Celestaris: Chronicles of Manga, Moon & Kizuna.

Part 2

Mr. Kazeharu stood there, leaning on the railing, gazing at the full moon that illuminated the night with an almost ethereal intensity. His tall and robust figure appeared even more imposing under the silver light.

—The moon is beautiful tonight… —he said, breaking the silence with a serene tone.

—Yes… sir —I replied, trying to match his calm demeanor as I looked at the moon.

He kept his eyes fixed on the sky for a few moments before slightly turning toward me, his expression growing more serious.

—Listen, boy, I'm going to be direct with you and tell you what I think —he began, his voice cutting through the air—. You may have earned Yuna's trust, but I am different.

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing.

—I'm not speaking just as her father but as the leader of this tribe. I don't trust humans.

His words echoed in my mind, and I understood that the only thing I could do at that moment was remain silent and listen.

—A few years ago, when Yuna was just a little girl of barely five years old, a group of humans infiltrated the forest, pretending to be adventurers...

He stopped, as if reliving the scene in his mind, then continued, his voice hardening with each word.

—I'm not sure what their objective was, but Ayumi, who was the leader of the Sentinels at the time, tried to negotiate with them to make them leave without conflict.

—Her kindness and willingness to avoid violence were admirable… but she was unsuccessful.

He paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on the moon, as if seeking strength to continue.

—After defeating them, one of them begged for mercy.

—My wife, with her pure heart, decided to give him a chance, thinking she was doing the right thing.

—But it was a fatal mistake… —Mr. Kazeharu closed his eyes for a moment, his voice dropping as he spoke the next words—. That human was only pretending.

I shivered, feeling the weight of his pain as his gaze turned toward me, his eyes burdened with deep sorrow.

—That day, Ayumi was struck down, betrayed by a human. —His tone grew colder, and his words carried as much weight as his stare—. I'm not sure if you fully understand where I'm going with this.

I swallowed hard, feeling the gravity of his story. I wanted to say something, but I couldn't find the right words. I wasn't like those humans, but I understood that my intentions wouldn't change what he had lost, nor would they erase his pain.

—I… swear my intentions are not hostile —I finally said, striving to sound resolute—. I would never harm this forest or its people, least of all Yuna…

He observed me in silence for a moment before responding, his tone softening slightly, though it remained firm.

—Don't worry, boy. You may not be like the rest of your kind, but that doesn't mean things couldn't change in the future. Humans are... unpredictable.

His words left a mix of distrust and resignation lingering in the air. I lowered my gaze, feeling a pang of sadness. I knew there weren't enough words to erase the distrust that humans themselves had sown.

—I can only promise to do everything within my power not to let you down —I said, trying to make my voice sound steady.

—I know I'm not anyone special, and I know that very well. I still don't understand why the goddess brought me here. Sometimes I think it was mere coincidence.

Kazeharu nodded slowly, his gaze returning to the moon, whose light bathed the balcony in a serene glow.

—Do what your heart tells you. I just wanted to make this clear —he said, his tone calmer now, though his words still carried weight.

He paused, his eyes fixed on the moon, before continuing, this time with a different kind of seriousness.

—And speaking of the heart… let me say this as a father. I would like you to give up on Yuna, whatever your relationship may be.

A chill ran through me as I heard those words. I knew Yuna had that warmth that made anyone feel drawn to her, like those girls in manga who seemed too perfect to exist.

But now I was in a world where the extraordinary felt natural.

—I... see your daughter as a friend and mentor —I replied, trying to make my voice sound firm and convincing—. After all, she's the one who found me in the forest when I was lost and alone.

He studied me intently, his gaze stern but not devoid of understanding.

—That may be the case now, but don't you see the village? —he said with a faint sigh—. Everyone here loves and adores her. Her personality is magnetic, and what irritates me the most is that... I hadn't seen her as happy as she is today in years.

I remained silent, processing his words.

To me, Yuna was a reflection of everything I had always imagined elves to be… kind, generous, and full of light. Yet, I had never considered the impact I might be having on her.

—I don't want you to take my daughter away from this place —he continued, his tone now carrying a sadness I hadn't noticed before—. I know she would follow you anywhere. I see it in her face, that look of admiration is unmistakable.

His voice softened, but his words carried the weight of all his worry and paternal love.

—I don't know how tomorrow's meeting will turn out. You might be expelled from the forest… but even so, I'm sure she would want to follow you. She strongly believes in destiny.

I lowered my gaze to the ground, feeling a pang of sadness.

I wanted to say something, to find the right words to ease his worries, but all I felt was the weight of his expectations and my own fear of letting him down.

The words escaped me, leaving me trapped in a silence that spoke louder than anything I could say.

—As her father, my wish is for Yuna to marry young Hayate and for them to become the next leaders of the tribe...

The name "Hayate" echoed in my mind. Yuna had mentioned him before, describing him as her father's right hand but also as someone she considered opportunistic and far from her ideals.

—But... do you really think he's the best candidate for your daughter? —I asked, trying to stay calm, though the unease in my voice was evident—. Does Yuna know about this?

My heart pounded in my chest, and before I could stop myself, I asked another question I couldn't hold back…

—And more importantly… do you truly know Yuna's real feelings?

The atmosphere shifted in an instant. Yuna's father turned swiftly and grabbed me by my shirt, an act so unexpected it left me breathless.

I never thought I'd see an elf lose his composure like that.

—Don't lecture me, kid —he said, his voice deep and filled with tension.

Despite the pressure, my eyes stayed locked on his, reflecting a mix of fear and determination. I felt an urge to stand my ground, not to back down.

—You can intimidate me all you want, Mr. Kazeharu. People have done so often before, but I won't take back what I said —I replied, keeping my voice steady, even though I was trembling inside.

I clenched my fists and continued with a more resolute tone.

—You say you love your daughter, but it seems like you're ignoring her feelings about this Hayate guy.

—Have you ever asked her what she really wants? —My voice rose slightly—. It seems like you're only considering him because he's loyal to you, not because he's the best for her.

Kazeharu's grip slowly loosened, and he stepped back. His expression shifted, moving from anger to a mix of surprise and perhaps a flicker of respect. He scrutinized me, as if trying to decipher something in my stance or words.

—So that's how it's going to be… —he finally said, his tone reflective—. Now I understand why my daughter holds you in such high regard. You've got an interesting fire in your eyes.

Crossing his arms, he let a slight smile tug at the corner of his lips, though his presence remained as intimidating as ever.

—I'll make you a proposition —he said with a confidence that sent a chill down my spine—. If, tomorrow, at the meeting, the others approve your stay in Mythara, I will allow you to duel Hayate with swords.

A bead of sweat ran down my forehead at his words, betraying the tension coursing through me.

—If you lose, you'll leave Yuna's side without a single word. But if, somehow, you manage to win—which I highly doubt—I will allow her to remain by your side. And that will be my final word —he said, his tone unyielding and absolute.

A knot formed in my stomach, but I didn't waver. I extended my hand toward him, and after a brief pause, he shook it firmly, sealing our agreement.

—I'm not going to lose. I'd hate to lose someone as special as Yuna, but… —I paused, searching for the right words—, I'd hate even more for her to live a life where she isn't happy.

Kazeharu smirked confidently, as if my response had satisfied him.

—It seems I have nothing more to say to you —he replied, returning to his serious tone—. You may use the guest room and any other part of the house you need.

As he began to leave, he stopped midway and gave me one last intense look.

—Young Kibou… I hope you don't disappoint me.

Finally, when I was left alone on the balcony, I let myself sink to the floor, leaning my back against the railing. I had reached my mental limit. Talking to so many people, especially facing Kazeharu, had completely drained my social energy.

I looked up at the moon, exhaling wearily.

—It's beautiful, no doubt about it… —I murmured, letting my gaze get lost in the night sky.

For a moment, I wondered what the goddess Mizuki was like. She had never appeared in the Celestaris manga, nor had she revealed herself to me since arriving in this world.

In the isekai manga I knew, goddesses often greeted adventurers, explained the world, and let them choose skills or weapons. But here… nothing. Not a clue, not a single word. Just my unique ability, Kizuna, which I didn't know much about yet.

The silence of the forest surrounded me, and as I gazed at the moon, a question lingered in my mind… Why am I really here?

—Maybe she's a lazy goddess like that one in the manga about the useless goddess who only juggles water —I muttered, letting out a light chuckle—. Or maybe it really was pure chance that I ended up here.

My thoughts were interrupted when Yuna stepped onto the balcony with a steaming cup of tea in her hands. She approached, her face lit up with a warm smile.

—I hope my father didn't intimidate you too much. He may seem stern, but deep down, he's a good father. Being a leader isn't easy —she commented, her gaze filled with understanding.

I thought about everything her father had said, about the pressure of leadership and the difficult decisions he constantly had to make. I nodded, returning her smile.

—He definitely has a strong personality, that's for sure —I replied, letting out a small laugh.

She leaned against the railing beside me, while I remained seated on the floor, still staring at the night sky.

—Haruto, the moon is so beautiful tonight...

For a moment, I thought even the moon might end up blushing from all the praise it had received that evening.

But if I'm honest, not even the moon could compete with Yuna's beauty in that instant.

The silver light illuminated her as if she were the protagonist of a play, highlighting her white and green dress adorned with leaf patterns, making her look like a living, magical part of the forest.

Her presence was as natural and serene as the surroundings themselves.

After a few moments of silence, I stood up, feeling the exhaustion of the day weighing down on every movement. I let out a sigh and said:

—Yuna, I'd like to take a bath if possible and then get some rest. Could you show me where the bath and guest room are?

She nodded with her characteristic kindness and guided me down the hallway, explaining how some of the bathroom elements worked. They were so different from what I was used to in my world, yet incredibly practical.

Then, she led me to the guest room, a cozy space with a meticulously arranged futon and a small magical lamp casting a warm and gentle light, filling the room with tranquility.

—Rest well, Haruto. Tomorrow will be an important day —she said before bidding me goodnight with a smile.

I watched her walk away, softly closing the door behind her.

I stood in silence for a few moments, listening to the faint creaking of the wooden floorboards and the murmurs of the forest, as if Mythara itself was inviting me to surrender to its peace.

I decided that a bath would be the perfect way to end the day. Walking down the hallway, I replayed Yuna's instructions in my mind.

The house, with its harmonious design, felt like a sanctuary embracing the soul, radiating calm in every corner.

When I reached the bath, its elegant simplicity surprised me. A stone-carved tub was surrounded by small magical lamps whose soft glow created a serene atmosphere.

The hot water enveloped me like a comforting embrace. As the scent of jasmine filled the air, I let the day's fatigue melt away in the warmth, and my mind finally found a moment of peace.

Upon stepping out, I dried myself with a towel that had an incredibly soft texture, appreciating the attention to detail that made this world so special.

I walked back to my room and let myself collapse onto the futon, which seemed to mold itself to my exhaustion.

Pulling the light blankets over me, I closed my eyes as the weight of the day began to fade.

In mere seconds, a deep sleep enveloped me, carrying with it the tranquility of the forest.