The market square of Greshan was slower than usual — no longer the crowded checkpoint hub it was known to be, but still alive.
War hadn't burned it down, just bruised it. Now, its people moved with gratitude rather than rush, the surviving merchants re-opening booths with cautious smiles.
Arielle walked among them, her cloak drawn over her shoulders, one hand lightly guiding Lyone at her side.
"Stay close," she murmured.
"I'm not a child," Lyone muttered, even though he didn't stray a single step further from her reach.
She gave him a sideways smirk. "Then don't act like one."
They passed a line of Dunters sharpening weapons near a supply cart. The moment they caught sight of Lyone, one of them stood and raised a hand.
"Oy, child! You're the kid who came with the silver-haired monster, right?"
Lyone blinked. "Uh—yeah?"
"Your boss still alive?" another called out.
"Did he lose both legs?" a third joked, grinning.
