Chapter 1: A Surprising Discovery
The sea stretched as far as the eye could see, calm and peaceful under a clear sky. A light breeze rippled the water's surface, brushing against the sails of a boat drifting slowly under the golden rays of the setting sun.
On board, three figures chatted, relaxed after a successful mission.
Latia, a tall woman with a sturdy build, leaned against the railing, arms crossed. Her short chestnut hair fluttered slightly in the sea wind. She wore a loosely buttoned shirt and worn-out jeans—a testament to her nomadic lifestyle. Across from her, Enma, an energetic young man with fiery red hair, gestured wildly as he recounted an anecdote.
—"I swear, this guy tried to attack me with just a dagger!" he laughed. "Like a tiny blade could stop me!"
—"Maybe he was hoping to put out your hair with it," Latia teased, smirking.
—"Real funny," Enma grumbled, crossing his arms.
White, the third member of the group, gazed pensively at the sea. His appearance starkly contrasted with Enma's—his pristine white hair tied back neatly and his long black coat giving him a composed, imposing air. He was the most thoughtful of the trio, often lost in his own reflections.
Suddenly, Latia narrowed her eyes toward the water. Something was floating near the boat.
—"Hey, look! A barrel!" she exclaimed, pointing at the object bobbing in the waves.
Enma straightened up instantly, excitement sparkling in his eyes.
—"A barrel in the middle of the sea? There might be treasure inside!"
White, however, remained cautious.
—"It could be a trap."
He moved to the edge and used a pole to pull the barrel toward the boat. Once it was on deck, he took a moment to examine it before carefully prying open the lid.
Silence fell.
White stared into the barrel for several seconds without a word.
Latia, intrigued, grew impatient.
—"Why are you just standing there? Did you find something?"
Finally, White took a slight step back and turned the barrel toward them.
—"See for yourselves."
Enma and Latia leaned over the container… and froze.
Curled up under damp fabric, a baby slept peacefully.
Breathless, Latia raised a hand to her mouth. Enma, meanwhile, made no effort to hide his shock.
—"What? A baby?!" he blurted. "We can't take care of it!"
Latia frowned, her expression hardening instantly.
—"Of course we can! You think we're just gonna leave them here?"
White, silent, gently lifted the child. The baby's face was serene despite the cold, and tiny fingers twitched slightly in sleep. Then, White noticed something—a small metal plate was attached to the infant's swaddle.
He turned it over and read a name carefully engraved on it.
—"Saki…" he murmured.
Latia smiled softly.
—"Saki… What a pretty name."
She straightened up and declared firmly:
—"That settles it. We're keeping them."
Enma opened his mouth, ready to protest—but something wavered inside him when he saw the sleeping newborn. He sighed, ran a hand through his hair, and shrugged.
—"Fine… Alright. But you two are on diaper duty."
Latia burst out laughing, while White allowed himself a faint smile.