"Hahaha..."
Ejji wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes as he laughed.
"It really has been a long time, I almost forgot how humble you Cecelion-sama."
Cecelion scratched the back of his head.
"Please...Let's stop talking about me, I'm starting to feel embarrassed."
Yuna smiled warmly before standing from her chair.
"Then...Let's save the conversation for after dinner."
She gently picked up the heavy pouch of gold coins and carefully placed it inside a wooden cabinet.
"I'll keep this safe for now."
Cecelion nodded gratefully.
"Thank you."
Just then—
Ejji peeked out from the kitchen.
"The stew is finally ready!"
He proudly lifted the lid from the large iron pot.
A cloud of fragrant steam rose into the air.
The rich aroma of slow-cooked vegetables, fresh herbs, and tender meat quickly filled the farmhouse.
Haruwiko's nose twitched.
"...Sniff..."
His crimson eyes sparkled.
"It smells amazing..."
His stomach answered before anyone else could.
Grrrr...
The room became silent.
Haruwiko slowly lowered his head.
"..."
"...It wasn't me."
For a second...
Nobody said anything.
Then—
"Pfft..."
Yuna covered her mouth.
Ejji burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!"
"Even your stomach is introducing itself!"
Haruwiko's cheeks immediately turned bright red.
"I-I...I really didn't mean..."
Cecelion gently patted his son's head.
"It's alright being hungry isn't something to be embarrassed about."
Haruwiko nodded shyly.
"...Okay."
The family gathered around the wooden dining table.
The meal wasn't extravagant.
Freshly baked bread.
A bowl of vegetable stew.
Roasted potatoes.
Grilled meat.
Simple food prepared with care.
Yuna smiled toward the hallway.
"Yui."
"Dinner is ready."
Almost immediately—
"I'm coming, Mama!"
A bright, energetic voice echoed through the house.
Pat! Pat! Pat!
Tiny footsteps rushed down the hallway.
A little girl with chestnut hair happily ran into the dining room.
"I'm hungry!"
She suddenly stopped.
"...Eh?"
There were strangers sitting at the table.
A handsome man...
And beside him...
A small silver-haired boy.
The boy quietly lowered his spoon and looked back at her.
Neither of them spoke.
For a brief moment...
Their eyes simply met.
(He's so cute...)
Yui's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Without the slightest hesitation, she ran straight toward him.
"Hello!...My name is Yui!"
She smiled brightly.
"I'm six years old!... What's your name?"
Haruwiko blinked.
The cheerful girl standing before him was overflowing with energy.
He wasn't used to someone talking to him so suddenly.
He instinctively looked toward his father.
Cecelion simply smiled as if saying, Go on.
Haruwiko slowly looked back at Yui.
"My...My name is Haruwiko."
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"I'm... five."
Yui's smile became even brighter.
"So you are younger than me!"
"That means I'm your big sister!"
Haruwiko blinked several times.
"...Big sister?"
"Yep!"
She proudly puffed out her chest.
"You can leave everything to me!"
Haruwiko couldn't help smiling a little.
"...Okay."
Yui suddenly grabbed both of his hands.
"Then let's be friends!"
Haruwiko's face immediately turned red.
"S-So close..."
"Hm?" (Yui tilted her head.)"Did I do something?"
Haruwiko quickly shook his head.
"N-No...I'm just....not very good at talking to new people."
Yui giggled.
"That's okay! I'm good at talking! So I'll do most of it!"
Haruwiko let out a tiny laugh.
"...Hehe."
Watching the two children, Yuna quietly smiled.
"It looks like they've already become friends."
Ejji laughed.
"I think Haruwiko found someone who can do all the talking for him."
Even Cecelion chuckled softly.
"I have a feeling..."
"They're going to get along just fine."
Outside...
The moon slowly rose above Danos City.
Its gentle silver light bathed the quiet farmhouse.
Neither Haruwiko nor Yui realized it.
What began as a simple greeting...
Would become the beginning of a friendship that would change both of their lives forever.
And somewhere deep inside Haruwiko's soul...
Bakunawa quietly opened one eye.
"Heh..."
"So this is the beginning."
The ancient dragon smiled before closing his eyes once again.
Dark Dragon and Scarlet Dragon smile gently
"...This journey is finally becoming interesting."
(To be continued)