The stone-paved streets of Therandil slowly returned to their usual rhythm as the escort group finally disbanded at the city gates. Guards saluted them respectfully, merchants passed by with carts, and the towering banners of the kingdom fluttered gently in the afternoon breeze.
Tharian stood with his spear resting against his shoulder, looking at Kael and Draven with a grateful smile.
"You two did well," Tharian said sincerely. "Without you, that return trip would've ended very differently."
Draven gave a small grin. "We just did what any adventurer should."
Kael nodded. "Take care of Selene. Tell her to rest properly."
Tharian's expression softened. "I will. And… thank you. Both of you."
After exchanging farewells with Mira, Borin, and Selene, Kael chose to head home with Draven instead of lingering at the guild. Exhaustion weighed heavily on his limbs—not the kind that vanished with sleep alone, but the deep ache left behind by battles survived.
Back Home
Kael's house stood quietly along a familiar street, sunlight reflecting softly off its tiled roof. The front gate creaked gently as Kael pushed it open.
"We're home," Kael muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
Draven stretched his arms. "Nothing feels better than surviving and returning alive."
They stepped inside, removed their boots, and placed their weapons carefully against the wall. The house was quiet—Dr. Elara was still at her clinic.
"I'll head to my room," Draven said. "My bones feel like they're screaming."
"Same," Kael replied.
They parted ways down the corridor, each entering their respective rooms.
Hot water soon filled the bathing chambers. Kael leaned against the stone wall as the water poured over his shoulders, washing away sweat, dried blood, and forest grime. His body relaxed slightly—but pain still lingered beneath the surface.
My wounds are healed… but it still hurts..., he thought.
After bathing, Kael dressed in simple clothes and collapsed onto his bed. The moment his back touched the mattress, exhaustion overtook him.
A Mother Returns
The afternoon sun had begun its descent when the front door opened.
He blinked, then sat up. "Mom's back…"
Moments later, Dr. Elara appeared in the hallway, wearing a simple dress instead of her usual research coat. Her silver hair was tied loosely behind her head.
She froze when she saw Kael step out of his room.
"Kael?" Her eyes widened. "You're home?"
Draven stepped out behind him. "Good afternoon, Doctor."
Elara looked between them in disbelief. "Draven too? I didn't expect either of you today."
Kael smiled faintly. "We returned from the escort mission."
Elara exhaled in relief. "Thank the gods… You must be tired."
She placed her bag aside and straightened her posture. "I took the day off today. How about I cook something for you both?"
Draven's eyes lit up. "That would be amazing."
Kael chuckled. " But, you don't have to—"
"I insist," Elara said firmly, already heading toward the kitchen.
A Secret Between Friends
While Elara prepared ingredients, Kael pulled Draven aside into his room and closed the door quietly.
"Draven," Kael said in a low voice, "don't tell my mom about the orcs."
Draven frowned. "But—"
"My injuries are healed," Kael interrupted. "She doesn't need to worry."
Draven hesitated. "Kael… you were bleeding badly."
"I know," Kael said quietly. "But she's a doctor. If she knows, she'll overthink everything."
Draven sighed. "Alright… I won't say anything."
"Thanks."
Neither of them noticed the faint shadow just outside the door.
A Meal Filled With Truth
Elara worked efficiently in the kitchen, her movements precise yet warm. Soon, the aroma of herbs and simmering broth filled the house.
She served them a steaming dish known as Goldenroot Stew—a nourishing meal made from slow-cooked wild boar meat, goldenroot tubers, forest carrots, and healing herbs. The broth shimmered slightly, infused with restorative properties.
"This dish helps replenish stamina and ease muscle pain," Elara explained. "Eat well."
They gathered around the dining table.
Draven took the first bite and his eyes widened. "This… this is incredible."
Kael nodded. "It's rich, but not heavy. The meat's so tender."
Elara smiled, then suddenly asked—
"So… how are your wounds doing after the fight with the orc?"
The room froze.
Kael's spoon stopped mid-air. Draven nearly choked.
"…What?" Kael asked carefully.
Elara's gaze sharpened. "Your wounds. How are they healing?"
Draven looked away. Kael swallowed.
The Truth Comes Out
Elara placed her spoon down calmly. "Earlier, when I went to ask Kael what he wanted for lunch… I overheard your conversation."
Kael's chest tightened.
"You were asking him not to tell me about the orc fight," Elara continued quietly. "Do you have any idea how worried that made me?"
Kael stood up abruptly. "Mom—I'm sorry."
Draven bowed deeply. "Doctor Elara, I—"
Elara raised her hand. "Sit."
Both obeyed.
"Explain everything," she said firmly. "From the forest to your return."
Kael took a deep breath and began.
He spoke of lizardmen, of orcs, of Selene's injury, of being thrown against trees, of poisoned arrows and broken bones. Draven added details when Kael faltered.
When they finished, silence filled the room.
Elara exhaled slowly.
"…You're both reckless," she said, but there was no anger in her voice—only concern.
Then she straightened. "Promise me this. Never hide things like this again. Especially not from a doctor."
Kael nodded. "I promise."
"So do I," Draven added.
Elara gestured to the food. "Now eat before it gets cold. And come to my clinic this evening. I'm checking both of you."
"Yeah... Sure..."
At the Clinic
That evening, Kael and Draven stood inside Elara's Research Clinic, surrounded by shelves of potions, notes, and magical instruments.
Elara examined them thoroughly—checking muscles, pulse, internal mana flow, and residual damage.
"Your bodies are strained," she concluded. "No major injuries, but your body demands some rest. You should reduce adventuring for at least a month."
Draven groaned. "A month…"
Elara handed them pain-relief medicine. "Take these daily."
Then she turned to Kael. "You haven't went to see your father yet?."
Kael "No..."
Elara " You better check with him. Only he can talk some sense into you."
Kael. "I'll visit him tomorrow."
Satisfied, Elara dismissed them.
After they left, Elara sank into her chair.
"When… will I find it?" she whispered to herself.
Her research notes lay scattered before her—magic genesis, latent circuits, artificial awakening.
"I won't give up… not for my son."
But doubt crept in quietly.
Dreams Under the Night Sky
That night, Kael and Draven sat on chairs near the balcony, the city lights glowing beneath the stars. Both of them were talking about their future.
"I want to become a legendary adventurer," Kael said softly. "Someone remembered even after death."
Draven chuckled. "Not bad buddy. Quiet a selfish dream you got there. As for me, I want to make some money. Enough to become a noble… and marry a beautiful woman from my race. Live my dream life with my dream girl."
Kael laughed. "That's surprisingly honest."
They sat in silence, smiling at the future.
A Notice in the Night
Later, hunger drove them outside. They ate at a nearby restaurant—enjoying butter-seared river fish, herb-roasted potatoes, and spiced meat skewers bursting with flavor. They both enjoyed the meals very much. They took their time eating from their plates.
As they paid and stepped outside, something caught Kael's eye.
A parchment nailed beside the entrance.
RECRUITMENT NOTICESeeking Maid or Manservant.
Kael stopped.
Draven followed his gaze. "…Huh."
The paper fluttered softly in the night wind.