The warm hum of mana-lanterns glowed from the rafters of the restaurant as Inigo pushed open the front doors. A familiar chime echoed from the enchanted bell overhead—a sound that had become oddly comforting. The sun was just beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting golden hues across the street outside. It had been two days since his first class at the Royal Magic Academy, and with only three sessions a week, he had enough breathing room to return to his business ventures.
Inside, the modest establishment buzzed with the murmur of customers and the clinking of ceramic plates. Adventurers, merchants, and a few familiar townsfolk chatted over bowls of steamed dumplings and hearty cuts of beast meat. Lyra stood behind the counter, a tray in one hand and a menu in the other.
When her eyes found him, they lit up.
"Inigo! You're back," she said, weaving through the tables to meet him. "How was your first class?"
