Leaving the bustling Adventurer's Guild behind felt like escaping a den of wolves. Akari let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"Whew… I thought they were going to laugh me out of there," she muttered, rubbing the back of her neck.
"They'll come around," Lyra said as they walked side by side down the main street. Her stride was steady and confident, drawing stares from passing merchants and soldiers alike. "You're new. You just need time to adjust."
Akari pouted. "Adjust to what? Being the weakest adventurer in the entire kingdom?"
Lyra glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Weakness isn't permanent."
Akari blinked, then looked away, cheeks warm. "…Easy for you to say. You're the strongest."
They turned a corner, and Lyra slowed her steps. "Before we go home, you'll need proper clothes."
"Home…?" Akari echoed.
"My home," Lyra clarified casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You can stay there. It's safer than any inn, and I'd rather keep an eye on you until we know what you can do."
Akari nearly tripped over her own feet. "W-Wait, I'm staying at your house?! That's… that's too much, I can't."
Lyra raised a brow. "Would you rather sleep in the streets?"
Akari immediately shook her head. "Nope. Streets sound cold and dangerous. Totally fine with your place. Not complaining at all."
"Good. Then let's get you some outfits first."
The shop Lyra chose was on a quieter street lined with cozy little stores. The bell over the door chimed as they stepped inside, revealing rows of dresses, tunics, and travel-ready adventurer gear.
Akari hesitated by the entrance, staring at the neatly folded clothes. "Um… I don't really know what to pick. I've never exactly shopped for 'adventurer style' before."
Lyra crossed her arms. "Pick whatever you like. Practical clothes for travel, something comfortable for everyday wear. Don't worry about the price, I'll handle it."
Akari's eyes went wide. "You'll… pay for me? Just like that?"
"You don't have any money yet," Lyra said simply. "Consider it an investment. Once you start taking quests, you can pay me back if you like."
Akari smiled sheepishly. "I… I'll pay you back. Somehow."
It took longer than Akari expected. She found herself drawn to soft tunics, knee-length skirts paired with sturdy boots, and a light jacket that didn't restrict her movement. She also picked out a simple dress for more casual days, something plain but comfortable.
Lyra, waiting patiently near the counter, nodded in approval when Akari finally emerged with her choices.
"Good. They suit you," she said as she handed the shopkeeper a small pouch of coins.
Akari felt her cheeks warm again. "T-Thanks… you didn't have to do all this for me."
"I did," Lyra replied. "You wouldn't last long in those clothes you came here in."
The walk to Lyra's home took them out of the city's busiest streets. Her house was a two-story building of stone and wood, tucked near the edge of a quiet district. The garden was well-kept, with a few flowering bushes blooming by the entrance.
Akari stared. "…This is your house? It looks… normal. I thought someone like you would live in a castle or a huge mansion."
Lyra gave a small shrug. "I prefer quiet. A castle would be a nuisance."
As they stepped up to the front door, it opened to reveal a woman in a neat maid's uniform. She had short brown hair tied back neatly, and her calm eyes sparkled with curiosity as they fell on Akari.
"Welcome home, Lady Lyra," the maid said with a polite bow. "And… we have a guest?"
Lyra nodded. "This is Akari. From today onward, she'll be staying here as well. Please prepare a room for her."
The maid smiled gently at Akari. "Of course. My name is Elen. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Akari."
"Ah, n-nice to meet you too," Akari stammered, bowing slightly in return.
Elen stepped aside to let them in. The interior of the house was warm and welcoming, with polished wooden floors and the faint scent of tea in the air. It was far from the image of a warrior's home Akari had imagined.
Lyra set her swords on a stand near the door, then turned to Akari. "You've had a long day. Rest for now. Once Elen finishes preparing your room, you can settle in. We'll figure out the next steps tomorrow."
Akari felt a strange sense of relief wash over her as she stood in the entryway of her new home. For the first time since arriving in this chaotic world, she didn't feel like a lost soul.
"…Thank you," she said softly.
Lyra tilted her head slightly. "For what?"
"For… not leaving me behind. And for letting me stay here."
Lyra's expression softened, just for a moment. "You've had a rough start. You deserve a chance to find your place here."
Akari smiled faintly. For the first time since her reincarnation, she felt a tiny spark of hope.