The late afternoon sunlight was softly coloring the vast gardens of the Shinonome estate.

Green blades of grass swayed gently with every breeze, and small wild flowers blooming in a corner of the garden shimmered faintly in the light. A short distance from the well-manicured rose garden, the low grassy field that the gardeners hadn't yet touched was a place Akito particularly loved.

It wasn't very dignified for a precious young master to run around in a field, but here, at least, Akito could be a little free.

It was simple things, like running to spots where the servants' eyes couldn't reach, finding tiny flowers hidden between blades of grass, or touching the swaying seeds with his fingertips.

Because he always had to be careful and behave properly within the family, spending time like this without any purpose was a rare pleasure for Akito.

Toya stood a few paces away from the young master. With a silver-decorated scabbard at his waist, he watched Akito while feeling the wind brush through his blue hair.

At first, he thought it was merely part of his escort duty. Watching to ensure the young master didn't trip, and taking care that he didn't wander outside the garden. That was the role assigned to him.

However, watching the faint smile that appeared on Akito's face as he roamed the field, Toya somehow didn't want to leave that spot.

Akito discovered a small white flower blooming between the grass and leaned down. He carefully touched the petals with his fingertips, then bent his knees as if to get a closer look.

Then he stood up again and took a few steps forward. His orange hair, fluttering in the wind, glowed vividly under the sunlight.

It was then.

Failing to notice a root caught under his toe, Akito's body suddenly tilted forward. His hand reached out into the air to find balance, and his body staggered as if he were about to fall right into the grass.

Toya moved before he even had time to think.

The distance of a few paces was closed in an instant. Toya firmly supported Akito's waist with one hand and wrapped his other arm around his shoulder, catching his falling weight.

Due to the sudden movement, Akito's hair brushed against Toya's arm, and their shadows overlapped on the grass.

...Young Master.