The warmth of Liora's Hearth wrapped around Kael the moment he stepped inside. The rich scent of slow-cooked stew, spiced roots, and fresh herbs filled the air like a soft embrace. Laughter floated from the far tables, the low murmur of content conversation weaving a peaceful background melody.
Kael made his way to the same seat by the window.
It was open.
As if waiting for him.
He sat quietly, fingers resting on the polished wooden table, eyes scanning the softly flickering lanterns, the gentle sway of the crimson curtains, the distant sound of clinking dishes from the kitchen.
It was warm here. Safe. Like a memory he'd never had.
A few minutes later, she appeared again.
The girl with snow-white hair, tied in a soft ribbon today. Her red eyes brightened the moment they landed on him.
«You really came back,» she said, smiling as she approached.
«I said I would,» Kael replied, his voice quiet but steady.
«Well, I hope you're hungry.»
«I am.»
She grinned. «Then you're in luck.»
She walked away to place his order, and Kael found himself watching her again without meaning to. The way she laughed with the cook. The way she moved easily between tables, always smiling, always present. There was a brightness about her that made him feel… lighter.
Soon, she returned with a tray, and the aroma hit him like sunlight through a frost-covered window.
Tonight's stew was thicker, heartier. Spiced root vegetables, tender meat, and a swirl of golden broth. A fresh slice of fire-grilled bread rested on the side of the plate, lightly buttered and crackling at the edges.
Kael took the first spoonful.
Bliss.
Again, the warmth unfurled through him, melting something in his chest.
He closed his eyes for a moment, just tasting.
Flavor. Texture. Heat. Balance.
Life.
A soft giggle snapped him out of it. He looked up to see her leaning slightly on the table, head tilted.
«You really do eat like someone discovering food for the first time.»
Kael blinked. «Is it that obvious?»
«Kind of.» She smiled again, then straightened. «I'll let you enjoy it. Let me know when you're ready.»
He nodded, trying to focus on the stew again… but her voice lingered in his head.
After he finished the meal , every last bite of it , Kael stood and walked toward the front counter where she was sorting through handwritten receipts. He hesitated, then cleared his throat softly.
She looked up. «Done already?»
«Yeah. It was amazing. Again.»
She beamed. «Glad you liked it.»
Kael reached into his coat and placed a few silver coins on the counter , more than enough for the meal.
«And this,» he said, placing a second handful beside the first, «is for earlier. The lunch. I didn't forget.»
Her smile faltered slightly. «I told you that was on me.»
«I know,» he said gently. «But I don't like being in debt to kindness.»
She stared at the coin. Then back at him.
«…Alright. Just this once.»
He smiled faintly.
She started to write the total down in a small ledger. «So, should I start saving a seat for you? Or is this just a two-time miracle?»
Kael hesitated.
Then, quietly: «I plan to come here often. Breakfast and dinner. Whenever I'm not working.»
Her eyes widened a little. «That's… a lot.»
«I like the food,» he said honestly. «And… the company.»
Her cheeks tinted just slightly, but she smiled again. «Then I'll be looking forward to it.»
A pause settled between them , soft, comfortable.
Then Kael drew a breath and finally asked, «Can I know your name?»
She looked up.
«You really don't know?»
He shook his head.
She laughed lightly, brushing a strand of white hair behind her ear. «It's Liora.»
He blinked. «Wait… like the restaurant?»
She nodded, looking a little shy for the first time.
«My father named it after me. Said it was the best way to show people what he loved most.»
There was a long pause.
Kael absorbed that.
A girl named Liora, in a place that smelled like home.
«…He must've loved you a lot.»
She smiled, eyes softer now. «He did.»
Then her gaze flicked to him again. «What about you? Got a name, or do I just keep calling you the stew guy?»
He chuckled softly. «Kael.»
«Kael,» she repeated, testing it on her tongue. «Nice.»
«I'm… twenty-five.»
She blinked. «Wait, really?»
«…Yeah?»
«You look barely older than me!»
«…How old are you?»
«Twenty,» she said, raising an eyebrow. «You don't look a day over twenty-one. Seriously.»
Kael looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. «I… get that a lot.»
Her laugh bubbled up again, full of light.
«Well, it suits you. You've got that quiet, mysterious thing going.»
Kael's mouth opened, then closed. He fumbled for a response, then blurted out:
«You're… cute too.»
The moment he said it, he froze.
She blinked.
Then smiled wide, cheeks turning a little pink.
«…Thank you.»
The silence that followed was not awkward, but Kael had no idea what to do with it. His heart thudded once. Twice. He looked down, then quickly stepped back.
«I should go,» he mumbled.
«Okay,» she said, still smiling.
«I'll… see you for breakfast.»
«I'll save your seat.»
He nodded, awkwardly, then turned and made his way to the door, the soft chime of the bell ringing as he stepped outside into the cool evening air.
The Azure Garden Hotel – Later That Night
The stars blinked overhead as Kael walked through the quiet streets, his new coat buttoned up, his expression unreadable but warm.
He turned down a side alley, ducked into a shadowed nook, and transformed.
The mask returned.
The Ghost emerged.
His clothing shifted, becoming dark and formal again, the A-rank badge glittering faintly under the moonlight.
He strode across the plaza and entered the hotel through the side entrance. The receptionist glanced up, saw the badge and mask, and bowed without question.
No one asked anything.
Kael rode the mana-lift to the top floor, walked through the enchanted hallway, and entered his suite.
He shut the door behind him.
Silence.
Moonlight poured in from the balcony, casting long shadows across the room.
Kael removed the mask.
Set it on the desk.
Then unbuttoned his coat, pulled off his boots, and collapsed onto the bed with a soft exhale.
Warm sheets. Clean room. A full belly. A girl's smile.
He stared at the ceiling, eyes half-lidded.
Then whispered to no one:
«…Liora.»
And for the first time in either of his lives, he fell asleep feeling like tomorrow might be worth waking up for.