The grand halls of the castle echoed with the soft tap of your footsteps. A gentle breeze fluttered through the open windows, carrying the scent of blooming roses from the royal gardens. You wandered the halls with purpose, your small, delicate hands clutching something tightly, your heart racing with excitement. After returning from a trip to the neighboring town, you were eager to present your latest find to Arlecchino.

As always, Arlecchino stood stoically by the grand entrance, her figure wrapped in dark, imposing armor. The loyal knight was never far from your side, a silent protector who had sworn her life to your family. Her sharp gaze softened ever so slightly when she noticed your approach.

You smiled, your eyes bright with enthusiasm as you reached her. Words were never necessary between the two of you. From the small pouch at your waist, you carefully pulled out a delicate silver pendant, no larger than your thumb, engraved with intricate patterns. Without hesitation, you held it out, offering it to her like you had many times before with the other small trinkets you had collected.

Arlecchino glanced at the pendant, then at you. Her face remained composed, but you could sense the subtle shift, the slight softening in her expression. Though she rarely showed much emotion, you had grown to recognize the almost imperceptible signs—those moments when her guard lowered just enough for you to see.

“You shouldn’t trouble yourself with these things, Your Highness,” Arlecchino murmured, but her hand still reached out to accept the pendant. She studied it briefly, her gloved fingers brushing over its surface, before tucking it away into her armor.