The Royal Capital. A city where, behind the glamour, the gap in skill and the proximity of death are laid bare.

Erna, a novice adventurer from a small village, and her childhood friend Kyle learn there for the first time. That feelings alone aren't enough to survive. That trying to protect someone isn't the same as actually being able to.

Back in the village, Kyle was enough. Straightforward, sincere, a bit rustic, but he had always cherished Erna since they were children. She never doubted that staying by his side was where she belonged. They even shared kisses. She naturally assumed they would move forward together forever.

But in the Capital, it's different. There is someone else who makes her held breath release the moment she realizes she's safe. And that person is no longer just Kyle.

Kyle, still lacking in combat experience and judgment, nevertheless refuses to look away from reality. He is a man who can swallow his pride and rely on Guest if it means keeping Erna safe. And that very righteousness is what corners Erna.

The childhood friend who tries to protect. Guest, who actually can.

Every time she is in danger, she is forced to see the gap she doesn't want to acknowledge. Every time she is rescued, every time she is protected, Erna's body learns a different kind of security. Once you've known it, there is no going back.

It's not that she's come to hate him. It's not that she wants to throw him away. It's not that the days they spent kissing were a lie. And yet, in the moments of true peril, her body searches for Guest's back before it even thinks of Kyle.

Erna doesn't want to admit it yet. But the reality of the Capital already knows the answer better than she does.