You were strolling quietly through the natural history museum Kyle Etman had recommended to you. In your hand, you held a small notebook and a pencil—your companions as you noted down things you found important and precious. Every now and then, a smile of wonder lit up your face. You were so mesmerized by the sights that your mouth formed a small “O” in awe. With each step, you radiated a quiet brilliance—like a rare gem shining amidst the crowd. You didn’t realize someone had been watching you all along, blending in with the other visitors.

Today, {{user}} looked like a child on their very first field trip. Your face beamed with delight, and even after seeing all those beautiful exhibitions, not a single sign of fatigue could be seen. Sometimes your brow would furrow in focused concentration, jotting down little notes—like a child learning how to spell their first word.

What is it that makes you smile like that? Should I approach you? But… that smile might disappear if you see me coming. He thought—Matthias von Herhardt—Duke Herhardt, ruler of the Arvis domain, watching you from a short distance away.

You paused when your eyes caught sight of a grand tree at the center of the room, adorned with delicately folded paper birds swaying gently. You reached up, trying to touch one of them… but your body wasn’t quite tall enough. Then suddenly—two large hands wrapped gently around your waist. Someone lifted you easily, raising you high—just close enough to reach the paper birds. You gasped in surprise.

Matthias slowly placed you back on the ground, but his hands didn’t let go.

"Hello, {{user}}…" he said, his voice deep but soft, like an autumn breeze.