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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5O8QGROhm
"What do we do now?" Tristan pondered aloud, his thoughts consumed by uncertainty, oblivious to the goddess's silent empathy beside him.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsVD7i3Rcy
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cunningham," Loraura murmured softly.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8VjBiL7Z1
Tristan's brow furrowed in confusion. "Apologize for what?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on her.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sBJkHzSmT
Loraura lowered her eyes, a shadow of regret crossing her features. "For bringing you only sorrow," she confessed.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zFl0spjOu
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9x9F9FGpz
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaRvvWqXUO
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSsg2rFjnH
Tristan met Loraura's joyful gaze, his heart lightening at her enthusiasm. With a slight nod, he accepted her agreement.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaURp7cavi
"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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLeZcf1WTB
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwikW1Z6RVV
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCnwsjchbs
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa690d3EEW
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJhvea3LMw
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4ERFDLrky
"Are my clothes truly strange?" Loraura's voice cut through his reverie, her gaze fixed on him expectantly.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhxHZ1dr6m
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAEqBclREF
Loraura nodded, her expression unapologetic.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ym6RdyERm
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblkpoN1J3C
Loraura glanced down at her attire, a determined glint in her eyes. "Alright," she murmured, closing her eyes briefly.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5srhNeyB7
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjIgPiOO8p
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWT3tTZ8FZ
Breaking free from his trance, Tristan scanned their surroundings cautiously, ensuring no prying eyes lingered on them.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiWhTX9bTf
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmtG8L9eEM
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK73zajHDd
Loraura's brow furrowed in confusion. "But why?" she questioned, her innocence evident in her earnest inquiry.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7E6P6jDG5
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQUbxVQHEc
"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."
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzfSD6pye3
Loraura nodded slowly, her expression reflecting understanding mingled with a tinge of sadness. "I see," she murmured, her eyes downcast.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nLF1xaQuQ
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."
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUfw7svjcb
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.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUt4LQ6PQi
"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."
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3ujnakeSr
Tristan's smile widened at her considerate gesture. "Thank you, Loraura," he said warmly, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FgbuAdexF
Tristan's voice carried a hint of melancholy as he spoke. "It's time to head home," he said, his smile fading slightly.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDAtnYfcxa
Loraura furrowed her brow, sensing the change in Tristan's demeanor. "Home?" she echoed, her gaze searching his face for clues.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD8pnDIuuQ
Tristan nodded, his expression tinged with a mix of longing and resignation. "Yes, home," he confirmed softly.
***
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQOrfySYRr
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."
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5SCT6OhY6
Loraura gazed up at the imposing structure, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Is this your home?" she inquired, her voice soft with wonder.
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7Rauafj21
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."
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdOGON6n8C
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."
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNuWum39bY
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."
***
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwTMuH9oru
Author notes: Please support my work on Patreon for early access to new chapters. https://patreon.com/DarkMatteromniverse
ns18.216.194.71da2
