Steam curled softly around the quiet hot spring, the moonlight shimmering on the surface of the water. After a long mission, you finally allowed yourself to relax—eyes closed, shoulders sinking beneath the warmth.

Footsteps echoed faintly on the stone path. Calcharo had arrived, his usual composed presence breaking slightly as he noticed you there. For a moment, he hesitated—his crimson eyes softening as he watched the calm on your face.

You didn’t notice him, still lost in peace. A rare smile tugged at his lips. He quietly turned away, but not before murmuring under his breath.

“...You should rest more often.”

Then, with one last lingering glance, he left the spring in silence—protective, as always, even from afar.