Morning came quietly.
Soft sunlight slipped through the window, landing gently across the wooden floor.
Alhen stirred.
"…Mm…"
He slowly opened his eyes, blinking as the light greeted him.
For a moment, he just lay there.
Then—
"…Right."
Memories of the previous night rushed back.
The fight.
The beasts.
The reality of the world beyond his village.
Alhen sat up, stretching his arms.
"…My body hurts."
He let out a small sigh, then glanced around.
A simple room.
Wooden walls. A small table. A neatly placed chair.
"…An inn, huh."
Not long after, Alhen made his way downstairs.
The smell of food filled the air.
His stomach growled immediately.
"…Guess I'm hungrier than I thought."
He took a seat near the corner.
A woman approached with a warm smile.
"You must be the traveler who helped last night."
Alhen rubbed the back of his head.
"…Word spreads fast."
She chuckled.
"In a small village like this? Of course it does."
She placed a plate in front of him.
Fresh bread. Warm soup. A simple meal—but more than enough.
"Eat up," she said. "It's on the house."
Alhen blinked.
"…Really?"
"You helped keep us safe," she replied. "It's the least we can do."
Alhen gave a small nod.
"…Thank you."
As he ate—
The door suddenly opened.
Bang.
Several footsteps entered.
Alhen glanced up.
Lira stood at the entrance.
But this time—
She wasn't alone.
Behind her were two well-dressed individuals, standing straight with composed expressions.
Guards.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
The inn grew quiet.
Lira walked toward him.
"Enjoying your meal?"
Alhen swallowed and nodded.
"…Yeah."
He glanced behind her.
"…What's with the group?"
Lira crossed her arms.
"…I guess it's time I properly introduce myself."
She took a step forward.
Her tone changed—more formal now.
"My name is Lira Valencrest."
A brief pause.
"…Daughter of a Baron of the Valencrest House, the noble family responsible for overseeing Orel Village."
Silence filled the room.
Alhen blinked.
"…Wait."
He looked at her again.
"…You're a noble?"
One of the guards stepped forward slightly.
"Mind your tone," he said firmly.
But Lira raised her hand.
"It's fine."
She looked back at Alhen.
"…Surprised?"
Alhen scratched his cheek.
"…A little."
"Most people are."
Daren, who was sitting nearby, laughed awkwardly.
"I was wondering when you'd finally say it."
Lira sighed.
"I didn't think it mattered."
She turned her attention back to Alhen.
"But now it does."
Alhen tilted his head slightly.
"…Why?"
Lira's expression became serious.
"Because of what you did last night."
She stepped closer.
"You helped protect a village under our family's care."
A short pause.
"…Which means you deserve proper recognition."
Alhen frowned slightly.
"…Recognition?"
Lira nodded.
"My father wishes to meet you."
The room went completely silent.
Alhen leaned back slightly.
"…Your father?"
"The Baron," Lira replied.
Alhen exhaled.
"…That sounds… important."
Lira smirked faintly.
"It is."
Then her tone shifted again.
"But don't worry."
She looked directly at him.
"I'll be taking you there myself."
Alhen blinked.
"…Just me?"
Lira nodded.
"Yes."
Daren raised a brow.
"Only him?"
Lira didn't look away from Alhen.
"He's the one who fought."
A brief pause.
Then she added—
"…And I want to talk to him on the way."
Alhen stared at her for a moment.
"…You're pretty direct."
Lira smirked.
"I don't like wasting time."
Alhen let out a small breath.
Then—
"…Alright."
He stood up, grabbing his bag.
"Let's go."
Lira turned toward the door.
"Good."
As they stepped outside—
The morning light shone brighter.
The road ahead stretched toward something new.
Something bigger.
For the first time since leaving home—
Alhen wasn't just a traveler anymore.
He was stepping into a world of nobles…
Power…
And something far greater than he expected.