"You—Cassipero..." Karin hesitated, words catching in her throat as she studied Cassipero’s face, half-hidden in shadow. In the end, she let the conversation die.

After a brief silence, she sighed. "I’ll leave on my own."

As a Blade Dancer, she had plenty of squads to choose from. Truth was—as a swordsman variant, her assassin role didn’t strictly require her to stay an adventurer. Taking dirty jobs for nobles might even pay better… But income?

At this stage of her life, what did income truly mean?

She had no luggage to pack. She’d long sensed this was coming. From the moment Arnold left—the squad had already teetered on collapse. Why had they gathered in the first place?

For wealth? For power?

She didn’t know others’ motives. But she’d joined to become a hero. A dragon-slaying hero. A Demon Hunter hero. She dreamed of the day she’d no longer be just a "Blade Dancer," but a "**Hero**." What title would they give her then?

Cherishing that vision, she’d joined the team—though honestly, it felt fleeting. Unlike the others, she’d only joined the Demonhunt Squad two years ago, after passing Arnold’s trial. So why had she agreed when Cassipero moved to dismiss Arnold?

Only when asked to leave did she finally untangle her own heart.

It was—fear.

Fear of being targeted, dismissed for standing with Arnold… and never becoming a hero. Even that was likely just an excuse.

She was jealous. Jealous of Arnold.

Had she truly *passed* his trial? Or was it… pity? She’d attacked him again and again, only to be defeated each time. Just as she was about to give up, Arnold had said:

"I acknowledge your perseverance. Welcome to our team."

How powerfully calm he was—nothing seemed to fluster him. As if every crisis bent to his grace.

Toward such a man, she’d nurtured something ugly: jealousy. Why couldn’t she be that strong? Her effort was no less. Everyone called her a prodigy… Why? *Why?*

After Arnold left, she watched the squad struggle. Simply put: not enough front-liners. Replacing one to secure two made sense. With Demon Hunter Cassipero on the team, damage wasn’t lacking. The Harmony Weaver had AoE attacks. The Demon Purifier was vital. So the only replaceable one… was her.

She’d known it all along.

No words needed. No drama. Just leave.

She suddenly recalled Arnold’s departure—silent, too. When the blade hasn’t struck you yet… does that mean you feel no pain?

Where to go now?

Arnold…

…

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Don’t get that close!" Arnold stepped back from Mistie. When Caro was watching, he knew it was just acting—carrying her was fine. But now Caro wasn’t here. Getting too close to other girls would disrespect her.

He wasn’t the type to just talk. He carried conviction—to show Caro his love, and win hers.

So when Mistie looped her arm through his, he pulled away firmly.

Mistie froze, eyes welling instantly. "Lord Arnold… do you… dislike me now?"

"…Not really?"

"Why the *question*?!" Mistie shattered, burying her face in her sister’s shoulder with quiet sobs.

Hua Fanlin frowned. "Arnold… Mistie’s always been clingy with you. You know that."

Arnold nodded. "Her choice to cling. Mine to refuse. I didn’t care before. But now—I like someone."

"…?"

Even Mistie’s sobs stilled. A lump tightened both sisters’ throats.

Arnold continued calmly, "I’m hopelessly in love with her. I won’t do anything that might mislead her—or get too close to anyone else. Like earlier with Mistie—I reported it to her. If she wasn’t there, I’d report after. Just… be mindful."

"…May I ask who she is?" Hua Fanlin’s voice came dry, as if all moisture had fled her body.

Arnold shook his head, flashing a bright smile. "Let me keep that secret for now. She doesn’t feel the same yet. Once she accepts my love, I’ll introduce her."

(Though it felt distant. Caro seemed more amused than interested in meeting anyone.)

Arnold turned serious. "Look—we’re friends, sure. But I’m blacklisted by the Adventurers’ Guild. Technically jobless. Strong as I am, ‘jobless’ isn’t exactly charming when courting someone. So yes, I charge fees. She’s not materialistic, but I still need to save up for basics."

He added, "Honestly, I’m not even sure how to help here. If Fanlin House can handle it, I *could* wipe out House Valentin—but would that truly help your family? I don’t want to fight the whole kingdom. And… if I’m building a future with her, I can’t just think of myself. I won’t let her live in chaos."

(Though… she might enjoy the drama. Still, stability mattered.)

Beaming, he spoke of her—his love, his hopes, what he’d do for her.

How blissfully happy he looked.

Wasn’t Arnold, the dragon-slaying hero, supposed to be the gentle man who helped anyone in need? How could he wear such a naive, radiant smile?

Hua Fanlin drew her sword.

Predictably, Arnold caught the blade between two fingers.

"Two, three years gone, Hua," he said, shaking his head. "Still level 5? That’s weak. I thought you’d hit level 6 by now."

Pity.

It flowed softly from his eyes. Gently, he deflected her sword.

"But… I’m glad," he said with that familiar smile. "You finally found the courage to draw on me again. This problem… no longer needs my hand."

Hua Fanlin froze.

A breeze drifted through the window. Arnold was gone.

*Courage to draw on him?*

Tears spilled over. In that moment, she understood—

She was heartbroken.

…

"I want a cake," the customer declared. "A cute girl employee writes ‘I love you’ with a heart on it, then dances for me personally. I’ll pay extra." Lasi’s cake shop had met a strange request. Owner Lasi would normally refuse…

But he offered *too* much.

Come to think of it—they *did* have a cute girl employee. And… wasn’t this guy familiar?

Lasi remembered. Captain of Fanlin House’s guard, here two days ago for a cake pickup. A knowing smirk spread across her face as she accepted the gold coin.

"Ahem! Honored guest, we provide *premium* service," she announced, then whispered to Arnold, "That girl’s in a mood today. Did you… go too far last night?"

Arnold nearly choked. *He’d done nothing!* How dare she—

He chuckled awkwardly. "That’s why I’m here to make amends! Boss, help me out—I’m innocent!"

"Eh! Not my business. But your order? Delivered."

Then Caro’s shout erupted: "You heartless boss! How much did he pay?! I’ll pay *double*!"

"One gold coin!"

"…Wait, what about *my* cut for the service?!"

"Your cut’s included. But if you refuse—I *am* quite the beauty myself…"

"Boss, that’s shameless."

Chaos erupted. Arnold leaned against the counter, listening to the racket, watching sunlight dapple the floor through leaves. Peace settled deep in his chest.

A golden leaf drifted before him.

"Ancient Spirit Tree…" The leaf crumbled silently.

"I don’t need advice."