A Journey That Changed The World

Archer looked at the twins as a smile appeared on his face. He shook his head and suggested an idea they could do together. ”Would you girls like to explore the island, maybe get some snacks?”

In response, a cascade of joyous giggles and babbles erupted from Kela and Neoma, their tiny voices filling the air. The sound stirred something in him, a warm spark that prompted him to rise to his feet.

As he stood, his wings appeared, and he gently took off so as not to bother the girls, stirring a soft breeze around them. He held the twins tightly, their small legs kicking playfully as they dangled against his chest.

Kela squealed in excitement, while Neoma’s wide, curious eyes sparkled. Higher and higher they went, the rolling hills and meadows below giving way to the silhouette of Dragonheart, its spires glinting like beacons.

The city sprawled before them, alive due to the hum of its people. As they descended, he tilted his head to gaze at the two grey-skinned infants cradled in his arms. Their delicate features mirrored his own, clearly showing he was their father.

‘I can’t believe how much they look like me,’ Archer thought.

Kela’s chubby hands clapped together in a burst of happiness, while Neoma’s violet eyes grew impossibly wide, drinking in the sights below. His warm laugh rumbled through his chest.

”Little ladies,” he said. ”How would you like to try some grown-up food today?”

When Kela heard this, her clapping grew happier, her tiny body wiggling excitedly, while Neoma’s lips parted in a soft gasp, her gaze flicking between him and the bustling city below.

His smile widened as he angled his wings, guiding them into a smooth, spiraling descent toward the heart of Dragonheart. The square came into view, a mosaic of cobblestones surrounded by stalls overflowing with fruits, skewers, and steaming loaves of fresh bread.

The scents of spices and roasted meats wafted upward, mingling alongside the chatter and laughter of the crowd. Moments later, he touched down lightly in the center of the square, his boots barely stirring the dust.

Archer noticed the crowd parted slightly, their eyes drawn to them and the two giggling infants in his arms. He set them down gently on his shoulders as they clung to his hair. The square pulsed with life.

He couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride at the thought of introducing these two tiny souls to the wonders of the world. ”Now, let’s see what treats we can find for you both,” he murmured.

Dragonheart thrummed as Archer traveled through it, his presence softened by the two tiny figures perched atop his shoulders. The twin princesses giggled uncontrollably, their grey-skinned cheeks flushed as they swayed gently.

Their small hands tugged playfully, while threads of shimmering mana wove around them like ribbons. The faint golden glow of his magic held them securely in place, ensuring their safety as they bobbed above the crowd.

Market stalls lined the streets, their awnings fluttering in the warm breeze as vendors called out, hawking spiced meats, glistening pastries, and baskets of jewel-toned fruits. Children darted through the crowd, chasing one another.

Archer instantly noticed the air was thick with the mingled scents of fresh bread, roasted nuts, and the faint tang of enchanted herbs from an alchemist’s booth nearby. Archer’s lips curved into a fond smile as Kela let out a high-pitched squeal, pointing at a group of girls.

They waved at her, causing the baby to get extremely happy. Neoma, quieter but no less enchanted, leaned forward, her eyes wide as she tracked a flock of tiny, glowing sprites flitting above a flower stall.

It was the sight of the twins, adorable in their matching dresses, their tiny crowns of braided flowers tilting slightly as they squirmed. Whispers rippled through the onlookers, their voices a soft hum beneath the city’s lively pulse.

”Look at the princesses! Aren’t they just precious?” a woman murmured to her companion, her basket of bread forgotten as she craned her neck to watch.

”The emperor himself, carrying them like that, so doting!” another voice chimed in, tinged with awe.

An elderly man chuckled, leaning on his cane. ”Never thought I’d see the day when an Emperor strolled through the market like any other father, with those little ones stealing the show.”

The gossip spread like wildfire, warm and affectionate, as people paused to steal glances at the trio, their hearts warmed by the sight of the mighty ruler so tenderly devoted to his daughters.

Archer, oblivious to the murmurs or perhaps simply unbothered, tilted his head to flash a grin at the twins. ”What do you think, my little stars? Shall we find something sweet to nibble on?”

His voice was warm, playful, and laced with the kind of joy only the twins could spark in him. Kela clapped her hands, her laughter bubbling over, while Neoma kicked her legs, her tiny feet bouncing against his shoulders.

The mana ribbons pulsed brighter for a moment, adjusting to their excitement, and keeping them steady as they wriggled. His sharp senses caught a new scent on the breeze: warm vanilla, caramelized sugar, and the faint hint of freshly brewed tea.

His eyes lit up as he turned toward a cozy café nestled between a bookstore and a potter’s shop. Its open windows revealed tables laden with pastries, frosted cakes, and steaming mugs, while a sign above the door read

The Gilded Teacup in elegant, curling script. The sight sent a spark of delight through him, and he quickened his pace, the twins bouncing lightly. ”I can feel it, girls!”

Archer declared, his voice ringing with mock grandeur as he raised a hand dramatically. ”Delicious snacks await us!”

Kela let out a triumphant squeal, her arms flailing as if she were leading a charge, while Neoma’s soft gasp turned into a rare, excited giggle, her hands patting his head in enthusiasm.

The crowd around them erupted into soft laughter, charmed by the little girl’s happiness and his playful theatrics. As Archer approached the cafe, the twins’ excitement seemed to radiate outward, drawing smiles from every corner of the street.

When they entered, the bell above the door chimed softly as Archer stepped inside, the warm aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, and freshly brewed tea enveloping them, putting him at ease.

The girls, still perched on his shoulders, squealed, their tiny hands tugging at his hair as they craned their necks to take in the cozy cafe. Delicate mana ribbons glowed faintly around the twins, securing them in place as they wriggled.

Archer noticed the interior was a charming blend of rustic and elegant, wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and tables were adorned with lace doilies and small vases of wildflowers.

Glass cases along the counter sparkled with an array of pastries, their sugary glazes catching the soft light filtering through the windows. His boots clicked lightly on the polished wooden floor as he approached the counter.

The girl behind the counter, a young woman with auburn hair tied back in a messy bun, was wiping down the surface. She glanced up, then froze, her hazel eyes widening as recognition hit her like a thunderbolt.

”E-Emperor Archer?” she stammered, her voice a mix of awe and disbelief.

Her cheeks flushed pink, and she fumbled to stand straighter, nearly knocking over a stack of teacups in her haste. Archer flashed a warm, disarming smile, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

”Just Archer today, I think,” he said smoothly, his deep voice carrying a playful lilt. ”No need for titles when there are cakes to be had.”

He tilted his head slightly, letting Kela and Neoma come into full view. The twins giggled, waving while their eyes studied the girl. The sight of the grey-skinned princesses seemed to snap the girl out of her shock, and she let out a nervous laugh.

”R-right, of course!” she said, smoothing her apron as she regained her composure. ”Welcome to The Gilded Teacup! What… um, what can I get started for you and the… the princesses?”

Her gaze flicked up to the twins, a soft smile tugging at her lips as Kela clapped her hands and Neoma kicked her tiny feet against his shoulders. Archer leaned forward slightly, scanning the glass case.

”Let’s see, for my little stars here,” he said. ”Two of your finest cakes. Something sweet and soft, perhaps those strawberry cream ones?”

He pointed to a pair, their fluffy layers topped with swirls of pink frosting and fresh berries. Kela let out a delighted squeal, as if she understood perfectly, while Neoma’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the treats.

”And for me,” Archer continued, his tone turning indulgent. ”A slice of that chocolate hazelnut cake, it looks like a work of art. Oh, and a pot of your tea, if you please. We’re in for a proper feast today.”

He winked at the girl, who was now scribbling the order on a notepad with slightly trembling hands. ”Got it! Two strawberry cream cakes, one chocolate hazelnut cake, and a pot of tea,” she repeated, her voice steadier now. ”I’ll have that right out for you, Your, um, Archer.”