Just a deserted building

As Reiner entered the village through the concealed path, his heart raced with the exhilaration.

'I didn't expect it to work.'

While climbing that wall, just one mistake was enough to injure him severely.

'That dagger almost broke.'

In reality, Daggers are not designed to bear a person's full weight. When Reiner struck it in the hole, he felt the dagger cracking up.

If the dagger were to break or he had slipped, Reiner could have suffered some serious injuries, such as cuts or puncture wounds. Falling from the wall might lead to more severe injuries.

After crossing the wall, Reiner turned his attention to the suitcase that had been securely tied to his back with a piece of his tunic.

This makeshift binding had served its purpose during his covert entrance into the village, allowing him to keep the suitcase out of sight.

He carefully reached behind himself, feeling for the fabric of the tunic that was cinched around the handles of the suitcase.

His fingers found the familiar knots and twists that he had fashioned to secure it in place.

Slowly and with practiced precision, he began to loosen the fabric, allowing the makeshift sling to unwind.

These knots were simple but effective. They were basic knots, like the square knot, tightly bound to prevent any accidental unraveling while climbing the wall.

'It would have been a disaster if I couldn't keep my balance with the suitcase.'

With each movement, he could feel the tension easing, and the suitcase gradually became free of its confines.

Once the tunic was fully unwound and the suitcase lay at his feet.

He bent over and held the suitcase in his right arm.

'Fortunately, it was good.'

Reiner sighed in relief and started walking into the village.

With the snow still falling, Reiner moved through the cobblestone streets, where the lanterns cast their warm, inviting glow.

To avoid the main thoroughfares and any chance encounters with fellow villagers, he followed the less-traveled side streets and alleys.

As he walked, he couldn't help but notice the changes in the village—small details that hinted at the passage of time. Yet, he knew he had no time to dwell on nostalgia.

They weren't his feelings anyway.

'I'm feeling nostalgic because of Zephyr's memories.'

Zephyr's whole childhood whole passed in this village.

These were the hidden corners of the village where he had played hide-and-seek with friends as a child, and where he had stolen quiet moments with a first crush during his youth.

Of course, as you expect, she remained as Zephyr's crush. She even married 1 year ago.

'Maybe she would have some children by now.'

Reiner clicked his tongue, as he felt bitter for Zephyr.

***

Zephyr's house was on the southwest side of the village.

After a careful, meandering path, Reiner found Zephyr's home.

The cottage was nestled amid a cluster of houses.

The thatched roof was dusted with snow, and the wooden walls looked made from old pine wood.

'Compared to other woods Pine is cheaper here. Therefore, people it more compared to others.'

Furthermore, Pine is known for its ability to absorb stains and finishes well, allowing for a wide range of aesthetic options when designing doors or other wooden structures.

On the other hand, hardwoods like Mahogany and Oak were quite expensive.

While thinking about that stuff, Reiner moved towards the front door of the house.

The front door of Reiner's cottage had a sturdy, weathered handle made of brass, showing signs of age.

The lock on the front door of Reiner's cottage was a traditional, rectangular design, made from aged iron. It featured a series of stout pins and tumblers that held the bolt in place.

To unlock it, Reiner used an old key that he retrieved from a pouch in his olive green coat.

The key, a small piece of ironwork, was approximately 3 inches in length, with notches and protrusions that aligned with the pins and tumblers in the lock.

The keyhole was located at the center of the lock's rectangular faceplate. The key was inserted directly into the keyhole.

With a forceful twist, Reiner attempted to unlock the door and enter Zephyr's home.

However, the key seemed to have a rather peculiar sense of timing. Just as he applied some force, it decided to dig its heels in, leaving Reiner to mutter in exasperation.

"Ah, now you choose to be difficult," he grumbled, giving the key another turn.

The key played hard to get for a few more attempts.

Not wanting to risk damaging the key or the lock, Reiner decided to take a more cautious approach.

He jiggled the key gently, took it out, and tried to align it more precisely with the lock's mechanism. It took several more tries, each one accompanied by a sense of growing frustration.

Reiner's patience was tested, and a bead of sweat formed on his forehead as he persisted with determination.

Then, Reiner decided to try a different approach. He turned the key upside down, tapped it gently, and even whispered some encouraging words. "Come on, just one twist, and we'll be the best of pals," he cajoled.

As if in response to this odd coaxing, the key yielded and Reiner opened the door successfully.

Without wasting any time, Reiner picked up the suitcase, made sure to retrieve the key, and swiftly entered the house.

As Reiner stepped into the cozy interior of the cottage, he couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity.

Reiner gently closed the door behind him, sealing out the cold of the winter night. He set the suitcase down, allowing himself a moment to take in the surroundings.

'Finally, I'm at the home of Zephyr Loraine.'

However, there wasn't anyone there to say 'Welcome back' to him.

It was home.

A home without any people. Just a deserted building.