Lumaire in the day was a city overflowing with life.

  Children chased glowing illusion butterflies.

  Merchants shouted prices while floating runes displayed numbers above their stalls.

  Adventurers compared scars near fountains.

  Two mages argued until one accidentally turned his sleeve into a bouquet of roses.

  Lira sighed. “Every year, same argument. Every year, same roses.”

  Kael murmured, “Better than last year’s exploding tomatoes.”

  Eis blinked. “Exploding… tomatoes?”

  Kael nodded deeply, as if it were a matter of great historical tragedy.

  Ronan hid a smile.

  They stopped at the bustling market street, filled with the scent of warm bread, spices, grilled meats, herbs, and sweet floral incense.

  Ronan pointed out a long stall of metal tools and supplies.

  “General goods. Adventurers get discounts there.”

  The stall owner waved big.

  “Ronan! Back already? Who’s the girl?”

  Ronan stepped aside so she didn’t get ambushed by attention.

  “A traveler we found outside the city. Under our care for now.”

  The merchant grinned. “Hah! Lucky girl. Safer with Argent than with the royal guard!”

  He leaned closer. “And they eat better too.”

  Lira narrowed her eyes. “…Are you insulting the palace cooks?”

  “I said what I said.”

  Kael nodded gravely. “He’s right.”

  Eis snorted.

  At a fruit stall selling glowing pears, Eis approached with the confidence of someone who already knew what she was doing.

  “How much for four?” she asked.

  “two volen total,” the vendor replied.

  “Volen?” Eis replied.

  The merchant’s eyebrow raised. “Silver.”

  Eis reached into her pouch — the 50 silver (volen) she created before clinking softly — counted out two and handed them over neatly stacked.

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  Her movements were smooth.

  Accurate.

  Efficient.

  Ronan’s brow lifted faintly.

  “You understand the rates well.”

  Eis shrugged casually.

  “I asked around earlier. It’s simple once you break it down.”

  Lira’s eyes sharpened with curiosity.

  “You learn quickly.”

  Eis smiled softly.

  “I try.”

  The vendor handed her the fruit. Eis inspected the glowing skin, then bit into one — and her eyes lit up.

  “This is amazing.”

  Kael smirked. “Fizl pear. Everyone likes it their first try.”

  “Except Ronan,” Lira added.

  “He bit the seeds,” Kael said. “They popped.”

  Ronan inhaled slowly through his nose.

  “We agreed never to speak of it.”

  Eis quietly chuckled and handed the rest of the pears to everyone.

  A magician flicked his wrist, sending bubbles into the air — each holding tiny illusions: animals dancing, flowers blooming, miniature storm clouds.

  Eis gasped. “That’s— beautiful.”

  The performer bowed dramatically.

  “For you, traveler, one free.”

  He handed her a large bubble containing a swirling galaxy of stardust.

  Eis held it reverently.

  Ronan quietly slipped the performer a coin behind Eis’s back.

  She didn’t notice — but Kael and Lira definitely did.

  Kael: Soft.

  Lira: Adorable.

  Lira tugged Eis toward a vendor grilling skewers in glowing sauce.

  “What is it?” Eis asked carefully.

  “Don’t ask,” Ronan said.

  “Just eat,” Kael added.

  Eis stared at them, suspicious.

  “…Not the most reassuring pair of statements.”

  Lira placed a skewer in her hand. “Trust us.”

  Eis took a bite—

  —and froze.

  “…This is delicious.”

  “Mana-marinated lumis boar,” Kael said. “It glows because of the marinade.”

  Ronan nodded. “Good protein. Keeps you full.”

  Eis took another bite eagerly.

  “I love this.”

  Lira beamed like a proud parent.

  As they walked, Eis found herself smiling more.

  Laughing more.

  Relaxing.

  Lira’s curiosity no longer felt sharp — it felt warm.

  Kael’s deadpan humor kept catching her off guard.

  Ronan’s quiet presence grounded her.

  People waved at Team Argent.

  Merchants greeted them with familiarity.

  Children pointed excitedly.

  Eis realized:

  Team Argent wasn’t just respected.

  They were loved.