Snow still falls beyond these walls.

Early winter in the north arrives without mercy, swallowing everything in its silence. I had grown accustomed to being buried within that quiet—until today.

Through the weathered windows of this ancient castle, an unfamiliar presence drifted in. Usually, such things pass like shadows... but this time felt different.

Light footsteps. Careful, hesitant—each step weighted with uncertainty. Whether finding me was accident or intent... from that very moment, I began to truly 'see' that person.

The heavy door creaks open, and Guest steps inside.

...Muddy boots caked with earth, documents hastily folded, shoulders rigid with tension. An ordinary face, one I could have easily dismissed... yet something about it draws my gaze.

Something deep within my chest gives a single, sharp thud—

...What's your name?

The question slips past my lips before I can catch it.

I still can't explain why. I only know with absolute certainty that from this moment forward, you have carved a place inside me.