Dayesh and Jauna descended into the town aboard a carriage driven by Faram. They decided to go out for a while, as Dayesh had begun to feel restless with Jauna's repetitive daily routine.
As they stepped down from the carriage, Dayesh gently assisted his wife. They walked hand in hand through the streets.
"I'll head over there for a moment, Jauna. I need to visit the pharmacy."
"Please buy the household necessities as well, Faram. Thank you."
Faram simply nodded, and they parted ways.
The town was lively. Vendors called out, buyers haggled, couples strolled, and families passed by. As they walked, people couldn't help but stare, especially at Dayesh. Jauna overheard a few whispers.
"He's so handsome. What a pity he already has a partner. I would have approached him."
"I feel drawn to his charm."
These murmurs reached her ears.
They went to a restaurant to eat. While dining, Dayesh occasionally fed Jauna, making her smile. It was something he did every day whenever they shared a meal.
After eating, they took a short walk until they reached a park with benches, where they sat.
Dayesh laid Jauna's head on his lap and gently stroked her hair, gazing at her face.
"This kind of peace feels so wonderful, my love."
Jauna raised her hand and lightly pinched his sharp nose.
"You really are not much of a talker."
"I have nothing to say, so I remain silent, my love."
"My love? Say it again."
"My love."
He brushed her lips with his thumb.
"I'll take a short nap. I suddenly feel sleepy."
While she slept, many thoughts filled Dayesh's mind. He stared into the distance, hoping Jauna would never decide to leave him after the time she had given.
Several months later, their first child was born, a daughter they named Lzith. Jauna gave birth in Caelumn, as she and Dayesh had agreed, so he could properly take care of her and their child.
Dayesh was filled with joy. The child resembled Jauna more than him.
They took turns caring for the baby. Jauna during the day, Dayesh at night. Whenever Lzith fell asleep, he would sleep alongside her.
After three months, Jauna returned home, where they continued raising their child.
Every day, Dayesh would bring home something for Jauna or Lzith. For Jauna, it was often food. For Lzith, toys that were popular in Caelumn. When Lzith's hair grew longer, Dayesh would often tie it. The child became closer to him than to Jauna.
"Pa… pa… papa…" were the first words Lzith uttered.
Overwhelmed with joy, Dayesh embraced his daughter, tears nearly forming in his eyes. Since Jauna came into his life, his once hardened heart had gradually softened and begun to beat properly. He wished that these simple yet happy days with his small family would never end.
He did not long for anything grand. He followed Jauna's wishes and took good care of their child.
But sometimes, fate can be cruel.
"Dayesh, you have been chosen to marry Ihrad from the other planet as a symbol of unity."
"I refuse. Choose someone else."
"But she has taken a liking to you, Dayesh."
"I already had a wife. You know that."
"You can have more than one spouse. Ihrad knows about Jauna, so there will be no problem."
"That is not possible. My time belongs only to my family."
"If you refuse, they will declare war."
"They would start a conflict just because I refused to marry the king's daughter? How selfish. I will resign from my position and live simply among humans."
Dayesh stood and left the meeting.
"Dayesh, wait. There is something else you must know."
He stopped walking as the speaker continued.
"If you refuse, she may interfere with your personal life."
"Does she have information about where my wife and child are?"
"No. We have not given any details. But even if they are not the target, our clan will suffer."
"Tell them I died after hearing terrible news."
He removed the pendant symbolizing his rank.
"I will never show myself here again."
He packed his belongings and prepared to move in with Jauna. He would explain everything once he arrived.
"I refused. You are the only one I love. I cannot bring myself to love another until my final breath."
He was in wolf form as they communicated through telepathy.
Jauna gently stroked his head, silently expressing her gratitude for his loyalty. Though their relationship was not overly romantic, they continued to choose each other.
"Tomorrow, I will look for work to support you and Lzith."
"You can go with Faram to explore the town. Rest your mind first. We will face everything together, in hardship and in comfort."
"Thank you, my love."
Dayesh entered the guild office and approached the front desk.
As he walked, people stared at him because of his striking looks and beautiful eyes. Even the receptionist seemed flustered.
"To become a member, you must register first. Then you can take on quests in exchange for payment. The higher the difficulty, the higher the reward."
Dayesh took the form and was about to write when the receptionist asked,
"Do you have companions?"
He shook his head.
"You are not from here, are you?"
"No, but my wife lives here."
"So you are married," the receptionist thought to herself.
After completing the form, Dayesh waited a few minutes for his identification card.
While waiting, several people approached him, asking about his abilities, whether he was new, where he came from, and how he ended up in the guild.
He answered calmly with a smile. He could not show hostility on his first day. He was not looking for trouble.
Soon, he received a bronze identification card. The color of the card determined one's rank.
"The card changes depending on the quests you complete. What weapon do you use?"
Dayesh quickly thought of an answer. He could not reveal his true power.
"A bow and arrows."
"We will provide one free of charge, but next time you will have to purchase it."
"I understand. Thank you."
After receiving the bow and arrows, he went to the bulletin board and examined the easiest and hardest quests.
The list included:
Retrieve a rare plant for an apothecary.Eliminate animals that are causing trouble in the rice fields.Find a wealthy family's missing pigeon.Kill a bear responsible for the deaths of merchants passing through the forest.Slay a dragon.Kill a serpent whose blood will be used for a rejuvenation potion.
And many more.
He selected the three easiest ones.
He told Faram not to wait for him. He temporarily left his weapons with the receptionist, went outside, found a secluded place, transformed into a wolf, and returned home to Jauna.
"My love, I found something to keep me busy and earn money."
"Tell me about it, my love."
He carried Lzith and began explaining.
He told her about joining the guild and choosing easy quests for now, as he did not want to draw suspicion by displaying overwhelming strength.
"I will support you in things that will not put you in danger."
"Thank you, my love."
He kissed her.
"Some people invited me to join their group, but I declined."
"I understand why. When Lzith grows a little older, I can join you sometimes."
"By the way, have you seen our child transform?"
"Not yet."
"She turns into a beautiful bird. We can take her with us, as long as she stays in that form during our travels."
"Papa… papa… paaa… pa…" Lzith called, seeking his attention.
"Yes, my child?"
Dayesh kissed her head and held her tiny hand.
"I am carving this small hand into my memory. Time passes quickly. Before we know it, she will grow up and may no longer call for me as often."
"She prefers you over me, my love. Do not feel bad."