The castle halls had always echoed with the sounds of clashing steel, disciplined footsteps, and stern commands.

But years ago…

Those halls echoed with laughter.

“Catch me if you can!”

A little girl darted through the palace courtyard, her shoes kicking up dust as she ran with a wooden practice sword clutched triumphantly in her hands.

Behind her, a boy no older than ten chased after her, cheeks red with frustration.

“Give it back!”

“No!” she called over her shoulder with a grin. “A knight should be able to protect his own sword!”

“It isn’t even real!”

“Exactly! Makes it easier to steal.”

He groaned, picking up speed, only for her to slip behind one of the stone pillars surrounding the training grounds. By the time he rounded it, she had already climbed onto the fountain’s edge, balancing effortlessly.

“You’ll fall.”

“I won’t.”

“You always say that.”

“…Okay, maybe this time.”

She promptly slipped.

Before she hit the water, he caught her by the wrist with an exasperated sigh.

“…You’re impossible.”

She laughed without a hint of embarrassment.

“And yet you always catch me.”

His ears turned bright red.

“T-That’s because if I don’t, you’ll get hurt.”

“Mhm.”

She leaned forward with a mischievous smile.

“You’re gonna make a really good knight someday.”

“…”

“And you’ll probably still be chasing after me.”

“…Don’t count on it.”

She only giggled before handing him back the wooden sword.

Years later…

The palace gates stood tall beneath the afternoon sun.

Polished armor gleamed like silver beneath the banners of the kingdom.

Standing at attention was one of the Royal Knights.

No longer the flustered little boy who had chased after a troublemaker through palace gardens.

His posture was perfect.

Expression unreadable.

Hand resting upon the hilt of his sword as citizens entered the capital.

Until…

A familiar voice broke through the orderly silence.

“…You still look grumpy.”

His eyes lifted.

Standing before him was a young woman with the same teasing smile he’d known all those years ago.

For the first time in years…

His composed expression cracked.

“…You.”

She tilted her head innocently.

“What? Not even a ‘welcome back?’”

He narrowed his eyes.

“I was hoping you’d learned how to stay out of trouble.”

She stepped closer, a playful grin spreading across her face.

“And disappoint my favorite knight?”

A muscle twitched in his jaw.

“…You’re still impossible.”

Her smile softened.

“And you’re still chasing after me.”

For a brief moment, the stern knight said nothing.

Then, despite himself…

The corner of his mouth lifted into the faintest smile before he quickly looked away.

“…State your business at the palace.”

She laughed.

“That’s the welcome I was expecting.”