A few weeks had passed since Princess Aelia unceremoniously joined Ren's journey — not that he invited her, of course. Since then, they'd faced monsters, shared awkward silences by the campfire, and argued more times than Ren could count… yet, oddly, he no longer felt the sting of solitude.
Now, under the afternoon sun, they finally arrived near the outskirts of their next destination: Aurax, the bustling frontier city known as the "City of Adventurers."
They stopped near a shaded hill overlooking the gates. Aelia dramatically stretched her arms high into the air, her cloak fluttering slightly behind her. "Finally! That took forever, Ren!" she groaned playfully. "I swear, I'm not made for this peasant-style walking. My hips are going to fall off."
She gave his back a hearty pat — which felt more like a punch.
Ren grunted but said nothing, adjusting the strap of his gear-laden bag. "Then next time, don't insist on bringing five extra outfits," he muttered under his breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
After a brief rest under the shade of a lone tree, they made their way to the city gates. The towering stone walls of Aurax stood proudly, adorned with banners of the local guilds and districts. The gate buzzed with activity — adventurers, merchants, and travelers moving in and out, some boasting trophies from hunts, others hawking goods.
Two knights in polished silver armor stood at the entrance. One of them, a tall man with a trimmed beard and sharp eyes, stepped forward, hand outstretched. "Not familiar faces. Long journey, perhaps?"
Ren handed over their travel passes. "From the capital. Heading city to city."
The guard gave a brief nod as he inspected the IDs. "Ah, a roaming pair. Well, you've picked the right place. Aurax welcomes adventurers of all ranks — whether you're slaying beasts or chasing coin." He returned their documents with a grin. "Enjoy your stay, Sir Ren. And… milady."
Aelia offered a wink, causing the younger guard beside him to blush.
As they passed through the gate, a wave of noise and vibrant energy hit them. The city streets bustled with life — blacksmiths hammering steel, hawkers shouting about fresh bread or rare potions, adventurers swapping stories over drinks, and children darting between alleys pretending to be knights and monsters.
Aelia's eyes sparkled. "It's so alive here. Much more colorful than the capital."
Ren nodded. "And ten times louder."
They walked a little further before she asked, "So, what's the plan, oh fearless ex-hero? Are we staying for a few days?"
"Most likely. We've already burned through half our supplies."
"Half?" Aelia frowned. "That's weird. How could we be out that fast?"
Ren slowly turned his head toward her, deadpan. "You really don't know?"
"What?" she blinked innocently. "I didn't eat that much. Just the emergency chocolate rations… and maybe a few energy crystals... and the bath salts."
He sighed. "We'll need to find an inn first, then restock the essentials. Real ones."
"Roger that." Aelia saluted with a grin.
They reached a stone fountain at a main crossroad and decided to split up — Ren to the market district to gather supplies, and Aelia to find an inn with decent food and actual beds.
"Don't book one that's 'royal tier,'" Ren warned as he turned to leave. "We're not made of gold."
"Got it. Something humble and charming… with silk pillows and honeyed wine."
He groaned, already regretting it.
As they parted ways into the crowd, the city of Aurax awaited them — a vibrant, chaotic haven of opportunity. And somewhere within its walls, new challenges — and maybe new allies — were waiting.
While Ren navigated the bustling market district, negotiating with stubborn vendors and haggling over dried meat and potion vials, Aelia had her own mission: find them a place to sleep.
She wandered through the winding streets of Aurax, letting her eyes scan the variety of inns and taverns. Most looked either too run-down or too lavish — and she knew Ren would complain about both. But then, her eyes caught a bold wooden sign swaying with the breeze: "The Red Ox Pub". A large, painted ox head glared proudly from it, its horns curved like a crescent moon.
"Red Ox, huh? Sounds... spicy," Aelia murmured to herself with a grin.
Curiosity piqued, she stepped inside.
The moment she pushed through the swinging tavern doors, she was hit by a medley of scents — roasted meat, seasoned potatoes, spiced ale — and the louder-than-expected cheer of drunken adventurers mid-song. The air was thick with laughter, thudding boots, and clanking mugs.
Despite being born and raised in the polished halls of a palace, Aelia barely flinched. If anything, she looked intrigued, even amused. Life outside the royal bubble had its rough edges — but it also had flavor.
Making her way toward the counter, she paused as her eyes landed on the barkeep. Not a burly man with a greasy towel — but an elegant, silver-haired elf.
"Whoa." Aelia blinked. "An elf? That's rare!"
The woman behind the counter gave a knowing, serene smile. Her long hair shimmered like morning dew on snow, and her almond-shaped eyes were calm but sharp — like they saw more than they let on.
"Ayla Presjyre, at your service, milady," she greeted with a melodic tone and a polite bow of her head.
"Oh, uh… nice to meet you! I'm Princess— I mean— just Aelia! Yep. Just Aelia." She forced an awkward laugh, mentally kicking herself.
Ayla chuckled softly, the kind of laugh one makes when they already know the truth. "Of course. Aelia it is." Her smile never faded.
"So…" Aelia leaned against the counter, trying to look relaxed despite her embarrassment. "We're looking for a place to stay. Just two people."
"Understood," Ayla said smoothly. "So — a couple, then? Would you prefer a single bed or a queen-sized one?"
"Uhm…" Aelia hesitated, blinking rapidly. Her fingers fidgeted on the countertop.
Ayla raised a brow, gently amused. "You are booking for the both of you, aren't you?"
Aelia glanced toward the entrance, cheeks flushing faintly. "Well, yes, but— I mean— we're not exactly a— I mean…"
She didn't finish.
Meanwhile, on Ren's side…
After parting ways with Aelia, Ren made his way through the crowded heart of Aurax's market. The city truly lived up to its name — stalls upon stalls of adventurer gear, monster parts, magical trinkets, and more exotic goods than even the capital could boast.
Ren adjusted the strap of his bag, eyes scanning each vendor.
"We've got enough rations to last a few more days," he muttered to himself. "But if she keeps 'accidentally' eating for three, we'll run dry fast. And we still need antidotes, flint, oil… Ugh, this isn't cheap."
His mental calculator was running hot.
As he turned a corner, a less-busy stall caught his eye — a modest display of glass jewelry, sparkling under the sunlight. They were clearly fake, and the tiny handwritten sign didn't hide it. "FauxGems — Beauty on a Budget!"
The seller — a middle-aged man with sunken eyes and a tired expression — looked like he hadn't had a sale in hours. But as soon as Ren made accidental eye contact, the man lit up with desperate cheer.
"Oh! Welcome, kind sir! Please — take your time and feast your eyes on these treasures!"
Ren stopped awkwardly. He hadn't meant to stop, but walking away now felt... rude. With a quiet sigh, he stepped up to the table and began browsing. Rows of glass pendants, imitation crystals, and carved wooden rings lay neatly in boxes.
"They're not real… but they're crafted with care," he thought, noticing the attention to detail in the etchings.
Then, something caught his eye: two necklaces resting side by side on a red cloth. Both were made from polished glass — one with a faint golden hue and another that shimmered with a soft silver tone. He reached out, carefully lifting the silver one. It gleamed faintly under the light like moonlight on water.
As he stared, a memory bubbled to the surface — Aelia, just before his departure from the capital, leaning forward with flushed cheeks and determined eyes.
That stolen kiss.
He had tried to forget it. Suppress it. Convince himself it didn't mean anything. But no matter how far they traveled, the memory lingered.
"She really does love me… doesn't she? Even more than the 'true heroes' they all glorify."
He sighed, lips twitching into the faintest smile.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" the shopkeeper said gently, as if sensing something in Ren's silence. "Made it myself. Glass, but it holds up well. You thinking of giving it to someone?"
Ren looked up. Then nodded.
"Yeah. For… a friend."
The merchant grinned knowingly. "Of course. Want it wrapped?"
"Please."
As the seller gently placed the necklace in a small velvet pouch and tied it with a ribbon, Ren glanced down the street, wondering if Aelia had found a place to stay yet.
"Aelia... why do you keep making this harder than it needs to be..."
He took the pouch and tucked it inside his coat. With a polite thank you, he left the stall and merged back into the crowd, the silver necklace weighing more on his heart than in his hand.
Later that evening, at the city fountain…
The sun dipped low, casting an amber glow over the bustling city of Aurax. The square was alive with movement — vendors packing up, children playing near the water, and travelers unwinding from their long journeys. But amidst all the noise, two figures stood quietly under the shade of a stone archway beside the fountain.
Ren and Aelia.
They met with a simple nod, both looking slightly worn from the day's errands but somehow… at ease.
"Done with yours, Aelia?" Ren asked, hands in his coat pockets, voice casual.
"Yeah! Found a place for us to stay too. Oh, and the owner's an elf! Can you believe that?" she grinned. "You?"
"Same. We're stocked for the next leg of the trip."
A brief silence fell between them. Not uncomfortable — just thick with unspoken thoughts. The sound of the water bubbling behind them filled the space. Then, at the exact same moment, both opened their mouths—
"Ren—"
"Aelia—"
They paused, blinking at each other.
"Ah— you go first," Aelia said, folding her hands behind her back.
Ren hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright… sure."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small pouch, the ribbon still neatly tied. He extended it to her with a slightly awkward look in his eyes — like someone giving a gift for the first time in years.
"I know this is... really late," he began. "But I've been thinking about what you said — or rather, what you showed me. I'm not a hero anymore. And I might not be the best match for someone like you."
Aelia's brow furrowed, but she didn't speak. She just listened.
Ren continued, his voice softer this time. "But… instead of pretending I don't see it or making you wait even longer... I figured I should at least answer you properly. Honestly."
She took the pouch carefully and slowly untied the ribbon. Inside was a delicately crafted glass necklace, shaped like a crescent moon and glowing faintly under the fading light. Her breath caught for a second.
"It's… glass," Ren said, almost apologetically. "I know it's not real silver or anything fancy. I just… I saw it, and I thought of you. That sounds cheesy, huh?"
Aelia didn't say anything at first. She just stared at the necklace in her hands. Then, she looked up at him with a gentle, slightly watery smile.
"No, I like it. A lot." She paused, her thumb brushing the pendant. "Because you thought of me when you saw it. That's more real than any gem."
He looked away, ears faintly red. "Tch… You really know how to twist words."
"But, Ren," she stepped closer, lifting the necklace gently. "This might be your answer… but it's also a beginning, isn't it?"
He blinked. "A beginning?"
"Mhm. I know you. You'll probably try to run away from feelings a hundred more times before admitting anything." She giggled. "And knowing my luck, I'll have a dozen love rivals chasing after you before long."
"Gods, don't say that."
"I mean it!" she laughed, slipping the necklace around her neck proudly. "I'll need to keep my sword sharp — not for monsters, but for the girls who want my man."
Ren let out a sigh that couldn't hide his small smile. "You're seriously exhausting sometimes, you know?"
"And yet, here I am. Still by your side."
"…Yeah," he said, voice barely above a whisper. "You are."
They stood there a moment longer, as the light faded and the stars slowly blinked into view above Aurax. In a world of danger, quests, and chaos — this moment of stillness, of honesty — was rare.
But it was enough.
For now.