As the three stepped out of the restaurant, they were met with a gentle breeze along with the sun's hovering glare, signaling that it was still midday and their adventure was far from over.
They had originally traveled to Celestia intending to assist with the farm goods, but Martin had decided to handle the task alone, leaving the trio to explore the city and enjoy their well-earned reward.
Kian had been working in the fields with Landon since he arrived in this world, tending to the farm for roughly six hours a day. While the job was physically taxing, Kian found it to be a new experience as he never had a real job before.
In his past world, he maintained a regular workout regimen, which made the task manageable. Moreover, the life of a farmer in this world was relatively comfortable compared to the previous world he had known
The farm workers received better treatment, respect, and better pay here.
Although it wasn't extremely hard work it wasn't like Kian was freeloading, Martin had told him that since he began helping they have increased their sales by a good margin, so it worked out for everyone.
Taking them to the city was a means of gratuity, since the enthralling backstory he came up with made it seem like he longed to venture into the city.
Which honestly wasn't too far off; he yearned to learn more about this world, that was one of the reasons he wanted to come here, he needed knowledge and he had succeeded in doing so.
So with his hidden task complete, he could now bask in the wonders of Celestia without anything holding him back.
Although he still didn't know much about the city.
"So where are we off to next tour guide?"
"Hmm, great question."
With that silence followed.
Landon wasn't a reliable directory when it came to things revolving around fun.
He was basically a shut-in.
Maybe the reason he had gotten quite emotional earlier was that they were his first real friends.
Albeit when Kian looked at him it was hard to believe this.
He presented himself as confident and as previously remarked; he was relatively good-looking.
"We could just do as we did before, sightseeing is pretty interesting "
The one to break the silence was Luna, and she was indeed right, sightseeing and learning more about the technological and cultural standpoints of the city would be productive.
"Ah if that's what you wish to do then let us go"
"Stop lying, you don't know anything special to do, do you?"
"Of course I do… but I've already explored the city plenty of times, so it would be best for you two to decide."
Kian was quick to tease him, throughout the year Luna's playful attitude must have rubbed off on him, for better or for worse.
This was also to get closer to Landon as a friend, and potentially a future ally.
Landon put in a lot of work and Kian respected that above all else, he was destined to do great things down the line and Kian hoped to be backing him up when those things emerged.
Kian would need an abundance of assistance for his goal so it was best to make connections when he could.
Kian wasn't delusional, he knew it wouldn't be a simple task to get him and Luna back to their world.
In fact, he didn't even know how to commence that quest.
So chances are he'd probably be in this world for a good amount of time, it wasn't favorable but it was the bleak reality that existed.
And he surely wasn't going to run headfirst into things based on nothing but emotions, he was smarter than that.
So whether he liked it or not, he knew this world would likely be his certitude for years to come, and that was looking at the brighter side of the picture.
Worst case scenario they never make it back.
Which to him would be the same as just dying, which he had already done once before.
"Ah I got it, how about we go and see the heart of the Mythoria kingdom, the holy castle itself?"
"Great idea, see I knew you had it in you."
Now he was talking, I mean who wouldn't want to see such a sight?
Castles stood in the modern day but this is completely different.
When they first entered the city the castle was in view, but that wasn't the case anymore.
"It's a pretty lengthy walk, around 20 minutes."
"It'll be worth it."
They were already deep into the city, but the capital of one of the biggest kingdoms alive wasn't small.
It was entirely the opposite.
***
After their short travel, they arrived at their destination; which was the castle that stood in the middle of the city.
The city itself contained many different structures, various shops, factories, schools, and houses were all over the place.
But this was the holy grail.
The castle was on a slightly elevated point, which was gradually developed by the silent uphill roads.
From the outside one could see that the castle rested on a more evaluated point but now that they stood not so far away it was harder to tell.
It took up a large amount of space, having its own open grounds, gardens, diverse buildings, and the castle itself behind its walls.
The gates that layered the castle were fairly tall, they also had guards in what appeared to be a type of metal armor geared with spears guarding them.
Nonetheless, the thing the gates protected was the true tourist attraction, the inner bailey.
Through the entrance gates, he could see the castle grounds were meticulously maintained, with a manicured lawn and neatly trimmed hedges lining the paths.
There were fountains and statues which added to the sense of grandeur, their sparkling waters and graceful figures creating an atmosphere of tranquility and beauty.
The castle itself was a masterpiece of architecture, Every detail was carefully considered, from the intricate patterns etched into the walls to the delicate tracery on the balconies.
As he took in the sight of the palace from afar, he can't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for the sheer scale and magnificence of this wondrous place.
It's a testament to the skill and vision of its builders and a symbol of power and prestige that commands respect from all who behold it.
He never really wanted to visit the landmarks of his world, he used to believe that seeing such builds would be slightly futile, but as his eyes rested on the castle in front of him he couldn't help but think how wrong he was.
After looking at it for a few more moments he decided he'd rest his eyes upon the real beauty, he wanted to see Luna's reaction to the castle.
He turned his head slightly in Luna's direction, allowing her face to come into his view.
He was more excited seeing her reaction than his own; she always loved the history of the world, and even though he was slightly less untested, they had plans to venture to different landmarks, so it was nice to see her achieve her wish since he didn't know if it would be possible to do it back on earth.
And just as he thought; it was well worth it.
She looked mesmerized, which paired along well with her beauty.
Her amber eyes, a trait she now shared with Kian, were radiating glamorously.
Although she made sure not to express too many emotions in public, Kian knew she was ecstatic. If he was in awe over the sight of the castle, then she, who always wanted to see one in person must be elated.
The moments like this were the ones he loved, and the ones he looked forward to in the future.
He'd have to thank Landon in private for taking them here, for this was a sight he would make sure to never forget.
He really couldn't get enough of her, and perhaps he was staring a little too hard.
That seemed to be the case as he watched her gaze her view over to his.
Eventually, they locked eyes.
Seeing him focused on her was quite embarrassing; in a good way.
She couldn't help but let herself get slightly hot, and soon a lovely smile took over her previous thunderstruck face.
The two stayed like this for a moment, shutting everything out and taking in the experience of a lifetime, as if their love seemed to transcend life and death itself… which was true in a sense.
Ever since he and Luna arrived in this world Kian sometimes wondered what life would be like if she hadn't come with him.
She truly was his strength.
That's why the thoughts deep inside of him left him truly miserable.
"Ugh… you two hurt me mentally."
Hearing that they both snapped back to reality slightly startled.
Kian almost forgot Landon was third-wheeling for a second, maybe it wasn't best to drown everything out.
Turning to him he rested his hand on his shoulder.
"It's alright, you'll be sure to find love someday."
He made sure to say it in an empathetic voice like he had given up on him.
"If only it were all that simple."
"Trust me, you can do it… maybe."
He continued his sorrowful tone, poking fun at Landon was a recent hobby of his.
"You make it sound like you lost all faith in me."
Teasing a friend was fun, however, he wasn't truly lying, he had some potential, his slightly lengthy messy golden blond hair along with his blue eyes was a nice trait, Kian had gotten a few calls to model in the past, and he didn't believe Landon was that far from him.
That being said his social skills were pretty bad, he could converse well, he was a nice and funny guy, and he had a pleasant personality, he just didn't acquaint himself with anyone.
Maybe their friendship would give him the skills he needed to develop.