Chapter 209 – You are Mine and I am Yours

Chapter 209

 You are Mine and I am Yours

Date : Day 10 of Frostfall 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.

The moment Hyoren stepped out of Wyvern Street Manor, he immediately felt that the city was alive.

Even from their relatively quiet location at the end of the side street, the sounds of the festival were impossible to miss.

Music drifted through the snowy streets. Somewhere farther away, a lively tune was being played loudly enough for its rhythm to carry between the buildings. Cheers occasionally erupted from the main streets, followed by laughter, the clatter of vendors preparing their stalls, and the distant calls of people already advertising their festival wares.

Akela was awake—and it was celebrating.

Hyoren looked toward the entertainment district farther down Wyvern Street.

Even here, where there were mostly brothels and establishments catering to adventurers, the festival atmosphere had already taken hold. There were no stalls occupying the street. But decorations were everywhere.

Colorful ribbons had been hung between buildings. Bright magical lamps illuminated entrances. Some establishments had decorated their doors and windows with elaborate winter ornaments, while others had gone much further, covering their entire facades with festival decorations. The snow covering the rooftops and ledges only made the colors stand out more vividly.

Hyoren couldn't help smiling.

“The festival is here, huh…”

Ina's cat ears perked up.

She looked down the street with an excited expression.

“Yes! The festival is here!”

Elise smiled as well.

“I can't wait to enjoy it…”

Hyoren nodded.

“Then let's go.”

The three started walking.

Their boots crunched softly against the snow with every step. Their breath became faint white wisps whenever they exhaled. The cold was noticeable, but it wasn't unpleasant with how they dressed.

After walking only a short distance, they reached the brothel adjacent to their manor—Succubus's Lust. And suddenly, Hyoren noticed something strange. The snow beneath their feet disappeared. The grey stone street around the establishment was completely clear.

Not merely swept. There wasn't even a thin layer of snow remaining.

Hyoren slowed slightly and looked down.

The stone was dry. Then he noticed something else. The air was warmer. It was still winter. The cold was still present, brushing against his cheeks and slipping through the gaps around his clothing. But it wasn't the biting cold they had felt outside their manor.

Hyoren looked around.

“Wait… why is the air warmer here?”

Ina giggled.

“Nyahaha. For the festival, the city is using many heating magic tools on the streets, Hyoren.”

She gestured farther ahead.

“So people can enjoy the festival to its fullest.”

Elise nodded and pointed toward a familiar-looking cylinder installed beside the street.

“They installed those on most streets, Hyoren.”

She adjusted the silver-grey pareo around her shoulders.

The warmth radiating from the magic tool had already begun to permeate the surrounding air, making the heavier wrap slightly less necessary.

“Though mainly on the main streets and busy streets. Most other streets won't receive the treatment.”

Hyoren glanced at the device.

“I see.”

He looked farther down the street.

The same type of cylinder could be seen every few dozen meters.

“It's indeed convenient. Though, why not keep using the tool for the whole winter?”

Ina leaned forward slightly.

“Not like they can't…”

She smiled.

“It's just the logistics… They eat too many magic stones. So they only use these outdoor heating tools on special occasions like this festival.”

Hyoren nodded in understanding.

“I see.”

They continued walking.

As they passed Succubus's Lust and the other establishments around it, Hyoren noticed the festival decorations becoming more elaborate.

The brothels, already known for their bright and colorful appearances, had been transformed for the occasion. Magical lamps of various colors hung around entrances. Ribbons crossed over doorways. Winter ornaments decorated balconies.

And standing outside many of the establishments were escorts dressed almost entirely in red. Red dresses. Red furry mantles. Red knee-length boots. Red hats.

Many of them were already in a festive mood.

They smiled brightly at passing customers, calling out invitations and advertising their services. Some leaned against doorways with practiced poses, while others waved toward people passing by.

Hyoren's eyes wandered over them. Then his eyebrows slowly rose.

They dressed just like… Santa…

He stared at the escorts for another moment.

The red clothes. The fur. They didn't wear the exact Santa outfits. But the red theme and white trim reminded him of Santa Claus from Earth.

There's no way Santa exists in Kresneger… Right?

He almost laughed at the thought.

Then—Hyoren felt pain in his arm. He flinched and stopped walking. 

Ina had pinched his arm. Her cat ears were standing straight up. Even the fur along her cat tail seemed to have puffed up.

“Where are your eyes wandering around, Hyoren?”

Hyoren looked at her. Ina's amber eyes were narrowed.

Elise had also stopped walking. She turned toward him, her emerald eyes narrowing slightly.

“Hyoren…”

Her eyebrows twitched.

“You already have two women who spent more than two hours getting dressed and preparing themselves so their lover would appreciate them…”

She touched her chest lightly. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

“I even dressed sexier for the occasion… And your eyes still wander to other women? Good grief…”

Hyoren immediately raised both hands. And waved frantically.

“No, no, no! Ina, Elise, you misunderstood!”

Ina puffed her cheeks. She put both hands on her hips.

“What misunderstanding?”

Her tail swished sharply behind her.

“We both saw you staring at those escorts.”

She sighed dramatically.

“What? Two women aren't enough for you now?”

Hyoren's expression froze.

Ina turned toward Elise.

“See? This is what I was talking about, Elise…”

She lowered her voice conspiratorially.

“Hyoren really is a beast in bed. We two couldn't satisfy him enough…”

Elise nodded solemnly.

“Yeah…”

She tightened her silver-grey pareo.

“When I was alone, I always felt sore and almost passed out every time we did it. I even screamed a lot of times which caused a lot of embarrassment…”

She glanced toward Ina.

“It went better when you joined us, Ina…”

She sighed.

“But it seems he isn't satisfied with just the two of us, just like you recently said…”

Her emerald eyes suddenly sharpened as they settled on Hyoren.

“But Hyoren…”

She tilted her head.

“Please do tell us if you need a third woman.”

Her expression softened into a genuine smile.

“Remember… no lies between us.”

Hyoren shook his head. Still trying to defend himself.

“Elise… Ina… It's true! It's not like I wanted those escorts!”

He scratched his cheek.

“Though… I'm sorry if my stamina is too high sometimes.”

He lowered his hands and gestured helplessly.

“But seriously. I was just curious why those women were wearing all red!”

Elise and Ina narrowed their eyes. Neither looked particularly convinced.

Then Hyoren noticed something.

They were standing in the middle of the street. Right here. In the busiest part of the entertainment district. Around them were bars, taverns, brothels, escorts, adventurers, and festival-goers.

And quite a few people had stopped to watch the scene of carnage.

A woman standing near one of the establishments covered her mouth with a fan, amusement visible in her eyes.

“A lover argument in the middle of the street.”

She giggled.

“How romantic.”

A drunken man holding a bottle laughed loudly.

“I wish I were that man!”

He pointed at Hyoren.

“He looks so unassuming, but two women are fighting over him? What a dream scenario! Hahaha!”

Another woman, apparently a customer of one of the male escorts, laughed behind her fan.

“What youth does…”

Then another voice came from nearby. Hyoren's ears caught the words.

“Hoho…. I would like to join… Did those two women say he was a beast in bed?”

The woman speaking was dressed far too elegantly to be an ordinary passerby. She looked more like the madam of one of the brothels. She even licked her lips while looking at Hyoren.

Hyoren's face immediately flushed.

This is getting worse…

He hurriedly gestured toward Ina and Elise.

“Elise. Ina. Let's keep walking!”

He started forward without waiting.

“We're causing a ruckus…”

His embarrassment was obvious.

Ina and Elise looked at each other. For a moment, neither spoke. Then they both smiled. They knew perfectly well Hyoren wasn't going to do what they were accusing him of. It was simply teasing.

And judging from his reaction, they had succeeded spectacularly. 

Elise followed after him, her silver hair swaying behind her. She trotted to his right side and looked at him with an amused smile.

“We weren't finished, Hyoren.”

Ina quickly caught up on his left. She hooked her arm around his.

“Elise is right. We will continue this discussion.”

She grinned.

“Whether we should increase your harem to three or not.”

Hyoren looked upward. The silver sky beneath Luna stretched above the city, bright against the winter morning.

He sighed.

“Please give me a break…”

The three continued toward the main street of the Snow Festival.

One embarrassed man walked between two women who were pretending to be angry while secretly laughing to themselves.

***

They continued walking toward the main street.

The sounds of the festival gradually grew louder around them. The warmth from the heating magic tools continued to take the edge off the winter air.

After a while, Ina finally released Hyoren's arm.

She walked a few steps ahead before turning around and leaning slightly toward him.

“So…”

Her amber eyes gleamed with curiosity.

“You wanted to know why so many people are dressed in red?”

Hyoren nodded.

“Yeah.”

He glanced at Ina's crimson blouse and capelet.

“Even you are dressed in red, Ina.”

He smiled wryly.

“Actually, it reminded me of something from Earth.”

Ina's cat ears perked. Elise also turned her head toward him.

“Something from your original world?”

Hyoren nodded.

“Yeah. There's a legend on Earth about someone who wears red during winter too.”

He began explaining.

“His name is Santa Claus. He's a figure from a winter holiday called Christmas. The legend says he travels around during the Christmas season, bringing gifts and happiness to people.”

He paused, searching for the easiest way to explain it.

“Christmas happens during winter for most of the world, so red and white became strongly associated with it.”

He gestured toward the escorts they had passed earlier.

“And in Japan, where I lived, people sometimes wear red-and-white outfits during Christmas too. Waitresses, people working in shops, and others in the service industry might dress according to the Christmas theme.”

He looked back at the red decorations surrounding the street.

“So seeing all those escorts wearing red reminded me of that.”

He shrugged.

“Though, honestly, I don't really know why Santa is always depicted wearing red in the first place. Haha…”

Elise giggled softly.

“I see.”

Her silver hair shifted over her shoulder as she walked.

“To think that your original world has a similar winter tradition…”

She glanced toward one of the red-clad escorts before looking back at Hyoren.

“It is quite amusing.”

Ina's cat ears twitched. She gave him a mischievous smile.

“I thought you wanted more women, Hyoren.”

Hyoren sighed.

“Not this again…”

Ina giggled.

“Nyahaha.”

Hyoren smiled wryly before suddenly reaching out. He wrapped one arm around Ina and the other around Elise, pulling both women against him.

“Please…”

He hugged them a little tighter.

“I was already content with two of you.”

His expression softened.

“You two are a blessing for me.”

Ina's face immediately reddened. She lightly tapped his back.

“Hyoren, please! We are in the middle of the street!”

Elise flushed as well. Her emerald eyes darted around at the passing festival-goers.

“Hyoren, release us.”

She squirmed slightly in his embrace.

“This is embarrassing!”

Hyoren finally released them.

“Haha.”

He rubbed the back of his neck.

“This is revenge from earlier...”

The two women looked at him. Then their expressions softened into amused smiles.

Elise adjusted the silver-grey pareo around her shoulders.

“He truly has changed…”

She looked at Hyoren from the corner of her eye.

“He is so assertive now… Fufu.”

Ina adjusted the high collar of her crimson capelet.

“But it's a good change.”

The two women glanced at each other. Then spoke at almost exactly the same time.

“Right?”

Hyoren could only scratch his cheek.

“You two…”

They resumed walking. Their pace gradually matched again as they headed toward the busier streets.

After a few moments, Ina looked toward Hyoren.

“Anyway, about your question…”

Her cat ears twitched.

“Why red, right?”

Hyoren nodded.

Ina continued.

“It's basically tradition here too in Kresneger, Hyoren. Though here, it isn't associated with a single figure like in your world.”

She gestured toward the red decorations and clothing surrounding them.

“Traditionally, many people wear red during winter simply because red contrasts strongly against white snow.”

She glanced toward the snowy rooftops.

“Even from a distance, red is easy to notice against a landscape covered in white.”

Elise nodded.

“It is especially important for children.”

Her tone became slightly quieter.

“Parents traditionally have children wear red clothing during winter so they are easier to find if they become separated in heavy snow.”

She looked toward the snow-covered street ahead. Then her smile faded slightly.

“And… red also makes people easier to notice if they become stranded and couldn't make it during a snowstorm.”

Hyoren's expression became thoughtful.

He looked around at the sea of white surrounding the city.

The red clothing suddenly looked different to him. Not merely festive. Not merely colorful. It was something born from necessity. A tradition shaped by the harshness of winter—and by the people who had once failed to survive it.

Hyoren slowly nodded.

“I see.”

He looked at the red decorations fluttering gently in the winter breeze.

“So it's a tradition that emerged from both practicality and tragedy, huh…”

Ina nodded quietly.

“Something like that.”

They continued walking. And with that new piece of knowledge settling into his mind, Hyoren looked at the red clothing around him a little differently than before.

***

They finally emerged from Wyvern Street and arrived at the main street of the Adventurer's District.

The difference was immediate.

While the entertainment district had already carried the atmosphere of a festival, this was where the true heart of the Snow Festival was. The streets were absolutely packed. 

People moved in every direction, bundled in winter clothing of every color. Their breath formed small clouds whenever they laughed or called out to their companions. Boots and shoes constantly crunched against the snow, while the cleared central roads were crowded enough that Hyoren occasionally had to slow his steps to avoid bumping into someone.

The entire district had been transformed.

Colorful banners fluttered from nearly every lamppost, their fabric swaying gently in the winter breeze. Magical lamps had been decorated with ribbons and snowflake ornaments, their warm light reflecting off the surrounding snow.

Temporary stalls lined both sides of the street. Food. Games. Winter clothing. Handmade ornaments. Festival souvenirs. Even adventurers had gotten into the spirit, with some wearing ridiculous winter-themed accessories over their armor.

The air was filled with a symphony of sounds.

The cheerful music of a traveling bard drifted above the crowd. Children shrieked with delight as they chased one another through patches of snow. Vendors called out their wares. Laughter erupted from groups gathered around food stalls.

And everywhere Hyoren looked, there was something competing for his attention.

Then came the smells. Roasting meat. Sweet pastries. Spiced cider. Roasted nuts. Fried dough. Warm soup. The savory sizzle and pop of food cooking on dozens of makeshift grills mixed together until the entire street smelled like one enormous feast.

Hyoren stopped briefly at the edge of the bustling street. His dark eyes wandered across the sea of people.

“The festival is… so… crowded…”

Ina, standing on his left, looked absolutely delighted. Her cat ears perked up.

“Snow Festival!”

Her eyes immediately began darting from one food stall to another.

“Time to tackle the food! Nyahaha!”

Elise smiled fondly from his other side.

“I used to not really enjoy the festival, as I was always alone…”

She looked around at the lively street.

“But now that I have family…”

Her emerald eyes softened.

“I couldn't help but want to enjoy it. Fufu.”

Hyoren smiled.

He stood between the two women, their arms linked with his. For a moment, he simply watched. The noise. The snow. The lights. The laughter.

After everything they had experienced in Riverville, the peaceful chaos of the festival felt almost unreal. He felt a profound sense of peace.

Then that peaceful moment lasted approximately three seconds. Because Ina suddenly tightened her grip around his arm.

“Hyoren! Look!”

She squealed.

Before Hyoren could even turn properly, Ina was already pulling him forward. 

Her boots kicked up small amounts of snow as she hurried toward the nearest stall. Her crimson capelet bounced with every step. Her brown hair swayed behind her. Her cat tail whipped happily from side to side. And her eyes seemed incapable of settling on one thing for more than a second.

Hyoren and Elise exchanged an amused glance.

Neither tried to stop her. They simply let Ina drag them along.

Ina pointed excitedly toward a large stall.

A whole mountain goat was slowly roasting on a massive spit over a crackling fire. The skin had already turned a beautiful golden brown. Fat dripped from the roasting meat and struck the hot coals below. A fragrant wave of roasted meat and honey drifted through the air.

“Roasted Mountain Goat with honey sauce!”

Ina's eyes practically sparkled.

“It's a rare delicacy! We have to try it!”

The stall owner looked at her.

Then at her elaborate crimson outfit. Then at Elise's elegant green dress. Then finally at Hyoren. A knowing smile appeared on the middle-aged man's face.

“Want a piece, cute princess?”

Ina's ears perked even higher.

“Yes!”

She almost answered before Hyoren had even said anything.

The stall owner chuckled. He seemed completely unfazed. Apparently, he had already encountered plenty of overly excited festival customers today.

“One piece for 10K Kres!”

It's a bit expensive for a piece of meat.

But Hyoren didn't really mind. He produced one bronze coin and received one piece of roasted meat.

He then distributed the meat to Elise and Ina. He bit one himself.

“Oh. This was delicious.”

Elise nodded.

“Yeah. I like the sauce. Fufu.”

Ina ate her portion in one big bite. And quickly swallowed it.

“I told you! Nyahaha.”

Before Hyoren could even nod properly, however, Ina's attention had already been captured by something else.

Her nose twitched. She sniffed the air. Once. Twice. Her head turned toward another direction.

Hyoren stared.

“She's like a hunting animal…”

Elise covered her mouth.

“Good grief…”

She giggled.

“Ina is too energetic. Fufu.”

Hyoren couldn't help chuckling.

“But it's the festival, so it's understandable.”

Ina was already several steps ahead.

“Hyoren! Elise! Come on!”

The two followed.

Ina was behaving like a child in the middle of a candy store. Gone was the calm and composed Vice Guild Master. Gone was the flirtatious clerk. Gone was the carefully prepared princess look she had wanted to show off.

All that remained was Ina, enjoying herself without restraint. Her cat tail swished happily behind her as she hurried toward another stall.

“Ooh! And over there!”

She pointed.

“Snow Buns!”

The stall was decorated with little snowflake ornaments. A large steamer sat behind the counter, sending clouds of fragrant steam into the cold air.

“They're steamed sweet buns filled with red bean paste and served with a dusting of powdered sugar!”

Ina clasped her hands together.

“They're only sold during the festival!”

She looked at Hyoren with shining eyes.

“And they're my favorite sweet!”

Hyoren smiled.

“Then we definitely have to try them.”

He approached the stall with Elise and Ina.

Inside the display was a pile of round, white buns. They were soft and slightly plump, their surfaces covered with a delicate coating of powdered sugar. Steam still escaped from several of them.

They looked warm. Soft. And extremely appetizing.

The middle-aged woman running the stall smiled when the three approached.

“For a cute princess, elegant lady, and handsome man…”

She gestured toward the buns.

“Three buns for 5K Kres instead of 6K!”

Hyoren chuckled.

“That's generous.”

He reached into his pouch and took out another bronze coin worth 10K Kres.

He handed it over. The woman accepted it and returned fifty small copper coins alongside a bag of Snow Buns.

Hyoren carefully gathered the change and placed it back into his pouch.

“Thank you.”

The woman smiled warmly.

“Thanks for the purchase! Enjoy the festival!”

Hyoren took the three buns from the paper bag. He handed one to Elise. Then one to Ina.

Ina accepted hers with both hands.

For a moment, she stared at it. The warm steam brushed against her face. Then—she took a large, messy bite. Her cheeks immediately puffed out as she chewed.

Her eyes widened. Then her entire expression melted into pure bliss.

“Mmm!”

She swallowed quickly.

“I loveee snow buns!”

She hugged the remaining bun slightly closer to herself.

“Why do they only appear during the festival…”

Elise laughed softly.

“You really love them that much?”

Ina nodded enthusiastically.

“Of course!”

Her cat ears bounced.

“They're delicious!”

Hyoren shook his head with an amused smile.

He took a bite of his own. The outer layer was soft and warm, while the sweet red bean filling spread across his tongue. The powdered sugar added a gentle sweetness without overwhelming the flavor.

He nodded.

“It's good.”

Elise took a small bite as well. Her expression softened.

“Fufu. It really is.”

Ina looked between them. Then grinned.

“See? I told you!”

The three continued standing beside the stall for a moment, eating their snow buns while the festival carried on around them.

Music played somewhere farther down the street. Children ran past them. Snowflakes drifted lazily through the air. The warm smell of food surrounded them.

And Ina's cheerful laughter blended naturally into the noise of the festival.

The Snow Festival was here.

And for the first time in a long while, Hyoren wasn't thinking about surviving anything. He was simply enjoying it—with Elise and Ina beside him.

***

With their appetites sated for the moment, the three moved deeper into the festival.

Ina was already complaining good-naturedly that she was full.

“I think I ate too much…”

She rubbed her stomach lightly.

“But I can probably make room for dessert later.”

Hyoren laughed.

“You're already planning another food?”

Ina's cat ears twitched.

“Of course! It's the Snow Festival!”

Elise giggled.

“Fufufu. But indeed there is so much good food we still need to try.”

They gradually left the food stalls behind and entered a labyrinth of smaller lanes dedicated to trinkets, crafts, ornaments, and curios.

The atmosphere here was different.

The streets were still crowded, but the frantic energy of the food district had faded. People walked more slowly, stopping in front of stalls to examine handmade jewelry, carved wooden ornaments, enchanted trinkets, winter accessories, and countless little curios that had probably been brought into Akela specifically for the festival.

Artisans called out occasionally, but most of the stalls were quieter.

The smell of food was replaced by the scent of polished metal, wood, leather, heated stone, and occasionally fragrant oils used by craftsmen.

Ina's attention, however, remained as unpredictable as ever. Her fiery personality naturally gravitated toward anything bright or colorful. Her eyes suddenly stopped on one particular stall.

“Oh…”

She immediately pulled Hyoren toward it.

Displayed among the metalwork was a simple, elegant anklet made from interwoven copper and bronze.

The design wasn't overly elaborate. Its thin metal strands were woven together in a graceful pattern, with tiny decorative pieces attached at intervals. It was cute without being childish. And more importantly, the warm red and gold tones of the metal complemented Ina's crimson festival outfit perfectly.

Ina carefully picked it up. Her fingers traced the interwoven metal.

“It's beautiful…”

The dwarf artisan running the stall noticed her expression and laughed.

“What a great eye, young lady!”

He leaned over his counter.

“For a cute princess like you, I'll give you a special discount!”

He raised one finger.

“80K Kres only!”

Ina's eyes brightened. She immediately turned toward Hyoren. Then she pushed the anklet toward him.

“Hyoren! It's not even that expensive!”

Her cat tail began swishing behind her.

“Can I get it?”

She clasped her hands together.

“Please?”

Hyoren smiled. He glanced down at her petite legs, then at the anklet. It really would suit her.

“Of course, Ina.”

He reached for his coin pouch and counted out eight bronze coins. The dwarf happily accepted them.

“Thank you for the purchase!”

He looked between Hyoren and Ina.

“What a good boyfriend! May your festival date be enjoyable! Hahaha!”

Hyoren smiled politely.

“Thank you.”

Ina, meanwhile, was already putting the anklet around her ankle. She fastened it and stood. The little pieces of metal produced a faint clink whenever she moved. She took several steps. Her smile grew wider as she heard the clinking sounds. It was almost as if the anklet were announcing her arrival with every step.

Ina lifted one foot slightly to admire it.

“Look, Hyoren!”

She turned her ankle from side to side, watching the copper and bronze catch the light.

“Isn't it cute?”

Hyoren simply nodded.

“It suits you. You look cute, Ina."

Ina beamed.

Elise watched the scene with an amused smile.

“She certainly seems happy.”

Hyoren chuckled.

“She does.”

While Ina was busy admiring her new treasure, Elise's gaze drifted toward a quieter stall nearby.

Unlike the colorful displays around them, this stall was much more subdued. Its owner was a stoic-looking man who seemed content to let his craftsmanship speak for itself.

Among his wares, Elise noticed a hairpin. She stepped closer. The ornament was crafted in the shape of a delicate five-pointed leaf. It was forged from a pale, greenish metal that shimmered faintly beneath the festival lights, almost like moonlight reflecting from a forest pond.

Elise carefully picked it up. Her fingertips brushed over its smooth surface.

“It's lovely…”

The artisan had clearly put a great deal of care into it. Elise turned the hairpin slightly, examining the leaf-shaped design from different angles.

The seller simply stated his price.

“50K Kres.”

Hyoren couldn't help chuckling at the seller's bluntness. The man didn't even bother with a sales pitch.

Hyoren reached into his pouch. Five bronze coins appeared between his fingers. He placed them on the counter. The seller quietly accepted them.

Hyoren then took the hairpin from Elise. He smiled.

“Let me put it on you.”

Elise's expression softened.

“Please, Hyoren.”

She turned slightly and gathered her long silver hair away from the side of her head above her carefully braided section.

Hyoren carefully positioned the hairpin. He took his time, making sure the delicate ornament was secure without pulling her hair.

Once he finished, Elise reached up and touched it. Her fingertips brushed the five-pointed leaf.

Hyoren stepped back slightly. 

The pale green ornament stood out beautifully against her silver hair.

“It suits you so much, Elise.”

His eyes softened.

“You look even more beautiful.”

A faint pink blush crept across Elise's cheeks. Even the tips of her pointed ears became slightly pink.

“Thanks…”

She touched the hairpin again. Then she noticed a small mirror displayed beside the stall.

Elise stepped toward it and looked at her reflection. She tilted her head slightly. The silver hair. The delicate green leaf. Her emerald eyes. The elegant winter dress. She smiled quietly.

Hyoren watched two of his lovers for a moment.

Ina was happily admiring her anklet. Elise was admiring her hairpin. Each had found a small, personal token of their day.

Something simple. Something they could take home and remember the festival by.

Hyoren felt a warmth spread through his chest. He wanted to give them something more. Something that wasn't merely a souvenir.

His eyes began scanning the surrounding stalls. His analytical mind filtered through the countless shiny baubles, colorful charms, ornaments, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. Most were simply pretty. Some were expensive. Others were clearly enchanted.

Then his eyes stopped. A slightly more upscale jewelry stall stood a short distance away. 

Displayed beneath a soft magical lamp was a set of rings. Three simple, classic bands of polished gold. Each one was adorned with a small, identical deep-blue sapphire. They weren't ostentatious. They weren't overly ornate. They were simple and beautiful. And, most importantly, they matched.

Hyoren walked toward the stall.

His steps became purposeful. He looked at the three rings again. Then he made his decision.

“I'll take three of those.”

The well-dressed female jeweler smiled.

“Good choice, Mister.”

She carefully took the three rings from the display.

“Three of these will be 300K kres.”

Hyoren nodded.

“Good. Here.”

He counted out thirty bronze coins and placed them on the counter. The jeweler accepted the payment and smiled.

“Thank you for the purchase.”

Hyoren took the three rings.

Behind him, Elise and Ina had finished admiring their new purchases. Both looked toward him.

Elise tilted her head slightly. Her silver hair cascaded around one of her shoulders.

“What did you buy, Hyoren?”

Ina bounced a bit. Her cat tail swished happily.

“Let me see!”

Hyoren walked back to them. He opened his palm.

Three golden rings rested against his skin. The deep-blue sapphires caught the winter sunlight.

Elise and Ina stared.

Hyoren looked at both of them.

“This is for us…”

His voice was quiet, but firm.

“In Japan, my home country, wearing matching rings like this…”

He paused.

“It signifies that you are lovers.”

His gaze softened.

“That you belong to each other.”

For a moment, the world seemed to quiet. The music and chatter of the festival were still there. People continued walking around them. Snow continued falling. Yet to the three of them, everything seemed distant.

Ina stared at the rings. Then she looked up at Hyoren. Elise did the same. Their expressions slowly changed. Confusion gave way to realization. Then realization became something deeper.

Elise's lips parted slightly. Her emerald eyes shimmered. A single tear escaped the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek. Then another followed.

“Hyoren…”

Her voice almost disappeared.

She had never expected this. Not from the Hyoren she knew. The shy, dense man who often struggled to express his feelings with words had somehow chosen something so simple—and yet so meaningful.

Ina was less capable of hiding her emotions. A small, choked sob escaped her. Her hands immediately flew to her mouth. Her shoulders trembled.

“Hyoren…”

She tried to speak again.

“I… I…”

Tears began streaming down her cheeks.

“I always wanted this…”

She wiped at her eyes, but more tears immediately followed.

“Here in Kresneger, we also wear matching rings to say that we belong to each other…”

She gave a small, trembling laugh between her tears.

“Hic…”

The flirtatious guild clerk was gone. The serious Vice Guild Master was gone. The energetic woman who had been dragging Hyoren from stall to stall was gone. For this moment, she was simply a woman overwhelmed by happiness.

Hyoren smiled at both of them. He was glad he had decided to buy the three rings.

Elise slowly reached for his hand. Her fingers trembled slightly.

“I'll treasure it forever…”

Her voice was soft and thick with emotion. 

Hyoren took her ring. He gently slipped the golden band onto her finger. It fit perfectly. The cool metal settled against her skin, while the tiny blue sapphire caught the light like a miniature star.

Elise stared at it. Her tears continued falling, but now she was smiling.

Ina wiped her tears with the back of one hand. 

“Me too…”

Her other hand remained extended toward him. Hyoren gently slipped the second ring onto the ring finger of her right hand.

Ina immediately raised her hand.  She turned it one way, then the other, watching the blue sapphire sparkle beneath the winter sunlight.

Her watery smile grew brighter.

“It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.”

Hyoren then looked at the third ring. His own. He slipped it onto his finger.

Three identical golden bands. Three identical deep-blue sapphires. No enchantment. No magical protection. No increase to their stats.

To another adventurer, they would have been nothing more than simple, if well-crafted, jewelry. They possessed none of the power of legendary dungeon loot.

But to Elise and Ina, they were infinitely more valuable.

Three golden circles beneath the winter sky. They were a promise. A declaration. A tangible reminder of the bond they shared. 

You are mine. And I am yours.