The Simple Dwarves

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

"Do you still remember me?"

Scarlett's voice trembled slightly, but she did not retreat. She walked toward Dawn step by step, stopping only one step away from him. She raised her head, tears welling up in her eyes.

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

"Of course I remember."

Those few simple words made Scarlett's tears burst forth completely. With a nimble leap, she threw herself into Dawn's arms, wrapping both arms tightly around his waist.

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

King Riku's face darkened like the bottom of a pot.

"Scarlett! Let go! Have some decorum!"

Ignoring her father's roar, Scarlett hugged Dawn even tighter. She raised her head and looked at him through misty 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, nothing else matters to me."

Dawn did not push her away, but neither did he return her embrace. Looking down at the woman in his arms, he spoke calmly.

"Princess Scarlett, I'll be direct. I have many women now."

Scarlett wiped away her tears with the back of her hand and revealed a radiant smile.

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

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

"Then stay. But remember, this is your own choice. No matter