The train sped across the plains, drawing closer to Laika with each passing moment. Axel gazed out the window, lost in thought, when a memory suddenly surfaced.

  It was seven years ago. A young, 18-year-old Axel walked beside Estela. She was radiant with happiness, having just been accepted into the Royal Guard on her first attempt.

  —Congratulations, Estela! Very soon, I'll join the Royal Guard too. Wait for me —Axel said with a smile, to which she responded with one just as bright.

  The memory faded abruptly when a hand landed on his shoulder unexpectedly.

  —What are you thinking about, kid? —Lily asked, appearing out of nowhere in the military carriage.

  —By YH, Lily, you nearly scared me to death! —Axel exclaimed, placing a hand on his chest—. You shouldn't be here. This carriage is for military personnel only. What if the others come in?

  He paused, then suddenly remembered.

  —Ah, right. Max is off flirting with all the pretty girls on the train, and Eustace and Gunter are with him since they’re his bodyguards.

  Lily narrowed her eyes with a sly smile.

  —You still haven't answered my question.

  Axel sighed.

  —How strange… —he said, observing her carefully—. I don’t feel any malice in you.

  Axel could see Lily’s aura; it was golden, calm, like the light of the setting sun. It genuinely seemed like she cared about him.

  —Alright, I'll trust you and answer. I was remembering when I wasn’t a soldier yet, back when I supported Estela during her entrance exam for the Royal Guard. Believe it or not, she didn’t have much confidence in herself. It made me so happy to see her gain it over time until she became captain.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Axel smiled nostalgically.

  —You know, I was in love with her since I was a child. I simply couldn’t help it. She was beautiful, strong, and always helped others. She seemed like a hero from the storybooks. I, on the other hand, only care about those who matter to me—my family and my friends. Other people… they don’t concern me.

  His gaze darkened slightly before he continued.

  —I wanted to join the Royal Guard because my father was one of them. Not just any guard, but the king’s personal bodyguard. He and Estela’s father protected the monarch when they were young. I wanted to follow in his footsteps… but in the end, I couldn’t.

  Lily listened carefully before speaking in her characteristic enigmatic tone.

  —Well, kid, if it makes you feel any better, you’re like a hero too. Not the ones from modern stories, but the ones from myths. Those with great gifts and hearts full of doubt… yet they still moved forward. Not everyone can do that. Carrying the weight of a blessing is hard, but pushing ahead despite it is even harder. And yet, here you are.

  Axel barely had time to process her words before Lily suddenly dissolved into sand, scattering in the air as if carried by the wind.

  Shortly after, the others arrived at the carriage. Max had red cheeks, as if he had been slapped multiple times.

  —Axel… the girls got mad because I told them our relationship would be short-lived… —Max lamented, rubbing his cheeks.

  —The girls slapped him when he said his relationships lasted "at least a week" before he moved on to another —Gunter explained, barely holding back a grin.

  —How is it possible that I missed the part about "a week"?! —Max shouted, furious.

  Axel held back a smirk. He knew exactly what had happened. The cologne Max was wearing contained a magical substance that forced him to tell the truth… a little prank courtesy of Lucy, who managed to torment Max even from afar.

  Finally, the train arrived at Laika station. As soon as they disembarked, Axel walked ahead of his companions—he needed to make a quick stop at the restroom.

  After finishing his business, he came across something unexpected.

  A little girl stood alone, crying. Strangely, no one seemed to notice her.

  Axel approached and spoke gently.

  —Are you alright, little one?

  The girl sobbed before answering.

  —No! I lost my favorite pet. I've been looking for it for so long… and when I finally found it, it ran away and left me alone again.

  Axel sighed, moved by her tears.

  —That’s a shame. I’ll help however I can. If I see it, I’ll return it to you.

  He knelt down to look at her properly and smiled kindly.

  —My name is Axel. What’s yours?

  The girl lifted her face, her eyes filled with tears… and then, with an innocent expression, she answered:

  —I am Galatea.