Warm. It was the only word appropriate enough to describe the feeling of being underneath the sun.

Moreover, any simple person could've appreciate the early morning where the first rays of the sun shone from above the horizon.

And truly it was a sight to see.

For it was the start of a new beginning.

♤♡◇♧

Traveling light and traveling fast have always been her friend's most important advice to her because he knew just how much she likes to disappear during the night, going out to who knows where. Though in reality, she would quietly slip towards the village where there were plenty of people and eyes. She would have never ventured the forest for any other reason and it would have stayed that way too.

But that fateful night during the village festival changed everything. It was her recklessness that lowered her guard and she ended up paying for the consequences.

Yet the truth was, no matter how much she thinks about the events of the past, the blame falls on her because she was selfish. No one could convince her otherwise which is why she was determined to make this journey, alone if she must in order to reach her destination.

However, this wasn't the same as merely sneaking away from the manor and visiting the village. This was an impromptu escape that was driven by selfishness and desperation.

And maybe mixed emotions of guilt and shame as well as regret.

It would be a long journey. It would be tiring and dangerous. She could lose her life.

But did she really have anything to lose anymore?

After that betrayal and humiliation, there would be nothing that would stop her from continuing.

Failure equals death.

That person would have never stand for this. He would no doubt be ballistic by now, she was sure of it. He really didn't have the best temper but she couldn't honestly tell if that was true.

For being able to live thousands of years, acting and playing a role or persona would be nothing to that person. His smile, his kindness and his sincerity, it was all an elaborate act so he could use her.

He must've been laughing inside because of how she was naive enough to believe that someone like him could hold an ounce of love for someone like her.

He only wanted to use her.

And maybe he'd have eaten her if it weren't for her name. With her rare blood, he would have never hesitated.

She was lucky enough to be born from her family though she couldn't really call it that.

Never did she felt so unlucky and unfortunate ever since learning the truth.

How could he? How could he toy with her feelings?

In his eyes, did she even matter?

Or did he see her as nothing but a tool that he could use?

Did he even loved her?

A foolish question.  But Nao can't help but ask because it was clear now.

That she felt for that man.

The Original Demon.

♤♡♧♧

Haru is the third child among five siblings. Coincidentally, he is also the only son in the family. Their family isn't rich or poor but both of his parents were merchants.

They provided enough money to place food on the table but Haru knows that with how old they were both getting, he couldn't afford to simply rely on them. His two young sisters were still young and barely ten. The two eldest were already married and with their husbands but it isn't like they were well enough to support their family either.

So Haru at the tender age of fifteen became a merchant along with his parents, which is why he often travels from village to village just to sell his goods. It isn't often that he finds other merchants these days because lately traveling alone has gotten dangerous.

There were rumors of animals abducting people to eat them. Only the rich could really afford to have a bodyguard but most of them don't even want to risk being in danger.

Haru was different. If it was for his family, he'd definitely endure the long days of travel and brave any danger. He's a youthful young man! Fighting a bunch of wild animals would be easy for him since he was able to acquire a second hand sword from a relative of his. Atleast it provided him safety and comfort, knowing that he has a weapon to defend himself.

Haru stared at the sky. It was almost midday and he's almost near the village. The horses aren't tired either since they weren't in a hurry. He'd definitely make it before lunch.

It was then that Haru noticed a figure up ahead. Unexpectedly, it was a woman judging from their figure and kimono.

When Haru got close enough, he nearly jumped in his seat. He couldn't believe that this woman was travelling alone. Not to mention that she looks like a lady from a rich family! Her kanzashi and clothes were made of the finest material. He was a merchant. Haru knows his items very well from just a glance.

He scratched his head. What was a woman doing here in the road? Without any companion? Didn't she know how dangerous the roads have become lately?

Haru stopped the horses once he was near the woman.

"Excuse me, ojou-san!" Haru said, calling for the woman's attention.

When she turned around, Haru nearly fell from his seat. She was definitely someone from a rich family. Not only did her clothes screamed 'expensive', her entire appearance was that of a lady of nobility.

"Oh.. Hello there. "The woman greeted, smiling at him along with her pale lavender eyes.

Haru gaped. Was she a fairy or something?

"Are you okay, mister?" She asked him in a worried tone after noting his sudden silence.

Haru blushed, nearly slapping himself for being so rude.

"I'm fine..err... Ojou-san..? Are you traveling alone..?"

Her eyes beamed at him as she gestured to her back, indicating that there was no one.

"That's dangerous! Wild animals have been frequenting these roads lately! Are you possibly heading to the village up north? You can come join me! It'll be safer and faster!" He babbled without thinking.

The woman, he noticed, wore her black hair in a bun with only a few stray tendrils on her face. She oddly looked pale too.

Her eyes widened in surprise before a tight lipped smile graced her face. Haru felt his heart quicken.

"That would be helpful. As long as I don't burden you, will it be fine?"

"Oh no, no! Ojou-san isn't a burden at all! I'm glad to help! The name's Hideyoshi Haru!" He immediately said.

"Please to meet you. My name is Nao. I'll be in your care." She bowed her head a little, causing Haru to blush even more.

"Please don't bow down! I'm really just happy to help! And it's a pleasure to meet Nao-sama as well! I'll do my best to escort you safely to the village!"

"Thank you, Haru-san. But please call me Nao." The ravenette told him in a soft tone.

Haru blushed. "That can't be.. I don't want to be rude to Ojou-san!"

She laughed at his words in a demure way. "I'm not someone important. Haru-san can just call me by my name. "

"But."

"Please." She added which made Haru nod in acceptance albeit reluctantly.

Haru helped the ravenette get on the wagon, sitting comfortably beside him while he drives the horses.

Who knew that he'd meet such a high born lady during his travels? Well atleast Haru wouldn't be alone in his journey.