Aomi’s gaze slowly drifted toward Maria, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“Princess.”
Maria snapped out of her excitement and looked at him in confusion.
“Yes?”
Aomi turned his gaze away.
“Never mind.”
Maria froze.
For two whole seconds, she remained motionless before her face gradually turned red.
W-Was he about to confess to me?!
Her heart pounded as she replayed the moment in her head.
The view was perfect, the timing was perfect, and this restaurant is wonderful, too!
M-Maybe he was just too shy to say it!
She stole a glance at Aomi, who was already looking elsewhere.
Never mind…
I’m a princess of Sunnaland!
I shouldn’t get ahead of myself!
Meanwhile, Aomi leaned back in his seat, his thoughts returning to his original plan.
When he had faked his death, his intention had been simple: grow stronger in the Western World before eventually returning to the East.
However, things had changed.
Now, he had Goff, Walter, and the other blacksmiths to consider.
Before leaving, he wanted to ensure they had enough wealth and stability to live comfortably without depending on him.
How troublesome.
He glanced at Maria, who was sitting beside him with her face still red as a tomato.
She immediately noticed his gaze and turned away in a panic.
Aomi silently studied her for a moment.
The princess of Sunnaland…
A faint smile touched his lips.
She could prove useful.
…
A long time passed after the Sun Festival.
Months went by, and Aomi’s plans finally began to bear fruit.
One afternoon, he sat behind the counter in Goff’s blacksmith shop, reviewing a stack of documents.
The shop had grown considerably over the past two years, and managing its expanding business required more attention than ever.
Suddenly, the door swung open.
“HELLO, EVERYONE! I’VE GOT GREAT NEWS!”
Walter’s enthusiastic voice echoed throughout the shop.
Aomi lifted his head from the documents.
Goff emerged from the back, wiping his hands before looking at Walter.
“What happened?”
Walter grabbed a chair, sat down beside the counter, and crossed his arms with a triumphant grin.
“Well, boys, we’ve finally got our chance to make it big!”
Aomi and Goff exchanged confused glances before crossing their arms.
Goff raised an eyebrow.
“How?”
Walter’s grin widened.
He pulled a document from his clothes and placed it on the counter.
The two leaned forward to examine it.
A contract.
From another nation.
They blinked.
“Huh?”
Aomi was the first to speak.
“It’s just a contract from another nation.”
Goff nodded in agreement.
“Yeah. What’s so special about that?”
Walter slowly pointed toward the name written on the document.
Yopia Kingdom.
“That,” he declared, “is what’s special.”
Yopia was a kingdom whose name was associated with rain.
Every year, around the middle of the season, it celebrated Hujan Jatra, a grand festival honoring the moon and expressing gratitude for the rain that sustained its people.
The celebration was famous for its extraordinary spectacle: rain would fall throughout the festivities, even when the skies had previously been clear.
Goff’s eyes widened as he looked back at the contract.
“S-So, what are we making for the Yopia Kingdom?”
Walter smirked.
“Ornaments, armor, ceremonial equipment, and plenty of other things. I’ll give you the complete list later.”
Aomi examined the document once more before nodding.
“Sounds like a big deal.”
Walter smiled.
“A big deal indeed.”
For the first time, their little workshop had secured an opportunity to establish itself beyond its familiar borders.
And with winter approaching near the end of autumn, preparations for Yopia’s Hujan Jatra were already underway.
…
Aomi and Goff eventually arrived at the Yopia Kingdom.
As they entered the city, Aomi quietly observed the unfamiliar surroundings.
Yopia was enormous.
Religious symbols adorned its buildings, banners fluttered above the streets, and elaborate decorations lined the roads in preparation for the upcoming festival.
A child suddenly ran past him, laughing at the top of his lungs.
A man dressed in a terrifying demon costume chased after the boy.
Aomi watched them disappear into the crowd.
So, they still practice this tradition.
The sight reminded him of the Human Jatra, a traditional celebration in which people dressed as demons and other figures chased children through the streets.
Around them, the crowd watched the spectacle with laughter and excitement.
Aomi continued wandering through the city while Goff and the other blacksmiths handled the transportation of their materials.
He observed the local customs, architecture, and religious decorations, quietly absorbing everything he could.
Eventually, he came across a massive ceremonial carriage being prepared for the festival.
Its towering structure was decorated with intricate carvings and religious symbols.
Workers moved around it, making the final preparations while others secured its enormous wheels.
Aomi recognized it as another part of the Human Jatra tradition.
At the heart of the carriage rested a moon-like stone, its surface gleaming beneath the daylight.
So that’s their symbol for the festival.
As he examined the carriage, someone caught his attention.
Maria.
Aomi’s lips pressed into a thin line.
Is she part of the festival, too?
Before he could think any further, Maria spotted him and hurried over.
“Hey! I was the one who arranged that contract for you!”
Aomi slowly nodded.
He had asked Maria to help Goff secure the opportunity, but he hadn’t expected her to become so directly involved.
“Well, thank you for your generosity. I didn’t expect you to go this far.”
Maria caught her breath, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.
She quickly straightened her back and adopted a proud smile.
“As the princess of Sunnaland, pulling a few strings for a talented blacksmith—and, well, for people I care about—is nothing.”
Aomi raised an eyebrow.
“People you care about, huh?”
Maria’s smile faltered for a moment.
Aomi continued, his expression remaining neutral.
“You put quite a bit of effort into securing this contract. What’s the catch, Princess?”
Maria crossed her arms, feigning offense.
“Can’t a royal appreciate good craftsmanship? Besides, Sunnaland and Yopia already have trade relations. It benefits both sides!”
She turned toward the towering ceremonial carriage, her expression softening.
Aomi looked across the festival grounds.
Vendors were setting up their stalls.
Workers were decorating the streets, and the rhythmic beating of distant drums filled the air.
The crisp autumn breeze carried the scent of food and fresh wood through the crowded streets.
His plans were finally taking shape.
Goff’s business was expanding, his associates were becoming increasingly prosperous, and the opportunity to establish connections with another kingdom had arrived.
Everything was progressing as intended.
Except for one complication.
A certain princess who seemed determined to follow him around.
“Fine,” Aomi said, turning on his heel toward Goff and the delivery inspection.
“But don’t interfere with the workshop’s business.”
Maria watched him walk away, biting her lower lip in frustration.
He’s absolutely impossible!
Nevertheless, she quickly hurried after him as the lively sounds of the festival swelled around them.
…
Later, Aomi stood atop a tall building overlooking the festival grounds.
Below him, countless people worked tirelessly to prepare for the celebration.
Decorations stretched across the streets, stalls were filled with merchandise, and the ceremonial carriage stood ready for its grand procession.
Aomi gazed up at the clear sky.
How exactly is it supposed to rain in weather like this—
His gaze shifted toward the distant horizon.
Dark clouds were gathering.
Aomi closed his eyes and sighed.
“I shouldn’t underestimate certain things.”
He watched the clouds for a moment before turning back toward the festival.
“Soon, Goff will be able to stand on his own. Then I’ll be free to go my separate way.”
He settled into a chair and leaned back.
“Well… I suppose it was destined to happen eventually.”
For a while, he sat in silence.
Then he tilted his head upward, his expression becoming strangely distant.
“People are part of life. But eventually, they move on. They walk away, and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
His eyes slowly closed.
“Everyone has their own path to follow. In the end, all we can do is support them from the place they leave behind.”
Aomi rested his head against the chair.
During his two years in the Western World, he had accomplished far more than he had initially expected.
He had begun with a random blacksmith who had taken him in without asking too many questions.
Now, that same blacksmith was on his way to becoming a wealthy and respected craftsman.
He had met Goff, Walter, Maria, and the other workers in the shop.
He had learned about unfamiliar cultures, explored new lands, and acquired knowledge that would have been difficult to obtain had he remained isolated.
For a brief moment, he allowed himself to remember those days.
Then he drifted into sleep.
…
As the sun began to descend, the festival finally came alive.
Lanterns illuminated Yopia’s streets, bathing the kingdom in a warm glow.
Drums and flutes filled the air with lively melodies, while families gathered to celebrate.
The ceremonial carriage began its procession, pulled through the streets amid cheers and excitement.
Aomi eventually awoke.
He rose from his chair and leaned over the railing, looking down at the festivities.
Families laughed together.
Merchants celebrated their successful sales, and children chased one another through the crowded streets.
His gaze wandered until he spotted Goff among the other blacksmiths.
Goff was laughing, drinking, and enjoying himself with his companions.
Walter, meanwhile, was enthusiastically spraying beer around while grinning like an idiot.
Aomi watched them for a long moment.
Then he released a long, quiet sigh.
It felt as though a mountain had finally been lifted from his shoulders.
He rested his chin on his palm, his elbow propped against the railing.
“Farewell, Goff.”
His gaze lingered on the blacksmith.
Then he spotted Walter, who was still celebrating with the others.
“You, too, I suppose.”
Finally, his eyes moved toward the other workers.
He had spent two years alongside those men.
They had worked together, eaten together, and shared countless ordinary moments.
Now, he was about to leave them behind.
A faint smile appeared on his face—a rare crack in his otherwise indifferent expression.
He scoffed quietly.
“Ridiculous brothers.”
His gaze drifted across the crowd once more.
Maria.
He searched the festival grounds until he finally spotted her looking around, seemingly searching for someone.
Aomi sighed.
Still looking after me, huh?
For some reason, her behavior reminded him of Seo.
He raised his voice.
“MARIA!”
She immediately looked up.
The moment she spotted him standing atop the building, her expression turned annoyed.
“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! I’VE BEEN LOOKING EVERYWHERE FOR YOU!”
Aomi rolled his eyes.
Maria caught the gesture instantly.
“DON’T ROLL YOUR EYES AT ME, AOMI!”
He shouted back, “COME UP HERE! I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU!”
Maria froze.
Her face turned red.
H-He has something for me?
Her heart began pounding.
He’s going to confess!
She shook her head frantically.
No, no, no!
Maybe he’s just giving me a gift!
Then she nodded to herself.
But what if he really is going to confess?!
Her thoughts spiraled out of control.
Yes!
No!
Yes!
No!
She slapped her cheeks lightly.
STOP IT, MARIA!
JUST GO UP THERE FIRST!
…
Maria finally reached the top of the building.
She approached Aomi, trying desperately to compose herself.
After clearing her throat, she looked at him with an unusually polite expression.
“So… what did you want to give me?”
Aomi turned toward her and began walking closer.
Maria’s face grew hotter.
He’s really doing it…
Aomi stopped in front of her.
Then he reached into his clothes and pulled out a letter.
“Please give this to Goff.”
Maria froze.
“…Huh?”
Aomi took her hand and placed the letter in her palm.
“Here.”
For several seconds, Maria simply stared at the paper.
Then reality finally caught up with her.
“FINE!”
She snatched the letter and looked away in irritation.
Aomi merely scoffed.
Then, unexpectedly, he reached forward and took her hand again.
He shook it gently.
“Thank you.”
Maria blinked.
Her face turned red all over again as she nervously returned the handshake.
“It’s fine… I can do that for a friend.”
Aomi smiled faintly and tilted his head.
“Goodbye.”
He patted her shoulder.
Then he turned around and walked away.
Maria watched him leave, still holding the letter.
She didn’t know it yet, but she would never see him again.
…
The festival continued late into the night.
Afterward, Goff wandered through the streets with the other blacksmiths, searching for Aomi.
Walter eventually joined them.
Goff huffed in annoyance.
“I swear, if he disappears for another week, I’ll make him wash everyone’s dishes for an entire week!”
Walter glanced around the streets.
“Don’t be so harsh. He must be around somewhere. Yopia is new to him, so he might’ve wandered off to explore.”
They continued searching, checking the surrounding streets and festival grounds.
But Aomi was nowhere to be found.
Eventually, they encountered Maria, who hurried toward them with the letter in her hand.
“Hey, you guys! Aomi left this for you!”
Goff pinched the bridge of his nose, already irritated.
“What is it? And where the hell is he?!”
Walter reached for the letter.
“May I read it?”
Goff nodded sharply.
“Sure.”
Walter unfolded the paper.
His eyes moved across the lines.
Then he froze.
For a moment, he didn’t say anything.
Goff turned toward him.
“What happened?”
Walter slowly handed him the letter.
He covered his eyes with one hand, his shoulders beginning to tremble as he turned away.
Maria took the letter from Goff to read it herself.
The moment her eyes reached the final lines, she froze.
Her vision blurred as tears welled up.
Goff looked between them, his irritation giving way to concern.
“What happened? Is Aomi all right?”
Maria couldn’t answer immediately.
She simply handed him the letter.
It read:
To Goff,
By the time you read this, I’ll already be gone.
First, I want to thank you for taking me in without knowing anything about me.
I know you’ll probably be angry, but I have a life of my own that you know nothing about.
I’m actually from the Eastern World.
I’ve had a good time with all of you—the blacksmiths, Walter, and you.
I also owe a great deal to Maria and Walter for everything they’ve done for me.
My original goal was to make sure you became wealthy enough to stand on your own.
That way, I could leave without feeling as though I’d abandoned you for my own selfish reasons.
I’m grateful for everything you’ve given me, and I hope you never considered me a burden.
Now, I’ll continue walking my own demonic path.
This letter marks my farewell.
— Aomi
…
Goff stood motionless, staring at the letter.
His eyes gradually filled with tears.
Around him, the other blacksmiths gathered to read the message, their expressions growing increasingly solemn.
For a while, no one spoke.
Then Goff slowly lifted his head.
A streak of silver light crossed the dark sky.
His gaze followed it upward.
Aomi.
Flying away from the kingdom.
Goff’s lips trembled as he recalled something from the past.
” No wonder you were making that mysterious axe from materials I never saw.”
He remembered the day Aomi had forged the weapon.
He had seen him working on it but hadn’t questioned its purpose.
The materials Aomi used had been strange—materials Goff had never encountered in the Western World.
Now, he finally understood.
Aomi had been preparing to leave all along.
Goff clenched the letter in his hand and narrowed his tear-filled eyes toward the silver light.
Then he shouted with all his strength.
“AOMI! FEEL FREE TO COME BACK ANYTIME!”
His voice echoed across the dark sky.
High above, Aomi heard him.
He glanced down.
Below, Goff, Walter, Maria, and the other blacksmiths stood together, their faces wet with tears as they watched him disappear into the distance.
Aomi remained silent for a moment.
Then he raised his hand and released a surge of spiritual energy.
A vast circle formed in the night sky before exploding into a brilliant display of white light.
Within the radiance, a single word appeared.
GOODBYE.
The light faded.
And Aomi vanished.
…
As he flew toward the continental borders, the distant kingdom slowly disappeared behind him.
The sounds of the festival were long gone, replaced by the howling wind rushing past his ears.
Aomi looked ahead.
His expression returned to its usual indifference.
What’s done is done.
He continued flying toward the Eastern World.
I can’t go back now.