Third Point of View

  "Here, you happy now?" Thailon asked, handing the paper to Lara with a hint of impatience.

  Lara took it with a bright smile. "You did a good job there, child," she teased, exchanging the paper for the basket. "Woah! You actually got the king's approval! Must be nice to have that kind of pull, huh?" She scanned the paper, impressed by the official stamp and signatures.

  Thailon shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. "You should be," he replied, but there was a flicker of pride in his eyes.

  Lara folded the paper neatly, tucking it away. "Now I can finally build what I want!" She looked back at him, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I'm heading back to the restaurant. Care to join? I know I gave you the sandwich, but this paper means a lot, kid."

  Thailon chuckled and raised an eyebrow. "Did I ever refuse your food?"

  "No, you never did," Lara admitted, shaking her head. But she thought to herself, Though you are picky as hell, aren't you? She couldn't help but smile, recalling all the times he'd wrinkle his nose at her cooking, only to eat every last bite anyway.

  "Well, then, let's go," Thailon said, already taking a few steps ahead as he held the basket protectively, like it was his most prized possession.

  Lara followed, feeling a warmth settle over her. "You know, you don't have to be so tough all the time," she commented, half-joking, as they walked side by side.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  He gave her a sideways glance, the corners of his mouth lifting just slightly. "You make it hard to be," he said quietly, but with a smile.

  As they walked together through the dimly lit streets towards Lara's restaurant, the evening air was thick with an unusual hush. The night had fallen, casting a soft glow from the lanterns along the path, and Thailon, known for his stoic demeanor, moved through the crowd with a relaxed presence that startled those around him.

  People who passed by couldn't help but stare. Some paused mid-stride, their eyes widening as they recognized Thailon, the man whose face rarely betrayed emotion. Tonight, however, was different. There was a hint of warmth in his expression, a slight curve to his lips that nearly bordered on a smile. For a man who usually wore a mask of seriousness, the sight was nothing short of astounding.

  Thailon is respected by everyone because of the presence he carried.

  Those familiar with Thailon's reputation whispered to each other in astonishment. A few even stopped in their tracks, blinking as if to make sure they weren't imagining things. It was as though a new side of him had been unveiled under the cover of night, catching everyone off guard. For once, Thailon appeared approachable, almost gentle, as he walked beside Lara.

  The faint rustle of leaves accompanied their footsteps, and as they passed through the marketplace, vendors and late-night wanderers watched them with stunned curiosity. It wasn't just that Thailon was smiling—albeit subtly—it was that he seemed genuinely at ease. For the people of the city, accustomed to seeing him as a distant, unapproachable figure, this small shift in his demeanor felt monumental.

  As they continued down the lantern-lit path, the murmurs behind them grew fainter, but the impression Thailon left lingered. The night, it seemed, had allowed a rare glimpse into a side of him that no one had expected to see, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had witnessed it.

  "By the way why even bothered going in the academy I could just go straight to your restaurant?" Thailon asked.