As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the darkness of the cave, Tsukina stirred from her slumber. Her senses, sharpened by years of caution and survival, immediately registered the presence of another person nearby. Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she turned and saw Ryuu seated near the entrance, watching over her. The realization that he had remained with her throughout the night filled her with a warmth that contrasted sharply with the lingering chill of uncertainty that had settled over her.

"Good morning, Tsukina," Ryuu greeted her, his voice gentle yet strong. He smiled, offering her a neatly folded change of clothes. "Rose sent these for you."

Tsukina took the clothes with a grateful nod, her fingers brushing against the soft fabric. She appreciated the gesture more than she could express. "Thank you, Ryuu," she replied, her voice soft. She glanced around the cave, noting the play of light and shadow as the morning sun began to banish the remnants of the night.

Ryuu stood and gave her a moment of privacy. "I'll step outside while you change," he said, moving towards the cave entrance.

Once alone, Tsukina quickly changed out of her worn and tattered clothing, relishing the feeling of the fresh, clean fabric against her skin. The new clothes were a simple but sturdy outfit, perfectly suited for the challenges of the day ahead. As she dressed, her mind wandered to Rose, the person who had thoughtfully provided for her needs even in their absence.

Emerging from the cave, Tsukina's eyes immediately scanned the surroundings, seeking the familiar figure of Rose. "Where's Rose?" she inquired, a pang of disappointment tugging at her heart when she saw no sign of her friend.

Ryuu, who was waiting outside, turned to face her. His expression was one of calm reassurance. "Rose had to leave early to start her training, she plans to be the guardian here" he explained. "She didn't want to wake you. You needed the rest."

Tsukina sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she accepted his words. "I understand. It's just… I wanted to thank her personally."

"You'll get your chance," Ryuu assured her. "She should be back soon. In the meantime, let's take advantage of the daylight and get ourselves ready. There’s a lot we need to discuss and plan."

Tsukina nodded, appreciating his practicality. Ryuu guided her to his home, offering a brief tour. As they walked, she couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the place. It was more of a castle than a house, impressively large with corridors that seemed to stretch on forever. Bright gold linings adorned the walls, contrasting sharply with the elegant black wallpaper that covered every room.

Ryuu led her through the ornate hallways, pointing out various rooms and features of the castle. "This is the library," he said, gesturing to a set of tall, double doors. "It's got a collection of books that spans centuries. Feel free to explore it anytime."

They continued down another corridor, Ryuu explaining the history of the castle and its many inhabitants over the years. Tsukina listened intently, fascinated by the stories and the sheer size of the place. The castle had an air of mystery and grandeur that was almost overwhelming.

Eventually, they arrived at the kitchen. "I'll make us some breakfast," Ryuu said, rolling up his sleeves. "Make yourself at home."

"Your home is incredible, It's like something out of a fairy tale."

While Ryuu busied himself preparing the meal, Tsukina roamed the kitchen and adjoining rooms. The kitchen itself was a blend of modern appliances and antique charm, with gleaming counter tops and polished wooden cabinets. She admired the intricate designs on the walls and the fine craftsmanship of the furniture.

Moving from room to room, she found herself in a spacious living area with high ceilings and large windows that let in streams of natural light. The black wallpaper here was embellished with gold patterns, creating a striking visual effect. Comfortable-looking sofas and armchairs were arranged around a grand fireplace, and elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow.

Tsukina continued her exploration, her footsteps echoing softly in the vastness of the castle. She peeked into various rooms, each more splendid than the last. Some were filled with beautiful tapestries and paintings, others with intricate sculptures and antique vases. The place felt like a treasure trove of history and art.

Returning to the kitchen, she found Ryuu setting the table with a delicious-looking spread. "Breakfast is ready," he announced with a smile. "I hope you're hungry."

Tsukina joined him at the table, grateful for his hospitality and the sense of normalcy it brought. As they sat down to eat, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the opulence of Ryuu's home. It was a stark contrast to the humble, makeshift camps she had grown accustomed to.

Ryuu chuckled. "I'm glad you like it. It's been in my family for generations. There's a lot of history here, and I suppose it can be a bit overwhelming at first."