The next day dawned bright and clear over the capital. After a simple breakfast served by little Lila at the Silver Lantern Inn, Luo Feng, Miya, Kael, and Lin Wang stepped out into the bustling streets with no urgent tasks ahead of them. The weapons and armor would not be ready for a full week, so they decided to enjoy the city while they waited.
They spent the morning roaming the wide avenues, stopping at every interesting stall. Miya's eyes sparkled as she pulled Luo Feng toward colorful cloth merchants, choosing bright ribbons for the village girls and soft scarves for the elders. Kael and Lin Wang laughed loudly while trying on silly hats at a toy stall, then dragged the group to a street-food cart where they all shared skewers of grilled meat and sweet honey cakes. Luo Feng walked beside Miya the whole time, his hand in hers, quietly buying her little gifts—a painted fan, a small mirror, and a box of fragrant flower petals she could sprinkle in her hair.
Day after day passed in the same gentle rhythm.
They explored the grand central plaza, watching street performers juggle fire and tell tales of ancient heroes. They visited the towering temple of the Goddess of Light (Luo Feng felt nothing when he looked at her statue, only a quiet, private smile). They wandered the noble district from a respectful distance, admiring the beautiful gardens and marble fountains. Evenings they returned to the inn, sharing stories and laughter over hot meals while little Lila proudly refilled their cups.
Miya and Luo Feng stole quiet moments together—kissing in shaded alleyways, sitting on a stone bench by the river at sunset, whispering about their future in Eden Village. At night, behind the closed door of their room, they did what married couples do, bodies warm and close, falling asleep naked in each other's arms, the silver lotus hairpin resting safely on the bedside table.
Kael and Lin Wang explored on their own sometimes, returning each evening with new tales of the city's fighting pits or the best ale houses, but they always rejoined the group for meals and planning the long trip home.
One full week slipped by like a pleasant dream.
On the morning of the eighth day, Luo Feng woke with Miya curled against his chest. Sunlight streamed through the window. He kissed her forehead gently and whispered, "Today is the day. The blacksmith should have everything ready."
Miya smiled sleepily, tracing a finger along his jaw. "Then we can finally start the journey home… together."
Downstairs, Kael and Lin Wang were already eating breakfast, excited and restless. The four of them would head to the dwarf's forge after the meal, collect the katana, dagger, swords, armor, and spares, then load the ox-cart for the long road back to Eden Village.
The capital had been kind to them, but their hearts were already turning toward the green fields, the new pond, the grapevines, and the people who were waiting for their return.