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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAwVXlZa1NTE
"What do we do now?" Tristan pondered aloud, his thoughts consumed by uncertainty, oblivious to the goddess's silent empathy beside him.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAtoUZuRn025
84Please respect copyright.PENANAXrRQGPwiPa
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cunningham," Loraura murmured softly.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAA6hoV37RQU
Tristan's brow furrowed in confusion. "Apologize for what?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on her.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAezJt7vMwtU
Loraura lowered her eyes, a shadow of regret crossing her features. "For bringing you only sorrow," she confessed.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAxuUgDAfv7S
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAslct7NLEb1
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAylLbK7LBDH
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANATKhWfnDvoe
Tristan met Loraura's joyful gaze, his heart lightening at her enthusiasm. With a slight nod, he accepted her agreement.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAxO3LF4JRON
"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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAZiZoNUPyUB
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAK9LI1TklW6
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANACLLXL5cvRE
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANASp6H9tqlCc
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAyu9pWwxgFn
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAJSvxg1WcSF
"Are my clothes truly strange?" Loraura's voice cut through his reverie, her gaze fixed on him expectantly.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAm0mSozBGmZ
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANA47JwOwdviK
Loraura nodded, her expression unapologetic.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAgeC5cEISo5
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAKDRAoREkVm
Loraura glanced down at her attire, a determined glint in her eyes. "Alright," she murmured, closing her eyes briefly.
84Please respect copyright.PENANASQr6s67zJx
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.84Please respect copyright.PENANAHeWy3unlm1
84Please respect copyright.PENANAcpLyDKwyOO
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANArWinn65Nf8
Breaking free from his trance, Tristan scanned their surroundings cautiously, ensuring no prying eyes lingered on them.
84Please respect copyright.PENANACZd3YaPYgx
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAxGQBQ5sFa1
84Please respect copyright.PENANAkz0z9qlK5U
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAGd63sG9ekF
Loraura's brow furrowed in confusion. "But why?" she questioned, her innocence evident in her earnest inquiry.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAy4ogAaECWI
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAggTeGTPdTF
"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."
84Please respect copyright.PENANAXITBch9Xxd
Loraura nodded slowly, her expression reflecting understanding mingled with a tinge of sadness. "I see," she murmured, her eyes downcast.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAjfBZlUwyAr
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."
84Please respect copyright.PENANAJ4z4FUgOzZ
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.
84Please respect copyright.PENANA9acxvLhOWN
"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."
84Please respect copyright.PENANAffBTevBMWA
Tristan's smile widened at her considerate gesture. "Thank you, Loraura," he said warmly, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him.
84Please respect copyright.PENANA67IBDKcZp1
84Please respect copyright.PENANA0EMn2rjnpU
Tristan's voice carried a hint of melancholy as he spoke. "It's time to head home," he said, his smile fading slightly.
84Please respect copyright.PENANAErofJ92RM3
Loraura furrowed her brow, sensing the change in Tristan's demeanor. "Home?" she echoed, her gaze searching his face for clues.
84Please respect copyright.PENANA4LfUwlwU89
Tristan nodded, his expression tinged with a mix of longing and resignation. "Yes, home," he confirmed softly.
***
84Please respect copyright.PENANAHCwPlhQ8cV
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."
84Please respect copyright.PENANApDflzWYtEs
Loraura gazed up at the imposing structure, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Is this your home?" she inquired, her voice soft with wonder.
84Please respect copyright.PENANABO84bJWMj3
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."
84Please respect copyright.PENANAfYh3ildSm4
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."
84Please respect copyright.PENANABRdfDr9EVA
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."
***
84Please respect copyright.PENANAMuVAncTbSo
Author notes: Please support my work on Patreon for early access to new chapters. https://patreon.com/DarkMatteromniverse
ns3.149.236.120da2