Inside the castle's ground, we walked as a group through the area, and after passing through the outside courtyard and the castle's inner walls gate, we arrived together on the main street in the city of Vaporic. The city I ruled over had a Gothic feel. Everything was all dark in colour, including the buildings, shops and flowers. The people wore all kinds of clothes from all over the demon nation.

However, in our province, higher demons usually dressed in fancy clothes imported from all over the coalition. As I mentioned, the men would wear fancy suits in various styles with ties, usually wielding staffs and walking sticks. Most of the higher class women wore dresses, holding wands with precious jewels. I looked around the streets briefly; It's been so long. But before our group made our way down the single narrow path, I saw everyone form up to try our best not to bump into anybody along the way. The people of the city of Vaporic used a single street to get around. It was simple and was an effective way of travelling the city, and it was hard to get lost when there is only one road.

As we passed the various people walking, some merchants weres selling flowers and chocolates; I noticed everyone's eyes looking left and right as they admired the merchants and their wares. Today's streets were filled with all kinds of different noises I was not used to hearing for some time; after all, I had been caged up inside a quiet castle for some time now. Three years to be exact. However, I could hear the noise of music and laughter as we all made our way through the large crowds.

I noticed everyone putting their hoods up as I followed their lead. I could see the group was doing their best to go unnoticed. When we passed them, I could hear at the very same time several various people arguing over prices, trying to get the best deals. Then I heard someone yell, which made me laugh a little as I found what they said funny, “I know how to count, do you? Are you trying to rip me off?”

I could not help but chuckle as we walked past them. With my head down, I began looking at the sand that filled the cracks between each brick in the road. When we passed looking up, It had been so long it was nice to see the shops even If I was just passing them, I started not to pay too much more attention to the banter, I was just taking in the scenery and admiring the beautiful city the new senate and I worked so hard to maintain over the last three years. Finally, all the hard work I put in the last three years was paying off, and this was the first time in years I had seen firsthand all of the progress. But it cost me a lot.

Looking over to the woman I lost as Aurora noticed me. Spinning to face me, her long dark red hair swept past her shoulder and hung down, laying across her chest armours breastplate. Lowering her hood to look at me, I could see the sunlight hit her eyes. It began lighting up her ruby red eyes sparkling in the light. She started smiling at me as I looked down in shame.

We continued to walk; I tried to shake off the guilt the best I could, and then, looking back at the large shops and various people gathered around, I continued taking in the surroundings. Hearing the birds, people talking, laughing, and hearing them all brought back old memories of my friends and I. Better days.' Suddenly having imaginary images flashing back of better days with Edgur, Aurora and Locust.

When I closed my eye’s everything became surreal. It was brief as I inhaled the fresh air, the images fading in my mind as things started returning to everyone was all grown-up again. It was starting to upset me that I locked myself away like a caged bird after the accident. Like a bird who had a clipped wing, I sat admiring the world from my cage. But now, perhaps I could move on.

Letting go, I could feel a 100lb weight lifted off my shoulders as the emptiness slowly left my heart. But, being with everyone, I could not help but feel happy again, and to top it off, It was a charming day outside. While I was enjoying myself, I saw Edgur must have noticed me with a smile on my face, as he slowed down his pace to face me, and then tapping me on the shoulder, he asked me in a comforting tone as we walked, “Hey there, stud, is there anything catching your eye?”

Edgur paused for a few moments’s not saying a word. Then catching his breath, he continued saying to me,

“Perhaps some jewellery? Or maybe a cute woman has caught your eye?” The two of us both started to laugh as Edgur pointed out a few ladies, and while we were laughing, I answered him and said, “Nope, I don't know why it is, but I’m enjoying this more than I thought I would, maybe more than I should. But, of course, that may be because we're all together.”

After saying that, I could not help but feel a stare burning into the back of my neck; it was a dark presence. Turning to face the force, I noticed it was Aurora. Aurora not listening to our conversation due to the fact of what Edgur had just said moments earlier. I bet she only heard the part about the girls and ignored everything else, not able to keep it in any longer. I listened and watched as she replied and started shouting at the two of us,” A girl? A girl?! You Better not be looking at one while I’m here. That would be very rude.” Glaring at me, she puffed her tiny cheeks out at me and pouted; now pointing, she continued in a raised voice.

”Why, you! You were always the space case dozing off, always in your own world probably thinking of other girls.”Then, she reached her hand out, put her right index finger up, and began pointing at me while saying. ”Two, you tend to care about these small things way too much. That's not a good trait for a person, even back in school you...” Then I could hear the soft voice of Locust add to our conversation as she replied, “To be fair, Aurora. That is why we love him,”

Locust was always a sweetheart towards me and was always kind to me even in school, I could not help but look over, and as I did, I noticed Locust giving me a wink. Casually laughing trying not to let the girls sour the mood any further and kill my positive vibe, I was now compelled to hide my face in my long red scarf in an attempt to avoid any more backfire from this conversation before briefly looking to Edgur and asking him, “Hey, bud, we’re almost there right?.”

Edgur smiling back at me now answered me and was quick to say, “Yes, we are, Silvar; we are just arriving now, have a look ahead of us.” In front of our group now was an old rustic-looking cottage-style house with vases outside the door with golden puffy flowers. The building itself, I could tell, was painted with a darker black colouring compared to the neighbours. The house had a black & silver frame, and it was built with a wooden roof attached to the other complex structures made of metal and stone; just like all the buildings in the province of Algia, the people built the style of homes out of stone and wood with little metal.

However, I was surprised by the size, and it almost looked like the basic model of the homes that engineers built. This looked like it was not an inn or restaurant in design from what I had seen in the library. Turning to Edgur, I had a look of displeasure on my face, and before losing patience with him smiling friendly towards me, I asked as calmly as I could,” Ugh is this a joke, Edgur?”

The more I tried to picture it, the more confused I would become. Finally, when I could not picture anything other than a home, my head hurt. Finally unable to contain myself, I let out, “This looks like a house, Edgur. Do you think I am dumb?!”

After screaming that out loud, a group of people looked at us, and I turned surprised. Forgetting my manners, I apologized to them for bothering them. I could notice Edgur turning towards me before saying in his calm usual tone of voice, unphased by my outburst, “It is a house. But inside. The owner runs a small business, trust me, it’s wonderful... I have been going here for the last few years. You know those cakes you love?” Answering him with a worried look now on my face, I could feel the sweat beginning to build on my forehead as I said,” Yeah, I love those cakes; what about them, Edgur?”

Then that dumbass Edgur announced proudly to the world and the ladies while making a hand gesture towards them, declaring, “Well, this is where I get you those fruity cakes.”

I watched as Locust began to hold her mouth with her hands in an attempt to hide her laughter from me as Aurora began to quickly turn towards me, giving me a confused, strange look, now giving me the weirdest look, she said, "Silvar, care to explain yourself?" Without a moment's haste, I grabbed Edgur's left shoulder and pulled him in for a little word between us men. However, being as weak as I was and as strong as Edgur was, he did not budge an inch. Instead, I began huddling up to him. I quietly said to him under my breath, just loud enough for Edgur to alone hear, “Not out loud, Edge, not out loud, and seriously here?” Edgur could see a grim look of embarrassment on my face as I was going pale from embarrassment. Then he said to the ladies of our group, “Well then, let us go inside and order something.”

Everyone waited for me to walk up first to the building. As I did, I opened the door, and as I held it open for everyone, I looked at Edgur and said. “Ladies first.” Looking at Edgur now as to say your first go on in bud.’ Now entering the home, as I closed the door, I saw a large crowd starting to form, they got together in small groups and started whispering.’ “Is that lord Silvar? No way. He just stays in the castle and works, doesn't he?” Another person began to whisper.’ “It can't be. He hasn’t left the castle since his mother's unusual death.”

The four of us now were inside as we walked past an entrance area, and once further inside the house, I could feel by the decor it had a very casual vibe. It was nice and had a homey feel you could compare to visiting your grandparents or someone you loved. It was not an overly big area, but it had a spot with a few tables where the living room should have been, and there were clear signs of renovations. I noticed this immediately especially having access to the many blueprints and reading them in my spare time at the castle while visiting the library.

Realizing all the additions added, I quickly assumed this must be for the guests. But before I could get a chance to ask Edgur, Edgur looked to us all and said without a moment's notice, “The owner would come to one of the many tables. And to just find a seat."

The dining room had one chandelier located in the centre. Although it was not ornate or a very fancy room, nor was the chandelier anything special, it reminded me of the barracks cafeteria. It was a plain metal ring attached to a chain, with several slots for candles currently lit. They were burning slowly, dripping wax down onto the metal frame they sat on top off. I watched as the flames flickered, distorted by smoke. Lost in my own thought, I heard Aurora and Locust talking towards me once they were both seated at a table, "Hey Silvar get over here!" As I started to approach the two of them, they began asking me all sorts of questions when I took my seat. Aurora started the interrogation saying to me in an unimpressed/upset tone as the light flickered above her, “So 3 years, what's the emergency? Please don’t say you are having a midlife crisis Silvar?”

‘Edgur couldn't help but laugh a bit upon hearing that adding,’ “When is he not having one?”

Unimpressed, I began now looking at Edgur, and I could be seen by the others visibly shaking my head at him as I was just about to respond to the insult with my own. I, however, was then interrupted as I was about to talk by an unknown voice. I heard whoever they were cut me off from the other room shouting.“We have guests, dear. Go great them, and bring the menus this time, blockhead.” Edgur enjoying himself hearing that comment, began to burst out laughing, quoting. “Blockhead“

Then to my surprise, I felt the floor shake, a giant beast of a man came walking through the tiny door where the voice came from. Covered in patches of fur all over his body, it did not take me long to realize it was a full-blown Minotaur. Seeing one generally inside Vaporic surprised me. Why one would choose to live in the Algia province, let alone their capital Vaporic was a huge compliment? I mean, compared to their home province, it seemed the second rate.

Humbled upon seeing the Minotaur, I stood up and said to him as he stood there looking at all of us, “Hi there, I do not think I have welcomed you personally before to our Capital welcome to Vaporic, and your name is?” I began waving towards him like an idiot. I could not help but be somewhat formal.

I looked over to see Edgur’s face was red, now tears ran down his face as he held his side crying; holding his side, I watched him as I was continuing to wave, then I heard him say in a mark remark, barely able to make out the words I heard him say, ”This day keeps getting better.”

I did not understand why he was laughing hysterically, with tears running down his face. Turning my attention back to the Minotaur. The man did not say a word and just looked at me, and I was beginning to think he was not sure how to respond. The Minotaur I noticed kept glancing over towards Edgur, who was about ready to fall off his chair from laughing so hard. ’Which I noticed he did only seconds later.’

Confused, I continued to watch the Minotaur scan his surroundings and look around. Puzzled, the Minotaur began scratching his head. After all, what should I have expected? Minotaur's were not known for being widely intelligent. But after hearing all the commotion, I imagine. His partner left the kitchen while yelling, I could tell from the tone it was a woman's voice, and when the woman appeared through the door, she looked angry. She looked around and spotted the Minotaur and ran through the door, which in compassion to the Minotaur who she kept referring to as ‘Malio’ who had just entered did not make it look so tiny.

I was quick to tell the woman was a lesser succubus from the general Magical energy I could feel within her. The succubus was also generally not the tallest species-wise, especially succubus women. They generally tended to be short, which was not a bad thing. Whoever she was, she was nowhere even close to 7 feet tall like her partner Malio.

All I could do was continue to stand and wave when the woman entered the room now. She is straightforward in the eyes. Rocking a slender figure with light blue eyes. The woman also had soft brown hair, which she styled her hair in a curly and short wave. She also wore reading glasses and stood roughly, if I had to guess, 5 ft tall. In between all the yelling, there was a warm and inviting smile when she would smile. Looking at her attire more closely, I noticed she wore a chef's apron and also had on a chef's hat, which I thought was. ‘Super cute.’ But upon further inspection of the outfit, I definitely noticed right away she was almost naked from the waist up, basically only having strings covering her breasts and the apron.

Succubus woman always dressed provocatively, being at most times in my eye's next to naked there was this one time when I turned 18 for my birthday Edgur thought it would be funny to send a few succubi my way...The woman was ignoring us or just not noticing them, and I watched as she immediately turned her attention right to Malio. Her voice was firm when she addressed him, saying these words, ”I swear you can be such a blockhead. What was it that fell?” Quickly following up with. “Are you okay?” Malio then turned and faced me, pointing to me standing, I could feel I was still waving, and then he answered her and said,’ “He. He wants to welcome me to Capital Feri.” I could tell his vampire's tongue was awful. It was like a toddler talking, but it was still admirable. Confused, Feri took a moment to process everything and paused, remaining still while trying to take in all the information she just heard before I heard her repeat, “Welcoming, me, to the Capital? What are you pointing at?”

I was standing still at this point and saw as she began turning her head towards us she must have seen the group now in their armour. Awkwardly standing still while waving, I watched the woman who I overheard Malio call ‘Feri’ lower her glasses and begin to look at us before walking over to inspect us more closely. Feri instantly noticed the Half Moon crest on my armour and started immediately waving back upon recognition.

I assumed she now recognized just who Malio was pointing at as I mentally laughed. I listened as the woman said now to me. “Oh, that crest It’s... The family crest of the Lord of Algia, you must be Lord Silvar!! What brings you here? Is something the matter?? Are we in trouble...?”

After frantically asking several questions, the woman standing in front of me started to rub the back of her neck nervously. I stopped waving by this point, realizing just how much I looked like a complete idiot and then answered, “No, No, you are not in trouble at all. I am surprised you live with a Minotaur. I did not know there were Minotaur’s in our capital. Sorry if I confused your friend. I just wanted to welcome him to the city. Please don't be so nervous as nothing is the matter. We were actually just coming to get something to eat before we left the city for a little trip.”

I noticed after I said that, Feri lowered her hands and relaxed; she then quickly responded to what I said about eating and turned to the group and declared.”Well, you all came to the right place.” With her warm smile, Feri handed me a menu then each of the girls behind me a menu as the Minotaur Malio forgot them. When I received the menu from Feri, it actually made me laugh. Remembering what she said earlier to Malio, I had a little giggle, "Haha." Edgur, who had been on the floor now for what seemed like forever, caught Feri’s eye as she walked over. Feri noticed Edgur being amongst the four, reaching her hand out. I watched her extend a helping hand towards him getting him up off the floor before asking.’ “How did you exactly get there.”

I watched as Edgur brushed the dirt off his cloak and turned and thanked Feri," Thank you, Feri, you are too kind." Ignoring or not hearing the second part of the question. I continued to listen to them while retaking my seat. Then, raising his voice now a-bit, he shouted.”Hey Malio.” A growl could be heard as a sign of approval? Malio then loudly exited the room, each footstep behind him echoing loudly. The two continued to look at each other before I heard Feri saying, “It’s been a while now, hasn’t it? How have things been?” Feri seemed like she knew Edgur very well as I wondered what their relationship could have been. Finally, I listened to him say while smiling. ‘Edgur, not wanting to be rude, quickly answered Feri’s question, “Things have been perfect. Living the dream, am I right?”

As he then started elbow nudging me, he continued to talk to Feri now saying,” I brought a few friends this time. I hope you don't mind.” I have not seen Edgur smiling like this in a very long time. It caught me off guard. Whenever he came by my castle, he always seemed so serious and gloomy when we would talk...I watched and judged Edgur silently as he then grabbed his seat again and sat it upright before sitting down beside me. I could hear Feri responded, saying, “If they are friends of yours, not at all, Edgur. You're always so cheery, but as far as any one of us is concerned, living the dream? Yeah, right.” I felt like Feri, and I smiled as she rolled her eyes at him and then made a small laugh herself. Turning my attention back to the ladies, Locust and Aurora only took a few moments to order. But I only needed to look at it for a moment before knowing exactly what I wanted, and then I closed the menu. Smirking a bit, I turned to the group before asking them all,’” Have you decided?”

I saw Aurora looked at Locust, and then I heard her ask her,” Ummm, have you decided, Locust?

Locust then responded while searching the menu," I don't know, cutie." then she answered her once closing it, ”Nope, Everything looks soo good, Aurora, and if it’s on Silvar's dollar, we should order the most expensive thing.” Her response caught me off guard. I watched as Locust looked up from the menu at me and stuck her tongue out, and then she turned and looked to Aurora before saying,” Don't you agree?”

Aurora grabbed Locust’s hand, and she started nodding her head in agreeance. Then they both turned their heads looking down at the menu together and proceeded to pick the most expensive thing. They pointed to a page that had a weird drawing on it. Suggesting that is what it looked like, whatever they were ordering. All Feri could do was stand there while smiling, then I listened as she decided to break the silence and said, ”So how are you guys today? Do you have anything special planned outside the city?” I heard after no one responded; Feri followed up with,” Well, what is it that you guys wanted to order?”

Not much time passed, maybe half a second before Aurora and locust both replied to her, saying the same order,” The hot sandwich with extra meat.” Feri asked so many questions at once. The group could not answer not one question while they ordered. Except for what I heard Locust saying after they placed the menus down,” Oh, Silvar can explain later.” Feri noticing Aurora was also a Vampire like myself, asked her, “Aurora did you want your meal cooked or raw?

Aurora paused for a second before she answered, “Raw, please, I would like for it to be raw and the 50/50 juice to drink with it,”

The name 50/50 implies what it sounds like 50 % blood 50% juice which was actually quite tame for a vampire. Locust ordered the same sandwich, but to drink ordered just some plain old normal orange juice. I heard Feri reply after hearing their orders, “Good choice, ladies!”

Feri now turning her attention to Edgur. Feri started asking him, “Are you going to get the usual?” After she said that, Edgur said,” Yes, with some extra sugar in my tea today, I feel I will need the extra surge of energy.”

After picking the menus up, Feri began to pay attention to me and started asking me, ”What about yourself, Loor...” Then be Feri had a chance to finish saying, Lord, I cut her off, telling her, ”Silvar will be fine. There is no need to be formal in your own home; we are but guests.” Smiling towards her, I picked up the menu. “Definitely,” Feri, answered then looking towards me, she then said, “Silvar, let me know whenever you are ready. I am going to start the sandwiches Locust and Aurora ordered and Edgur’s meal. My partner Malio will be out to get your order momentarily, and I am usually the one who makes the food.” Then, nervelessly smiling at me before twirling around and asking the ladies, “Is there anything else you girls would like before I leave?”

After both of them responded.’ “We are fine, thank you.” Feri left the room, and I was left in shock. I said no need to be formal, but I did not walk away before taking my order.

Letting out a sigh now, I noticed Aurora and Locust looking at me, and they both asked the same question. “What are you going to get?” Answering without hesitation, slightly angry, Feri ignored me; I said without thinking, “Probably just that delicious cake.”

Aurora then replied in a shocked voice, “Just cake?” Turning her head towards Locust. When I got a good look at the two of them, it was almost as if she was giggling with her hand over her mouth at me. The two Looked semi-surprised with my answer, and now I felt embarrassed. Looking around frantically, I said, “You see... this cake, yes, it’s delicious, soft, fluffy, also very light. And I don't want to eat too much. We are going for a walk and eating too much... Also, why not cake? It seems fitting for an afternoon snack before we go to investigate the Forest Of Lost.”

My face was now slightly red at how ridiculous I sounded, covering my face momentarily. I then started offering everyone a slice when it came out fresh to divert some of the attention. I was generally more excited than usual for the cake, and I hoped it would be as good or even better than when Edgur brought it down the last time he visited. Usually, by the time he would arrive, it had gone cold or was not soft because the castle was a bit of a walk away. Also, it usually had been sitting for a while. So for once, this was a treat among treats. Then from the back, we could hear Feri saying, "Foods ready!"