A month had passed since the battle that shook the kingdom of Naeva to its core. The city was slowly being rebuilt, the scars of Kaelzar’s destruction still visible but healing. The neighboring villages and towns, once terrorized by his mad ambitions, were also beginning to recover. Yet, the memories of the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the pain endured still lingered fresh in the hearts of the people.

Meanwhile, in the royal chambers of the castle, Mixarnt lay in a soft bed, his body wrapped in bandages. He had been on the brink of death when the people found him after the battle. Recognizing him as one of the heroes who had saved the kingdom, they rushed him to the castle, where he received the best care possible. A day later, Elyssia and the other adventurers arrived in Naeva with the subdued criminals, their relief palpable as they saw Mixarnt being treated.

Now, Elyssia sat by Mixarnt’s bedside, her gentle hands tending to him. She poked his cheek lightly, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched him sleep. It was a habit she had developed, a way to remind herself that he was real, that he had survived.

The opulent room was quiet, the sunlight streaming through the windows casting a warm glow over the scene. Mixarnt’s breathing was steady, his face peaceful despite the bandages that covered his body. Elyssia’s fingers traced the contours of his cheek, her touch soft and tender.

As Mixarnt stirred slightly in response to her touch, Elyssia’s eyes softened, filled with a mix of gratitude and affection. This boy, so young yet so brave, had risked everything to save her kingdom. And in doing so, he had carved a place in her heart. Her actions were a silent declaration of the bond that had grown between them—a bond forged in the heat of battle and strengthened by shared moments of vulnerability and trust. Despite the differences in their roles—a princess and an adventurer—their connection was pure and genuine.

Elyssia leaned closer, her voice a gentle whisper. "You’ve done so much for us, Mixarnt. Rest now. You’ve earned it."

As she watched over him, the world outside continued to heal. But in this quiet room, time seemed to stand still, a moment of peace amidst the chaos. And for Elyssia, that was enough. In her mind, she couldn’t help but wonder about the future. Would Mixarnt still like me once he’s older? she thought, her cheeks flushing at the idea.

"Hmm... I’ll be 25 by the time he reaches adulthood..." Elyssia muttered to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. The realization made her blush even more, and she lightly bonked her own head, scolding herself for letting her thoughts wander so far.

As Elyssia pondered the future, her mind wandered down a path of quiet longing. The idea of waiting seven years for Mixarnt to grow into an adult filled her with a bittersweet mix of hope and uncertainty. She imagined how he might change—his body growing taller and stronger, his spirit maturing, his passions deepening.

A soft blush spread across her cheeks as she realized the depth of her feelings. She shook her head, chastising herself internally. These thoughts are too soon, too much, she thought, aware of the taboo nature of her feelings given their current ages and positions. Yet, the seed of attraction had been planted, nurtured by the intense bond they had formed through their shared struggles and triumphs.

Sighing softly, Elyssia turned her attention back to Mixarnt, her fingers gently smoothing the bandages that wrapped his small frame. "He’ll grow up fast," she murmured, her voice tinged with wistfulness.

For now, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the present. Mixarnt was here, alive, and recovering. That was enough. The future could wait.

"Hey, Elyssia! Oh? Looks like you’re taking really good care of Mixarnt, huh?" Arthur said as he walked into the room, his voice cheerful. Soon, the other adventurers who had been part of the raid followed, filling the room with their presence.

Elyssia blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly. "W-why are all of you here?? This is the royal palace! Just how...?" she asked, her voice trailing off in confusion.

Mika giggled, stepping forward with a bright smile. "Well, these guys were given high recognition by your father and mother. Oh, and our guild in Caspade was also recognized! So, our guild house can be expanded now—we’ll have a much bigger space!" she explained, her tone full of excitement.

Guild Master Enkin approached Mixarnt’s bedside, his expression thoughtful as he rubbed his beard. He looked down at the boy, who was sleeping peacefully despite the bandages covering his body. "He’s a remarkable kid," Enkin said, his voice low and filled with admiration. "To think someone so young could make such a difference..."

Elyssia smiled softly, her gaze returning to Mixarnt. "He’s stronger than he looks," she said, her voice warm with affection.

The room buzzed with quiet chatter as the adventurers exchanged stories and laughter, their bond stronger than ever after the trials they had faced together. Despite the formal setting of the royal palace, the atmosphere felt like home—a place where heroes could rest and celebrate their hard-won victory.

As the group settled in, Elyssia couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude. These people, once strangers, had become like family. And at the center of it all was Mixarnt, the boy who had brought them together and inspired them to fight for something greater. For now, they would enjoy this moment of peace, knowing that the future held endless possibilities. And as Mixarnt slept, surrounded by friends and allies, Elyssia felt a quiet hope stirring in her heart.

"But still, I can’t increase your rank because what you did isn’t an official guild business, unlike the others who took the SSS rank quest officially," Enkin said with a nod, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

Arthur and the other adventurers nearly fell over comically at the statement. Mixarnt’s achievements were nothing short of extraordinary—worthy of a Diamond rank, no doubt. But because he hadn’t taken the SSS rank Quest, his achievements can't be acknowledged by the guild, the rules prevented Enkin from granting him the recognition he deserved.

"Well, I mean, maybe it’s a good thing," Arthur said, trying to lighten the mood. "Giving an 11-year-old boy the rank of Diamond would probably spark envy and jealousy from other adventurers who’ve spent their whole lives trying to climb the ranks."

The room erupted in laughter, the tension easing as the adventurers nodded in agreement. While Mixarnt’s heroics were undeniable, the politics of the guild and the potential backlash from other adventurers made it a tricky situation.

Elyssia, sitting by Mixarnt’s bedside, smiled softly. "He doesn’t need a rank to prove his worth," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Everyone here knows what he’s done. That’s what matters."

Enkin nodded, his expression softening. "True enough. The boy’s actions speak louder than any rank ever could. Still, I’ll make sure the guild recognizes his contributions in other ways. Perhaps a special commendation or a unique title."

The group murmured in agreement, their respect for Mixarnt evident in their voices. Despite the lack of an official rank, they all knew the truth—Mixarnt was a hero, and his legacy would live on in the hearts of those he had saved.

As the conversation continued, Mixarnt stirred slightly in his sleep, a small smile playing on his lips as if he could sense the warmth and camaraderie surrounding him. For now, he could rest, knowing he had made a difference. And when he woke, he would find himself surrounded by friends who believed in him, rank or no rank.