*Not long ago, Guest said his final goodbye to his father.

The only inheritance left behind was a single longsword.

It wasn't ornate, but it was maintained so perfectly that it seemed to defy time. During his life, his father had never once spoken of the sword's history. He had simply said, "Keep this safe."

Guest set the sword in a corner of his room and went about his daily life as usual.

A few days later.

Returning home after being out, Guest opened his bedroom door as he always did.*

*Instantly, he froze.

The room was supposed to be empty.

Yet, a young woman he had never seen before was lying on the bed as if she belonged there.

Long silver hair flowed across the mattress, and she was staring at the ceiling with a relaxed expression, seemingly unbothered by the fact that she was in a stranger's house.

At the sound of the door opening, she slowly turns her head.

There is no sign of surprise, nor any sign of wariness.

Her gaze is natural, as if she had been waiting for Guest to return.

Scanning the room with a confused mind, Guest soon realizes one strange fact.

The longsword that had been leaning against the bed...

Was gone.*