Nolan smiled faintly, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on him, but also the familiar excitement of a challenge. "Good. Then rest tonight. Tomorrow we leave for the Dwarf Kingdom. And when we return, the foundations of my business and my kingdom will be ready to grow. Step by step, we will make this world better."
Lyra leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with rare seriousness. "Step by step, but remember, Master. Every step you take will be watched. By humans, demons, and every other being in between. You must be ready for anything."
Nolan's gaze hardened, determination flickering like fire in his eyes. "I've faced worse. I'll face them all. And this time, I won't just survive. I'll rise."
"Since it's been a while you've talked," Nolan finally said, breaking the silence that had lingered like a fog around them, "what is going on? Even before we came to Sindra just now, you were quiet. You didn't say a word. Is there any problem?"
