The scene changes. Evening falls.
Lucia grinned, patting her full belly. "Yeah, that was a good meal," she agreed. "But don't get too comfortable, Athena. There are still so many cities left to explore!"
Amyra nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We could check out the market stalls, or even catch a show at the theater," she suggested.
"This capital is full of wonders, and I want to see them through your eyes, Athena."
Mary jumped onto Athena's shoulder, clapping her hands. "Ooh, ooh! Let's go to the candy store!" she cried. "I want to try all the sweets they have!"
Athena laughed, shaking her head in amusement. "Slow down, Mary," she chided. "We've got all the time in the world to explore. Why don't we start with a nice, relaxing stroll in the park?"
But then Lucia suddenly remembered something. "Dang it! I forgot!"
Amyra glanced at her. "Forgot what?"
"I've got night patrol duty tonight. I guess I won't be able to join you this time. Sorry, guys," she said.
"Oh, patrol duty? That's fine, you should get going then, Lucia," Amyra replied. The red-haired girl nodded and hurried off. "Sorry, everyone!"
"Patrol?" Mary looked at Amyra in surprise.
"Yeah, Lucia works with the Leyndell Security Department. Being an adventurer is more like her side job," Amyra explained.
"Leyndell Security Department? How's that different from the Adventurers' Guild?" Mary asked.
"Well, the Adventurers' Guild mostly deals with monsters and dangerous creatures. The Leyndell Security Department handles the opposite—they're more like the police," Amyra answered.
"I… don't get it," Mary said.
"Think of it this way: the Adventurers' Guild takes care of external threats, while the Leyndell Security Department deals with internal problems," Amyra explained.
"They wouldn't let the Adventurers' Guild handle crimes like kidnapping, murder, or abuse, right?"
"The Adventurers' Guild is like the army. They face big, terrifying threats that could destroy entire lands. But the Security Department is more like the police. They deal with everyday issues, like catching thieves and protecting regular people."
Amyra sighed, shaking her head as she watched Lucia run off. "That's our Lucia, always on duty," she mused.
"But that's what makes her so good at what she does. She takes her job seriously—whether it's patrolling the streets or hunting down monsters."
Mary nodded slowly, comprehension dawning on her face. "I see."
Amyra smiled and affectionately ruffled Mary's hair.
"And now, our job is to take Athena on a tour of the city. So, what do you say, Athena? Ready to see more of Leyndell?" Amyra asked.
Athena nodded, smiling brightly at her. Amyra grinned and took her hand. "Let's go!" she said, leading her down the street.
The city bustled with activity—merchants hawking their wares, citizens going about their daily routines. The scent of fresh bread and roasted meat filled the air, making Athena's mouth water.
As they walked, Amyra pointed out various landmarks and points of interest. "And over there is the Royal Palace," she said, gesturing toward the sprawling complex in the distance.
"That's where King Edward Caerwyn and his family live. And there, you can see the Grand Cathedral, where the priests and priestesses of the Gods worship and heal the sick."
She guided Athena through winding streets, showing her the different districts and neighborhoods.
There was the Merchant Quarter, home to the city's wealthiest and most influential families, and the Artisan's District, where craftsmen and artists plied their trades.
At last, they arrived at a wide open space in the heart of the city. "And here we are," Amyra announced.
"The Capital Square. This is where all the major events and celebrations are held. Like the annual Founders' Day parade, or the Summer Festival. It's the heart of Leyndell."
Athena looked around in awe, her eyes gleaming. "It's incredible…" she said.
Amyra smiled warmly, seeing the wonder in Athena's eyes. "Amazing, isn't it?" she said.
"Leyndell is one of the greatest cities in all of Astrea. It's stood for centuries—a beacon of hope and prosperity in a world full of darkness."
She took Athena's hand, leading her toward a grand fountain at the center of the square. "And this," Amyra said, pointing to the intricately carved statue at the center of the fountain,
"Is a tribute to Leyndell's founder, King Aldric Caerwyn. He led the charge against the Abyssal Demons years ago and laid the first stone of this great city."
As they drew closer, Athena saw a group of children playing around the edge of the fountain, splashing water and laughing with joy.
Amyra chuckled softly.
"Looks like they're having fun, huh? The weather's perfect for water games… Want to join them, Athena?"
Athena gazed at the shimmering water, then gave a small smile.
"Um… well, I don't mind getting a little wet."
Amyra grinned broadly.
"Then let's get soaked!"
She tugged Athena's hand and leapt onto the fountain's edge. The children squealed with delight as the two girls joined the fun. Water splashed high into the air, and joyous laughter filled the square.
Athena froze for a moment, feeling the cool water on her skin—and the sound of carefree laughter all around her.
A little boy ran up to her, giggling mischievously, and splashed water right into her face.
"Watch out, Miss Adventurer! This is our turf!" he shouted boldly.
Athena paused—then smiled and returned fire with an even bigger splash.
"In that case, this is an invasion!" she declared in mock seriousness.
Amyra burst into laughter from the other side, joining in as she splashed two boys running away with gleeful screams.
One of them slipped and fell on his backside, but quickly got up again and laughing.
Mary hovered above, her tiny feet skimming the water.
"Waaaah! This is so much fun!" she cried, spinning like a ballerina in the air.
The laughter grew louder. A little girl grabbed Athena's hand.
"Sis! Sis! Let's spin around!"
Before she could answer, Athena was already being pulled into a whirling dance at the center of the fountain, water flying everywhere, the light of the setting sun dancing across the surface.
Athena laughed—freely and truly. A laugh unburdened.
A moment later, she slowed down, catching her breath as she looked up at the orange sky.
For a brief moment, their joyful laughter filled the air. Beneath the weariness of the world, Athena smiled—genuinely, laughing alongside them.
It wasn't laughter aimed at her, but laughter shared with her. And in that moment, she felt like someone entirely new.
'Even if just for a moment… I hope this peace lasts forever…'