Grayfia's Hope

<Grayfia's point of view>

In front of me stood a young man with brown hair and gray eyes, clad in winter clothes, offering me a cup of warm tea.

I had never seen him before in my entire life, and this was our first meeting, yet why did I feel so strangely familiar with him? It was an odd sensation, as if we had crossed paths before, though I was certain that was impossible.

"If you keep staring at the cup, the tea will go cold, you know," the man chided me in a friendly manner, snapping me out of my deep reverie.

I nodded, shaking myself from my thoughts, and took the cup of warm tea from his hand. Though I couldn't quite explain it, this man's presence brought me a measure of comfort amidst the anxiety that plagued my mind.

The man's smile brightened as I sipped the tea he had brewed. A warm, soothing sensation washed over me, as if the weariness from earlier had suddenly dissipated. It was astounding—how was this possible?

"Hehe… Surprised, aren't you?" The man's chuckle caught me off guard, revealing a childlike innocence. "This tea is made from herbs found in these mountains, with a touch of honey extract added in. Not only does it lend a sweet flavor, but it also leaves a refreshing sensation after each sip!"

I returned his infectious enthusiasm with a smile. It felt peculiar, yet his presence brought a sense of peace amidst the turmoil I had been experiencing lately. I found myself grateful to him, though I couldn't quite comprehend why.

"So…"

"Hmm?"

Though I felt a twinge of hesitation, his friendly demeanor reassured me. "Thank you… I might have frozen out there if you hadn't brought me here," I expressed sincerely.

His grin widened at my gratitude, nodding as he regarded me with understanding. "No need for thanks. "We may each navigate this world on our own, but sometimes, lending a hand to one another makes life all the more meaningful." His voice resonated with calm wisdom. "Now then, lovely lady, what brings you to the Himalayas, a place known for its extreme weather year-round?" His inquiry sounded amicable, yet there was a subtle tension in his demeanor.

Caught between the security he provided and the sudden apprehension that arose, I replied cautiously, choosing my words with care.

"Looking for someone?" the young man inquired, tilting his head slightly, confusion coloring his expression. "Who? I believe I am the sole inhabitant of this place," he said somberly, gesturing outside the hut where the snowstorm raged on.

His gaze fixed on the horizon, and I followed suit. I was taken aback to realize that indeed, a blizzard raged outside, yet within the confines of the hut, tranquility reigned. There was no howling wind, no flurry of snowflakes—just a serene calmness.

"How is this possible?" I murmured, comprehending that some unusual force shielded the hut from the harsh weather outside.

I turned to the man eagerly, anticipation rising within me. "A-Are you Petra!?" I blurted out, the tension palpable in my voice.

The man seemed momentarily taken aback by my sudden fervor. Eventually, with some effort, he approached me and placed a hand on my shoulder, gently nudging me back. "Too close, miss. Yes, the Petra you seek is I," he responded calmly.

At last, I had found Petra Handerson—my father's friend! So, could I seek aid from this amiable young man?

….

<Third person point of view>

"Listen," Petra spoke with calm authority. "Though I am a friend of your father's, it would be presumptuous of me to entangle myself in your affairs." His tone was resolute, reflecting his decision to refrain from involvement in Grayfia and her mother's predicament.

Silver-haired Grayfia's countenance shifted from hope to disappointment. Despite her typically composed demeanor, the trials she faced had sapped her strength, rendering her almost unrecognizable as the elegant noblewoman she once was.

'To the extent that Grayfia implores me thus, it seems I must intervene. I cannot bear to see the child of my dear friend, Areon Lucifuge, endure such hardships,' Petra ruminated, finding himself compelled to act.

Years prior, after bidding farewell to Arthur, Petra resumed his journey eastward. At the time, the world was embroiled in a three-way conflict, and a figure like Petra certainly did not evade notice—from common folk to rulers and those of great power alike.

Areon Lucifuge, Grayfia's father and the then Lord Lucifuge, had been tasked by Lord Lucifer to enlist Petra as an ally in the war against the angelic faction. This made Petra a target not only for demons, but also for angels and fallen angels.

Lucifer had urged Areon to coerce Petra into joining their cause, but Petra staunchly rebuffed the invitation. When Areon resorted to aggressive tactics, a clash ensued between the two formidable magi, resulting in the leveling of the Middle Eastern lands into a desert. Despite nearly meeting his demise in the confrontation, Petra chose to spare Areon, piquing the latter's curiosity.

To condense a lengthy tale, despite their disparate personalities, Areon and Petra grew close. Their encounter forged a unique bond, where their individual strengths and genuine sincerity served as potent adhesive.

'Indeed, those were halcyon days,' Petra reminisced, recalling moments shared with Areon. Though he preferred to avoid entanglements in conflicts, Petra recognized that present circumstances necessitated his intervention—for the sake of friendship and mutual interests.

"You mentioned the underworld's plight being dire, correct? Enlighten me on what you require of me," Petra declared, his voice resolute and determined.

Grayfia regarded Petra with a blend of relief and tension. Though she had not wished to embroil Petra in the conflict, she realized that the aid of someone as formidable as Petra was imperative in confronting the crisis gripping the underworld.

"The underworld is indeed in turmoil, sir. Demon factions are at odds, and tensions escalate with each passing moment. I implore your assistance in restoring equilibrium and averting further devastation," Grayfia conveyed, her voice tinged with doubt yet brimming with hope.

"Understood. Prepare yourself—we depart at once," Petra responded without hesitation, demonstrating his readiness to act swiftly.

Grayfia nodded, heartened by Petra's unwavering resolve. Together, they set about readying the necessary provisions for their journey. In her heart, Grayfia was touched by Petra's kindness and willingness to aid her, despite their recent acquaintance.