The night air enveloped Tristan as he sat on a park bench beside Loraura, its chill a stark contrast to the warmth of their conversation.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5oyKv5yzy
"What do we do now?" Tristan pondered aloud, his thoughts consumed by uncertainty, oblivious to the goddess's silent empathy beside him.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas4UINWouR
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cunningham," Loraura murmured softly.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnXORQMiuL
Tristan's brow furrowed in confusion. "Apologize for what?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on her.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5E9LObPRB
Loraura lowered her eyes, a shadow of regret crossing her features. "For bringing you only sorrow," she confessed.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiaLJOcLJW
A gentle smile tugged at Tristan's lips as he chuckled, scratching his head in bemusement. "Don't blame yourself, Ms. Loraura," he reassured her. "If anything, it's my own fault for making such an unreasonable wish," he admitted.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW0zWtWH73
Rising from the bench, Tristan clapped his hands together, determination lighting up his features. "Let's focus on finding a place to stay for now, Ms. Loraura," he suggested, extending a hand to help her up.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFkOrnOl9C
Loraura's smile widened at his gesture as she rose to her feet, facing him. "Agreed," she replied warmly. "And please, Mr. Cunningham, just call me Loraura," she added, her eyes sparkling with hope.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeqvDBQeaF
Tristan met Loraura's joyful gaze, his heart lightening at her enthusiasm. With a slight nod, he accepted her agreement.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj2Dgqc2cC
"Okay, Loraura," he repeated, the name feeling more natural on his tongue with each utterance. "Well I guess you can just call me Tristan than." he added, extending his hand towards her.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EvDmM4L1H
Their hands met in a warm clasp, and Tristan's smile widened at the connection. "Let's take care of each other, alright?" he proposed earnestly.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JDdzxf2rg
Loraura's eyes sparkled with newfound resolve as she tightened her grip on his hand, a radiant smile spreading across her face. "Yes," she affirmed, her voice filled with sincerity and hope.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99cF7qt05b
Tristan led the way down the bustling street, Loraura trailing behind him, her eyes alight with curiosity as she took in their surroundings. Meanwhile, Tristan's mind churned with thoughts, pondering their next steps.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnSFglD4AY
Surveying the apartment complexes they passed, Tristan couldn't shake the concern over their high rents. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders as he considered their limited options.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw04DyhmVUr
Lost in his contemplation, Tristan's thoughts briefly drifted to his classes at Flowerwell College, scheduled for the day. However, the presence of Loraura by his side made him hesitate. He couldn't bear the idea of leaving her alone, vulnerable amidst unfamiliar surroundings.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgWI8MUanu
"Are my clothes truly strange?" Loraura's voice cut through his reverie, her gaze fixed on him expectantly.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiRwd5dZg1
Tristan turned to face her, a hint of surprise flickering across his features. "You read my mind again?" he queried, a blush creeping up his cheeks.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhQGIq4W6u
Loraura nodded, her expression unapologetic.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqaYAIiDmz
Tristan sighed inwardly, resolving to adjust to this newfound aspect of their bond in due time. "Your clothes are beautiful," he affirmed, meeting her gaze with sincerity. "But they do stand out in this town, Loraura," he admitted gently, hoping to reassure her.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91Mx2aDcye
Loraura glanced down at her attire, a determined glint in her eyes. "Alright," she murmured, closing her eyes briefly.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIAczQrHmJ
Tristan's eyebrows shot up in surprise as Loraura's form began to emit a radiant glow once again. Though he had witnessed her abilities before, the sight never failed to astonish him.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR8NMnC78T
As her transformation unfolded, Tristan observed in awe as Loraura's ethereal white robes shifted seamlessly into a more mundane ensemble—a simple white and blue dress that flowed gracefully to her knees, paired with sandals that adorned her feet.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zjxbtBoVO
Breaking free from his trance, Tristan scanned their surroundings cautiously, ensuring no prying eyes lingered on them.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cAkqWQXbE
Loraura turned towards him, a bright smile lighting up her face as she gestured towards her new attire. "What do you think?" she inquired eagerly.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvXMbTMsYy
Tristan hesitated, his concern etched on his features. "It looks wonderful, Loraura," he replied, his tone gentle yet apprehensive. "But using your powers in public... it could attract unwanted attention," he cautioned.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtkzRlm4Eo
Loraura's brow furrowed in confusion. "But why?" she questioned, her innocence evident in her earnest inquiry.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSszGHKQ03
Tristan's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of caution and concern. Loraura's brow furrowed in contemplation as she absorbed his explanation.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqq1N2L5xa
"People fear what they don't understand," Tristan elaborated gently, his gaze softening with empathy. "Using your powers openly might attract unwanted attention and make others uncomfortable."
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7K2cVIon8
Loraura nodded slowly, her expression reflecting understanding mingled with a tinge of sadness. "I see," she murmured, her eyes downcast.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Uw0jYjJyM
Tristan reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's not that your powers aren't amazing," he reassured her, offering a small smile. "It's just that not everyone is ready to accept them yet."
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyqFaqtbI2
Loraura fell silent for a moment, her gaze drifting downwards as she pondered the implications of her powers in this new world. "I understand," she murmured, lifting her eyes to meet Tristan's with a faint smile.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwh0Of2NaG
"It's remarkable how much this world has changed," she remarked softly. "If my abilities only serve to complicate things for you, then I won't use them."
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oQwOdnXdb
Tristan's smile widened at her considerate gesture. "Thank you, Loraura," he said warmly, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv9u0JwGOl
Tristan's voice carried a hint of melancholy as he spoke. "It's time to head home," he said, his smile fading slightly.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0JK3y1ter
Loraura furrowed her brow, sensing the change in Tristan's demeanor. "Home?" she echoed, her gaze searching his face for clues.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMHHNw7kVO
Tristan nodded, his expression tinged with a mix of longing and resignation. "Yes, home," he confirmed softly.
***
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ69NykXg0X
As the vibrant hues of the sunset painted the sky in shades of orange, Tristan and Loraura stood before a towering wooden gate adorned with the inscription "Cunningham Residence."
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tuLgC3NS8
Loraura gazed up at the imposing structure, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Is this your home?" she inquired, her voice soft with wonder.
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObWaW3Xx2c
Tristan's shoulders sagged slightly as he regarded the gate with a mix of weariness and resignation. "No," he admitted with a weary sigh. "This belongs to my father."
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipMkfMOr5Y
A wistful chuckle escaped Tristan's lips as he confessed, "I had hoped to avoid coming here if I could help it. But it seems I have no choice in the matter."
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwjxpSM3U1
Turning to face Loraura, Tristan offered her a small, apologetic smile. "Welcome to my family's estate," he said, his voice tinged with both nostalgia and apprehension. "Welcome to Kami Oni No Ken."
***
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNdvG1TMqb
Author notes: Please support my work on Patreon for early access to new chapters. https://patreon.com/DarkMatteromniverse
ns18.225.56.185da2
