Celestaris: Chronicles of Manga, Moon & Kizuna.

Part 1

—Alright, dinner is ready —announced Yuna's father, placing the final dishes on the table with almost ceremonial precision.

An array of dishes spread out before us.

Fresh fish garnished with herb leaves, vibrant vegetables that seemed to retain the energy of the forest, steaming soups whose aroma promised warmth, and crystal-clear jugs of water that reflected the soft glow of the hanging magical lamps.

The air was filled with the enveloping scents of herbs and spices, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere.

Everything seemed prepared with great care, as if he wanted to honor his daughter's return and perhaps also show me a bit of elven hospitality.

Even Simo and Kizuna had been given small dishes. Though his skeptical expression suggested he wasn't sure if they would accept them, the gesture spoke of genuine courtesy.

—Dad, it looks delicious! Thank you for the meal! —exclaimed Yuna with a radiant smile, lighting up the room as if the sun had found its way inside.

Mr. Kazeharu's expression, though serious, couldn't hide a hint of pride at hearing her words.

—Thank you for the meal, sir —I murmured, my tone timid as I struggled to address him properly.

He shot me a piercing look, his voice as firm as a sharp gust of wind.

—There's no need to thank me, young man. And remember, my name is Zephyrus Kazeharu. Not "sir" and certainly not "dad," understood?

The seriousness in his tone made me sit up straight instantly. I felt that this dinner, though warm, carried an air of solemnity that I shouldn't take lightly.

Yuna gave me a brief, amused glance, as if trying to reassure me without saying a word.

As my eyes wandered across the table, they stopped at a plate adorned with delicate sakura motifs.

The design was so intricate that it seemed to have been crafted by the hands of a master artisan, conveying an almost reverential respect.

Zephyrus stood up again, walking toward a corner of the room with determined steps. My curiosity sparked, and without thinking much, I blurted out a question.

—Is someone else coming?

Yuna, who had been enjoying the moment, fell silent for a moment. Her gaze turned nostalgic before she responded softly, her voice full of memories.

—Are you asking because of the sakura plate?

—Yes, it's just…

Before I could finish, a chill ran through me as I recalled the words of the woman at the market: "Yuna's mother loved sakuras."

I froze, aware that I might have touched on a sensitive subject. However, to my surprise, Yuna didn't seem sad. On the contrary, an air of relief softened her expression.

—We always set a place for my mother… —she replied with a serene smile.

—She was a beautiful elf, with a bright smile and a heart full of warmth.

—She was the best teacher in the village and the most loving mother anyone could wish for. Her name was Ayumi, and she loved sakura flowers.

As she spoke, her voice, though calm, conveyed a deep affection that filled the room. It was as if the simple act of remembering her connected Yuna to something she had never truly lost.

Then, with a mix of curiosity and tenderness, Yuna looked at me and added.

—And your parents, Haruto? What are they like?

Yuna's father returned to the table and sat down with us, his gaze fixed on me as he awaited my response.

A brief silence settled over the table, accompanied by the creak of the wood beneath our feet, as if the environment itself was listening intently.

—That… I can't really say… —I finally said, noticing how the two exchanged a look of confusion.

—You don't have to tell us if you don't want to —Yuna murmured, her voice soft with a faint hint of sadness.

—It's not that —I replied, trying to clarify—. It's just that I barely knew my parents.

Their faces showed surprise at my confession.

—I've lived alone for most of my life.

—My parents were always traveling, only visiting me on very, very rare occasions.

—They were historians, dedicated to exploring ancient sites in search of treasures and lost stories —I continued, my voice carrying a mix of nostalgia and melancholy.

I paused briefly before adding, in a lower tone.

—They always tried to fill that void with money and gifts, making sure I never lacked anything… except their presence.

I stopped again, feeling my voice start to tremble. I lowered my gaze, trying to stay calm.

Memories of my grandmother flooded my mind, her warm laughter, the stories she told me at night, and her constant effort to make sure I never felt alone.

—My grandmother was the one who cared for me and raised me until I turned ten. But… my parents disappeared during an expedition to a jungle in search of a supposed legendary treasure. My grandmother couldn't bear the news… —I took a deep breath, fighting the lump in my throat—. Since then, I've been on my own.

Silence filled the room, but it wasn't uncomfortable. There was a tacit understanding in the eyes of Yuna and her father, a shared empathy that needed no words. Even the crackling of the magical lamps seemed to accentuate the pause in our conversation.

Trying to dissipate the melancholy that had fallen over us, I forced a smile and said.

—Anyway, we should enjoy this meal before it gets cold.

Mr. Kazeharu nodded, and Yuna gave me a warm smile, as if she understood my attempt to shift the subject without diminishing the weight of what I had shared. Her gaze held that blend of tenderness and gratitude that always managed to disarm me.

The dinner continued with a more intimate and honest atmosphere. Yuna's warmth, reflected in her smile, seemed to dispel any lingering sadness. Without saying anything more, she began eating calmly, while her father remained thoughtful, lost in his own reflections.

—It's delicious, Kizu! —Kizuna suddenly exclaimed, breaking the tension with her usual energy. This time, it seemed she had patiently waited for the right moment to intervene.

Simo imitated her with a soft caw, lifting his wing in a gesture that, if not for his serious expression, I would've sworn was an "ok."

The atmosphere fully relaxed. Smiles and gestures of approval replaced words as we shared the meal. It was as if all the heaviness in the room began to fade, replaced by the warmth of a shared moment.

When we finished, Yuna and I both expressed our gratitude to her father.

—Thank you for the meal, Mr. Kazeharu —I said, making an effort to sound formal, even though I knew he had corrected me earlier.

He nodded, his expression still serious, but there was something softer in his gaze, like a hint of appreciation he wasn't quite willing to show.

Leaning slightly forward, he placed his hands on the table and spoke in a graver, more reflective tone.

—Yuna, Haruto, there's something important I need to discuss with you both.

We both instinctively straightened, our eyes fixed on him. Something in his tone made it clear this wouldn't be a casual conversation.

—My daughter has told me about your special abilities and how you came to Mythara —he said, his piercing gaze fixed on me, sharp as the edge of a finely honed blade.

—The goddess Mizuki rarely bestows gifts like yours without significant purpose.

I felt the weight of his gaze. Though I still felt unsure under that seriousness, I made a conscious effort to meet his eyes, trying to convey a conviction I was still discovering within myself.

—I deeply appreciate how you've looked after my daughter during her journey through the labyrinth, but I need to know.

—What are your plans in this world? —he asked in a grave tone, his eyes demanding sincerity.

Yuna watched me with curiosity, her eyes reflecting a shine that combined anticipation and silent support. I knew she hoped to hear something that would confirm I belonged here.

—Well… to be honest, I have no idea —I confessed, feeling the heat rise to my face as the words tumbled out awkwardly.

—I don't consider myself special. In fact, back in my world, I spent most of my time holed up at home —I added, letting out a timid smile that sought to ease the seriousness of the moment.

The silence that followed made my words seem to resonate even more heavily in the room. I took a deep breath before continuing.

—But, if I may, I'd like to stay here with you. I want to learn more about this world, understand it, and, of course, help in any way I can —I finally said, bowing my head slightly in respect, though my heart was racing.

Kazeharu stared at me intently, his eyes analyzing every word as if searching for the slightest hint of deceit. Despite the pressure, I managed to hold his gaze, trying to convey the sincerity I felt at that moment.

—I hope I can continue to count on your guidance —I added cautiously, striving to sound genuine.

He nodded slowly, adopting a solemn posture that made me unconsciously sit even straighter.

—Well, if that is Mizuki's will, I suppose I cannot refuse to help you —he finally replied in a tone laden with seriousness, though I noticed a slight softness in his expression.

—Tomorrow, we will have a meeting at Cherri's Auditorium. I assume you've already seen the great sakura tree —he added, briefly glancing toward the window, as if the memory of the tree connected him to something deeper.

I nodded silently, recalling the majesty of that tree.

—The other tribal leaders will be present. There, alongside Lady Cherri, we will determine whether your presence is welcome in Mythara. It is not a decision that rests solely with me —he stated firmly, making it clear that my future was still uncertain.

His words hung heavily in the air, and I suddenly understood that my presence not only put my own future at stake but also the position of the Kazeharu family and their tribe. I couldn't afford to burden them any further than I already had.

—Ahem… —Yuna suddenly interjected, breaking the tension with her usually cheerful tone as she tried to catch our attention.

—Father, I forgot to show you something.

Zephyrus's expression immediately softened, as if an invisible barrier had crumbled at the sound of his daughter's voice.

It was evident that, to him, Yuna was more than his greatest treasure. She was his connection to what remained of Ayumi.

—Materialize! Elven Sword! —Yuna exclaimed with determination, summoning the ancestral blade with a brilliant flash that briefly illuminated the room.

Her father's eyes widened in disbelief, and his usual composure momentarily broke. He extended his hands carefully, as if the sword might vanish if it wasn't handled with the proper reverence.

—How did you get it? —he murmured, almost breathless, as his fingers traced the surface of the weapon—. We've been searching for it for years… we combed the entire forest trying to find it, thinking it was lost forever.

Yuna, with a smile that blended pride and gratitude, replied without hesitation.

—It's all thanks to Haruto.

Mr. Kazeharu looked up, clearly surprised, and his gaze fell on me with renewed interest.

—He's the one who decided we should enter the Root Labyrinth. He didn't even know what we would find there, but it felt as if the forest itself was guiding him to that place —Yuna continued, her tone reflective, showing the weight of her words.

She paused briefly, as if carefully choosing what to say next.

—The sword was in the chamber, after we defeated the final boss. So… I don't believe in coincidences.

Her father continued inspecting the sword, his eyes reflecting more than just astonishment.

There was respect and reverence for what this object represented to their people.

Yuna went on, her voice taking on a softer tone.

—What's most important is that Haruto let me keep it without a single question or claim. Even though he held such a valuable treasure in his hands, he didn't ask for anything in return. That says a lot about who he is.

Kazeharu nodded slowly, letting his thoughts settle as he weighed everything he had just heard.

—And now it's mine —Yuna said with a mischievous smile, snatching the sword from her father's hands as if it were a simple toy.

Holding it with pride, she added enthusiastically.

—Now it represents my bond with Haruto.

Her father observed this exchange in complete silence, his face returning to its usual severity as he processed the situation. Finally, he let out a soft sigh and spoke in a firm tone.

—I see… so that's how things are.

Then his gaze shifted directly to Yuna, and his tone changed to one of greater authority.

—Daughter, could you clear the table, please? I need to speak with our guest alone.

She blinked, slightly surprised, but nodded obediently. With a slight bow of her head, she began clearing the dishes, accompanied by Simo and Kizuna, who couldn't stop enthusiastically thanking everyone for the meal, eliciting a small smile from Yuna.

—Haruto, come, follow me to the balcony for a moment —he said in a tone that made it clear the conversation to follow wouldn't be a simple one.

I nodded slightly and followed him. As I crossed the threshold, I closed the dining room door behind me, ensuring that whatever he had to say would remain between us.