Little Pink Starfish

Lu, who was skilled at easing Nyne’s twisted moods, cautiously tested the waters while offering a sweet treat. When Nyne narrowed his eyes and took a bite of a snack made of melon soaked in honey atop a thin cracker with herbs, Lu let out a breath of relief and spoke.

“Lord Nyne, the garments for the Hunting Festival are complete. Would you care to see them?”

“…Alright.”

Nodding, Nyne realized the festival was already just around the corner. Since it had been a while since he last stepped outside the Grand Temple, the priests of the Holy Sanctuary were busier than usual. Even the slaves were filled with excitement, eagerly anticipating the festival. Nyne, too, was no exception. The Temple dominated his life to such an extent that it was more than enough to feel stifling.

While chewing the sweet melon, he waited. Soon, priests came in carrying dozens of outfits, ornaments, shoes, and several bows and quivers. The garments, hung neatly on racks, fluttered as the wind stirred them, glittering with embedded jewels. Unlike his usual robes, these piqued Nyne’s curiosity enough that he even rose from his seat.

Since they were made for outdoor activity—specifically in the forest—there was little excessive decoration. The clothes were made of breezy fabrics so thin that the upper body was almost entirely visible. As Nyne would be tying his hair while hunting, the accessories also differed in style. The footwear, bows, and arrows were all graceful and elegant. After looking over them all, Nyne sincerely praised the craftsmanship.

“They’re all to my liking. Reward the artisans.”

“Yes, Sha. As you command.”

Noticing their master’s improved mood, the priests brightened as well. Nyne continued to examine the outfits and selected a set to try on. Just then, a priest walked up with hurried steps and cautiously addressed him.

“Sha Nyne, Lesha Gwen is requesting an audience. What should we do?”

“What did you say?”

Nyne abruptly turned, startling the priests. One of them, who had just been fastening his belt, quickly dropped to the floor to catch it before it fell.

How could someone be so shameless? Nyne hadn’t really expected Gwen to obediently leave the Lotus Hall when ordered to, but he at least assumed the man would lie low for a while. For him to come boldly to the Holy Sanctuary and request an audience—it was astonishing.

Nyne was about to reject the request outright but stopped himself. He was curious—just how far would Gwen go in his audacity?

“Let him in.”

The priests were surprised by Nyne’s permission. Even Lu, who had been serving nearby, looked at him wide-eyed. But surprise was short-lived. These priests were so accustomed to obedience that they followed Nyne’s order without hesitation.

Soon, Gwen arrived. Dressed once again in an overly modest kalarisis robe, he opened his eyes wide at the sight of Nyne. Wearing a short-sleeved hunting outfit and donning accessories, Nyne met his gaze with a cold stare.

“Lord Nyne, the hunting outfit suits you beautifully. Like the god of the moon himself.”

Even with Gwen’s flattery, Nyne’s cold attitude didn’t thaw. Besides, what kind of praise was “god of the moon” when the outfit was meant for daytime forest wear? Nyne scoffed sarcastically.

“Ha! So you won’t even greet me anymore?”

“How could I possibly? A humble servant greets the great Sha Nyne.”

Gwen bowed deeply. Lu adjusted Nyne’s outfit while shooting Gwen sharp glares. Nyne, without granting permission to rise, kept dressing silently. As he fastened the final accessory, he thought:

Did he come just to get under my skin?

Unlike the unreadable intentions of Sha Amon, Gwen’s motives were similarly elusive. At times he seemed to seek Nyne’s favor, at other times to use him. Unsettled, Nyne lingered and swapped his accessories again before finally taking a seat. Gwen remained obediently bowed the entire time.

As if reading Nyne’s thoughts, Lu whispered into his ear:

“Lord Nyne, you should be cautious. That man is clearly trying to use you to get closer to Sha Amon.”

Nyne neither agreed nor denied Lu’s words. Staring holes into Gwen’s pink-haired head, he gave his command.

“Raise your head.”

“Thank you, Sha.”

Despite being made to bow for so long, Gwen’s face showed no sign of offense. Nyne, not for the first time, thought he’d like to see that pretty face contorted in anger or tears, and asked,

“What brings you to my Holy Sanctuary?”

“I feared you may have misunderstood the things I’ve said, so I took the liberty of coming to clarify.”

“You’re saying I misunderstood your words?”

Nyne let out a disbelieving snort. Most of what Gwen had ever said to him had been irreverent or outright rude. What, exactly, had he misinterpreted?

“Then go ahead—explain. What exactly is it that you want from me, approaching me like this?”

“I…”

Gwen trailed off, hesitating. His pink eyes shimmered as he looked up at Nyne with a pleading gaze. Regardless of his feelings, Nyne couldn’t help but find those eyes oddly beautiful. But Gwen’s next words quickly erased that thought.

“I wish to be… someone close to you, like a friend.”

More than Nyne, the priests reacted instantly. Though they didn’t speak—unthinkable before the Sha—their furious gazes said everything. Even Popo, usually composed, furrowed her brow and spoke in a rare tone of anger.

“Lesha Gwen, do you realize how blasphemous your words just were?”

“Blasphemous?”

Even as she scolded him, Gwen replied in a voice so soft it was nearly sly. Despite being surrounded by hostility, he remained strangely composed.

“You’re misunderstanding me, priestess. How could a servant like me dare to be Lord Nyne’s friend? I only meant that I wish to comfort him when he is sad, and listen to him when he is troubled.”

Strangely, Nyne didn’t find Gwen’s words offensive or infuriating. They were simply… puzzling. What is a friend, anyway? Gwen watched Nyne’s expression closely and smiled.

“And no matter what happens, I want to be someone who takes your side.”

Hearing that made Nyne feel an odd tightness in his chest, and he furrowed his brows. Lu, who had been quietly seething, saw Nyne’s reaction and could no longer hold back.

“Sha is not like ordinary humans. A noble one does not feel sorrow or suffering as humans do! Every word you speak is an insult to Sha!”

“Enough.”

With a sigh, Nyne raised his hand to stop Lu before he could say more. He didn’t want to keep feeling this strange and unpleasant emotion.

“I don’t want to hear any more unnecessary argument.”

There was clear irritation in his voice. Lu immediately fell silent. Now, not even angry anymore, Nyne gestured irritably at Gwen.

“You may leave.”

“Before I do, may I make one request, Lord Nyne?”

His audacity was astounding. Of course—his earlier words about misunderstandings and friendship had just been a prelude to his real request. Nyne narrowed his eyes and glared.

“And what reason do I have to grant your request?”

“I beg your pardon, Sha.”

Feigning sorrow, Gwen lowered his gaze in exaggerated humility. Nyne sighed again.

“Let’s hear it then. What is your request?”

“I would like to remain by your side during the Hunting Festival. I humbly ask for your permission, Sha.”

During the festival, Nyne would spend significant time with Amon. Lu’s earlier warning echoed in his mind—He’s trying to use you to get close to Amon. Nyne felt the irritation and anger bubble up again.

“Lesha Gwen.”

Nyne called his name in a chilling voice. Gwen blinked twice, then looked genuinely disappointed, his brows and eyes drooping.

“A Lesha should not overstep his place. This will be the last time I forgive you.”

“I’m sorry, Sha. Please forgive this servant’s rudeness.”

Nyne no longer looked at Gwen and gestured to the priests. As the priests approached with eyes full of scorn to drive him out, Gwen looked back several times, as if regretful to be parting, before finally leaving the Holy Sanctuary.