Within the opulent confines of the royal chambers, Lord Lavender stood beside his slumbering daughter, Isao, a tender touch grazing her pale cheek. Her serene expression belied the monumental challenges she had faced, the subtle shift in her dark locks to a delicate lavender hue whispering of her noble heritage.

Tears glistened in Lord Lavender's eyes as he gazed at his precious child, the quiet pride he felt for her bravery threatening to overwhelm him. By his side, Lady Lavender's gentle sobs echoed softly, her maternal love mingling with awe at Isao's valorous deeds.

Isao's older brothers, Kite and Ali, stood tall and steadfast, offering silent comfort to their parents. Despite the heaviness in the air, their resolve never wavered, strengthened by the knowledge that their little sister had sacrificed herself for the greater good.

Across the room, Isla's parents sat vigilantly by their daughter's bedside, their faces etched with a mix of sorrow and pride. The tales of her bravery, of how she had protected Queen Elysandra, princess Marybelle and safeguarded the magical artifact, filled their hearts with a swelling sense of awe and gratitude.

As they watched their unconscious child, tears of joy and relief mingled with those of grief, falling softly onto the plush bedding. The weight of their daughter's selfless act bore down upon them, yet it was tempered by the profound love they held for her.

Queen Aira, her own daughter lying still and pale beside Isao, approached the grieving parents with a comforting smile. "Please, do not despair," she soothed, her voice a gentle balm. "Your daughter's courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten. She has earned a place in the annals of history, and their bravery will inspire generations to come."

Kite stepped out of the room to feel the cool evening air in the castle gardens, seeking peace in the serene flowers. His steps followed the winding paths, accompanied by the soft rustle of leaves—a soothing backdrop to his troubled thoughts.

Stopping beneath a beautiful tree, a wave of regret swept over him. He wondered what it would have been like to stand beside Isao during the demon invasion, to share in her courage and protective spirit.

Suddenly, a familiar giggle broke through his thoughts, pulling his attention to the castle corridors near the garden. Marybelle was watching him, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she quickened her pace towards the tea hall, a playful smile lighting her face.

"Veldina!" Marybelle's sudden call startled the 2nd princess. She let out a gasp, nearly tumbling from her seat as her sister's voice interrupted her conversation with Queen Valleria, her mother. She shot Marybelle a sharp glare, clearly annoyed by the intrusion. "Fufufu~ Why don't you take a walk in the garden, dear sister~" Marybelle teased with a mischievous smile.

Veldina's cheeks flushed as she retorted, "For your information, sister, I was discussing important matters with Mother."

Valleria observed the exchange with a mix of amusement and mild exasperation. Placing a gentle hand on Veldina's arm, she said, "Now, now, my dear. There's no need to argue over such a small thing. Go on, enjoy a stroll in the gardens." Her gaze then drifted over Marybelle. "Now tell me what this is all about?"

Marybelle leaned in closer to Valleria, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Did you know, Mother, that Veldina's childhood sweetheart and closest friend is none other than Kite Lavender, the same young man who is Isao's older brother"

Valleria's eyes sparkled with mirth, her lips curving into a sly, cat-like smile. She exchanged a knowing glance with Marybelle, both sharing in the delightful jest they were about to play on Veldina.

"Well then, dear Veldina," Valleria purred, her tone heavy with amusement, "why don't you hurry off to the garden and pay your old flame a visit? I'm sure he'd be delighted to see you again."

Marybelle giggled, clearly enjoying the game they were orchestrating. "Yes, do go, Veldina!

With a put-upon sigh, Veldina reluctantly rose from her seat, her annoyance evident in every line of her stiff posture. "Fine, fine. I'll go humor you two," she grumbled, casting a pointed look at her sister and mother before striding out of the tea hall.

Once in the gardens, the fading sunlight cast long shadows across the manicured lawns. Veldina's brow furrowed as she surveyed her surroundings, her curiosity piqued by the seemingly innocent suggestion from Marybelle and Valleria. Why, exactly, did they want her to venture into the gardens alone? Her steps slowed; her ears pricked for any signs of movement. Was this some sort of prank? Or perhaps an ambush? Veldina's instincts screamed at her to turn back, to refuse to play along with whatever charade her sister had concocted. Yet, a part of her - a traitorous, traitorous part - felt drawn to the mystery.

"Vel?" called a familiar voice from behind. Veldina froze—she knew that voice. It was from Kite Lavender, her childhood friend and the one she had secretly harbored feelings for. They hadn't seen each other in four years, ever since she left to become a mercenary on another continent. Her departure had been fueled by heartbreak after mistakenly assuming Kite was in love with another woman when she saw him talking to her. She hadn't stayed to confirm the truth.

Veldina's heart skipped a beat as the warm, familiar timbre of Kite's voice registered in her consciousness. Whirling around, she found herself face to face with the young man who had once occupied such a prominent place in her heart - her childhood friend, her confidant, and the object of her long-held affections. The four intervening years vanished in an instant; their weightlessness belied by the depth of emotions etched on Kite's handsome features. Veldina's pulse quickened, her breath catching in her throat as their gazes locked, the connection between them crackling with electric tension.

"Why, Kite," she managed to stammer, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I hadn't expected to encounter you here."

"It's good to see you too, Vel," Kite said softly. "I came here with my brother and parents to visit my younger sister, Isao. She's still unconscious alongside her two friends." A faint blush crept up Veldina's neck at Kite's easy greeting, his smile lighting up the gloaming garden like a beacon. "Isao... unharmed, then?" she inquired, concern etching lines around her eyes.

When Kite nodded, assuring her of his sister's safety, Veldina felt a surge of relief course through her tense frame. "That's good news," she murmured, her gaze drifting toward the castle's distant spires. The revelation that Isao lay recuperating inside those imposing walls sparked a pang of envy within her - an unbidden yearning to be sheltered under such familial care, to bask in the warmth of shared joys and sorrows alongside loved ones. "What brings you out here, Vel?" Kite prompted gently, breaking the comfortable silence that had fallen between them. "Was it Marybelle's suggestion to take a stroll?" Veldina was taken aback by Kite's accurate assumption, but before she could say anything, Kite started talking again. "Hey, Vel... here," Kite said softly as he placed a beautiful necklace around her neck, adorned with a stunning pendant. Her eyes widened in shock as Kite deftly fastened the exquisite necklace, the delicate pendant settling against her chest. A mix of emotions swirled within her - surprise, gratitude, and a flicker of vulnerability that only Kite seemed capable of evoking.

"Four years ago, I had this crafted by a renowned artisan. It was meant to be a gift for you, but you disappeared so suddenly. Next thing I knew, you'd become a mercenary on another continent. I never expected to see you back here at the castle." Kite said, his voice tinged with emotion. Her usually tough and tomboyish nature like a lioness, softened around Kite, her demeanor more like a gentle, affectionate cat. "You remembered?" she breathed, her fingers instinctively reaching up to touch the precious gift. The intricate design shimmered in the fading light, a tangible symbol of Kite's enduring thoughtfulness.

Kite's gaze locking onto hers with tender intensity. "It was meant to be a token of my appreciation for you, I never imagined I'd have the chance to give it to you personally." Veldina's resolve crumbled under the warmth of Kite's presence, the cat-like creature she became around him purring contentedly as his words wrapped around her heart.

Meanwhile, Marybelle and Valleria watched from the sidelines, their eyes sparkling with amusement. They exchanged knowing glances and quiet giggles, wondering if Vel would finally confess her feelings to the man she loved.

"W-Well, it's your fault, you know!" Veldina stammered, her voice trembling. "Getting a girlfriend out of nowhere... not even considering my feelings..." Her eyes glistened with tears as she turned away, unable to meet Kite's gaze. 

Kite's brow furrowed in confusion, his gaze softening with concern as he tried to decipher the turmoil behind her tear-filled eyes. "Wait... so you thought that artisan girl was my girlfriend?" He asked, a hint of incredulity coloring his tone. Veldina's nod was slight, her chin trembling as she struggled to maintain composure. "Oh, Vel... " Kite murmured, stepping closer until he stood before her. Gently, he lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his earnest stare. "I would never consider anyone as a replacement for you. That necklace was always meant for you, as a reminder of our bond." His heartfelt words washed over Veldina like a soothing balm, easing the raw pain she'd carried for so long.

"I wish you had cleared things up with me," Kite said with a soft smile. "We're friends, after all, so it hurt when you disappeared without a word." He paused before adding, "Now that you're back in the capital, does this mean I'll get to see you more often?" He gently caressed Veldina's cheek, his touch tender and reassuring.

Veldina's breath caught at the gentle touch of Kite's fingers on her cheek, stirring a wave of emotions inside her. She took a shaky breath, trying to speak through the whirlwind of feelings. "I'm sorry, Kite," she said quickly, her words tumbling out. "I shouldn't have left without a word. I was hurt and angry, and I took it out on you." Kite's gentle, understanding gaze softened her even more. She leaned into his touch, drawn to the comfort he offered. "As for seeing me around," Veldina murmured, "I'm not sure. My path is uncertain right now, but maybe, just maybe, fate will bring us together again." The unspoken meaning lingered between them, filled with the possibility of what might be in the future.

"I see... Well, whatever path you choose, I'll always support you." Kite said gently.

Meanwhile, Valleria and Marybelle stood on the sidelines, stunned and almost stumbling in surprise. The subtle, dismissive brush-off Veldina had delivered to Kite seemed to reverberate through the air, striking Marybelle and Valleria like a physical blow. Veldina's words had sounded like a clear rejection. 

With a final, reassuring squeeze of Veldina's hand, Kite turned and began to walk away, leaving her standing alone in the garden's soft glow. Though his steps were purposeful, a faint sadness lingered in his posture. Veldina's puzzled frown deepened as she watched Kite disappear into the castle's shadows, his parting words echoing in her mind. However, Marybelle and Valleria's abrupt approach jolted her back to reality, their faces twisted in a mix of annoyance and disbelief. 

"Good grief, Vel!" Marybelle exclaimed, her normally calm demeanor cracking. "You practically threw him away!"

Valleria shook her head, her face pale. "You can't be serious... That was your chance to reclaim something precious, and you blew it! What in the seven hells was that Veldina?" Valleria demanded, her voice dripping with exasperation. "You shoved him away like a discarded plaything!"

Marybelle's eyes flashed with indignation. "Vel, you're acting like a lovesick schoolgirl! Can't you just be honest with your feelings?"

Veldina's cheeks flushed a deep crimson as the full weight of her mistakes settled upon her. In her emotional turmoil, she had botched the chance to reconnect with Kite, potentially losing the bond they once shared forever. The sting of her sister and mother's criticism only added to her anguish.