Freedom III

The majestic tent of Princess Rosaria stood silent that night, illuminated only by a few flickering lanterns swaying gently in the wind. Inside, there were only two people: Touya, sitting with a vacant stare in the corner, and Aoi, who was anxiously watching him. The silence between them felt unbearably heavy, as if the entire world outside had come to a halt. Aoi, who was usually calm and wise, was now consumed with deep concern.

Touya had changed—it was so clear. Over the last two weeks, ever since Jun's death, he had not been the same. His body looked more fatigued, his face perpetually somber, and most strikingly, his eyes—eyes that once shone with a sense of justice—now dim, as though the light had died with his friend who had fallen on the battlefield.