Darkness had no issue with a tour. He had already scouted the city the previous night, memorizing the important places. The real issue was Emmy. A part of him felt he was being too lenient in his goal to have her interact with her own kind and eventually let go of the human child. Yet rushing her into it felt wrong.
Emmy tugged gently at his arm. "It's fine," she said softly, turning to Lloyd.
"You heard the girl, Darkness. No backing out now," Mary grinned.
With Emmy's quiet approval, the Iron Terror decided on a diner first. Emmy avoided eye contact with them, her gaze wandering instead to the stalls and the endless stream of strangers.
My actions are only making her attachment to me grow. The distance she keeps between us is almost inexistent. Darkness pondered, his thoughts heavy.
The group stopped as Lloyd gestured dramatically toward a large building. Its wooden sign swung above the door, painted with fading gold letters. Warm light spilled from the windows, carrying with it the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread. The chatter of patrons inside rose and fell like waves.
"As promised, the finest eatery in Escher!" Lloyd declared, arms wide. "Where your pocket is only a secondary thought thanks to the great manager, who deserves nothing but respect."
"Tone it down, Lloyd," Mary sighed. "The only reason you love this place is because Sera is the only one who puts up with you when you're broke."
Inside, the air was thick with the smell of spices and smoke. Plates clattered, mugs thudded against tables, and laughter mingled with arguments. The warmth of the hearth contrasted with the cold streets outside, wrapping the room in a haze of comfort.
At the counter, a woman with a hairnet glared at Lloyd. "Hope you aren't here to swindle me, boy."
"I'm a B-rank now! I paid off my tab before I left. Can't you believe in a man changing?"
"Paid off your tab? You're not even halfway done! The only thing a man can change is his clothes—and even that's questionable."
Lloyd leaned closer, whispering. "Please, spare me today. I'm trying to impress new friends. If you play your cards right, they might become regulars."
Sera's eyes flicked past him, settling on Darkness and Emmy as they entered. Her gaze lingered, curious. "Interesting ones you've brought," she muttered. "I'll let you off this time, but vanish for a month again and you won't have a gut left to worry about."
At their corner table, Emmy sat stiffly, her eyes narrowed. Mary leaned closer. "You alright, Emilia? You've been glaring for a while."
"She does that when uncomfortable," Darkness sighed.
An unwanted figure approached—a man in polished silver armor, broad sword strapped to his back, his frame radiating veteran strength. His boots thudded against the floorboards, drawing attention as he stopped beside Emmy's seat. He grinned, teeth flashing. "Didn't think Iron Terror was recruiting kids."
Darkness ignored him, lost in thought. Emmy stared at the table, frustration simmering.
Craine's glare was sharp. "Find someone else to bother."
"She was unhappy before I got here. Maybe you're the ones ruining her day. Little miss, I can help liven your mood."
Darkness's thoughts stirred. Even in this era, humans like this still exist. Pride is respectable, but not when used against others. Mortal men never change, driven by greed and desire. If Emmy never adapts to this world, all of this will be for nothing. Perhaps… this might help.
"Emmy," he said calmly, pointing at the man's gut. "You can use this one to vent your frustrations. His armor should suffice."
The table fell silent. Emmy turned to him, uncertain.
The man chuckled. "You must be her brother. I don't understand what you mean, but how about you and your sister—"
His words were cut short by the force that met his gut.
Emmy moved without hesitation, her right hook fluid and precise. The impact rang out like a hammer striking steel. The man's chest plate cracked, the sound sharp and unnatural, before his body was lifted off his feet. He flew backward, smashing into the counter with a crash that silenced the room. Plates shattered, mugs spilled, and he lay sprawled, unconscious.
The inn froze. Patrons stared, stunned that a child had felled a B-rank adventurer with a single strike. The cracks in his armor spread like spiderwebs from the point of impact.
Emmy exhaled, calmer now, her shoulders relaxing as if the punch had drained her frustration. Mary laughed nervously, brushing hair from her face. Slowly, the noise returned—patrons whispering, deciding it was best not to meddle.
"More interesting than I thought," Lloyd muttered, while Sera grinned, clearly entertained by the spectacle.