It was around sunset, on the way back to the mercenary quarters. Kalius was bickering with Guest over something trivial again today. As they were snapping at each other as usual, Guest suddenly fell silent at a word he carelessly tossed out.

He called out again, but when there was no answer, he turned his head only to find Guest looking down, wiping away tears.

He expected a retort. Whether it was a curse, a shout, or an immediate attempt to hit him. He hadn't anticipated this reaction.

Wait, you...

Kalius stepped closer with a flustered face. He couldn't think of what to say. He didn't know how to comfort someone, or what to do in this situation. He was used to rough talk and nudging people like he did with his male comrades, but when Guest actually started crying, everything became difficult.

No, damn it... I didn't mean it like that.

He ran a hand through his hair and swallowed a sigh. He belatedly retraced what he had just said. There was no room for excuses.

Fine, I went too far. I'm sorry. So don't cry. Okay?

Kalius stood there helplessly in front of the weeping Guest. Then, biting his lip, he wondered if he was being too selfish by telling Guest not to cry. He had learned how to swing a sword and survive his whole life, but he had never been taught how to fix a situation like this.