The morning sun cast a bright, warm light over the quiet suburban neighborhood. The rain from previous days had completely cleared, leaving behind a fresh, crisp breeze that smelled of green lawns and wet asphalt.
Lucien stood at the end of the driveway, looking up and down the paved street. He wore a simple gray hoodie, dark trek pant, and sneakers—clothes Kagen had helped him pick out.
His long silver hair was neatly cascading over his shoulders inside his hood.
Just then Kagen stepped up beside him, zipping up his jacket.
"Ready for your first official walk?"
Kagen asked, smiling up at him.
Lucien shifted his weight, his eyes scanning the quiet houses, tidy flowerbeds, and parked cars lined along the curbs.
"The silence here is strange," Lucien murmured softly, his voice low.
"There are no guards on the perimeter. No scouts on the roofs. People leave their glass windows entirely unguarded."
"It's a peaceful neighborhood, Lucien," Kagen said, reaching down to gently bump his shoulder against Lucien's arm. "Nobody here is planning a siege."
Inside Lucien's mind, Jerga let out a dark, raspy chuckle.
["Oh, but look at those fragile little wooden fences! One spell could burn this entire settlement to ash in seconds. It's almost offensive how soft they live."]
'For once, I agree with you demon,' Lucien thought back sharply. 'Anyway we are going for a walk without even a small dagger for protection. Will everything be okay?'
["A walk! How thrilling. Just make sure you don't trip over a flower pot, noble knight."]
Lucien ignored the demon and adjusted the sleeves of his hoodie turning to look at Kagen.
"Where are we heading, Cassian—ah, Kagen?"
"To the local weekend market at the park down the road," Kagen said, pointing toward the end of the street. "It's only a ten-minute walk. Come on."
As they walked down the sidewalk, Lucien remained on high alert. Every passing car made his shoulders tense, his eyes tracking the vehicles until they disappeared around the corner.
"They move without horses," Lucien observed, watching a sleek blue sedan roll past.
"The metal boxes... you said they run on liquid fuel, correct?"
"Yeah, gasoline," Kagen nodded. "No magic, just engines and mechanics."
Lucien shook his head slowly.
"To build a society so advanced without relying on a single drop of mana... it is truly remarkable."
A young couple walking a small, fluffy dog approached them from the opposite direction. As they passed, the dog yapped happily and trotted toward Lucien's legs.
Lucien froze instantly, his posture going stiff as a board. His hand instinctively reached for his left hip where his longsword usually hung.
"It's just a dog, Lucien," Kagen whispered quickly, catching Lucien's wrist before he could make any sudden movements. "He's friendly."
The woman holding the leash smiled warmly at them.
"Sorry! He likes new people. Lovely hair, by the way!"
"Ah... thank you, Lady," Lucien managed to say, offering a stiff, awkward nod.
Once the couple walked away, Kagen covered his mouth to hide a laugh.
"You've slayed giant magical beasts, but a eight-pound terrier made you draw an imaginary sword?" Kagen teased gently.
Lucien felt a faint warmth touch his cheeks.
"It moved with unexpected speed."
"Sure it did," Kagen chuckled, pulling Lucien along by his hand.
A few minutes later, they reached the neighborhood park.
The central grassy area was filled with white pop-up tents, colorful banners, and the lively hum of chatter. Local vendors had set up stalls selling fresh pastries, handmade crafts, hot coffee, and fresh flowers. Children ran across the grass playing tag, while older couples sat on wooden benches enjoying the morning sun.
Lucien stopped at the edge of the park, taking in the scene.
"It's... peaceful," Lucien said quietly.
"I told you, didn't I... So Lucien Arden, welcome to my world." Kagen smiled, looking up at him.
"Now come on, let's get something to eat."
They strolled through the rows of stalls. Kagen bought a pair of hot iced coffees and a bag of warm, sugary cinnamon pastries.
He handed a pastry to Lucien.
"Try this. It's called a churro."
Lucien looked down at the long, fried dough coated in sugar. He took a cautious bite.
He chewed slowly. His eyes widened slightly.
"It is... hot and sweet," Lucien said, his serious tone making the simple description sound like an official royal report.
"The cinnamon flavor is intense."
"Do you like it?" Kagen asked.
Lucien took another large bite without answering directly.
"It is very acceptable."
Kagen laughed softly. "You always say that when you secretly love something."
They walked over to a quiet bench near a large oak tree, sitting close together as they watched the people pass by. The gentle morning breeze rustled the leaves above them, casting soft shadows across the grass.
Lucien looked out over the park, watching a father teach his young daughter how to ride a bicycle. His expression grew quiet and thoughtful.
"In Edrath, a gathering like this would require heavily armed guards at every entrance," Lucien spoke softly, his voice laced with a gentle sadness.
"Peasants and nobles would never mingle so freely. Everyone lived under the constant threat of war, monsters, or political ruin."
Kagen rested his head against Lucien's broad shoulder.
"And here?"
"Here... it feels as though peace is simply normal,"
Lucien murmured. He reached down and took Kagen's hand, lacing their fingers together tightly beneath the shade of the tree.
"I can understand why you missed this world. It is a good place and Edrath must have been hard for you to survive."
"I won't lie, that is true."
Kagen looked up at Lucien's profile—the sharp jawline, the soft silver hair catching the sunlight, and the quiet contentment in his violet eyes.
"But it's better and bearable when you are with me," Kagen said softly.
"Just like now."
Lucien turned his head, looking down at Kagen with deep, unwavering affection.
"Oh well I guess that applies to myself as well. It turns out as long as I am with you," Lucien whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Kagen's forehead, "...any world is a good place."
Inside Lucien's head, Jerga let out a long, dramatic groan.
["Barf. I am going to sleep until we get back to the house."]
Neither of them paid the demon any mind. They sat together on the bench, holding hands in the quiet park, enjoying the calm morning air.
*****