The day went on as the group visited different parts of Starugnia, finding a new and exciting view at every corner. With no pressing matters guiding their steps, they took their time fully exploring the upper districts and their wonders.
Even Selorien had grown slightly more accustomed to the heat, complaining less and less as they marched on—though the looming coolness of the night did play a part in his change of tune. Along the way, they noted some other restaurants and food vendors to visit the next day, as their stomachs were already full and satisfied. Lilithra also took the chance to grab herself a new plushie! This time, one resembling a cute desert mouse.
As the sun receded and the streets emptied themselves, the group escorted Lyra back to the hospital, who was eager to see how her brother was faring. After exchanging goodnights with her, the others headed to the hotel to rest for the night.
Thankfully, Ascalon managed to get some sleep without disturbing the slumbering Goddess in his arms, and the next few days were cheerful and uneventful. They repeated the same routine each time: having a filling breakfast, joining up with Lyra, and setting out to discover more of the city.
At some point, they met with Ryan once more, and exchanged a more relaxed and friendly conversation. He also told them about the lower districts' strange conflicts suddenly stopping, which Ascalon linked to Greed’s demise—though he decided to not share it and let the matter rest.
It was on their third day that the group decided it was time to return to New Lumingard, as their funds—mostly Selorien’s—were dwindling and they felt they’d had their fill of the desert for a while. It was around the time they left Lyra at the hospital that she shyly spoke up.
“Uhm, thank you for everything… really!” She said with heartfelt gratitude, her ears twitching as she bowed deeply. “I’ll stay here with Levi for a few more days… so this is goodbye…” Lyra added with teary eyes, her voice cracking slightly under the sad feeling of separation.
Lilithra didn’t hesitate before hugging her tight, and Lyra reciprocated while Ascalon and Selorien watched over them with warm gazes. “Not goodbye… see you later!” Lilithra declared, relenting her embrace to look at Lyra’s face. “We’ll be waiting for you in New Lumingard!” She added with enthusiasm, making it clear that Lyra was welcome to hang out with them whenever she pleased.
Lyra’s smile brightened with joy at Lilithra’s words, and her sadness was replaced with a sense of anticipation. When things were finally over, she had to repay her new friends somehow. With these thoughts in mind, she bowed once more, and the group decided to collectively pat her head.
She was surprised and felt increasingly bashful, but enjoyed their affection nonetheless. As they parted, the group wished Levi a speedy recovery and peaceful travels, and they eventually left the hospital behind.
The next day was their last day in Starugnia. They boarded the train once more, this time being sent off by Ryan, Audun, Lyra, and even some of the hotel staff and city's vendors. Many veiled girls lamented Selorien’s departure, but the elf felt no regrets as he settled into the soft seats of the train.
“Can’t say I’ll miss this place.” Selorien remarked with a mischievous grin, relishing the cool air conditioning in their cabin. Sitting across from him, Ascalon chuckled heartily, knowing the elf was really only talking about the harsh desert weather.
Lilithra, sitting at Ascalon’s side, peeked at the tiny sleeping Goddess with a huge smile on her face, clearly content about both their travels and their findings. “Setting the creepy events aside, our first mission—and traveling—was a success!” She declared while raising her arms in triumph, before leaning onto her seat and sighing deeply.
Ascalon and Selorien nodded, while the latter spoke up. “It wasn’t bad.” He said with a gentle smile, reminiscing on their adventure. Ascalon shared the sentiment, since the voyage had been not only fun and successful, but had also blessed him with a small Goddess to take back home!
Athanya’el had woken up a few times during their last few days in the city, though only for a couple of minutes—just long enough to complain about Lilithra and Lyra’s attitudes. It was actually quite amusing for the knight, though he did his best to not show it.
As the train departed, his thoughts drifted toward a presence in the same carriage, located at the end of the vehicle. It was Escarlata, who probably deemed it unnecessary to take a different train this time, since they had already found her out and even joined forces with her for the dungeon.
Ascalon felt a bit relieved, having not seen her at all over the past few days, but wondered if she would get in trouble when she reported her involvement to Selorien’s grandfather. With these thoughts in mind, he admired the view outside the window as they made their way back to New Lumingard.
The ride home was much smoother this time around—no kaiju threatening the integrity of the passengers, and no scavengers riddling the vehicle with holes. Their animated conversations made time fly by, and before they knew it, they had arrived. Afterward, Selorien bid them goodbye and headed home, while Ascalon and Lilithra continued on to their own place.
With cheerful steps and a sense of longing, they finally set foot in The Chalice. “We’re home!” Lilithra proclaimed as she beelined to the counter, where Raphael awaited with open arms. Without missing a beat, they exchanged an affectionate hug, the older man greeting her back.
“Welcome back, Lil!” He exclaimed with clear glee in his voice, patting Lilithra on the head while she giggled happily. Ascalon approached the counter and sat down, as Raphael gazed at him. For a moment, the man’s smile faltered, and he had to do a double take.
“Am I seeing things…?” The gentleman doubted his eyes, squinting as he gazed upon the tiny Goddess in Ascalon’s arms. Lilithra realized the cause of his confusion, and quickly let go of his embrace to gesture toward the child, presenting it to Raphael.
“Uncle, this is Ascalon’s dau-” She began with a mischievous tone, ready to joke again about Athanya’el being Ascalon’s daughter. This time though, the knight was quicker, and interjected before she could even finish.
“This is my Goddess, not my daughter!” He declared with utmost confidence, a proud smile on his face. He didn’t want Raphael to get confused, though he didn’t realize that his words might still lead to misunderstandings.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
The following hour was spent between Raphael coming and going from the kitchen to serve them some food, while recounting the events that had transpired in Starugnia. From their brief stop midway, to the Goddess awakening, they made sure to tell the gentleman all of the fine details.
“Hmm… fascinating!” Raphael said as he sipped from a cup of wine, his gaze resting on the slumbering child. “So she’s recovering as we speak, huh?” He added, tilting his head. “But you might have to ask her to behave next time she wakes up.” Raphael concluded, nodding to himself.
Both Ascalon and Lilithra were slightly confused, and seeing their puzzled expressions, the gentleman decided to explain further. “Well, you can’t go around carrying a child everywhere—she needs to stop throwing tantrums when you leave her side.” He started, watching the child with a stern expression.
“How will you serve customers, clean, or even go to the bathroom? Wait… does she even need to go to the bathroom?” Raphael questioned, while Ascalon absorbed his words. Lilithra, on the other hand, munched on her food while listening intently—probably quite amused.
Ascalon thought Raphael was right, since having Athanya’el in his arms all day was very inconvenient—not because she was heavy, but because it was difficult to keep her in mind at all times. Raphael had also touched a subject that had preoccupied Ascalon the most: the bathroom issue.
He had to make sure to keep the tiny Goddess at arm’s length when going about his own things; otherwise, she would thrash about and cry, just like a child. It was quite concerning, taking into account he hadn’t even taken a proper shower yet. As for the last point, Ascalon was uncertain.
“She has not soiled herself in my arms, but that might change once she becomes more active… although, she is a Goddess… so I am not sure.” Ascalon replied with a concerned voice, gently brushing Athanya’el’s hair. She smiled softly in her sleep, nestling comfortably in his arms.
Raphael contemplated the matter with a pensive expression, softly stroking his beard. “Hmm… guess we’ll have to wait and see! Ah, also…” He began, narrowing his eyes and tapping the counter a few times with his finger. “Don’t go around saying she’s a Goddess, understand?” Raphael asked with a serious tone, his gray stare revealing a deep concern.
While Lilithra stopped eating for a moment, trying to piece together her uncle’s worries, Ascalon nodded knowingly. He knew better than to go around spreading that information carelessly, but was grateful for the gentleman’s insight nonetheless.
“Yes, I shall be careful.” Ascalon declared with a smile, and Raphael sighed in response, his gaze shifting toward Lilithra. “You too…” The older man added, causing her to shrink slightly.
“Ugh, I know!” She responded in embarrassment, likely aware she had a tendency to get excited and overshare things. She would have to keep her mouth in check for the time being!
The rest of the meal went on without a hitch as they chatted about various things, and soon it was time to rest once more.
As both Ascalon and Lilithra bid each other good night, Ascalon headed to his room with the tiny Goddess in his arms.
“This is my room, my lady—my new home.” He said to the sleeping child, a soft smile on his face—though there was no response from her, aside from a soft yawn. Carefully, he lay down with her on his bed, and mulled over the past few days for a bit before finally drifting off to sleep.
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Meanwhile, Raphael stood by The Chalice’s main entrance, the sign outside being turned to ‘closed’. His expression was thoughtful as he watched the streets in silence, his mind racing with a few concerning thoughts. He closed the door, making sure he was out of sight from the outside, and raised his hand while frowning.
Gradually, a long, silver revolver materialized on his palm, its polished surface shining faintly under the interior lights. He gripped it tight, feeling the familiar cold steel and its weight. The weapon was a magnum model, and it had a bulky barrel with a golden cross engraved on its edge, its handle made of dark, waxed wood. He twirled it in his index finger, the weapon spinning swiftly under his trained motions.
With deliberate precision, he stopped it and quickly pointed it at a random lamp, the barrel’s sight firmly aligned with the center of the target, his hand steady and unwavering. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint, as he twirled it a few more times, letting his body recall the motions he had ingrained over the years.
He then stopped and brought it closer to his face, inspecting the cylinder and ensuring it was loaded with its powerful .44 caliber rounds. He nodded in satisfaction, appraising his own reflection on the long barrel.
“Cardinal sins, huh?” Raphael muttered, his tone coated with anger. “These people are treading dangerous waters.” He continued, twirling the weapon once more.
In an instant, he shifted his posture and extended his other arm, causing an almost identical revolver to appear in his grasp. This one, instead of a cross, bore the symbol of a golden chalice. He executed the same motions with the newly appeared weapon, twirling it, inspecting it, and finally sending both of them back into his inventory.
“Guess retirement isn’t as final as I thought.” Raphael joked to himself, walking back to the counter as he chuckled softly. Still, a lingering feeling of worry gnawed at him, causing him to sigh deeply.
Perilous things loomed on the horizon, and he was feeling determined to run wild once more if it meant protecting his family. Smiling at his own thoughts, he busied himself arranging leftover plates and glasses as time went on.
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“Wake up!” A familiar voice called out, prompting Ascalon to slowly open his eye. He shook his head slightly as his blurry vision regained focus. Atop his chest was Athanya’el, her tiny hands pushing against him as she did her best to shake him awake. “Wa-ke-up!” She repeated, frowning in frustration until she noticed the knight staring at her.
Smiling with glee, she buried her face into his chest and squealed in happiness. “Ascalon!” She exclaimed, giggling to herself. “My lady?” The knight asked, still drowsy and a bit confused. He started to get up gradually, gently picking her up and sitting her beside him.
Athanya’el looked a bit reluctant but let herself be carried, and then grabbed onto his arm and rubbed her cheek on him. She seemed really happy and affectionate once more. “How are you faring?” Ascalon asked, glancing at the tiny Goddess rejoicing at his side.
The child stopped her actions and looked up, her big, golden eyes sparkling with clear excitement. “I feel great!” She replied, quickly jumping off the bed, with her small feet making a slight thud as they landed. “There is so much energy here—where are we?!” She asked with palpable interest, her eyes darting around the many features of the room.
“We are back where I first found you—the city of New Lumingard. And this…” Ascalon explained as he extended his arms. “This is my room, my new home!” He exclaimed with triumph, repeating the words he had shared with her when she was asleep.
“Hmm…” She muttered with curiosity as she tottered around, her small body bobbing with each step as she explored her surroundings. “Whoa…!” She said as she examined various things, from the desk lamp to the big wardrobe nearby. “So many interesting things!” She remarked, while Ascalon smiled gently. She really looked just like a curious child.
Athanya’el then pushed the door open, skipping outside while she marveled over every little thing. “Ooh~!” Her voice trailed off as she disappeared, and Ascalon quickly got up to follow after her.
A few moments later, he found the tiny Goddess in the main hall, trying to climb the counter with some difficulty.
“My knight, help me!” She exclaimed as she looked around, expecting Ascalon to assist her. Without hesitation, he scooped her up and sat her on one of the stools, her long dress cascading down around her.
“What is that smell? It is enchanting!” She declared with enthusiasm, swinging her legs back and forth. The next moment, her small stomach suddenly rumbled, causing her to panic and pat herself. “What was that?” She asked in confusion, likely unaware of the mundane feeling of hunger.
But that made Ascalon realize: she felt hungry; and that probably meant that she needed more than divine energy to sustain herself. Just as he pondered about that, the kitchen door swung open, and Raphael emerged with an intrigued expression on his face, likely having heard the commotion.
“Well, well, hello there.” The older man said with a gentle smile as his eyes gazed upon the Goddess, causing her to shrink a bit in her seat, surprised by the new face.
“Ah… you are…!” She said in realization as she pointed at him, probably recalling some memory from when she was still inside the emblem.
“You are the one that prepares the fancy meals Ascalon eats…! I require sustenance!” She declared with a bold smile, while Raphael blinked a few times. Ascalon sighed with resignation, an awkward smile on his face, his eye pleading to Raphael.
The older man chuckled and bowed with respect as he spoke up. “As you wish, my lady.” He stated as he walked back to the kitchen, leaving behind a very impressed tiny Goddess.
“Those are some proper manners!” She exclaimed, still swinging her legs with glee.
Ascalon felt grateful to Raphael as he took a seat next to the tiny child. She seemed really energetic, and eager to partake in the mundane act of eating! He knew she would be delighted, as he too was enraptured by Raphael’s cooking. Seeing her so animated, he thought that, perhaps, things were going to get a bit hectic from now on.