The Recorder of Type-Moon History

Kevin sighed internally as he reflected on the situation. He had anticipated Loki's true intentions behind sending him to Freya to obtain the goshawk feather. It wasn't difficult to deduce, given Loki's reputation for trickery.

Still, he hadn't expected events to unfold the way they had.

Despite the setbacks and the odd encounters, Kevin had grown adept at navigating unexpected challenges. Years of experience—facing down legions with Cu Chulainn, standing tall against gods, and surviving rigorous training under Scathach—had honed his courage. The mountain giant Shaki was just another obstacle.

Kevin assessed the situation. From Shaki's choice to prepare dinner before demanding Kevin reveal his identity, it was clear the giant wasn't planning an immediate confrontation. This knowledge reassured Kevin and gave him room to maneuver.

As dinner progressed, Shaki's initial fury subsided. The giant had invited Idun, the goddess of youth, to join them at the table. Though Idun hesitated, her concern for Kevin led her to stay.

Kevin noticed Idun's composed demeanor. She was unharmed, her golden hair impeccably tied, her golden eyes calm. Her dignity was intact, and she appeared well cared for.

Kevin wasn't surprised. Skadi had referred to her as "Sister Idun," a clear indication of her respect and affection.

After dinner began, Shaki broke the silence with a pointed question.

"Since you're not of the Aesir, why involve yourself in their affairs?"

Kevin considered his response. He saw no reason to lie. "My journey here is tied to my purpose for leaving Erin. I need something."

Shaki raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"

Kevin met his gaze without flinching. "The blood of Fenrir, the monster that shakes the earth."

The room fell silent. Skadi looked at Kevin with wide eyes, while Shaki exchanged a glance with his daughter. The significance of Kevin's goal was not lost on them.

Fenrir was no ordinary creature; he was a being of legend, feared by gods and giants alike. Among their people, there were even whispers of Fenrir's prophesied role in the end of days, where he would devour Odin himself.

Shaki's expression darkened. His booming voice broke the stillness.

"I won't release Idun until I've obtained a golden apple."

"Father!" Skadi protested, but Shaki silenced her with a raised hand.

Kevin noticed Idun lower her fork, her expression pained but resigned.

"I've explained this to you before," Idun said softly. "The golden apple is a sacred gift of the Aesir. Only they can eat it. Even if I wanted to, I cannot grant you what you seek."

Shaki scowled, his jaw tightening. He shifted his gaze to Kevin.

"I'll overlook tonight," Shaki said coldly, his tone final. "But I expect you gone by morning."

Without waiting for a reply, the mountain giant stood, his towering figure casting a long shadow over the room. He stomped out, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

Skadi's red eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry for my father's behavior. He can be... unreasonable."

Kevin glanced at the departing Shaki, then back at Skadi, his curiosity piqued. How could someone as gentle and curious as Skadi be Shaki's daughter?

"It's alright," Kevin said with a faint smile. "I understand."

Idun leaned forward, her expression concerned. "Kevin, you should leave tomorrow. Shaki may not be so patient if you remain."

Idun's words were wise. Shaki had shown unusual restraint, but his temper could easily flare.

Kevin nodded. He had already learned much from the encounter. Though he hadn't secured Idun's release, he had discovered her condition and built rapport with Skadi.

Idun initially offered to escort Kevin back, wary of leaving him alone with Skadi. However, Skadi interjected, insisting she could ensure Kevin's safety. After a brief debate, Idun reluctantly agreed, leaving Kevin in Skadi's care.

As Skadi led Kevin to his quarters, her long purple hair swayed in the moonlight. The ancient city's massive stone and metal structures cast jagged shadows across their path.

"Don't even think about sneaking into Idun's chambers tonight," Skadi said suddenly, her tone playful but firm. "My father has enchanted the area. Even if you break the spell, he'll know instantly."

Kevin smirked, rolling his eyes. "Do I look that reckless to you?"

Skadi tilted her head, feigning thoughtfulness. "Hmm... I think so."

Kevin opened his mouth to retort, but Skadi's mischievous smile disarmed him.

As they walked, Kevin couldn't resist asking, "How did you know I wasn't a real goshawk?"

Skadi's smile widened. "At first, I didn't. I just thought you were an unusually interesting bird. I watched you for nearly an hour while you flew in circles, drawing strange patterns in the sky."

Kevin blinked, his cheeks flushing slightly. "You were watching the whole time?"

"Of course." Skadi giggled, her red eyes sparkling. "You were so absorbed that I almost let you go. But when I saw you preparing to fly away, I decided to act."

Kevin groaned inwardly. His playful flight patterns had betrayed him.

Skadi continued, her voice teasing. "Your disguise was impressive, but the moment our eyes met, you froze. That gave you away. My father only noticed because of my reaction."

Kevin sighed. "So it wasn't the goshawk feather after all."

"Nope." Skadi grinned. "You revealed yourself."

Kevin chuckled despite himself. Her candid explanation and lighthearted tone made it hard to stay annoyed.

Skadi eventually led Kevin to the guest room. Instead of leaving, she settled into a chair and began asking him questions about the outside world.

Her curiosity was insatiable. She wanted to know about the lands Kevin had visited, the people he had met, and the adventures he had undertaken.

Kevin obliged, recounting his journey in vivid detail. Skadi listened intently, her expression alternating between wonder and laughter.

Idun and Shaki checked on them once, ensuring Kevin wasn't plotting an escape. Satisfied that the pair were merely talking, they left without interference.

Before Kevin realized it, the first rays of dawn began to filter through the window.

Skadi glanced at the rising sun, her expression wistful. "I wish we had more time to talk."

Kevin, gazing at her profile bathed in sunlight, found himself momentarily speechless.

After a quick breakfast, Kevin prepared to depart. Skadi accompanied him to the castle gates, her footsteps echoing softly in the crisp morning air.

They passed Shaki, who was chopping firewood. The giant grunted but said nothing, his sharp eyes watching them leave.

Outside the gates, Skadi hesitated. "Take care of yourself, Kevin."

Kevin smiled. "Thank you for everything, Skadi. I hope we meet again someday."

With that, Kevin set off toward the rendezvous point, where he knew Slude and Neil would be waiting.

Though his time in Shaki's castle was brief, it had left a deep impression. And Kevin couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of his story with Skadi.

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