Garland Moon: Promise

Shiro went to the merchant's stall. "I was told you had something that could raze an entire army."

The merchant handed him a flaming sword. "Yes I do. This here can take out-"

"That's great and all, but I was hoping for a piece of jewelry."

The seller shook her head, vexed. "Here's a ring that has the power of Daphnel. It can rain fire upon a battalion. It contains great power. Do not let it fall in the wrong hands."

Shiro frowned. "I may not be the brightest lantern in the room, but I know a little about crests in my short time with the people of Fódlan. If someone without the corresponding crest touches it, they'll turn into a monster!"

"That was only for the Heroes Relics. This is safe. Think of it as a Dragon Sign."

"Uh . . . I have no idea what that is."

The merchant closed her eyes to avoid rolling them and angering a customer. "The ring is safe. I don't have a crest," she slipped the ring on, "See?"

Shiro's eyes widened as if he were a child at a toy stall. "Ooh! That's amazing! How much?"

"Considering how valuable, six thousand coins."

He made a squeaking noise. "I don't have that much on me."

She shrugged. "Guess you're out of luck."

Shiro considered his options. "I can't take money out of the army funds. Maybe I can ask for money? Eh. It won't be too impressive that I have to go in debt for this, considering what it is. WAIT A MINUTE! I'm a hero! She'll give it to me for free!"

Shiro grinned widely, showing off a gorgeous set of teeth. "But if I'm a hero, you'll give it to me for free to show your support, right?"

The vendor raised an eyebrow. "No, but keep talking. You're amusing me."

"I happen to be in the army that is battling the evil Sothis asked us to defeat across all the worlds. Surely donating one ring is a small sacrifice to play your part in helping us?"

The merchant placed her hand on her hip. "Oh yeah? And how do I know that you're not some street urchin trying to rip me off a valuable item?"

Shiro narrowed his eyes in thought. "Okay. How about I prove it? I'll go grab Emperor Ferdinand!"

The woman snorted. "You do that."

Shiro slithered his way through the crowd until he came upon the group. "Here's the supplies." He handed everyone what they ordered, then tapped Ferdinand's shoulder. "Um . . . Emperor Ferdinand, I need your help with something."

Ferdinand smiled. "Hello Crown Prince Shiro. What is the problem?"

Shiro reddened. "It's a bit embarrassing. Can you come with me for a minute?"

Dorothea latched onto her boyfriend's arm. "I'd be best if I went with you."

Shiro grew anxious at the thought of an extra person having to see his awkward deal with the salesperson. "That's not really necessary."

Dorothea persisted, "Really. It would be. What do you need help with?"

Shiro paled. "Well, there's this nice item I need," he took them away from everyone else, "to surprise my girl, Caeldori, with. But the only way the lady will give it to me is if I show her that I'm one of Divine's heroes!"

Dorothea cooed, "Aw! How sweet. Let's help him out, Ferdie."

Ferdinand agreed, "Of course. Chivalry and romance are one of this world's treasures. The day we forget them is the day we risk losing who we are. Lead us to the stall, Shiro!"

Shiro guided them to the vendor. He relished the look on her face when he escorted the Emperor of Adrestia and the Mystical Songstress over to her. Ferdinand waved. "Hello! I am Ferdinand von Aegir," Dorothea rolled her eyes, "and this is Shiro. He is indeed part of the group assigned to defeat the Twilighters, the nefarious group determined to attack the Divines at every step for their own greed."

The merchant clumsily handed Shiro the ring, almost dropping it on the ground. "I had no idea you were serious. I thought you were pulling my leg. Like you said, here's my contribution. Go slay the evildoers with this baby."

Ferdinand refused, "Absolutely not! We must pay you for the ring. How much?"

The salesperson meekly replied, "Six thousand coins."

Ferdinand responded, "Done. Allow me to get the money from the palace."

After Ferdinand left and came back with the money, Shiro was practically giddy with the ring. "Thank you all so much! This is great! Now all I gotta do is come up with a speech to go with it."

Dorothea's eyes brightened. "Ooh! Are you going to propose to Caeldori? I bet she'd accept."

Shiro bristled. "Nah; nothin' that serious. It's still going to be a major step forward though."

Ferdinand wished, "I hope that whatever you seek is granted."

Shiro's heart pounded in his chest. "I hope so too."

With everything in order, the group began the trek to Rowe territory. When Shiro was next to Caeldori, he cleared his throat. "So, I'm trying to be like my cousin with the whole romance thing. I want you to know that I take our relationship seriously."

Caeldori grew uncomfortable. "I never really said that you didn't . . ."

Shiro continued, "But I want to be the guy to sweep you off your feet. You want that, right? I got you a little something."

He bowed to her. Caeldori was thrown off by the gesture. "What?"

Shiro gazed into her eyes. "Caeldori, will you accept this promise ring? I may not be ready for marriage or engagements yet, but I want all the worlds to know that I am ready for us."

Caeldori let out a girlish squeal. "Yes! Yes; I do accept!" Shiro slipped the ring on her finger and they kissed.

Everyone except Ferdinand and Dorothea were completely lost, but nevertheless stopped and clapped.

Caeldori beamed. While their mission was solemn and dangerous, she loved how much her boyfriend matured over the course of it. Things were lining up, and Caeldori was sure that their affection was going to become much deeper.