Chapter 161 – Heart to Heart Beneath Silver Rays
Chapter 161
Heart to Heart Beneath Silver Rays
Date : Day 5 of Lunaeve 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Hyoren and Ina walked closer to Akela's towering stone wall, gradually leaving the busy river harbor behind.
With every step, the sounds of the dock slowly faded into the distance. The shouting of dock workers became quieter, while the creaking of cranes and the splashing of ships against the piers blended into a gentle background hum.
The closer they came, the more imposing the city wall appeared.
After a short walk, they finally arrived at the foot of the towering wall.
Ina glanced back over her shoulder with a cheerful smile.
“Here. We're almost there.”
Now that they stood beneath it, the city wall looked even more imposing.
Massive blocks of carefully polished stone had been stacked together with remarkable precision, forming a defensive wall nearly five meters high. Time had weathered its surface, yet it still radiated strength.
Hyoren soon spotted a stone staircase leading upward.
He looked toward it.
“The wall?”
His eyebrows rose slightly.
“What are we going to do up there, Ina?”
He hesitated before asking another question.
“And... won't the guards scold us for climbing it?”
Ina giggled again.
“Don't worry, Hyoren. The walls aren't guarded during peaceful times like this.”
Her cat ears twitched happily.
“Residents are allowed to come up here to enjoy the scenery and the breeze.”
Hyoren nodded in understanding.
“I see.”
The two of them slowly climbed the stone stairs.
Their footsteps echoed softly against the ancient masonry.
Before long, they reached the top of the wall.
Just as Ina had said—it was empty. No guards. No patrols. Only the gentle winter wind sweeping across the battlements.
They continued walking along the wall's wide walkway. The parapets stretched along both sides while the river flowed peacefully below.
Eventually, they reached one of the great towers standing where the city wall met the Akela River.
Ina stepped inside first.
“This way, Hyoren.”
Hyoren followed her.
Inside, a spiral staircase wound upward through the stone tower. Their footsteps echoed rhythmically as they climbed higher and higher. Finally—they emerged at the very top. The observation post.
Unlike the enclosed floors below, the summit was an open circular platform without a roof. Only sturdy stone parapets surrounded its edge, allowing an unobstructed view in every direction.
The winter wind greeted them immediately. It gently brushed against Hyoren's face.
Ina slowly released his arm before turning to face him.
A warm smile appeared on her lips.
“This observation post is one of my favorite places in Akela.”
She walked toward the parapet.
The breeze playfully ruffled her short brown hair while her cat ears fluttered with every gust. Her tail swayed lazily behind her. She looked completely at peace.
Hyoren quietly walked over beside her.
The scenery unfolded before his eyes.
To the south, the Akela River wound gracefully across the land, flowing from east to west like a shimmering silver ribbon. Beyond it stretched endless grasslands. Farther away lay cultivated farmlands divided into neat patches.
In the distance, dark shadows marked the edge of the Forest of No Return.
Even farther beyond—he could make out the faint silhouette of the Southern Mountain Range rising proudly against the horizon.
His gaze slowly followed the landscape.
Luna had begun descending toward the west, bathing everything beneath it in a soft silver hue.
The King's Highway cut across the plains like a long ribbon, connecting Akela to distant cities.
Hyoren slowly turned around.
Behind him—Akela City spread out in its entirety. From this height, he could clearly distinguish the city's five districts. The bustling Adventurer's District. The peaceful Residential District. The orderly Merchants' District. The quiet Administrative District. And at the very center—The Castle District, dominated by the Baron's towering castle.
Not far away from their position stood the majestic white cathedral dedicated to Luminara, its tall spires gleaming beneath the silver sunlight.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
“This is... beautiful, Ina.”
Ina turned toward him.
“See?”
She smiled softly.
“I love the view from here.”
She looked back toward the horizon. But her smile gradually became quieter.
“When work became hard...”
She rested both hands on the stone parapet.
“When I became stressed thinking about the future...”
She paused.
“And when I felt depressed...”
Her ears slowly lowered.
“I know I couldn't keep doing... those things anymore, Hyoren… I know.”
She forced out a small laugh.
“But my reputation had already become like that...”
She looked down at the river below.
“I wasn't sure someone like me could ever settle down after everything I'd done. So I just keep continuing doing it… the man hunt…”
Her fingers tightened slightly against the cold stone.
“I know I was only reaping what I had sown. So I couldn't complain when I got those repercussions...”
Another quiet laugh escaped her lips.
Hyoren keep his silent, waiting Ina to finish.
She continued.
“At first… I was only trying to have a little fun.”
She shook her head, her cat ears fluttered with every movement.
“But after a while... it spiraled out of control.”
The wind blew past them once more. Her voice became softer.
“When those wives slapped me...”
She smiled bitterly.
“I know what I did was wrong.”
She lowered her head.
“But... I felt that if I stopped...”
She pressed a hand lightly against her chest.
“The hollow inside here would just keep gnawing at me.”
Her voice grew quieter.
“The thought that no man would ever truly love me… The thought that I would never have the family I always dreamed of...”
Her trembling hand slowly moved down, resting gently on her belly.
“The thought of never having children... because every man only wanted me for their lust...”
She forced a bitter smile.
“They never wanted to give me what I truly longed for...”
She slowly closed her eyes.
“Those dark feelings just kep... Spiralling inside me...”
She slowly turned back toward Hyoren.
“When I couldn't think straight anymore...”
Her amber eyes reflected the silver light of Luna.
“I always come here. I will stand here… And just enjoy the view...”
A trace of moisture gathered in the corners of her eyes.
Hyoren quietly looked at her. His dark eyes widened slightly.
Behind Ina's usual cheerful smile. Behind her teasing words and confident attitude. She had been carrying feelings this heavy inside such a small frame all along.
***
For a while, Hyoren was at a loss for words.
He simply stood there, silently watching Ina's solemn profile as she faced the vast scenery beyond the city walls. The cool winter wind gently brushed through her brown hair, making her cat ears twitch from time to time.
Yet he knew—those amber eyes were no longer looking at the river. Nor the grasslands. Nor the distant mountains. They were looking far beyond the beautiful landscape.
Toward memories she had buried deep inside her heart.
Hyoren slowly took a deep breath.
“Ina… I never knew... you were carrying those feelings.”
Ina slowly turned around. Her moist amber eyes met his dark one.
Hyoren continued.
“And... I thought you were just...”
He searched for the right words.
“A simple-minded woman who loved fooling around...”
He lowered his eyes briefly.
“That you were simply enjoying drowning yourself in lust.”
Now—he understood her situation clearly.
As a former medical student, he had learned about people trapped by destructive patterns of behavior.
Sometimes—those people no longer remembered why they had started. The original reason slowly disappeared, leaving behind only the habit. The compulsion. The desperate belief that stopping would leave nothing behind. It wasn't about pleasure anymore—it wasn't even about desire—it was simply the only way they knew how to keep moving forward.
Hyoren slowly looked back into Ina's eyes.
“Sorry, Ina… For not realizing it.”
Ina immediately shook her head. She walked toward him until only a single step separated them.
“That wasn't your fault, Hyoren.”
She smiled gently.
“And... please don't say you're sorry...”
She slowly raised one finger. Then gently pressed it against his chest. Right above his heart.
“You...”
Her voice trembled slightly.
“You're the reason I could stop all of that.”
Her ears twitched softly.
“The reason I could stop destroying myself.”
A faint smile slowly appeared. Her eyes gradually became wetter.
“And you're the reason I could feel loved again… A feeling I truly believed...”
She laughed quietly through trembling lips.
“...would never happen to me.”
Hyoren quietly raised his hand. His rough fingers gently touched her cheek. Then he carefully wiped away the tears gathering beneath her eyes. Watching her like this—he finally understood what she truly needed.
Simply saying—’I love you’—wasn't enough.
It wasn't about pretending her past had never happened. Nor was it about denying who she had been. She didn't need condemnation. She didn't even need forgiveness. She needed someone who would stay.
Someone who would slowly redirect the emptiness that had consumed her for years.
If she had once searched for affection through countless meaningless encounters—then he would offer her something entirely different. His own sincerity. His patience. His warmth. Little by little. Day by day.
Until she no longer questioned whether she deserved to be loved.
“Ina…”
His voice remained gentle.
“I know my words alone won't be enough. And I know I'm a dense guy...”
He scratched his cheek awkwardly before lowering his hand again.
“There will probably be times when I don't notice your feelings.”
He looked straight into her amber eyes.
“But my feelings toward you are real.”
His dark eyes never wavered.
“I love you.”
He smiled warmly.
“And I'll help make your dream come true.”
He gently squeezed her hand.
“You'll feel loved. You'll have the family you've always dreamed of.”
He paused. Then his smile softened even more.
“And… If that's truly what you want… We'll have children together.”
Ina's amber eyes slowly widened. Then the tears she had been holding back finally overflowed.
“Hyo... ren...”
Her voice broke.
“Hic… I love you… too...”
More tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Please...”
She reached out with trembling hands.
“Love me forever… Hic...”
Hyoren didn't answer with words. Instead, he gently pulled her into his embrace.
Ina immediately wrapped both arms around him and buried her face against his chest. She cried quietly. Not from sadness. But from relief. For the first time in years—the hollow inside her heart finally felt a little less empty.
***
Hyoren let Ina cry her heart out in his embrace. He didn't say anything. There were moments when words were unnecessary, and this was one of them.
His hand gently stroked her back in slow, reassuring motions while the other rested protectively around her waist. The cool winter breeze continued to blow across the observation tower, yet inside his embrace, Ina no longer felt cold.
She cried.
Years of loneliness. Years of self-loathing. Years of convincing herself that no one would ever truly love her. Everything she had buried beneath her playful and teasing smile finally overflowed.
Hyoren simply stayed there. Patiently. Quietly. Letting her release every emotion she had been carrying alone.
After a while, Ina's sobs gradually became quieter. The trembling of her shoulders slowed. Her breathing steadied. Eventually, the crying stopped altogether.
She slowly lifted her head from his chest.
Her amber eyes were still red and glistening with tears, while faint tear tracks remained on her cheeks.
She smiled despite them.
“Thank you, Hyoren...”
Her voice was soft.
“I love you...”
She rose onto her tiptoes and gently kissed him.
Hyoren responded without hesitation.
He cupped her cheek and returned the kiss just as gently. It was long. Unhurried.
A kiss shared between a man who had finally understood one of his lover's deepest griefs.
And a woman who had finally found the courage to reveal it, receiving in return the very thing she had longed for all her life. Acceptance. Warmth. Love.
Eventually, their lips slowly parted.
Ina smiled again. Her cat ears twitched cheerfully, slowly regaining their usual liveliness.
“Hey, Hyoren...”
Hyoren smiled back.
“Hm? What is it, Ina?”
Ina lowered her gaze.
Her fingers absentmindedly traced small circles over the fabric covering Hyoren's chest as if she were gathering courage for what she wanted to ask next.
“You meant what you said... right?”
Hyoren tilted his head.
“Yes.”
He answered without hesitation.
“I love you, Ina. Now... and forever.”
Ina slowly shook her head.
“Not about that...”
Her fingers continued playing with his shirt.
She hesitated. Then quietly continued.
“About my dream...”
She looked up. Her amber eyes met his dark ones. One of her hands gently gripped his shirt.
“Children...”
For a brief moment—Hyoren simply blinked. Then realization finally caught up to him.
A deep blush rapidly climbed from his neck all the way to his face.
“Ina...”
He coughed awkwardly.
“That's… Yes… I promised you a family... and... ahem...”
He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Yes. I also promised you children.”
He looked at her with an embarrassed smile.
“But… Seriously? Now?”
Ina couldn't help giggling.
Her teasing personality slowly resurfaced now that the heavy weight in her heart had been lifted.
“But you promised…”
She looked up at him innocently.
“And… I want those children as soon as possible.”
She stepped back slightly before gently placing both hands over her stomach.
“I want them.”
Her smile became brighter.
“Now.”
Hyoren let out an exasperated laugh.
His eyes instinctively wandered around the observation tower. The breathtaking scenery remained exactly the same. Yet somehow—he could hardly appreciate it anymore.
“But... here?”
He scratched his cheek.
“For real?”
Ina smiled mischievously.
“There aren't many people who come up here.”
She glanced around the empty tower.
“Especially during winter. Also… No one can see us from below.”
She tilted her head.
“And even if we made any noise… The wind would carry it away.”
She stepped closer again. Without warning, she wrapped both arms around him.
Her amber eyes shone warmly.
“And your confession… It didn't just warm my heart.”
She rested her forehead against his chest.
“It made me feel alive again. And… it made me feel… hot…”
Hyoren looked into her eyes for several long seconds.
Then he couldn't help smiling. From the short time he had known Ina, he already understood one thing. Once she became like this. There was no stopping it.
He chuckled softly before shaking his head in surrender.
“Well… Ina… You really are impossible, aren't you?”
Ina simply answered with another playful giggle.
The gentle winter breeze continued to sweep across the tower. Far below, the faint sounds of dock workers and passing ships drifted upward with the wind.
Above them, the descending silver Luna quietly overlooked the city. It became a silent witness of two people fully becoming one.
***
Time quietly passed. The silver light of Luna gradually sank toward the horizon.
At the top of the observation tower, Hyoren and Ina remained quietly embracing one another. Neither of them was eager to break the peaceful silence.
But—the early winter breeze gradually grew stronger.
It swept across the open tower without obstruction, carrying with it the chill winter air.
Ina instinctively snuggled closer.
“Achoo...”
She let out a small sneeze.
Hyoren chuckled softly before gently loosening his embrace.
He stood up from the tarp spread across the stone floor and picked up one of Ina's discarded garments. Walking back to her, he carefully draped it over her shoulders.
“Ina… I think we should head back.”
He looked toward the darkening sky.
“We'll catch a cold if we stay here much longer.”
Ina instinctively hugged the clothing closer around herself.
The warmth lingering within the fabric eased the chill, and the shivering slowly subsided.
She smiled sheepishly.
“It's a shame...”
She looked once more toward the scenery beyond the parapet.
“But you're right.”
The two of them quietly began gathering their discarded clothes. For a while, the only sounds atop the tower were the gentle rustling of fabric.
Hyoren finished fastening his clothes before picking up his cloak. Without saying anything, he stepped behind Ina and gently draped it across her shoulders—the thick cloak almost completely enveloped her petite frame.
Ina smiled.
“Thanks...”
Hyoren simply nodded.
Afterward, he bent down and folded the tarp before placing it back inside his storage bag.
Once everything had been put away, Hyoren slowly looked around. The observation post had returned to exactly how they had found it.
He let out a quiet breath.
“Whew...”
He rubbed the back of his neck.
“To think we really did all that here.”
Ina giggled beside him.
“This place used to be one of my favorite spots...”
She paused. Her smile softened.
“But now...”
She looked at him with gentle affection.
“This place is my only favorite… Because of our memories here, Hyoren.”
Then, almost immediately, her mischievous smile returned.
“So… Let's do it here again sometime, okay?”
Hyoren looked at her in disbelief.
“Ina… Really?”
He couldn't help letting out an exasperated laugh.
Now—he truly questioned the tastes of both of his lovers.
Elise had once cheerfully admitted she loved moments of intimacy surrounded by nature—deep within the forest or beside a quiet lake.
Now Ina wanted to repeat their intimacy on the top of an observation tower.
He slowly shook his head.
Ina blinked several times. Her cat ears drooped slightly.
“Is that... a no?”
She looked up at him with hopeful amber eyes.
Hyoren groaned quietly.
It seemed I really attracted similar women after all...
“Fine… But after winter is over, okay?”
He glanced toward the chilly evening breeze.
“The air will be far too cold after this.”
Ina's expression immediately transformed. The teasing smile disappeared. In its place was a bright, genuine smile that reached her eyes.
“Yes!”
She nodded enthusiastically.
“Promise!”
Hyoren smiled and nodded back.
“I promise, Ina.”
Satisfied, Ina happily walked toward the parapet once again.
Hyoren quietly followed.
This time, he stepped behind her before gently wrapping both arms around her waist.
Hyoren rested his chin lightly atop her head. Ina's cat ears immediately perked upward. The soft fur brushed against his cheek, tickling him slightly.
He smiled.
It was surprisingly pleasant…
Together, they looked out across the city once more.
“Woah...”
Hyoren quietly murmured.
“It looks completely different now… But it's still beautiful.”
Ina nodded.
“Yes...”
She kept her eyes on the city below.
“I love this view. No matter whether it's day... or night. Each got their own beauty.”
A small giggle escaped her lips.
“Sometimes… When I wanted to cry by myself at night...”
She gently rested her hands on the cold stone parapet.
“I came here. And just watched this. Then my tears will just stopped.”
Hyoren silently followed her gaze.
The sight before them had become almost ethereal.
The three moons of Kresneger—Azure, Crimson, and Ebony—had all risen into the night sky.
Their different lights blended together, gently bathing the landscape below in overlapping hues of blue, red, and deep purple.
Beyond Akela's walls, the world had become dark.
Yet the city itself remained alive.
Countless magic lamps illuminated streets, homes, and marketplaces.
Against the darkness surrounding them, the lights resembled a constellation scattered across the earth. Tiny stars. Living stars.
Hyoren's gaze slowly wandered across the city.
The Baron's dark castle stood proudly at the city's center, its many windows glowing warmly against the night.
And nearby in the Administrative District—Luminara's grand cathedral shone brightest of all. It stood like a beacon proclaiming that the Sun Queen's domain would never truly fall into darkness.
Hyoren smiled.
“Yeah...”
He held Ina a little closer.
“If I were looking at something this beautiful… I don't think I could stay sad either.”
Ina laughed softly.
“Exactly.”
Neither of them spoke again. They remained where they were, quietly embracing one another while admiring the city beneath them.
Ina's cat tail slowly wrapped itself around Hyoren's waist, almost as if quietly claiming him as hers.
The comfortable silence continued.
***
As the night deepened, Ina finally turned around.
She smiled warmly at Hyoren.
“Let's go, Hyoren.”
She gently reached for his hand.
“Dinner will be ready soon. We don't want to miss it.”
Hyoren nodded.
Almost on cue, his stomach let out a quiet growl.
He blinked before letting out an embarrassed chuckle.
“Now that you mention it...”
He rubbed the back of his neck.
“I suddenly feel really hungry.”
Ina covered her mouth as she giggled.
The two of them shared another laugh before making their way toward the spiral staircase.
They slowly descended from the observation tower.
The stone steps echoed softly beneath their footsteps as they left Ina's favorite place behind.
Soon, they climbed down from the city wall and began walking home.
The journey was peaceful.
Their feet naturally guided them through the familiar streets of Akela.
They crossed the quiet Administrative’s District before entering the Adventurer's District.
Although less lively than before, taverns and inns were still illuminated by warm magic lamps, and conversations spilled onto the streets from half-open doors.
Finally, they turned into Wyvern Street.
The familiar entertainment district remained awake as always.
Not long afterward, the familiar manor came into view.
Hyoren smiled.
“Home.”
Ina nodded happily.
“Yes.”
They stepped inside.
The warmth of the house immediately welcomed them. Along with it came the comforting aroma of dinner.
Freshly cooked food filled the air, while cheerful chatter drifted from the dining room.
The moment they entered, they found everyone already gathered around the table.
Jackey had completely regained his energy and was already sitting impatiently.
Across from him sat Lena and Vina, the mother-and-daughter fox-clan beastkin, who had finished preparing dinner and were waiting for everyone to arrive.
The dining table was already covered with food.
A platter of roasted Horned Rabbit occupied the center.
Beside it sat crispy Squirrel Karaage, still releasing thin wisps of steam.
Large plates of fried noodles filled the remaining space, their savory aroma making Hyoren's stomach rumble again.
Elise noticed the two of them first.
A teasing smile immediately appeared on her face.
“Well...”
She rested her chin on one hand.
“Look who finally decided to grace us with their presence.”
She chuckled.
“We were almost going to eat without you two.”
Her emerald eyes curved into playful crescents.
“You two were having a little too much fun, weren't you? Fufu.”
Ina giggled without even trying to deny it.
She pulled out a chair and sat down across Elise.
“That was exactly the case.”
She smiled brightly.
“I've never felt this happy before, Elise.”
Hyoren scratched his cheek with an awkward smile.
“Sorry… We completely lost track of time.”
He paused. Then he remembered something.
“Oh.”
He reached inside his shirt and pulled out the necklace watch hanging around his neck. He looked at the time before letting out a helpless laugh.
“And that's despite finally having a magic tool to keep track of time.”
He smiled wryly.
“So much for that.”
Laughter immediately spread around the dining table.
Even Lena couldn't help smiling while Vina quietly giggled beside her.
Hyoren simply laughed along before closing the watch with a soft click and tucking it back inside his shirt.
He then walked to the head of the table and pulled out his chair. Elise sat on his right. Ina was on his left.
A gentle smile spread across Hyoren's face.
“Okay.”
His gaze swept across everyone around the table.
“Let's eat.”
They began eating while chatting about how each of them had spent the day.
The atmosphere around the dining table was relaxed.
Elise was the first to speak.
“I spent the whole day with Jena.”
She smiled as she cut another piece of roasted Horned Rabbit.
“We talked about many things. Fufu.”
She pointed her fork toward Jackey.
“And Jackey found a good armor that suits him. It'll be finished in 3 days.”
Jackey had already stuffed several pieces of Squirrel Karaage into his mouth.
He quickly chewed before answering enthusiastically.
“Yes!”
He swallowed.
“I thought armor would definitely slow me down! But Jena actually had one that won't hinder my movement at all!”
His tabby cat ears perked proudly.
“I can't wait!”
Hyoren chuckled.
“Good for you, Jackey. So… What did you do after that?”
A mischievous grin immediately appeared on Jackey's face.
“I went to the brothels! Today was great!”
He proudly raised three fingers.
“I checked out three!”
Laughter immediately erupted around the dining table.
Even Vina couldn't stop herself from giggling.
Lena lightly tapped her daughter's shoulder.
“Vina.”
The older fox-clan beastkin tried to sound strict, but even she couldn't completely suppress the smile on her face.
Jackey continued proudly.
“Especially the one next door.”
He gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
“Succubus Lust! It was the best! The escorts were beautiful! And very professional!”
Hyoren simply shook his head in amused exasperation.
“Well… Good for you, I guess.”
Elise finally looked toward Hyoren and Ina.
A teasing smile slowly appeared on her face.
“So… What about you two?”
Hyoren finished chewing before swallowing.
“Our day was eventful too. As you've already seen… We bought a watch.”
He lightly tapped the necklace hidden beneath his shirt, before continued.
“We also had the pendant from the Monster Room's treasure chest appraised.”
He reached into his storage bag.
A moment later, he carefully took out the emerald pendant.
He gently dangled it before everyone's eyes before handing it to Elise.
Elise accepted it carefully.
The moment the emerald rested in her palm, she couldn't help noticing how familiar its color looked. It perfectly mirrored the shade of her own emerald eyes.
She looked up at Hyoren.
“So… What exactly is this pendant?”
She tilted her head slightly.
“And… Why are you giving it to me?”
Before Hyoren could answer, Ina smiled softly.
“That pendant suits you perfectly, Elise. The gemstone has exactly the same color as your eyes.”
Elise smiled faintly.
“Well… That's true.”
She carefully brought the pendant closer, studying its intricate craftsmanship.
Then she looked back toward Hyoren.
“But… Please tell me why.”
Meanwhile, Jackey had already returned his full attention to dinner.
The discussion about magical accessories seemed far less important than the fried noodles in front of him.
Hyoren briefly smiled at the sight before returning his attention to Elise.
“It's called Sylvana's Lavalier. It has three effects.”
The moment Elise heard the name, her emerald eyes widened slightly.
Hyoren continued.
“It increases arrow damage and accuracy by roughly 25%. And imbuing your arrow with Wind Magic damage.”
Elise's eyes widened even further.
“Wha… This is… Definitely expensive... isn't it? Shouldn't we sell it?”
Hyoren immediately shook his head.
“No. This pendant was practically made for you, Elise. We're not selling it. It matches you. And its effects will make you much stronger.”
Ina nodded in agreement.
“Yes. Just accept it, Elise.”
Hyoren quietly put down his fork before standing up. He walked behind Elise's chair.
Elise instinctively handed the pendant back to him.
Hyoren carefully unclasped the golden chain before gently placing it around her neck. The tiny clasp locked into place with a soft sound.
The golden ornament rested neatly against her chest. Its emerald gemstone shimmered beneath the dining room's lights. Against her silver hair. And her emerald eyes. The pendant looked as though it had always belonged there.
Ina clapped happily.
“See? It suits you perfectly! You're even more beautiful wearing it!”
Elise instinctively touched the pendant resting against her chest.
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
“Umm… Thank you… I'll treasure it, Hyoren.”
Hyoren simply smiled.
He gently touched her cheek before quietly returning to his own chair.
Ina leaned slightly forward.
“But Hyoren and I were truly surprised too. This kind of accessory is a genuine treasure. You all were incredibly lucky.”
She chuckled softly.
“Normally, accessories like this only appear on the deeper floors of Silver-tier dungeons. Or even Gold-tier ones.”
Then, Jackey, who had barely been following the conversation, finally caught only a single word.
“Lucky?”
He immediately raised one fist into the air.
“Yes! Freedom Party is lucky! WOHOO!”
Everyone burst into laughter once again.
After the laughter gradually subsided, Hyoren cleared his throat lightly before speaking again.
“Oh, right.”
He looked toward Elise and Jackey.
“Our rest period has been extended to 5 days.”
He reached for his cup and took a small sip before continuing.
“I already bought my new armor.”
He smiled wryly.
“But Borin's workshop is completely packed with orders now. So the adjustments for my armor and the repair of my shield won't be finished until another 5 days.”
Elise nodded without the slightest complaint.
“That's fine. We're not in a hurry.”
She picked up another piece of roasted Horned Rabbit.
“A proper rest is important too.”
Jackey immediately raised one fist into the air.
“Yes!”
His ears perked up excitedly.
“That means more time to visit brothels! WOHOO!”
Laughter once again spread throughout the dining room.
Even Hyoren couldn't help shaking his head with an amused smile.
“Well… I should've expected that answer from Jackey...”
The cheerful atmosphere continued as everyone slowly finished their dinner.
The conversation gradually became quieter. The long day was finally beginning to catch up with Hyoren.
He and Ina had walked across nearly half of Akela City. Visited several shops. Shared an emotional heart-to-heart conversation. And spent the afternoon together atop the observation tower.
Only now did he realize just how tired his body had become.
He gently placed his utensils onto the table.
“Okay, everyone.”
He smiled at the people gathered around him.
“I think I'll head to bed first.”
He rolled his shoulders slightly.
“I'm exhausted.”
Elise tucked a loose strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear.
She smiled warmly at him.
"Night, Hyoren.”
Ina reached over and gently touched his arm.
Her amber eyes softened.
“Thank you again… For today…”
She smiled.
“Night, Hyoren.”
Jackey flashed a broad grin before giving him an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
“Sleep well, Big Bro! Tomorrow's another great day!”
Lena and Vina both bowed politely from their seats.
“Good night, Hyoren.”
Hyoren smiled back at everyone.
“Good night, Everyone.”
He gave a small wave before leaving the dining room. As he stepped into the hallway, the lively chatter behind him continued.
Occasional laughter drifted from the dining room while plates and cutlery clinked softly together.
Hearing those familiar sounds—made the house feel even warmer.
Hyoren slowly climbed the wooden stairs to the second floor. The steps creaked quietly beneath his feet.
Before long, he reached the master bedroom. He entered and gently closed the door behind him. The room immediately became much quieter.
Hyoren changed out of his sturdy tunic, replacing it with a loose, comfortable sleeping shirt.
After setting his clothes aside, he let himself fall backward onto the wide bed.
The soft mattress welcomed him immediately.
“Ahh...”
A content sigh escaped his lips.
His entire body relaxed.
Then—a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
“Oh.”
He blinked toward the ceiling.
“The Discourse Sphere...”
He had completely forgotten to mention it during dinner.
He scratched his cheek.
“Oh well.”
A faint smile appeared.
“I'll leave that to Ina.”
He chuckled quietly to himself.
“She'll explain everything to Elise.”
He imagined the two women discussing how to use it. Knowing Ina—she was probably already planning something together with Elise.
Hyoren simply smiled.
“Jackey...”
He laughed softly.
“And the others definitely don't need to know.”
Some things—especially about private things like this—were better left between the three of them.
The pleasant exhaustion from the day finally began claiming his consciousness.
His eyelids slowly grew heavier.
The large bed felt unusually spacious tonight. To his left—no Elise. To his right—no Ina. Yet somehow, he didn't feel lonely.
Because he knew—even if they weren't lying beside him tonight—his two lovers were already part of his heart.
That thought alone was enough to fill the quiet room with warmth.
A peaceful smile remained on Hyoren's face.
Little by little, his breathing became slower. Steadier. Before long—sleep quietly claimed him.