The sun peeked gently over the rooftops as the five of them strolled into a cozy high-end breakfast tavern in the heart of the city. Zairon, of course, kicked open the door with theatrical flair, startling a few patrons.
"Five of your best meals, and one extra just in case I feel greedy!" he called out, spinning into a booth with arms spread like he owned the place. The others followed, amused, used to his antics by now.
They sat together—him in the middle, flanked by two on each side. The table filled quickly with hot bread, sizzling meat, herbal tea, and a sweet fruit wine.
"So," he said with a grin, eyes glinting. "Let's talk. Not just about food or blood and blades. Let's talk team-building."
The mage with silver-blue hair, Mira, raised an eyebrow. "You? Talking team dynamics? What's next? Emotional support groups?"
"Oh please," Zairon leaned back, fingers laced behind his head. "I've led an army. I'm practically a mentor now."
The assassin, Lin, gave a soft chuckle. "You sound like you're auditioning to be our boss."
"Boss? No, no, no." He leaned forward, eyes serious but teasing. "I'm your... well... charismatic sovereign who just happens to be incredibly handsome and talented."
The table burst into laughter.
After the joking died down, Zairon tilted his cup thoughtfully. "You know what we're missing though?"
"Tactics?" Mira offered.
"A healer?" Lin guessed.
Zairon smirked. "No. More beauties."
He raised a hand quickly. "Kidding. Kidding."
Then he looked around at them, expression softening just slightly. "Truth is, I feel calm around you all. You're strong, smart, terrifying in battle… and you're also just good company."
He leaned his elbow on the table, chin in palm. "Maybe it's love. Maybe it's admiration. Maybe it's just being a hopeless flirt. Who knows?"
Then he gave a cocky grin. "But one thing's clear—I'd rather have you four by my side than a hundred random warriors."
The room fell into a comfortable silence as they ate and sipped tea.
"Still," Zairon continued internally, gaze drifting to the cityscape through the window, "this isn't my end goal. They matter, yes. But my ambition stretches far beyond affection. Beyond companionship. I'll bring change… to this world and to Raur. No matter how long it takes."
Outside, the city buzzed on. But at that moment, inside the tavern, the forming of a true, bonded squad was quietly underway—chaotic, heartfelt, and unmistakably Zairon.