Chapter 208 – The Warmth of Family

Chapter 208

 The Warmth of Family

Date : Day 10 of Frostfall 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.

The days bled together as Freedom Party recovered and allowed their bodies to rest. For the last few days, they mostly remained at home.

After everything that had happened in Riverville Town, the quietness of Wyvern Street Manor almost felt strange.

Sometimes Hyoren would sit in the reception room, which had gradually become something of a library, with a book resting in his hands. Elise or Ina would occasionally join him, and the three of them would simply spend the day together in comfortable silence. Other times, Hyoren accompanied Elise and Ina into the city to buy more winter clothes as the snow continued piling higher. On days when the snowfall wasn't too heavy, Hyoren, Jackey, and Elise would clear a portion of the backyard before doing some light training.

They didn't want their skills to rust. Nothing serious. Just enough movement to keep their bodies sharp to fight.

Yesterday, Arianna had finally returned to Wyvern Street Manor as well.

Baron Akela had only finally let his daughter leave the castle after everything that had happened in Riverville Town. It was obvious to everyone that the Baron loved his daughter dearly.

And then today—day 10 of Frostfall finally arrived. The awaited day. The day of the Snow Festival.

Hyoren awoke to a world completely transformed.

The view beyond the window was a canvas of pristine white. He didn't wake to the familiar gray light of a Frontier City morning. Instead, soft silver brilliance filtered through the window, diffused by the thick layer of snow covering the city.

He slowly pushed himself upright. The sheets slid down around his waist as he stared toward the window.

Frontier City Akela had transformed beneath winter.

The rugged stone walls were covered in white. The streets below were buried beneath layers of snow. Roofs became white slopes. Balconies carried thick ridges of snow. The trees that lined the streets were coated in white, their branches bending slightly beneath the accumulated weight.

Everything looked quieter. Softer.

Hyoren stared for several heartbeats.

“So… this is Akela in the Winter…”

A small smile appeared on his face. The movement of him sitting up finally disturbed the two women beside him.

Ina stirred first.

Her messy brown hair was spread across the white pillow, several strands sticking out in every direction. Her cat ears twitched lazily before one ear folded slightly as she shifted beneath the blanket.

She blinked several times. Then her amber eyes slowly focused on Hyoren. She smiled.

“Today is the day, isn't it?”

Her sleepy voice carried the softness of someone who had only just woken. Hyoren nodded.

“Yeah.”

Beside her, Elise began to stir as well.

The silver-haired elf opened her emerald eyes, blinking against the morning light. She turned toward the window. Her expression changed almost immediately.

A small, delighted smile appeared.

“Yes…”

She slowly sat up, her long silver hair sliding over her shoulders and spilling across the blanket.

“Snow Festival.”

Hyoren looked between the two of them. Today was the awaited day. A day of simple festival. A day where they could just enjoy themselves.

Hyoren smiled.

“Let's not wait anymore.”

He pushed the blanket aside and climbed out of bed.

Both women nodded.

They climbed down from the bed as well, already beginning to prepare themselves for the day.

***

After they dressed and made their way downstairs to the dining room, the savory aroma of Lena's cooking was already filling the manor.

The warmth of the room wrapped around them the moment they entered. Steam curled from the freshly prepared food, carrying the smell of eggs, sausage, bread, and hot porridge through the dining room.

Jackey was already at the table. He had apparently been waiting for absolutely no one.

A mountain of eggs and sausage sat on his plate, and he was already eating with the enthusiasm of someone who had just discovered food for the first time. His tabby cat tail twitched restlessly behind him, occasionally brushing against the chair.

The moment he noticed the others, he raised his fork.

“Snow!”

He boomed the word around a mouthful of food, gesturing toward the window.

“Perfect! The women will be huddling for warmth! I will hunt for them! WOHOO!”

Lena and Vina, who were bringing platters of food toward the table, both giggled at his straightforward enthusiasm.

Even Vina's usually cheerful demeanor seemed brighter this morning. The heavy snowfall outside had transformed Akela City into a winter wonderland, and the excitement of the Snow Festival was clearly spreading through the manor.

Arianna, meanwhile, sat calmly at the table and sipped her tea.

Hyoren looked toward her as he pulled his chair back.

The new necklace sat around her neck. It was an elaborate design. Balin and Gror clearly knew their craft well. The necklace truly looked as though it belonged on Arianna's chest.

It was a matinée-style necklace with an elegant décolletage design. The metallic material was colored a rich purple, similar to the shade of Arianna's robe.

At the very center of her chest rested Noctynara's Lament—the pitch-black orb contrasted beautifully against the purple metal surrounding it. Its surface remained as dark as a tiny piece of the void, seeming to swallow the soft light from the magic lamps around it.

The purple frame made the artifact stand out without overwhelming it. It looked less like something hastily made to hold an artifact and more like an actual piece of jewelry designed specifically for Arianna.

Hyoren couldn't help smiling slightly.

Arianna took another sip of tea. Then she glanced toward Jackey.

“Ohoho. Sir Jackey is so energetic.”

She placed her cup down onto its saucer with a soft click.

“But don't forget our promise, okay?”

Hyoren tilted his head as he sat down.

A promise…?

Jackey promising Arianna something was surprising.

“What kind of promise did you two make?”

Elise and Ina also became interested. They leaned forward slightly, their plates of eggs and bacon momentarily forgotten.

Arianna smiled softly.

“Nothing important, Leader.”

She calmly picked up her cup again.

“But we decided to enter the ice-sculpting contest.”

Hyoren raised an eyebrow.

“The ice-sculpting contest?”

Arianna nodded.

“Ohoho. It's been five years since I joined.”

A faint nostalgic smile appeared on her face.

“I always joined before I went to the academy.”

She looked toward Jackey, who was still wolfing down his food.

“Before, I always got help from the castle servants.”

She paused.

“But as I'm an adult now, I don't want to bother my parents' servants.”

Her eyes turned toward Jackey.

“So I asked Sir Jackey.”

Jackey immediately nodded. His tabby cat ears twitched.

“I would love to join too, so no need to thank me, Miss Purple!”

He grinned. Then he raised his fork into the air.

“Let's make the best ice sculpture ever!”

His tabby cat tail spiraled wildly behind him.

“WOHOO!”

Hyoren smiled.

“That's nice.”

He briefly looked toward Ina and Elise.

“Let's watch them later?”

Elise smiled. She tucked a strand of her silver hair behind her pointed ear.

“Yes. The contest will be in the afternoon, I think.”

Ina's ears twitched. She nodded.

“That'll be a great idea. We could spend the day enjoying the festival. Then we can watch the contest in the afternoon.”

Hyoren looked around the table.

Arianna sat elegantly with the new necklace resting against her chest. Jackey was already overflowing with enthusiasm for an ice-sculpting contest he hadn't even started. Elise and Ina sat beside him. Lena and Vina moved around the dining room, keeping everyone's plates filled and making sure the warm breakfast continued to flow.

Hyoren watched them all for a moment.

His lovers. His party members. The caretaker of the manor. The people who had become his family.

Hyoren leaned back in his chair, an easy smile settling across his face.

“All right. The plan is settled, then.”

He looked toward Arianna and Jackey.

“While Arianna and Jackey are entering the contest…”

His gaze shifted toward his two lovers.

“We are going on a date.”

***

The declaration hung in the air.

A simple sentence. Yet somehow, it carried the weight of a promise.

For a moment, nobody said anything. The only sounds in the dining room were the crackling of the great stone fireplace and the soft clinking of cutlery against ceramic plates.

It was as if someone had flipped a switch. The atmosphere in the dining room suddenly ignited.

Ina was the first to react.

Her face, already bright with excitement over the snow outside, seemed to glow from within. A brilliant, unrestrained smile spread across her lips, her amber eyes sparkling with pure joy. Her cat ears shot upright. Her tail immediately began swishing behind her chair.

Then her hands came together in a single, sharp clap.

“A date! A festival date!”

She leaned forward across the table, practically vibrating in her seat.

“Hyoren, we have to go on the rides! And eat the sweet snow buns and other foods!”

Her enthusiasm was so genuine that Hyoren couldn't help smiling.

Across from her, Elise's reaction was a study in beautiful contrast.

She didn't squeal. She didn't clap. Instead, a slow, radiant smile bloomed across her face. Her emerald eyes softened as she gazed at Hyoren, and the faint traces of exhaustion that had lingered after the brutality of Riverville Town seemed to disappear.

“That sounds lovely…”

Her voice was gentle.

“Just… lovely. Indeed.”

Even Jackey, in his own simple way, was caught up in the excitement.

He stopped shoveling food into his mouth. His fork remained suspended halfway between his plate and his mouth as he looked between Hyoren, Ina, and Elise.

Then a wide, goofy grin spread across his face.

“A festival date!”

He pointed his fork toward Hyoren.

“Big Bro is smooth!”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Arianna covered her mouth with one hand as she giggled.

“Ohoho. A date during the Snow Festival would be really nice indeed. There will be many attractions and food to enjoy.”

Hyoren scratched his cheek.

“Why does everyone make it sound like such a big deal?”

Ina immediately answered.

“Because it is!”

That only made everyone laugh again.

Meanwhile, Lena and Vina exchanged a glance from across the dining room. The Fox-clan Beastkin mother smiled at her daughter.

“You'll be with your boyfriend too, right, Vina?”

Her daughter nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes! The whole day with my beloved Dirk!”

Lena's smile became warmer.

“You need to be careful, okay?”

Vina beamed.

“Un!”

Lena giggled.

“Good.”

She glanced toward the snowy window.

“Maybe I'll enjoy the festival alone, then…”

Her expression softened.

“It might be refreshing.”

Vina tilted her head. Then she smiled mischievously.

“Maybe get yourself a new man, Mother!”

Lena immediately flushed.

“Hush!”

She waved her hand dismissively.

“You don't say that. I still can't forget your father…”

Her smile remained for a moment. Then it slowly became more somber.

“But…”

She looked toward the window.

“It does feel lonely sometimes…”

Vina crossed her arms.

“See? Father in heaven wouldn't want you to be sad either!”

Lena looked at her daughter for a moment. Then she smiled.

Everyone laughed again.

The dining room was filled with warmth. Not just from the great fireplace. Not just from the hot food sitting on the table. But from the people gathered around it.

Hyoren quietly watched them all. His gaze moved from Ina to Elise. Then Arianna. Jackey. Lena. Vina.

Everyone had their own plans for the festival.

He would spend the day on a date with his two lovers. Jackey would apparently be “hunting for women,” as he had proudly declared. Arianna and Jackey would spend the afternoon competing in the ice-sculpting contest. Lena and Vina would enjoy the festival in their own ways.

And for once, none of it involved fighting. No dungeon. No living dead. No cursed ritual. No Voided Covenant. No Flesh Golem.

The grueling horror at the Riverville Town—the mental exhaustion, the constant threat of the undead, the countless sacrifices, and finally that monstrous Flesh Golem—slowly faded into the background. For this moment, it didn't matter.

Hyoren leaned back slightly in his chair.

A quiet smile rested on his face.

This was what we fought for…

Not simply becoming stronger. Not becoming famous adventurers. Not becoming heroes. And not merely building the strongest party they could.

They were building something else.

Family…

A place where they could sit together around a warm table, laugh at stupid jokes, make plans for a festival, and enjoy the simple things they had fought so hard to protect. Simple. Warm. Chaotic. And entirely their own.

***

After breakfast, Hyoren stood in the hallway on the first floor of their manor, waiting for his two lovers to finish dressing for their date.

He was already dressed for the cold.

His new winter outfit consisted of a black tunic and matching trousers, both made from thick material suited for the harsh Akela winter. Over them, he wore a heavy cloak, with wool lining several sections to keep the cold from slipping through. Decorative belts adorned his upper arm sleeves, while another silver belt wrapped around his waist.

The silver lining running through the otherwise completely black ensemble gave the outfit an elegant appearance without making it overly flashy.

Hyoren leaned casually against one of the pillars, waiting.

Heavy footsteps came rushing from the upper floor. He looked up.

Jackey came barreling down the stairs.

The Cat-clan Beastkin was dressed much more simply than Hyoren. A basic tunic and cloak covered his body, the red and white colors complementing his tabby fur.

He looked far too energetic for someone who had just finished breakfast.

Hyoren couldn't help but chuckle.

“Slow down, Jackey. The women won't run away.”

He raised one hand in greeting as Jackey passed.

“You going to which brothel this time?”

Jackey suddenly stopped.

He stood a few steps away from Hyoren and stretched both arms high above his head. His shoulders rolled backward. Then came a loud, exaggerated yawn.

“Many brothels are giving discounts during the festival, Big Bro! It's a tradition!”

His tabby cat ears twitched excitedly.

“But I think I want different things at the festival.”

A mischievous grin appeared on his face.

“I would look for lonely women in the festival and try if I could make her go into a love hotel with me!”

He raised both fists.

“WOHOO!”

Hyoren chuckled.

“Just don't force them, okay?”

Jackey grinned.

“Don't worry, Big Bro! I'm a gentleman. I treat the women with care!”

He winked. Then he gave Hyoren a mock salute.

“See you later!”

With that, he strode toward the front door with a spring in his step, his tabby cat tail swaying energetically behind him.

Hyoren watched him go. He couldn't help smiling.

“I see, then…”

He raised his hand.

“Good luck, and happy hunting!”

Jackey waved enthusiastically without turning around.

“Thanks, Big Bro!”

Then he bolted through the door and disappeared outside. The door swung shut behind him.

Hyoren shook his head with an amused smile.

“That guy…”

A few moments later, the mother-daughter Fox-clan Beastkin duo appeared.

Vina came out first.

She was already bundled in a cute woolen cloak, and she practically bounced on the balls of her feet as she walked.

Unlike her usual appearance around the manor, she had put quite a bit more effort into her appearance today. Her hair had been carefully arranged, and a decorative hairpin completed it.

She proudly touched the hairpin with one finger.

“This was a gift from Dirk!”

She smiled brightly.

Hyoren smiled back.

“You look cute, Vina. And your boyfriend seems to truly love you.”

Vina immediately raised her hand and formed a V-sign with her fingers.

“I love Dirk so much too! Hehe.”

Her cheeks flushed slightly with happiness.

Then Lena appeared next from the servant quarters. 

Compared to her daughter, Lena's outfit was much more subtle. She wore a modest blouse beneath a warm shawl, practical enough for spending time outside in the winter. 

Yet she had clearly put some thought into her appearance too. Her fox ears looked particularly fluffy, the fur carefully brushed until they seemed even softer than usual. Her bushy fox tail was equally well groomed.

She had also applied a subtle amount of makeup. It wasn't enough to make her look drastically different. But it did make it obvious that she hadn't simply dressed for an ordinary day of work.

Vina's earlier suggestion seemed to have gotten through to her.

Lena approached her daughter and gently placed a hand on Vina's shoulder.

“You need to be careful, okay?”

Vina's fox ears perked up.

“I know Dirk is a good man.”

Lena smiled warmly.

“But don't forget to hold back on having children until you're ready for marriage, okay?”

Vina's face immediately reddened.

“Mother!”

She glanced toward Hyoren.

“Don't say that in front of Hyoren so casually!”

Lena remained completely unfazed.

“Sex is fine, but you need to be careful.”

Vina's cheeks became even redder.

“I won't forget…”

She puffed her cheeks.

“I promise!”

Lena smiled warmly.

“Good.”

Hyoren, who had been standing nearby, suddenly coughed.

“Cough.”

He quickly looked away. Vina's embarrassed expression made it even harder for him to keep a straight face. He decided to change the subject before Lena could continue.

“So, Lena, you're going out too?”

Lena turned toward him.

“Yes, Master Hyoren.”

She smiled sheepishly.

“I'm not especially looking for another man.”

Her fingers briefly adjusted the shawl around her shoulders.

“But perhaps if I could find one…”

She giggled softly.

“There will be many men at the festival. Maybe there is a good man who is fine with an old widow like me…”

Her fluffy fox ears twitched.

“But if there are no good men, I'll just enjoy the festival alone or with the other housewives.”

Hyoren nodded. He smiled genuinely.

“Enjoy the festival, then. Both of you.”

Vina nodded enthusiastically.

“Un!”

Her earlier embarrassment was already forgotten. She grabbed the edge of her cloak and headed toward the door.

“Thanks, Hyoren! We're heading out early to get a good spot!”

She practically bounced her way outside.

Lena followed after her. Before leaving, she gave Hyoren a small bow.

“See you later, Master Hyoren.”

Hyoren waved his hand.

“See you later, Lena.”

The mother and daughter stepped outside together. Their bushy fox tails swung excitedly behind them as they walked into the snow-covered street. The door closed with a soft click.

Hyoren remained in the hallway for a moment. A small smile remained on his face.

Everyone had their own plans for the Snow Festival.

Jackey was off on his own version of “hunting.” Vina was going to spend the day with Dirk. Lena was going to enjoy the festival and perhaps, if fortune smiled upon her, meet someone new. Arianna, who hadn't come out yet, also had a plan herself.

And soon, he would be going out with Ina and Elise. For some reason, the thought made his chest feel warm.

***

Not long after, what Hyoren had been waiting for finally came. The sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase.

Hyoren straightened slightly from where he had been waiting.

The first person to descend was his first lover—the silver-haired elf he had met deep within the Forest of No Return—Elise.

When she appeared at the top of the staircase, Hyoren felt his breath catch.

She had let most of her long silver hair flow freely today. Two small sections had been braided neatly near the sides of her head before being gathered together at the back into a small ponytail. The arrangement kept some of her hair away from her face while allowing the rest to cascade freely down her back.

For the outfit, Elise wore an elegant emerald-green dress. Its simple, flowing lines followed the contours of her well-endowed figure, giving the dress an effortless elven grace.

The deep V-neck exposed more of her chest than she normally showed in her usual adventuring attire, while the high slits along the skirt revealed glimpses of her legs whenever she moved.

Yet the outfit was not simply designed to be provocative. A beautiful, sheer pareo-like wrap made from a heavier silver-grey fabric was draped around her shoulders and waist. It softened the daring portions of the dress while also providing another layer against the winter cold. The silver-grey fabric caught the morning light as she descended the staircase, contrasting beautifully against the rich emerald green.

It was an unusual combination of elegance, practicality, and subtle sensuality.

Elise looked almost like a goddess of winter. Her silver hair shimmered against the green dress, while the pale fabric of the wrap framed her figure.

She had also applied makeup. Unlike her usual bare-faced appearance, today she had taken the time to carefully accentuate her already beautiful features.

It did not transform her face. Instead, it enhanced what was already there—the shape of her eyes, the softness of her features, and the natural elegance of her elven appearance.

Hyoren simply stared for several moments.

His gaze inevitably lingered on the deep V-neck and the high slits.

Elise noticed. The corner of her lips curled upward.

Hyoren finally managed to speak.

“Elise… you won't be cold wearing that?”

Elise gave a soft laugh.

“Fufufu. Do not worry, Hyoren.”

She lightly grasped the edge of the silver-grey wrap and gave a small twirl. The dress flowed around her legs, while the heavier fabric of the wrap swayed gracefully with the motion.

“I specifically ordered this dress to have small temperature-control runes.”

She tapped the fabric lightly.

“As long as there is no snow storm, I will be perfectly warm.”

She stepped closer and leaned forward slightly, her silver hair falling over one shoulder.

“So? How is my new outfit?”

Hyoren swallowed hard.

She looked beautiful. Elegant. Graceful. Yet there was also a hint of sensuality that he rarely saw from her.

“You are… beautiful, Elise.”

Elise smiled contentedly.

“Thank you. Fufu.”

A moment later, another set of footsteps came from the staircase. His second lover—the Cat-clan Beastkin Vice Guild Master who used to be a man-eater until she found her true love in Hyoren—Ina, appeared.

If Elise had been serene and ethereal, Ina was almost the complete opposite.

She was vibrant. Warm. Fiery.

Her petite frame was almost completely covered against the winter cold, yet the outfit somehow made her look even cuter while giving her a noticeably more mature appearance. The paradox was truly striking.

She wore a heavy crimson blouse with Victorian-style lace sleeves that tapered tightly around her wrists. Beneath it was an insulated thermal base shirt, keeping the warmth close to her body.

Her short skirt was made from deep scarlet tartan wool, sharply pleated so that the folds held their shape even as she moved.

Thick fleece leggings covered her legs. From the outside, they resembled sheer black tights, but they were clearly designed to keep her legs warm against Akela's winter. Sleek black leather boots covered most of her legs.

Over everything was a cropped crimson capelet. The velvet mantle ended just above her waist, leaving the pleated skirt fully visible. Around her shoulders was a high, plush faux-fur collar designed to trap warmth around her neck.

It made her look almost like a little princess dressed for a winter outing.

Ina had let her brown hair flow freely today. Unlike her usual slightly messy appearance, it had been carefully combed. Not a strand was out of place.

She had also applied bolder makeup than Elise. It changed her usual cute appearance into something noticeably more mature without taking away the warmth that made her Ina.

Hyoren couldn't help staring again.

Ina noticed immediately. A mischievous smile appeared on her face. Her cat ears twitched.

“Hey, Hyoren.”

She waved a hand in front of his face.

“Wake up.”

Hyoren blinked.

“Sorry, Ina…”

His eyes traveled over her outfit again.

“You just… looked different.”

She looked nothing like the familiar Adventurer's Guild clerk who normally walked around in her crisp guild uniform. Today, she looked like a chic princess going out for a winter festival.

Ina's smile widened. Her amber eyes glittered.

“Nyahaha.”

She gave a small spin, making the edge of her crimson capelet sway.

“This is a date. So I went all out.”

She placed both hands on her hips.

“So? How do I look?”

Hyoren swallowed hard again.

“You are… beautiful.”

Elise immediately narrowed her emerald eyes.

“You said the same thing to me…”

She tilted her head. Her silver hair cascaded on one of her shoulders.

“Do you have any other vocabulary, Hyoren?”

Ina also crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks.

“Could you compliment us differently, Hyoren?”

Her cat ears flattened slightly in exaggerated dissatisfaction.

“We decided to dress differently in the first place. Hmph.”

Hyoren immediately raised both hands.

“Please… it just…”

He looked from Elise to Ina.

Two completely different women. Two completely different styles. Yet both were beautiful in their own ways.

He searched desperately for the right words. Finally, he sighed.

“You both just look… incredible. I lost my words..."

His voice carried genuine appreciation. That was the only word he could think of.

For a moment, both women stared at him. Then their expressions softened.

Elise smiled first.

“We are just joking, Hyoren… Fufufu.”

She adjusted the silver-grey pareo around her shoulders before leaning closer.

“Thank you for the compliment, Hyoren.”

She gently kissed his right cheek.

Ina's pout disappeared almost instantly. She giggled.

“Nyahaha. We love teasing you, Hyoren…”

She stepped closer and kissed his left cheek.

Hyoren smiled wryly.

“You two…”

Elise and Ina exchanged an amused glance.

Then, another set of footsteps descended the staircase.

Hyoren looked up.

Arianna came last. Judging from the timing, it seemed she had helped the two women prepare themselves before coming down. The crimson-haired mage adjusted her wide-brimmed purple hat as she reached the bottom of the staircase.

She looked at the three of them. Then she smiled knowingly. She lifted the back of her hand toward her mouth.

“Ohoho. But I think Mentor and Lady Ina are right, Leader.”

She tilted her head.

“You should step up your compliment game.”

Hyoren sighed in defeat. He was attacked by three different women now.

“Arianna… Please…”

Arianna only smiled innocently.

She remained dressed in her signature deep-purple robes. Clean white embroidery traced the edges of the garment, while its open front revealed the lighter purple, leotard-like underrobe beneath. Black stockings covered her legs up to her hips. Her outfit remained elegant and practical, entirely befitting a magician.

Her wide-brimmed hat rested neatly atop her long crimson hair, the pointed tip bending slightly as it always did.

Hyoren tilted his head.

She was wearing her usual battle outfit…

He knew the robe had temperature-control runes, so despite how little protection it appeared to offer against the snow, Arianna would not actually feel cold.

Still, it was a little strange seeing her wearing her usual robe for a festival.

“You're wearing your usual robe, Arianna?”

The crimson-haired mage nodded.

“Yes. I only plan to visit a few places, then go straight to the ice-sculpting contest to prepare.”

She lightly adjusted her robe.

“This robe makes movement easier, and I am already accustomed to wearing it.”

She smiled.

“Okay then… I will go out first.”

Her gaze shifted between Hyoren, Elise, and Ina.

“I don't want to intrude on the three of you during your date. Ohoho.”

She waved one hand.

“See you later, Leader. Mentor. Lady Ina.”

“See you later, Arianna.”

“Have fun.”

“Good luck with the contest!”

Arianna gave them another small smile before turning toward the entrance.

The wooden door opened. A brief gust of cold winter air entered the manor, fluttering the edge of her purple robe. Then she stepped outside. The door closed behind her with a soft click.

Hyoren watched it for a moment. Then he looked down and adjusted the front of his black winter tunic, making sure everything was properly in place.

He turned toward his two lovers.

Elise was already waiting beside him, silver hair flowing over her shoulders. Ina stood on his other side, her crimson outfit contrasting beautifully with Elise's emerald green.

Hyoren smiled.

“What about we head out?”

He opened the door.

“Let's enjoy the festival.”

Elise and Ina looked at each other. They exchanged a small smile. Then both nodded.

“Let's enjoy our date!”

Their voices came together in perfect unison.

Hyoren chuckled.

Together, the three stepped outside. The crisp winter air immediately greeted them. Cold brushed against their faces, carrying the clean scent of fresh snow. Their footsteps pressed softly into the snow-covered ground.

For today, there would be no nightmare. No undead. No ritual to stop. No Voided Covenant to hunt.

There was only the Snow Festival, the winter city, and the two women he loved walking beside him. For once, Hyoren could simply enjoy it.