Family system

Smiling, he continued, enjoying the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves. This made Lunaris special—this seamless blend between civilization and nature. It was a place that thrived without needing to conquer, where the people worked with the land rather than against it.

As he neared the city's outskirts, he could see the towering spires of Lunaris in the distance, their silver-white surfaces gleaming against the afternoon sun. The closer he got, the more signs of civilization appeared—worn stone paths, lantern posts lined with glowing mana orbs, and the occasional glimpse of a farmer tending to crops that flourished under Lunaris' naturally enriched soil.

Jack stretched his arms above his head, grinning. It had been a while since he last visited, and he looked forward to seeing Ela again. Picking up his pace, he made his way toward the city gates, ready to step back into the heart of Lunaris.

As Jack approached the grand gates of Lunaris, the guards stationed there immediately took notice. Their posture straightened, and their eyes widened with recognition before they quickly saluted him.

"Lord Jack," one of them greeted respectfully, stepping forward. "It's an honor to have you in Lunaris again."

Jack smiled and gave them a casual nod. "At ease. No need to be so formal."

Despite his words, the guards remained disciplined. One of them motioned for the others to open the gates, allowing Jack to skip the long line of merchants, travelers, and adventurers waiting for entry. He could hear the murmurs of those in line, whispering about his presence, but he paid them little mind as he strolled into the city.

Lunaris was as breathtaking as ever. Unlike the structured, wealth-driven Goldspire, this city felt more organic; its beauty derived from seamlessly blending with nature. Towering silver-white spires reflected the sunlight, representing the city's advancement in magic and craftsmanship. The streets were paved with smooth stone, and glowing mana-infused lanterns hanging from elegantly curved poles cast a soft light even in daylight.

Jack debated heading straight for Ela's residence but quickly dismissed the thought. If he went to see her now, there was no way he'd get anything else done today. He knew himself well enough to admit that once he was with Ela, he'd spend the entire day teasing, flirting, and eventually ending up tangled with her in some comfortable place, completely forgetting why he even came here in the first place.

So, instead, he decided to explore.

Lunaris had grown significantly since his last visit and wanted to see what had changed. Walking through the city, he took in the lively atmosphere.

The marketplace was his first stop. Bustling with activity, it was filled with traders selling exotic goods, fresh produce, enchanted trinkets, and weapons infused with magic. Some of the merchants were from Lunaris, but others had traveled from far-off lands, bringing with them rare spices, fabrics, and artifacts. The scent of grilled meat, freshly baked bread, and sweet fruits filled the air, tempting even Jack's refined palate.

He stopped by a stall selling intricate jewelry and observed the craftsmanship. The vendor, a young woman with keen eyes and a confident smirk, noticed his interest.

"Something catch your eye, sir?" she asked.

Jack picked up a silver bracelet inlaid with a faintly glowing blue gem. "Not for myself, but I might know someone who'd appreciate this."

The vendor grinned. "For a lucky lady, I take it? This piece is enchanted with protective charms—subtle but effective."

Jack flipped the bracelet between his fingers before handing it back. "I'll think about it."

As he moved through the city, he observed the people of Lunaris. Unlike Goldspire, where caution and discipline ruled, the people here carried an air of ease and confidence. Magic users openly practiced their craft, children played in the streets, and the city guard patrolled not with an iron fist but with a protective presence.

Jack passed by an open training ground where adventurers were sparring. A group of mages demonstrated control over various elements while swordfighters clashed in rhythmic duels. A young boy, no older than ten, was being instructed by an older warrior, his small hands gripping a wooden practice sword tightly. The sight made Jack chuckle—Lunaris was always fostering strength, even in its youngest.

Eventually, he found himself in the artisan district. Here, sculptors carved statues infused with mana, their hands moving with precision, while tailors crafted robes that shimmered with magical properties.

After an hour of wandering, Jack finally sighed and stretched. "Alright, I've wasted enough time. Time to see Ela."

He turned on his heel and approached the city's grand estate, where Lunaris' beloved city lord awaited. And if he were lucky, she wouldn't be too mad that he took his time getting there.

Jack strolled through the winding streets of Lunaris, making his way toward the grand estate where Ela resided. The city had a certain charm and vibrancy that differed from Goldspire's rigid structure. Here, everything was alive—magic flowed through the streets, woven into the fabric of everyday life. Flowers with glowing petals lined the pathways, enchanted lanterns hummed softly, and runes etched into the walls of buildings flickered with protective energy.

As he neared the estate, the atmosphere subtly shifted. The streets became wider, cleaner, and less crowded, a testament to Ela's position as city lord. Unlike Goldspire, where Elise ruled with practicality and a firm hand, Lunaris felt almost… relaxed. Ela had cultivated an environment where people thrived and weren't constantly looking over their shoulders or worrying about their next meal. She had done well for herself, and Jack couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

The estate came into view—a grand yet elegantly designed structure with flowing archways and ivy creeping along the pristine white stone walls. It wasn't ostentatious like some noble palaces, but it carried an undeniable authority, a perfect reflection of its ruler.

The guards stationed at the entrance recognized him instantly. They snapped to attention and saluted him with practiced precision.

"Master," one of them greeted, bowing slightly. "Lady Ela is inside, currently overseeing some administrative matters."

Jack smirked, shaking his head. "Of course she is. Always working."

The guards exchanged glances, and one of them chuckled. "It's been a busy few weeks, my lord. But I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."

Jack nodded and stepped past them, making his way into the estate. The interior was just as refined as the outside—elegant yet not excessive, designed with warmth rather than intimidation. Servants moved about swiftly but efficiently, each one acknowledging him with a bow or a polite nod.

He knew exactly where to find Ela. If she were handling administrative matters, she'd be in her office—probably buried under stacks of paperwork, sipping tea to keep herself from drowning.

Jack walked through the halls purposefully, his footsteps barely sounding on the polished stone floor. When he reached her office door, he didn't bother knocking. He pushed it open with a knowing smirk.

Inside, Ela was seated behind a grand mahogany desk; her brows furrowed in concentration as she scribbled something onto a document. Her silver hair was pulled back into a loose bun, a few strands falling around her delicate face. She was dressed in her usual form-fitting robes, a deep blue shade accentuating her regal presence. A steaming cup of tea sat beside her, untouched and likely forgotten in her work.@@novelbin@@

She didn't look up immediately, too engrossed in whatever report she reviewed. Jack leaned against the doorframe, watching her with amusement.

"Hard at work as always, I see," he finally spoke.

Ela's quill paused mid-stroke. She looked up, blinking as if pulling herself out of deep thought. The moment her golden eyes landed on him, a small, genuine smile tugged at her lips.

"Master," she breathed, setting the quill down. "You're finally here."

Jack pushed off the doorframe and walked toward her desk. "Took my time enjoying the city first. If I came straight here, you'd keep me trapped all day."

Ela chuckled, shaking her head. "And yet, here you are, willingly walking into my web."

Jack grinned, placing his hands on the desk and leaning forward slightly. "I figured I could afford the risk."

Ela rolled her eyes but stood from her seat, walking around the desk to stand in front of him. Before he could say anything else, she gently cupped his face, her fingers cool against his skin.

"You look well," she murmured, studying him.

Jack smirked. "Of course I do."

She huffed a soft laugh and lightly swatted his arm before stepping back. "Come on. If you're here, I assume you're not just visiting to tease me. What's on your mind?"

Jack folded his arms. "Plenty of things. But first, I want to hear how you've been. You've been managing Lunaris well, I see."

Ela sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned against her desk. "It's been steady, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Expansion has been smooth, trade is flourishing, and people are happy. But with growth comes complications. We're drawing more attention, both good and bad."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Bad, as in trouble?"