes and tea. Back then, I had to sneak them at midnight.” Allen chatted lightly.

“Yeah, thanks to your recommendation letter. Otherwise, I’d still be in the mountains. Your father and brothers left the capital. As a retainer, I manage everything here now.”

“I see… retainer…” Allen muttered. Retainer. Bitterness rose in her chest. No matter how hard she’d tried to please her brothers, she’d never earned a word of thanks. She wasn’t even worth retainer status. Jealousy mixed with resignation. Truth was, she didn’t recall writing that letter. All her efforts—even dying—earned only a flicker of pity from Mana. Unfair. But fate kept punching her face.

Her death had finally let Mana forget her peacefully.

Now back in this mansion, she had no direction. Once, she’d wielded Frenzy so powerfully she could’ve been Hero without blinking. Few on this continent surpassed her. Now, without Frenzy, she’d lost everything. No second chances.

Like fish on a butcher’s block. Even ordinary people could overpower her with basic Frenzy-enhanced strength. She’d tried countless times to sense Frenzy—nothing. No elemental affinity either. An outcast. Unnatural.

Even with Frenzy… the leg injury reminded her daily: she was weak. Only fit to be protected.

“Thank you…” Allen blurted unexpectedly.

“The tea’s good,” she added.

And for listening to my long story.

“No need to thank me. We’re friends.”

“Friends…”

“Yes. Friends~”

“Thanks~”

“I said no thanks needed.”

“Still… thank you~”

“Alright,” Ken sighed.

“Allen…” Ken said casually.

“I actually…” he continued.

“Actually what?” His hesitation confused her.

“Nothing. I’m leaving tomorrow. Back to the capital’s outskirts for school.” He choked back the rest.

“My three-day break’s over. Need to earn credits…”

…Silence.

“Goodbye…”

“Goodbye.”

Ken jumped down, not looking back as he headed to his room.