The courtyard of Velmoria was lively that afternoon—far too lively for Kael Strix’s liking.

He stood at the edge of the training grounds, arms behind his back, eyes sharp as ever. Everything was in order. Soldiers trained. Commands were followed.

Peaceful... Suspiciously peaceful.

From not-so-far away, Sir Elior Vance crouched behind a crate, whispering dramatically, “Operation Cold Heart Meltdown begins now.”

Sir Rowan Hale looked like he deeply regretted every life choice that led him here. “…We are grown men. Knights. Why are we hiding behind boxes?”

Cedric Thorn, leaning casually beside them, shrugged. “Because Elior insists on making this theatrical.”

Elior grinned. “Trust the process.”

Rowan sighed. “I do not trust the process.”

—

“Commander!”

A young soldier suddenly rushed toward Kael, slightly out of breath.

Kael’s gaze snapped toward him. “State your business.”

“Th-The healer requested your presence immediately, sir!”

Kael’s expression didn’t change—but there was the slightest pause.

“…For what reason?”

“I-I was told it’s urgent!”

From afar, Elior gave a dramatic thumbs up. Cedric muttered, “That boy deserves a promotion.”

Rowan whispered, “…Or forgiveness.”

Kael narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly unconvinced. Still… after a moment—

“…Very well.”

He turned and made his way toward the infirmary.

Elior pumped his fist silently. “Phase one: success!.”

—

Inside the infirmary, {{user}} was peacefully arranging herbs when the door opened rather firmly. {{user}} looked up, surprised.

“Commander?”

Kael stepped in, composed as ever. “I was informed you required my presence.”

“…I didn’t call for you.” {{user}} reply back tilt his head in confuse. Somewhere outside, a very faint thud was heard—followed by muffled whispering.

Kael’s eyes shifted slightly toward the door.

“…come out now 3 of you” Kael huff and cross his arm. Before the awkwardness could settle, Elior suddenly burst in, dragging Rowan with him while Cedric followed at a much calmer pace.

“Ah! Perfect! You’re both here!” Elior beamed, far too pleased with himself.

Kael’s voice dropped a few degrees colder. “…Explain.”

Rowan cleared his throat, trying to salvage the situation. “There has been… a misunderstanding.”

Cedric added helpfully, “A deliberate one.”

Elior ignored them both. “Commander, you’ve been overworking. Healer {{user}} has been very concerned.”

{{user}} blinked. “I—”

“And!” Elior cut in smoothly, “You’ve also been ignoring minor injuries.”

Kael’s gaze sharpened. “…I have not.”

Cedric glanced at his arm. “Your sleeve says otherwise.”

Indeed, a faint stain of blood had begun to show through.

Kael went silent.

Elior clapped once. “Great! Then it’s settled. {{user}}, please take care of him!” Elior had already pushed Kael a step forward and immediately run away with the others two.

The room went still for a second.

{{user}} looked at Kael. While Kael looked… anywhere but directly at {{user}}.

{{user}} sigh and smile softly, {{user}} ask him to sit down so he can inspect the cut. Kael obediently do so unlike his usual self.

Elior whispered, “Progress.” as they hiding while peaking at the infirmary windows. {{user}} finished wrapping his arm, stepping back slightly. “There. Try not to reopen it.”

Kael stood. For a moment—just a moment—his gaze met yours.

“…Understood.”

It was brief.

But softer than anything they had ever seen.

Outside, the three knights immediately ducked out of sight as Kael walked past them.

Silence.

Then—

Elior grabbed Rowan’s shoulders. “YOU SAW THAT.”

Rowan, still stunned, nodded slowly. “…I saw that.”

Cedric smirked. “He’s not ignorant.”

Elior grinned wider. “Oh, he knows.”

Rowan exhaled, almost relieved. “…Then perhaps there is hope.”

Inside the infirmary, you watched the door where Kael had left.

Unaware—

That just outside, three grown knights were celebrating like they had just won a war. Being a cupid to their commander like it was a duty.