Asahi

Asahi: Yeah. It’s still a weapon, so I can’t say it lightly… but I want it to be more than just something that hurts people. I want the sword to be something that protects peace.
Asahi gently rested his hand on the sword at his waist, smiling softly—like someone comforting an old friend who had always been by their side.
MC: …I see.
Asahi: The wind’s getting colder. We should head back. I’ve got more sword dance practice waiting for me once we’re home.
MC: Practice?
Asahi: Yeah, sword dance is a new way to use the sword—more like art than combat. With the dance and the beautiful scenery, it shows that our country has so much more to offer. We're not just a land of war, and I want people to see that.
(Even though he must be exhausted after a full day of work...)
Asahi continues to lead Eternal Flower forward, striving to embody his wish for peace.
His strong and quiet determination sparked a warm light in my heart.

Chapter 3 - The Town Of Uirou
The Country of Jōwa.
A bit outside the capital, Asahi and I were walking through a certain town.
MC: Is this our destination? You said we’d be staying here for a few days.
Asahi: Yeah. This town is also known as the Town of Uirou. It’s home to many confectioners who specialize in sweet rice cakes. It used to be packed with shoppers...
MC: But it's so quiet now… Looks like a lot of shops are closed too.
Asahi: …Yeah. I was just thinking the same. It wasn’t like this the last time I visited.
Man: Hey! Keep it down! If you're gonna kick a ball around, do it somewhere else!
Boy A: Sorry!
We turned toward the sound of a man yelling and saw some boys running with a ball.
They moved away from the angry adults and started kicking the ball again a bit farther off.
Boy A: Alright, here it goes! Ah—!
The ball flew high and got stuck on the roof tiles.
Boy A: Wh-what do we do now!?
Boy B: We can’t reach that… There’s no way we can get it ourselves.
Their expressions clearly showed they didn’t want to ask any adults for help after just getting scolded.
Asahi: Hmm. Mind if I go help them?
MC: Of course not.
I nodded, and Asahi walked over to the boys.
Asahi: You want me to get that ball for you?
Boy B: Y-yeah, but… Even for an adult, you’d need a ladder…
Asahi: No worries. Leave it to me.
Asahi smiled confidently and glanced around.
Then, in a flash, he kicked off the ground.
Asahi: Hup!
Using a tree by the eaves, the building’s wall, and even the drainpipe, he quickly scaled the roof.
In no time at all, he retrieved the ball and jumped back down in front of the boys.
Asahi: Here you go—got it back for you.
Boy A: A-amazing! How’d you do that, mister!?
Asahi: There’s no special trick. It’s just the result of constant training. But don’t try to copy me—you could get hurt, okay?

~Choices~
-You're so agile... (☼) ✓
-That was really cool. (☽)
~Choices~

MC: Y-you’re so agile…
Asahi: You think so? I’m nothing compared to Mikage. All I can really do is move exactly how I imagine it in my head.
(…That actually sounds really impressive to me.)
Just then, a flustered woman came rushing out of a nearby building.
Woman: Oh, come on! Did you kick the ball up onto the roof again!?
Boy A: Uh-oh… Mom!
Mother: Honestly! Always causing trouble for people… You did say thank you properly, didn’t you?
Startled by her words, the boys quickly turned and thanked Asahi.
Mother: Sorry about all this. As an apology, how about some sweets at our shop? It’s on the house.
Asahi: Ah, no, please… I didn’t do anything worthy of a reward—
Mother: Now, now, don’t be like that! We’re a fairly well-known sweets shop. I promise it’ll be worth your time. The place is called Iseya—ever heard of it?
Asahi: Iseya…!?

Chapter 4 - Sweet Treats That Make The Heart Flutter
Teahouse Lady: Here you go—thanks for waiting.
We were invited into the teahouse and treated to a generous offering.
With so many colorful, beautifully crafted sweets in front of us, I couldn’t help but feel excited.
Asahi: These are quite impressive.
Teahouse Lady: Hehe, the taste is guaranteed too. Please enjoy to your heart’s content.
Asahi: MC, you can choose first.
MC: Eh, but… you’re the one who helped earlier. It should be your treat.
Asahi: Don’t worry about it. It’s a rare opportunity. Besides, I’m curious to see what you’ll pick.
MC: Hehe, thank you. Then… I’ll go with this one.
Asahi: A flower-shaped nerikiri and some uiro. Then I’ll start with the kuzumochi.
At the same time, we both pressed our hands together in thanks, then used the little bamboo picks to take a bite of the sweets.
MC: Mmm… so good!
Asahi: Indeed! As expected from Iseya—this is outstanding.
MC: But wow, there’s so much… I’m not sure I can finish it all.
Asahi: No problem. I could eat these forever. Ahh—so delicious. It’s hard not to smile.
MC: …Asahi, do you maybe have a sweet tooth?
Asahi: You caught me! To be honest, I’ve always wanted to come to Iseya. They’re famous for their animal and flower-shaped sweets, right? But it’s a bit awkward for a guy to walk in alone.

MC: Hehe, I see. Well, if you ever want company, I’d be happy to come with you.
Asahi: Really!?
His eyes sparkled with excitement. Seeing how genuinely happy he was, I couldn’t help but smile too.

~Choices~
-I love sweets too (☼)
-Only if you exercise with me too (☽) ✓
~Choices~

MC: But only if you exercise with me too.
Asahi: Ah, fair point… That’s important for girls, isn’t it? Alright, I’m in! Though, I suppose dragging you into my full training routine would be a bit much… How about we do some warm-ups together instead?
MC: Sounds good to me!
Asahi nodded in satisfaction, then served himself a slice of matcha uiro.
Asahi: …I like to think I know a thing or two about sweets, but Iseya’s uiro really is top-tier. This flavor… it's something the whole world needs to experience it. I'm really glad we decided to come.
MC: Wait. Is that why we came here?
Asahi: Exactly. I’m here to negotiate spreading this town’s uiro to other countries. To share our culture with the world, we need more partners. But honestly—many people here don’t even realize how special our traditions are. Not just in Koubai, but also here in Jōwa, people were too caught up in years of war to think about such things. That’s why I had to come here myself. Well… I’ll admit my love for these sweets also played a small part.
MC: Haha, I get it. These really are worth sharing. So what’s your plan?
Asahi: Actually, I already sent a letter to the town’s lord. He replied saying he wants to hear more.
MC: You did? When!?
Asahi: Haha, it just shows how serious I am.
Asahi popped the last piece of uiro into his mouth. Just then—
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed from behind.
Man A: …Yeah. Don’t worry, we’ve gathered all the weapons.
Man B: Then, the date of the attack—
MC: Huh…?
The uneasy bits of conversation that floated to us on the wind made Asahi and I exchange alarmed glances.
MC: Did… did they just say ‘attack’?
Asahi: ......
Teahouse Lady: You two seem like travelers from another country, huh? Well… you came at a bit of a tricky time.
MC: What do you mean?
Teahouse Lady: Well, you see—
As the lady explained, Asahi’s expression turned grim. He quietly set down his bamboo pick.
A sense of dread began to stir in my chest.

Chapter 5 - The Sound Of War Approaching
After leaving the teahouse, we headed as planned to the residence of the lord who governed this town.
But—
Asahi: There are a lot of soldiers... Has the lord noticed what's going on, too?
MC: ......

~Flashbacks~
MC: An armed uprising...!?
Teahouse Lady: Yeah. People have had enough of the heavy taxes. Their resentment toward the lord has been building for a while now.
Asahi: So that’s why the town felt so tense...
Teahouse Lady: The men probably won’t raise their swords at guests like you, but... still, there’s a chance you could get caught up in something. I hate to say it after inviting you, but... it’s probably best if you leave town.
~Flashbacks~

Asahi: MC, perhaps you really should—
MC: No! Asahi, you’re here to speak with the lord, right?
The teahouse lady's warning was appreciated. But even with the threat of fighting breaking out, I knew there was no way Asahi would simply walk away.
Asahi: Yes. Fortunately, I’ve been granted an audience with the lord. In these circumstances, I’m not sure if I’ll still be able to meet him—but even so, I want to see if there’s a way to avoid bloodshed. I know it might seem presumptuous for a foreigner like me to interfere.
MC: But Eternal Flower is a guild that wishes for peace, Asahi. You're not being presumptuous at all. As Guild Keeper, I feel the same way.
Asahi: MC... thank you.
...
The lord allowed us into his estate without turning us away.
Lord: I’m glad you’ve come. You are most welcome here.
Asahi: ...You seem rather busy at the moment, though.
Lord: That’s exactly why I welcome you! You’re a renowned warrior from the Koubai Kingdom, aren’t you? You must have heard of the uprising by now. Before we talk about sweets, I’d like you to help suppress the rebels.
Asahi: ...!
MC: Suppress them...!? You mean, you plan to fight them?
Lord: Is there any other way to resolve this situation?
Asahi: Of course. Isn’t it possible to talk with them instead of using force? Words exist so we can understand each other. If both sides would just calm down, this could be avoided—
Lord: The thought of negotiating with common rabble makes my skin crawl. That’s a waste of time. If you’re not going to help with the suppression, then leave at once.
Asahi: ...So, you have no intention of talking.
Lord: Exactly.
Asahi: ......
Asahi: Very well. Leave it to me.
(What…!?)
Asahi stared at the lord with emotionless eyes. I searched his face for a clue as to what he was thinking—but it gave nothing away.
...
In the guest room we were shown to, Asahi silently prepared for battle.
He didn’t glance at me once, and I didn’t know how to even start a conversation.
(This can’t go on. If Asahi has some sort of plan, I need to hear it—)

I took a small breath to calm myself, then spoke with determination.
MC: Asahi, about—
Asahi: MC. I want you to leave the town. Now.
MC: What...?
Asahi: Things have changed. I need you to return to Koubai Kingdom ahead of me. Until the Moonroad opens, it should be safe if you stay in Jōwa’s capital.

~Choices~
-I want to stay with you (☼) ✓
-Will you be okay, Asahi? (☽)
~Choices~

MC: Asahi. Like I said, I want to stay with—
Asahi: No!
His sharp tone made my shoulders shake. His eyes made it clear—he wouldn’t allow any argument.
In the end, Asahi escorted me all the way to the estate’s rear gate.
Asahi: Be careful on your way back. Don’t go anywhere isolated.
MC: ...Okay. You too, Asahi. Please stay safe.
Asahi: Don’t worry. I’ll return soon—to Hanazaki Mansion, where everyone is waiting.
Asahi smiled to reassure me—
And then—
Asahi: !? MC, get back!
A shout rang out beyond the gate, and the thick wooden doors shook violently.
A second, third impact followed—and then, the gate burst open.
Gate Guard A: The rear gate is under attack!
Gate Guard B: Don’t let them through!
As the mob forced their way in, the gate guards rushed in and drew their swords.
Tension filled the air. It was about to explode into violence. Asahi stepped forward and drew his sword in a single motion.
Asahi: My name is Asahi! I am a Meister of the Eternal Flower Guild—a warrior!

[Sun End]
Chapter 1 - As The Sword Dances
As Asahi stepped forward and drew his sword, the tension in the air grew even thicker.
He took another step toward the frozen townsmen, who stood rooted in place, overwhelmed by his presence.
—The way he moved his feet... it was as if he was keeping rhythm.

“Much like the world of the fleeting… Crimson plums in bloom—”

Rioters: —!?
In the stunned silence, his strong, clear voice rang out.
With low, rhythmic chanting, Asahi slowly began to dance.

“We pray to the gods... for a world free of turmoil—”

The hem of his cloak fluttered softly in the breeze.
Sunlight caught the blade of his sword, making it gleam beautifully.
—From somewhere in the crowd, someone let out a breath of awe.
(I can’t look away...)
Everyone present—whether friend or foe—was utterly captivated by Asahi’s sword dance.
But then—
Rioter A: I-I won’t be fooled! This is just some performance—!
Rioter Leader: Wait.
Rioter A: …!
Stopped by his leader, the man slowly lowered his weapon.
Asahi, seeing that even the gate soldiers were no longer moving, calmly slid his sword back into its sheath.
Asahi: My name is Asahi. I have come not to fight, but to talk—to find understanding through words, not weapons.
The rioters fell silent once again, like water stilling in a pond.
Then, the man leading them stepped forward to face Asahi.
Rioter Leader: Asahi, was it? I understand what you’re saying. But know this—talking is impossible. The lord has never once listened to us. Not a single time.
Asahi: Please... tell me everything.
...
Asahi: I see… I understand now. Thank you for sharing this with me. In that case, I may be able to help—no, I will help. As guildmaster of Eternal Flower, allow me to take responsibility for this matter!
The firm resolve in Asahi’s gaze slowly began to ease the tension in the air.
Rioter Leader: From your stance earlier, I can tell you're highly skilled. If we had fought, there would’ve been bloodshed.
Asahi: Then I’m glad it didn’t come to that. I… really can’t stand the sight of blood.
Rioter Leader: Hah... is that so... Asahi, I want to believe in your conviction. So I’ll leave it to you.
Asahi: —Thank you!
...
With the situation calmed for now, the gathered crowd gradually dispersed.
Asahi placed a hand on his hip and turned to me with a grin.
Asahi: Now then, things are going to get busy. I’ll need your help too.
MC: …Yeah!
I still didn’t fully understand what Asahi planned to do.
But I wanted to support the man who cherished peace—
So I nodded, deeply, from the heart.
MC: Count on me. If there’s anything I can do, I’ll do it. Because I want to help protect your dream too, Asahi.
Asahi: …Thanks. I’m counting on you.
He smiled warmly and gently placed his large hand on my head.
A hand reaching for his dream—
And more than anything, the warmth of it filled my heart.

Chapter 2 - A Token Of The Heart
Some time later—
We visited the lord’s mansion once again to put Asahi’s plan into action.
Lord: R-Reduce the tax rate to less than half!? That’s completely outrageous…!
Asahi: No, it’s not. It is possible. —Look at that.
MC: Yes! Please take a look at this document. It’s a detailed report analyzing the city’s financial situation. We created it after receiving approval from the country to move forward with the confectionery export proposal from Eternal Flower.
Lord: ...!
MC: According to this report, there are irregularities in the flow of funds... Look at this section here. It shows tax money being spent on construction projects that never happened.
Asahi: And where did that money go? Isn’t it sitting in your own pocket?
Lord: Y-You...! Are you threatening me!?
Asahi: No. We’re not here to accuse you. ...We’ve heard that you used to be a good lord. The townspeople all said the same thing. But everything changed after the war... Most likely because of the financial burden and emotional strain. In times of war, people can only rely on themselves. I understand that. But a lord exists because of the people. If you’re the one making their lives harder, then what’s the point?

~Flashbacks~
Back then, the armed uprising really did happen—just like the teahouse lady had told us. It was caused by the heavy taxes placed on the townspeople.
After the war, the city fell into financial trouble. To make up for it, the lord raised taxes on sweets, but this only made things worse. No one bought them anymore. Then, he increased the taxes on the people themselves. Eventually, the pressure became too much, and the citizens rose up.
~Flashbacks~

MC: We’ve already received many requests from other countries to buy this city’s uiro. If the plan goes forward, the final profits could surpass what you’re earning now.
We laid out the expected costs and projected profits—along with a list of countries that had already agreed to buy the uiro. As we spread the detailed documents on the table, the lord’s eyes widened.
Lord: This much...?

Asahi: That’s how valuable this city’s uiro is. Please remember that.
The uiro had been served as a snack during the meeting. The lord quietly stared at it, then slowly reached out, took a bite...
Lord: …It’s delicious, after all.
Seeing the small smile appear on his face, Asahi and I looked at each other—and smiled too.
...
In the end, the tax was officially lowered, and the uiro export plan was approved.
Rioter Leader: Here, this is our thanks! Eat up—don’t be shy!
Asahi and I had been invited to a feast by the same people who once led the armed uprising. Before us were dishes made with care, alongside the city’s famous uiro and sweets.
Rioter Leader: Eat, drink, and relax! Do as you please today!
Asahi: All I did was speak with the lord. Honestly, it’s thanks to the uiro that things were resolved.
Rioter Leader: Without you both, there would’ve been bloodshed. Don’t be modest—you’ve earned this.
Asahi: Is that so? Then I’ll enjoy it—thank you. —!! Incredible! This is delicious! Is this sakura-flavored? Hmm, this one’s got a deeper sweetness too... Either way, it’s amazing!
Rioter Leader: ...Asahi, you’re eating a lot. I’m starting to worry we’ll run out before exporting anything.
MC: Fufu.
Asahi: MC, come sit next to me.
As Asahi beckoned me over, I sat down beside him. He handed me a beautifully shaped nerikiri sweet, shaped like a flower.
Asahi: I thought you might like this one.
MC: It’s so pretty…! Almost too beautiful to eat.
Asahi: I thought the same. But—it’d be a shame not to taste it, too.
(…There’s only one of these left, isn’t there?)
MC: Hey, Asahi. Why don’t we share it?
Asahi: ! Are you sure…!?
MC: Of course. Just a second... Here you go.
I cut the nerikiri in half with a dessert pick, and we each took a bite. The taste made us instinctively look at each other—and smile at the same time.
Asahi: ...This is a good moment.
MC: Yeah.
...
Later on, at the townspeople’s request, Asahi performed another sword dance.
This time, it wasn’t the graceful dance from before—it was cheerful, lively, and made people want to clap along.
Townsperson A: Whoo! So cool!
Townsperson B: You nailed it!
Asahi: Haha… You’re making me blush with all this praise.
A meister who wishes for peace more than anyone else.
The smiles on everyone’s faces… they were the true proof of his feelings.

Last Chapter - I Want To See That Smile
—After finishing our work in the land of Jōwa, Asahi and I returned to the Hanazaki Mansion.
It felt good to have everyone gathered again for dinner, and I couldn’t help but talk a lot about Asahi’s achievements.
MC: When Asahi drew his sword, he actually performed a sword dance! It was so graceful and beautiful—
Aoi: Wow, performing a sword dance in such a tense moment… that’s a pretty elegant move.
MC: I think through that sword dance, everyone could feel Asahi’s desire for peace. That’s probably why they were willing to listen to him afterward…
Asahi: Come on now. Things only went well thanks to your efforts, MC.
MC: I really don’t think I did anything that special though…
Asahi: But you were the one who prepared the documents for the discussion with the lord, weren’t you, MC? They were clear and easy to understand. Anyone could’ve read them and grasped the key points. Thanks to that, we were able to convince the lord.
MC: R-Really? If that’s true, I’m glad...
Aoi: Aww, look at you two, complimenting each other. How cute.
Mikage: Doesn’t sound like there were any problems. And it seems you two are getting along very well.
MC: ......
The knowing looks from Mikage and Aoi made me realize I may have talked too much. Embarrassment crept in, and I glanced away, pretending to focus on something else.
As for Asahi, he just laughed his usual cheerful laugh.
Asahi: Yes, MC and I worked well together. No arguments, and nothing strange happened.
Mikage: Yeah, yeah, good for you.
Tamayura: Asahi, you really don’t get it...
Shiranui: Hahaha, he’s never gonna catch a subtle hint like that.
Asahi: ???
MC: U-Um… Oh, right! I bought souvenirs for everyone. I’ll hand them out later, okay?
Aoi: Hehe, I’ll be looking forward to it.
I awkwardly changed the subject, and the others kindly played along. The warm, cheerful dinner carried on just like always.
...
Later that night, with the comforting sound of insects filling the quiet, I was working through the account books before bed—
Asahi: MC, do you have a moment?
MC: Asahi? What’s up?
Asahi: There’s something I’ve been meaning to say, but I kept missing the chance.
His serious tone made me instinctively sit up straighter. Asahi looked me in the eyes, his gaze soft and gentle.
Asahi: I’ve never said this properly before… but MC, you’re an important part of our team. To Eternal Flower, and to me—you’re someone we can’t do without. So please, continue to stay by our side.

His voice was slightly lower than usual, and the warmth in his words made my chest tighten. I wasn’t sure if it was just happiness from being trusted—or maybe something more.
Still unsure, I gave him a smile.
MC: …Yeah. I’d be happy to.
Asahi: I’m glad. Also… I’d like you to have this.
From his pocket, he took out a small box decorated with brightly colored patterned paper.
MC: Oh…?
Asahi: We can’t beat that town when it comes to nerikiri sweets, but in Koubai, we take pride in our higashi and plum-flavored confections. Once you open it, you’ll understand.
Encouraged by his words, I lifted the lid. Inside were small flower-shaped higashi and colorful sugar candies.
MC: Wow… they’re so cute!
Asahi: Right? Eat them when you need a break.
MC: Thank you. Actually… I just finished what I was working on, so maybe I’ll try one now. Let’s eat together.
Asahi: Haha, I do love sweets, but this was meant for you, you know?
MC: But I think they’ll taste even better if we eat them together.
Asahi: …You win.
MC: Mmm… This rakugan has a plum fragrance—it’s delicious!
Asahi: Hahaha, I thought you’d like that one. It’s my favorite too.
MC: Wait—was it okay for me to eat it then?
Asahi: Of course. I bought them for you. And more than anything—I wanted to see that smile.
He softened his expression as he looked at me. The kindness in his gaze made my heart beat faster, whether I wanted it to or not.
I didn’t know how to respond. As I fumbled for words, his hand gently reached out.
MC: Ah…
Asahi: There’s some sugar powder on your lips.
MC: Eh!? Th-thank you…
Asahi: ......
Even though the powder was already gone, Asahi’s eyes didn’t move away.
I wondered why, but I couldn’t look away from him either. Then, his fingers softly brushed the corner of my lips.
Asahi: Back then… when you said you wanted to protect peace together, that meant a lot to me. Having someone by my side who shares the same wish… it gave me so much strength. …When you’re with me, I feel braver somehow.
His warmth was slightly higher than mine. The firm touch of a hand trained with a sword—everything about him stirred my heart.
Asahi: Right now, people from other countries still think of Koubai as a land of war. But someday, I believe they’ll recognize our culture and call this a beautiful country. And when that day comes—I want to welcome it with you.
His hand finally pulled back. I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding and gave a small nod.
MC: …Of course.
Asahi: Thank you.
Under the soft glow of the night light, Asahi looked just a little different than usual.
As I took another bite of the rakugan, trying to hide my flustered heart, it somehow tasted even sweeter than before.

[Moon End]
Chapter 1 - Drowning In Red
The force of Asahi’s bold declaration made the rioters hesitate.
He was about to continue speaking when—
Rioter A: Guh...!
Asahi: What—?!
An arrow suddenly flew in, striking one of the rioters in the shoulder.
Startled, I looked up and saw soldiers of the local lord aiming their bows from the mansion's windows.
Rioter B: That bastard! He did it!
Rioter Leader: You all saw that, didn’t you?! That’s their answer! Now take the future into our own hands!
Asahi: Wait!
Asahi tried to stop them, but it was no use. The rioters and the gate guards clashed, swords drawn.
At this point, there was no way to escape through the gate.
I tried to find cover, but one of the rioters got to me first.
Rioter B: That outfit... you're not from this country, are you? Perfect. A guest of the lord makes an ideal hostage.
MC: …!
(He’s alone. If I can catch him off guard, maybe I can—)
Asahi: MC!
Rioter B: Gah!?
Asahi: Are you okay!?
MC: Y-Yeah... Thank you...
Rioter C: You bastard! How dare you hurt our comrade!
Rioter D: You're gonna pay for that!
Asahi stepped in front of me, shielding me from the furious rioters.
He lowered his stance, ready to fight.
Asahi: ...I have no choice. Haaah!
With incredible speed, Asahi struck down the armed rioters one after another using the back of his blade, knocking them unconscious.
His overwhelming strength left the remaining rioters frozen in fear.
Asahi: Stand down!!!
Rioter C: Eek...!
Rioter D: R-Run! Help the wounded!
Rioter E: Damn it! We can’t back down! But if we stay here, we’re all dead anyway!
Gate Guard: Wha—?!
One of the rioters, driven by desperation, raised his sword toward a guard.
Asahi: Watch out!
MC: Asahi!!
Asahi caught the descending blade with his armored forearm and glared fiercely at the attacker.
Asahi: Leave. Before someone dies.
Rioter E: Tch…!
Perhaps overwhelmed by Asahi’s sheer presence, the man backed down and ran off without another word.
Asahi: …Are you alright?
Gate Guard: Y-Yeah… I’m fine, but you—
MC: Asahi!!
Asahi: MC. I’m glad you’re safe—
MC: We need to stop the bleeding on your arm!
Asahi: My... arm?
Asahi: ...?!
He finally looked down. Crimson blood was seeping from his bracer, and Asahi's face turned pale in an instant.
Just then, his body swayed, and he collapsed to his knees.
MC: Asahi!?
(Could the blade have been poisoned—?)
Gate Guard: T-This is bad! Everyone, help me! We have to get him back to the mansion!
Soldiers quickly gathered around.
Unconscious, Asahi was carried inside the mansion.

Chapter 2 - A Harsh Past
After the doctor finished treating Asahi’s injury, I stayed by his side, alone.

~Flashbacks~
Doctor: …The injury on his arm isn’t serious, and there’s no sign of poison. I’m not sure why he collapsed, but he should be fine.
~Flashbacks~

(That’s what the doctor said… but—)
Asahi’s reaction when he saw his injury wasn’t normal. Just remembering it sent a chill down my spine.
Worried, I sat by him and watched his sleeping face.
Then, his eyelashes trembled, and slowly, his eyes opened.
Asahi: Ugh… MC? Where… am I?
MC: Asahi! Thank goodness… This is the lord’s estate.
Asahi: …So I collapsed, didn’t I… I’m sorry for causing trouble.
MC: No, it’s okay. Does your arm still hurt?
Asahi: …Not really.
He sat up slowly, but his face was dark, looking defeated.
MC: I brought the medicine the doctor gave me. It might taste a little bitter, but… do you think you can drink it?
Asahi: You’ve already done so much for me… I don’t even know how to thank you.
As I prepared the herbal remedy, I told him what had happened while he was unconscious.
MC: After that, the townspeople all pulled back. They said there were no serious injuries on either side—and that was only because you stepped in and stopped it before things got worse.
Asahi: …I see. That’s good to hear.
He fell silent.
(I’ve never seen Asahi look like this before…)

~Flashbacks~
Asahi: I don’t want to see any more war—or conflict at all. I want to protect this peace.
~Flashbacks~

Thinking about how that dream had been shattered today made my heart ache.
Without thinking, I reached out and took his hand.
Asahi: …!
MC: Asahi, don’t think about anything right now. Just rest. And if there’s anything you need, just say so. I’ll do whatever I can.
Asahi: MC… Then… can you stay like this a little longer? Right here by my side?
He gently squeezed my hand in return.
I was surprised, but it felt like a sign that he trusted me deeply.
MC: …Of course. As long as you need.
Asahi: ......
Asahi: ...After that last war, I started blacking out at the sight of blood. When I see it… I can’t help but remember—the people I just shared a meal with the night before, the friends I’d laughed with for years… all lying there in silence, covered in blood.
His voice trembled as he covered his face with one hand, struggling.
Asahi: That horror… It’s not something you can ever forget.
Just imagining what he had seen was almost too much to bear.

Back at Mount Koubai, he had shared his dream of peace. Now, I finally understood how heavy that dream truly was.
Asahi: …It’s not just Koubai’s peace I want. I want everyone who’s tired from war to live with a smile again—to be proud of the beautiful culture of their homeland. That’s the future Eternal Flower strives for.
MC: …Yeah.
Asahi: —That’s why I didn’t want the guards and townspeople fighting each other today. I wanted to stop it before it started… But I wasn’t strong enough. This was the result of my own weakness. If I’d been stronger… maybe I could have prevented all of it.
The hand holding mine was warm and slightly shaking.
I could feel just how deeply Asahi regretted it.
MC: …Maybe it would’ve been best if the fight never happened. But if you hadn’t been there today, someone might have died. You did protect them, Asahi.
Asahi: MC…
MC: I really respect your dream—to protect peace. And from now on… no matter what happens, I’ll be right here, supporting you.
Asahi: …Yeah. Thank you.
The smile that returned to his face was soft, gentler than before—and it made my heart quietly tremble.

Last Chapter - Beloved Fragility
—A few days had passed since I returned to the guild home from the land of Jōwa.
I glanced over the completed report one last time and let out a quiet sigh.
(So this might be the last report I write on Eternal Flower for a while…)
Due to an urgent request from another guild, I would be leaving Eternal Flower tomorrow.
Asahi: MC! I brought the documents you asked for.
MC: Ah, thank you!
While comparing the documents Asahi had handed me with my finished report—
Asahi: Oh, Mikage. Good work.
Mikage: I’m back. Is that the report from the other day?
MC: Yep. Finally finished it.
Mikage: ...By the way, I forgot to ask—what happened with the sweets project?
MC: Oh, about that...
After the armed uprising, the rebels were captured by government officials and taken into custody. At the same time, an investigation began into the unfair tax system that had driven the people to revolt.
MC: So... right now, it’s kind of hard to promote Eternal Flower’s sweets in other countries.
Mikage: I see.
Asahi: I'm truly sorry! This was the result of my own shortcomings. But next time, I’ll do better. No need to worry!
Mikage: ......
Asahi: Ah, I just remembered I’ve got something to take care of. Mikage, get some rest today.
As we watched Asahi leave, Mikage let out a quiet sigh.
Mikage: Tch... he’s pushing himself too hard.
MC: You think so too?
Mikage: I’ve seen a lot, but this might be one of the worst cases.
MC: ...Asahi never really shows it when he’s hurting.
Mikage: Does that make you sad?
MC: Sad...? Maybe. But more than that, I just hate seeing him suffer alone.
Mikage: Then tell him. You might be the only one who can. Asahi seems to feel something... special about you.
MC: Mikage...
Mikage: So I’ll leave it to you.
MC: Got it!
...
MC: Asahi, I’m coming in.
When I entered the room, Asahi was sitting silently at a desk with nothing on it.
Asahi: MC. What brings you here?
(...Did he want to be alone? Maybe that excuse earlier was just a lie. But still—)
MC: Hey... Asahi. Are you okay?
Asahi: Okay? There’s nothing for you to worry about.
His answer came too quickly—it was clearly forced. I just looked at him in silence.
As I kept quietly watching, almost asking with my eyes, he finally gave in with a sigh.
Asahi: ...No, that’s a lie. I can’t hide anything from you, can I? Actually, ever since that day, I’ve been having those war nightmares again... To be honest, I’m a bit worn down.
He glanced at the arm he’d injured. The bandages were off, but the scars still looked painful.
Asahi: But this is a trial I have to overcome. I’ll be fine—don’t worry about me.
He used a formal tone, like he was trying to convince even himself.
Maybe he was trying to sound strong for my sake since I’d be gone soon. I didn’t know for sure—but...
MC: Was “stay with me” something you only said back then?
Asahi: MC...?
MC: What about now...?
Asahi: ......
Asahi: I still feel that way. I want you to stay by my side. Having you visit like this... it fills me with both shame and joy.
MC: Asahi... After spending time with you, I think I’ve come to understand you a bit more. You’re cheerful, kind, and incredibly patient. But you also tend to bottle everything up.
Just like I did at the lord’s estate, I gently took Asahi’s large hand in mine.
MC: When things get hard, I want you to lean on me. Because I truly want to support your dream.
Asahi: ...Thank you.
The next moment, I was pulled into his arms—wrapped in his warmth.
Asahi: …When I’m with you, I just want to let everything go. To drop my guard, to be soft—even if just for a moment. I know that’s not how a warrior should act. That's why I keep telling myself to stay disciplined, but...
His grip tightened slightly, his voice a little hoarse.
Asahi: ...I care about you—
He never finished the sentence, but I didn’t need to hear the remaining words.

The strength of his embrace told me everything.
MC: Asahi...
Wanting to accept his feelings, I tightened my arms around his broad back.
Asahi: MC. May I ask you for one selfish favor?
MC: Of course.
Asahi: ...Come back soon. Please.
He whispered into my ear and gently nuzzled against my cheek.
Feeling his warmth against my skin and the flutter in my chest, I gave a deep nod.