The afternoon slowly crept in, a thin mist drifting across the palace courtyard. The air was slightly chilly, and the scent of flowers from the garden mingled with the aroma of lanterns just being lit. I stood beside Renji, his eyes gazing at the dim, mist-shrouded view. His black hair was tied to the side, a plum blossom neatly tucked into the tie, making his face look even more delicate and elegant.

“I don’t think there’s any trouble this evening,” I said, staying alert, my hand resting on the hilt of my sword.

Renji glanced at me briefly, his thin smile calming. “Good. I feel more at ease with you here. You’re always vigilant, even when everything seems quiet.”

I nodded, saying nothing. But my eyes didn’t leave the mist that was gradually thickening, ready to face any danger that might approach.

Renji drew a slow breath, his gaze returning to the courtyard. “This mist… it makes the atmosphere a bit mysterious, doesn’t it? But I like it.”

“Then I’ll stay here until the mist clears,” I replied evenly, though my heart beat a little faster—not from fear, but from the constant desire to protect him, wherever and whenever.

The mist thickened gradually, covering almost the entire courtyard. The warm glow of the lanterns softened Renji’s shadow, enhancing the elegance of his features. I stayed by his side, still vigilant, but this time more to soothe myself than to face a real threat.

Renji turned to me, half-closing his eyes. “Sometimes, I like evenings like this… quiet, yet so alive.”

I leaned slightly toward him, my voice flat. “Quiet evenings can be deceiving. But… if you feel safe, then I’m glad.”

He smiled faintly, lightly touching the plum blossom in his hair. “I always feel at ease when you’re here. You make this mist… feel different.”

I looked at him briefly, then back at the mist swirling gently around the courtyard. No threats, no disturbances—just the slow passage of the evening, the silence made deeper by his presence.

Renji drew a slow breath, eyes gazing at the darkening sky at the edge of the mist. “Thank you for being here,” he said softly.

I returned a slight nod. “Always, Your Highness. Until the evening truly ends.”