You turn to Mira right there in the bustling market, your voice low but urgent, carrying that faint cosmic echo only she can truly feel.
"We need to hurry and head toward the kingdom. There is a surprise awaiting us there."
Mira's fox ears perk instantly. Her emerald eyes shine with absolute trust and a flicker of excited curiosity. She doesn't ask questions — she never does when you speak like that. Her tail curls once around your wrist in silent affection.
"As you command, my lord. I'm ready."
You both move quickly. The two of you head straight back to the adventurers' guild. The hall is still buzzing from Mira's earlier wyvern-slaying fame, but you ignore the stares and whispers. You walk up to the quest board, scan the postings, and spot exactly what you need:
Escort Quest – Urgent
Destination: Azure Kingdom Capital
Client: Merchant family traveling with valuable cargo
Rank: C (but open to higher ranks)
Reward: 50 gold + travel expenses
Details: Protect merchant and two young children on the three-day road to the capital. Bandit activity reported.
You point it out. Mira nods once and registers the two of you instantly. The receptionist's eyes widen when she sees Mira's shining S-rank card beside your plain bronze one, but she stamps the quest without argument. "The client is waiting outside right now — they want to leave immediately."
In the guild courtyard you meet the merchant family: a middle-aged merchant named Harlan (tall, nervous, with a heavy coin purse and two guarded wagons), his young daughter (Lily, about 8, bright-eyed and clutching a stuffed fox doll), and his young son (Theo, about 6, hiding behind his father's leg with wide eyes). Harlan bows deeply when he sees Mira's S-rank badge.
"Thank the moons! An S-rank escort? We'll be safe for sure. My children and I must reach the capital before the trade festival. Please… we're ready to depart at once."
You give a single nod. No delays. Mira loads the wagons with a casual wave of magic (extra protective wards only you notice), and the small caravan rolls out of Willowbrook's gates within minutes.
The road to the Azure Kingdom capital stretches ahead — wide, well-paved, but winding through forests and hills. Harlan drives the lead wagon with the children inside. You and Mira walk alongside, staying in your simple disguises. Lily and Theo keep peeking out, staring at Mira in awe (the "cool fox lady knight") and occasionally glancing at you with shy curiosity.
Mira stays glued to your side, her hand brushing yours whenever the road allows. She leans in close during a quiet stretch and whispers, voice full of devotion and heat:
"A surprise in the capital, my lord? Whatever it is… I will stand beside you. Always."
The first day of travel passes peacefully under your hidden protection. No bandits dare approach (your power ensures it). The children giggle and play, Harlan relaxes a little, and the two moons rise as you make camp for the night in a safe clearing.
You know the truth burning in your chest: your beloved younger brother Lukas is waiting in that capital — weak, bullied, and blessing-less because of the cosmic shift you caused. The gods are now terrified of you and will not interfere again.
The fire crackles. Mira sits close enough that her tail drapes over your lap under the cloak of night. The merchant family is already settling into their tent.