Embers of Resolve: A Confluence of Fates (Part 2)

Before we head out, I invited Byron to come with me and he agreed as he had a task that Jake gave to him. He is tasked to take care of me because this is my second time I am being reckless and giving him a hard time. Indirectly, Jake feels responsible for my safety. 

Then, he offer to all of us to ride a carriage to go having lunch at the town and I decided to go at another 6 star restaurant that was located at 'Aurelia Mirrormere', place where it graces the landscape of the Altyzurian Kingdom, a shimmering expanse of water that reflects the golden hues of the realm's majestic sunsets. The restaurant was in the lake and we just needed to cope ourselves with magic to enter that place.

… 

On the journey, Byron was looking uncomfortable but I can read his mind that he must haven't enough money to have lunch here for seven people. 

I immediately mentioned to them this is my treat and offered to buy all the expensive ones. His expression changes but he might be contemplated but I assure him it is to be treated as my gratitude for everyone that takes care of me. 

As we arrived at the location, I marveled at the beauty of the lake that mirrored the vibrant sky above. The restaurant's charm was enhanced by its unique placement in the heart of the shimmering waters, accessible only through the grace of magic. It was a testament to the wonders that existed in the realm, hidden away from the ordinary.

The entrance to the enchanting underwater restaurant was met with curious and judgmental gazes, which bore down upon us as if we were a spectacle. The unusual composition of our group – four Eccentrics children accompanied by a butler – seemed to ignite the whispers and stares of the other patrons. However, this atmosphere of peculiar fascination did not deter my determination. They are judging our appearance as someone that should not be there at a fancy place like that.

Because of that, I had an idea for my next destination. I want to buy them new clothes.

As we approached the restaurant's entrance, our path was obstructed by a mermaid and merman, who deemed us unworthy due to lacking a reservation. The blatant favoritism they displayed for Magiphores left a bitter taste of injustice.

"What are you doing?" I asked the guy guarding the door.

"Only a person with a reservation is allowed to enter." The mermaid explained.

However, as I looked around, I saw they let the person without reservation enter. It is not fair as they are being racist to us. They only have to pay the entrance fee. This is totally a discrimination.

"My goodness. Are you joking with me? You guys let them enter without reservation just fine!" I started to raise my voice because I was getting irritated.

"Well, that's because they are Magiphores." The mermaid explained and mentioned a racist issue.

"And so what? Do you think we (Eccentrics) don't have money?"

My frustration found voice in my words, as I challenged their bias with the injustice they were perpetuating. However, my stance shifted as I realized the true nature of the situation – the unchecked privilege of the Magiphores. My indignation was replaced by an intentional act of kindness, as I presented the coins as a gift, leveling the playing field. 

I put my hand in my pocket and took two Stelladam, a mythril coin as a gift for them and their expressions changed.

"Here let me show you my power" I tell him with a low voice to keep a secret from my friends. Both the mermaid and merman were left speechless when I showcast my mana pool that is enormous from hallucination magic. 

Their attitudes shifted abruptly, and we were granted access to the enchanting underwater world of the restaurant. 

As we passed through the door, we all were instructed to stand inside the circle, where the employee enchants a magic on us as a safety and it also protects us if something would happen. As we passed through the protective barrier, the awe-inspiring spectacle of marine life greeted us.

When we walk into the underwater restaurant, what we see is the beautifulness of that place with a light shimmering that fills the room with bluish color. Inside the water, all the creatures are visible to us as the restaurant is built up in the barrier. It looks like a doom where the water cannot pass through. The restaurant's engineering, powered by advanced magic, kept the aquatic wonders at bay by using magic to produce their own air inside this place.

It was very scary for us to see there are many beautiful fish and there is also a sea monster swimming around but they cannot detect the people inside the barrier.

It took us a minute for us to momentarily enjoy the view and we took a seat on the empty table that the waiter brought us to. 

We settled into our seats, surrounded by a surreal yet mesmerizing environment. As we navigated the menu, I stepped into a new role – guiding Mara and her friends through unfamiliar culinary choices. 

I managed to help them with ordering and asked their preferred food. It was heartening to witness their joy and fascination, as they savored their first underwater dining experience. Same as for me and Elijah.

Byron's reserved demeanor did not escape my notice, prompting me to engage him in conversation.

I looked at Byron and he had been quiet all the time. I took my chance to talk with him while they all were playing and running around with Elijah.

"Thank you for coming with us, Byron" I told him while giving him a smile.

"Don't mind it, sir. It is my duty to accompany you" Byron explained to me.

"Please, I'm not a royalty like Jake. You can just call me Oruvan." I assured him to call me comfortably.

"Well then, if you insist, Oruvan," Byron smiled at me and I could feel our bond getting closer.

Our dialogue shed light on his duty-bound nature, a reminder of the role he played in our lives. My insistence on a more informal address between us seemed to lighten his aura, reflecting his willingness to bridge the gap.