The evening breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine from the royal gardens below as Brandon and Rheanne stood on the private balcony of their guest quarters.

She reached out and grabbed Brandon’s ear, pulling it firmly "You... went and told him to build churches? You scoundrel?"

Brandon winced slightly but a dry, sheepish smile spread across his face "It’s for the people..."

Rheanne kept her grip on his ear and tilted her head as she looked at him with narrowed sky-blue eyes.

"For the people?"

Brandon raised his hands in mock surrender, "I already told you my reasons... The people need something real to hold onto when things get dire."

"The people call you ’Goddess’ because you’ve saved them time and time again. Building churches in your name... it gives them a place to pray and to find strength when the monsters come. It turns fear into hope."

Rheanne finally released his ear and crossed her arms while looking at him with a mixture of frustration and reluctant understanding.

Brandon rubbed his ear lightly and uttered "You don’t have to become a distant deity on a pedestal. The churches can be places where people remember you as the woman who fought for them. That’s all I’m asking for."

Rheanne looked away for a moment, and the wind gently lifted a few strands of her white hair.

With a soft sigh, he spoke "I’m not trying to force you into something you hate. But I believe it’s necessary. For the people. And... for the future."

Rheanne turned back to him, "I don’t know why you are hell-bent on making me a goddess...I will think about the request. Because it’s the first time you asked me for something."

With a smile, he reached out and took her hand "Thank you. You know that’s why I love you."

Rheanne’s eyes widened slightly at the words, but then she pushed his hand away with a light, playful shove "Scoundrel."

Brandon chuckled softly and leaned against the balcony railing beside her.

"I mean it, though. You’ve been by my side through every fight. You shared your ether with me when I had nothing left. You gave me a place to rest, and that’s why I... care about you so much."

"Two and half years. It feels both long and short at the same time." she murmured with a smile.

"I never thought I would meet someone who can use powers like mine. But I am glad it was you... Kael."

Hearing her words spoken with that quiet affection sent a warm ripple through Brandon’s chest.

He met her gaze steadily as the corner of his lips lifted into a gentle smile.

"I’m glad it was you too, Rheanne."

They stood like that for a while on the balcony as the cool night breeze brushed against them.

---

The night was quiet, with only the distant hoot of an owl and the soft rustle of leaves breaking the silence.

Brandon jumped down from the balcony and landed inside the room.

Amelia was in the middle of changing. She had just slipped out of her day dress and was reaching for her nightgown when the sound of someone landing on the balcony made her freeze.

She turned sharply and her eyes widened in shock as she saw Brandon standing there.

Startled, she hurriedly crossed her arms over her chest, trying to cover herself as best she could.

Her cheeks flushed bright red, and a small, embarrassed gasp escaped her lips.

Brandon’s gaze flicked toward her for a split second before he quickly looked away, turning his head toward the wall.

"I-I am sorry. I didn’t mean to walk in like that."

Amelia grabbed the nightgown from the chair beside her and quickly pulled it over her head as the fabric fell loosely around her body.

Her face was still burning as she adjusted the gown, making sure everything was properly covered.

"You... you should knock next time. Or at least announce yourself before jumping onto someone’s balcony."

Brandon kept his gaze fixed on the opposite wall, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

"Yeah... sorry about that."

Amelia finished adjusting her nightgown and let out a shaky breath "What are you doing here at this hour?" she asked, trying to sound stern but failing as her voice wavered slightly.

Brandon finally turned his head back toward her "I just wanted to talk to you for a little and... maybe we can sneak out?"

Upon hearing this, Amelia’s eyes widened in surprise "S-Sure, let me change my dress."

She reached out to grab a simple dress from the closet with a hooded cloak that would help her blend in with the night.

She turned to him, clutching the clothes to her chest "I’ll be quick."

Then she quickly entered the small changing room attached to her chamber, pulling the curtain closed behind her.

A few minutes later, she stepped out with a wide smile on her lips "Shall we leave?"

Brandon nodded and gestured toward the balcony "After you, Princess. But try not to climb too loudly this time."

Amelia let out a soft, embarrassed laugh and walked to the balcony, carefully opening the shutters.

She climbed over the railing, and Brandon followed right behind her, making sure she was steady on the narrow ledge before they began their descent together.

The castle walls were familiar to Amelia, and she guided them through the blind spots of the patrolling guards.

They reached the ground without anyone noticing, slipping into the shadows of the outer gardens

---

Together, Brandon and Amelia made their way through the winding stone paths of the palace gardens and toward the capital.

As they approached the town, the streets were already bustling with laughter and excitement.

The sound of traditional music filled the air, and colorful lanterns hung from every post, casting a warm and festive glow over the cobbled roads.

As they continued walking, a group of performers took center stage in the town square, preparing for a traditional dance.

Brandon and Amelia found a quiet spot near a small bridge and leaned against the wooden railing to watch the dancers.

Amelia sighed, resting her arms on the railing "I used to dream about attending these kinds of celebrations when I was younger. Now, I finally get to enjoy them."

Brandon turned to her and smiled gently "Then I’m glad I came with you."

Before she could respond, a familiar voice called out. "Amelia? You’re here. And... oh? You brought someone?"

A middle-aged woman approached them and a smile appeared on Amelia’s face "Miss Helen. Yes, this is..."

She hesitated, glancing at Brandon, unsure of how to introduce him.

Brandon simply smiled and nodded. "A friend."

Helen nodded her head "Are you still planning to come to the restaurant after this? We’re a bit short-handed tonight, and I could use the help."

Amelia glanced at Brandon hesitantly, but he only smiled. "I’ll help too."

"You?" Helen looked genuinely surprised.

Looking at her, Amelia replied "Yes, he will help too."

---

Following Helen to the restaurant, Amelia whispered "Since I rarely come outside, many people don’t know that I am the princess of this nation."

"When I sneak out sometimes, I do some work at Miss Helen’s place... she knows my identity."

Brandon was amused to hear this "I see..."

The restaurant was cozy, tucked between two large buildings.

Customers filled the tables, chatting and laughing while the staff rushed between them, serving dishes and taking orders.

The scent of sizzling meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, making Brandon’s stomach rumble slightly.

Amelia handed him an apron with a teasing smile. "Here, put this on."

With a soft sigh, he slipped the apron over his robes and followed her to the kitchen, where Miss Helen quickly assigned them tasks.

Amelia was in charge of taking orders, while Brandon found himself carrying trays of steaming dishes to waiting customers.

It was... chaotic, to say the least.

Brandon moved through the crowded restaurant, balancing a tray of steaming meat and bowls of soup.

The chatter of diners filled the air, blending with the sizzling of food being prepared in the kitchen.

At first, it was a bit awkward... but soon he began to enjoy the unfamiliar experience.

"Here you go," he said, placing a plate of crispy roast chicken on a table where a family sat eagerly waiting.

The elderly man at the table glanced at him curiously. "Young man, you don’t look like a regular server. Is this your first time?"

Brandon smiled faintly "Yeah."

"Well, you’re doing well enough." the man chuckled, lifting his teacup.

Brandon nodded his head with a smile before moving to the next table.

The night continued, with the two of them moving in sync as Amelia took orders while Brandon served dishes.