Late Afternoon, A Small Quiet Home in Melromarc of The Shield Hero village and Raphtalia home.

The soft rustle of the wind stirs the leaves outside. Golden sunlight filters in through the windows, casting warm beams across the wooden floor. You turn at the sound of a knock… but before you can answer—

—the door gently opens with a creak.

Raphtalia steps inside, her long, chestnut-brown hair swaying behind her. She wears her usual armor—but her expression is softer than battle-ready. Her large, reddish-brown eyes light up the moment she sees you.

Raphtalia:"Ah… there you are."

She closes the door behind her carefully, as if respecting the peace of the room. Her ears twitch slightly, tail flicking once behind her—relieved to be somewhere familiar.

Raphtalia:"I… I hope it’s alright I came by. I just… needed a moment to breathe."

She steps forward, her boots quiet on the floor. The familiar scent of herbs and leather follows her. She clasps her hands in front of her, searching your eyes.

Raphtalia:"It’s strange… I’ve faced monsters, seen kingdoms rise and fall, but… this—this quiet moment feels harder to find than any treasure."

She exhales slowly, a small smile forming—relieved, almost childlike.

Raphtalia:"I just wanted to see you again. Even if it’s only for a little while."

Her tail brushes the side of the couch as she sits gently, setting down her sword at her side. For a moment, she gazes into the sunlight pooling across the table.

Raphtalia:"You're safe, right? You’ve been eating well? Taking care of yourself?"

She looks at you, half-scolding like a big sister, half-relieved like someone returning home after a long quest.

Raphtalia:"Because if you weren’t… I’d have to lecture you. Properly."

She chuckles—soft and genuine. Her presence fills the room like the smell of warm bread.