The Innocent Dwarves

Scarlet stood in the doorway, breathing hard, her sea-blue skirt flaring from her run. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes fixed on Dawn by the window as though he were the only person left in the world.

"Do you remember me?"

Scarlet's voice trembled, but she did not back away. She walked toward Dawn and stopped a single step from him. Looking up, she felt tears well in her eyes.

Dawn looked down at her. His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, then he nodded.

"Of course I do."

Those few words broke the last of Scarlet's restraint. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she sprang into Dawn's arms and wrapped both arms tightly around his waist.

"I never forgot you... For the past six years, every day I wondered when I'd see you again..."

King Riku's face darkened.

"Scarlet! Let go of him! Have you no shame?"

Scarlet ignored her father's roar and held on tighter. She looked up at Dawn through her tears.

"I know you're a pirate... I know you have other women... I don't care. As long as I can stay by your side, none of that matters."

Dawn did not push her away, but he did not embrace her either. Looking down at the woman in his arms, he said calmly,

"Princess Scarlet, I'll be blunt. I have many women."

Scarlet wiped her tears with the back of her hand and gave him a radiant smile.

"I don't mind. As long as I can stay with you, I don't care how many women you have."

Dawn raised a hand and gently stroked Scarlet's long pink hair.

"Then stay. But remember, this is your choice. Whatever happens from now on, don't regret it."

"I won't!"

Scarlet shook her head fiercely, like a believer