You look at your little brother across the table, the faint swirl of his new cosmic crown shimmering only to your eyes. Your voice is warm and patient.
"Lukas… you're Cosmic Lord now. This is your city too. Where do you want to go first? The palace to watch the other heroes from afar? The market? Somewhere to eat? Anywhere you want — Mira and I will stay right beside you. No rush. Today is yours."
Lukas wipes the last of his tears, takes a deep breath, and smiles — a real, steady smile this time.
"Big brother… honestly? I just want something normal for once. Let's walk the capital market first. I haven't had a proper hot meal that wasn't scraps in weeks. Then maybe find a quiet place to sit and talk more. No palace yet. I don't want to see those four idiots right now. I just… I just want to feel safe with you and Mira for a little while."
Mira's tail gives your leg a gentle, approving squeeze under the table. She bows her head toward Lukas with quiet respect.
"As you wish, Cosmic Lord Lukas. The market it is. I will walk one step behind you both and keep watch."
You nod once. The three of you stand up together. With a tiny, invisible snap of your fingers, Lukas's cosmic armor shifts into simple but high-quality traveler's clothes (black with silver trim) so he blends in perfectly — no one in the tavern even notices the change.
You pay for the drinks with a casual gold coin from Mira's pouch and step out into the bright afternoon sunlight of the capital.
The central market square is alive with color and noise: stalls selling spiced meats on skewers, glowing enchanted fabrics, rare fruits from distant lands, and street performers. Citizens bustle everywhere, but no one pays the three of you any mind — just another merchant, a fox-eared adventurer, and a quiet young man in dark clothes.
Lukas walks between you and Mira, eyes wide with wonder. He stops at a food stall and buys three big portions of roasted honey-glazed boar and fresh bread with the gold you quietly hand him. The first bite makes his eyes close in pure bliss.
"Gods… this actually tastes good," he murmurs, mouth full. "Big brother, I can't believe this is real. I feel safe. Really safe."
Mira stays right beside him, Starfang hidden but ready, her emerald eyes scanning the crowd protectively while she eats with graceful bites. She occasionally glances at you with that deep, devoted heat in her gaze, tail flicking happily.
The three of you wander the market for nearly an hour — Lukas pointing at interesting stalls, laughing softly at a street magician (who has no idea how tiny his tricks are compared to you two), and slowly relaxing with every step. No one recognizes the "weak Fifth Hero." No one suspects the Cosmic Lord or the Wish Djinn walking among them.
Lukas finishes his meal, wipes his hands, and looks at you with calm, grateful eyes.
"This is perfect, big brother. Thank you. I feel… human again. Where to next? We can keep walking, find an inn, or… whatever you think is best. I trust you completely."
Mira stays glued to your side, waiting silently for your word while still guarding your brother.