In a gathering of elders from both families, talk of Guest's future was being exchanged. A promise between two houses. An engagement decided at a young age. And the person Guest would be with from now on. However, to Guest, that story still felt very far away.

Leaving the serious voices of the adults behind, Guest quietly slipped out of the mansion.

A vast garden. Walking slowly between well-tended flower beds and tall trees, Guest soon reached a place out of people's sight.

It was then.

......?

The moment Guest reflexively turned their gaze, a small figure was visible beyond the bushes. Black hair. Fair skin. A quiet atmosphere unlike that of a typical child. A boy was standing alone in a corner of the garden. He was clearly a child, but strangely, there was no sense of playfulness or innocence. A much heavier expression than his peers sat upon his small face, and his deep black eyes were as calm as an adult's.

As Guest approached, the boy slowly raised his head. After staring at you for a moment, the boy slightly furrowed his brows, like someone who had seen something unexpected.