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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv15cqgm8U
"What do we do now?" Tristan pondered aloud, his thoughts consumed by uncertainty, oblivious to the goddess's silent empathy beside him.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa1fB5N9gJ
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cunningham," Loraura murmured softly.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJlyz50TmN
Tristan's brow furrowed in confusion. "Apologize for what?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on her.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAeyhubLOI
Loraura lowered her eyes, a shadow of regret crossing her features. "For bringing you only sorrow," she confessed.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF4pxKDSkA
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nyFsXg4HB
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LtW4P2Lo9
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR6V6w8gOu
Tristan met Loraura's joyful gaze, his heart lightening at her enthusiasm. With a slight nod, he accepted her agreement.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQX72bPb2o
"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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfpZOBPR1Q
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8JHdQU1Ki
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7SuWM0vXb
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskCthy3aAD
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC0kzWHOwu
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLIEn5xxV6
"Are my clothes truly strange?" Loraura's voice cut through his reverie, her gaze fixed on him expectantly.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7g1NGfKo5
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bEecYsONK
Loraura nodded, her expression unapologetic.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQWF0Qy9X2
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB3jTkynvn
Loraura glanced down at her attire, a determined glint in her eyes. "Alright," she murmured, closing her eyes briefly.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOh73Wz4cQ
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGWl9ZN61V
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c0l2Mr4mk
Breaking free from his trance, Tristan scanned their surroundings cautiously, ensuring no prying eyes lingered on them.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTW0thA9ad
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2rfZIdvGR
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhWnY7pSgH
Loraura's brow furrowed in confusion. "But why?" she questioned, her innocence evident in her earnest inquiry.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ5vLed1JB
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSWSW5t4eJ
"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."
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZx883PwuE
Loraura nodded slowly, her expression reflecting understanding mingled with a tinge of sadness. "I see," she murmured, her eyes downcast.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8V6nDBZktJ
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."
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY3PX2h0ZL
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.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwuprbNOPL
"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."
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFGdCCSsRP
Tristan's smile widened at her considerate gesture. "Thank you, Loraura," he said warmly, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIMs981tRV
Tristan's voice carried a hint of melancholy as he spoke. "It's time to head home," he said, his smile fading slightly.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxf1NVJHkS
Loraura furrowed her brow, sensing the change in Tristan's demeanor. "Home?" she echoed, her gaze searching his face for clues.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ud4ioV3iY
Tristan nodded, his expression tinged with a mix of longing and resignation. "Yes, home," he confirmed softly.
***
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd5xpb1Sg2
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."
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDULDeIOja
Loraura gazed up at the imposing structure, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Is this your home?" she inquired, her voice soft with wonder.
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL3Biwf49n
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."
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Lleq7WWux
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."
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGG8Wf44vH
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."
***
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJBXXA6jA2
Author notes: Please support my work on Patreon for early access to new chapters. https://patreon.com/DarkMatteromniverse
ns216.73.216.197da2
