As Illyanna bounced from one lively conversation to the next, leaving a trail of smiling faces from various magical races - elves, orcs, humans, dwarves - in her wake, I found myself turning back to Matterinna.
I voiced the question that had been nagging at me, "Matterinna, where are my parents usually at this time?"
Her gaze softened, "After their night shifts, they typically rest in one of the local inns."
The mention of the inn prompted another question, "And why don't they go home?"
"They can't afford a horse or a Teleportation Amulet, Max. They usually only return home on weekends," she explained.
With a gentle touch, she placed her hand on my head, her gaze growing more serious. "Understand, Max. The hardships your parents face here... they do it not to escape, but to provide. To spend more time with you and Illyanna."
It was a harsh truth to swallow. My parents in this world were risking everything - their lives, their time, their energy, even their souls - for their family's happiness. The reality of their sacrifice slowly sank in as Matterinna's words echoed in my mind.
I nodded, finding my voice hoarse, "Thank you, Matterinna... for making me understand."
She gently nudged me, "Remember this the next time you're too quick to judge them. And maybe... give your real-world parents a chance too. They might be going through the same struggles."
I blinked in surprise, "How... How did you know?"
"It's written all over your face, Max," she chuckled. "Isn't this one of the reasons you wanted to build this dream world? To spend more time with your family?"
At her words, a sense of realization dawned on me. I nodded, finding a new resolve bubbling within me. "I promise... I'll change my attitude in the real world too."
Her gentle smile was a balm to my tumultuous emotions. "I'll hold you to that, Max."
Sharing a quiet moment of understanding, we resumed following Illyanna, who was now the centre of attention. The people of Tarvernia, curious and enamored by her charm, were doting on her. And amidst the bustling crowd and the setting sun, we walked together, a family woven together by shared laughter, newfound understanding, and a promise of a better tomorrow.
The town buzzed with life as we roamed its vibrant streets, and soon enough, we found ourselves standing before a cozy little tavern named 'Snow Fairy's Tavern.' Drawn by the tempting aroma of hearty meals and the inviting clink of glasses, we pushed open the door and entered.
The lively atmosphere inside enveloped us. We were caught in a warm wave of delicious smells and laughter echoing around the room. My sister, Illyanna, couldn't help but let her gaze dart around, finally landing on a stage designed with a mystical appeal. Glowing magical energies weaved around the structure, intertwined with intricate ancient runes.
Curiosity piqued, we examined the list of performers slated for the evening. Pride swelled in our chests as we found a familiar name - Laussinna Fiora, our mother.
"I can't wait to see mom perform!" Illyanna burst out, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
A sudden look of concern washed over Matterinna's face. "Maybe we should head back before it gets dark," she whispered, reaching for Illyanna.
I quickly caught her hand, interjecting softly, "Let's stay, Matterinna. Illyanna and I... we need to see our parents. Understand their lives here. It will help us bond more with them."
Matterinna hesitated for a moment, mulling over my suggestion. "I don't have a lot of money with me," she said finally, looking slightly worried.
A smirk formed on my face as an idea popped up in my head, "Is there a guild in Tarvernia?"
She scoffed lightly, "Of course, there is. In fact, you're a guild member here."
Her words took me by surprise, yet the thought of my dream-world self being a part of the guild stirred excitement in me. "Great, then let's take on a few simple quests. Earn some money," I proposed.
After another thoughtful pause, Matterinna gave a small nod, agreeing to my plan. Just as we were starting to strategize, our laughter echoed through the tavern as we found Illyanna, already chowing down on a spread of food and drinks she'd ordered.
"This is so yummy! Even tastier than Matterinna's cooking," she exclaimed between mouthfuls.
A glance at Matterinna revealed a heartbroken expression on her face. She slumped into a chair, muttering something about failing as a housemaid. A pang of guilt shot through me as I patted her head, trying to console her, but her disappointment seemed far from fading.
Just as I finally managed to cheer Matterinna up, we joined Illyanna at the feast. I must admit, the food and drinks of this dream world tasted surreal, more tangible, and tastier than anything I'd ever tasted in the real world, as baffling as that sounds.
"Are my meals better, Max?" Matterinna looked at me with hope in her eyes.
I let out a sigh, a small smile playing on my lips. "Yours, Matterinna, always have that special touch."
Her face brightened up, her smile spreading from ear to ear as she thanked me.
The tavern door swung open abruptly, a rush of cool air swirling around the room. The sound of purposeful footsteps grew louder as they approached our table. My eyes fell upon a girl about my age. Her golden hair flowed smoothly down her back, her emerald eyes were enchanting, and her face was breathtakingly beautiful, almost rivaling Matterinna's.
Her outfit was unlike anything one would find in this fantasy world. A white shirt, black necktie, coat, pants, and shoes. It was a formal office attire, causing a wrinkle of confusion to form on my brow.
"I've been looking for you," she said, her voice a dulcet tone. She looked directly at me, her gaze unwavering.
Taken aback, I shot a glance at Matterinna and Illyanna, who were equally lost. Deciding to play along, I informed her about my recent accident and my loss of memory. Matterinna quickly jumped in to add that I had forgotten crucial things.
The girl studied me, her hands resting on her hips. "Do you know my name, at least?"
My heart sank. "I'm sorry. I don't..."
A sigh escaped her lips. "So, I'm not important to you," she mumbled. But quickly regaining her composure, she extended her hand for a handshake.
"Lucianna Whiteheart, your client," she introduced herself.
"Client?" I echoed, puzzled.
Before I could get a word in, she produced a medium-sized brown bag that jingled with the sound of coins. As I reached out to grab it, she pulled it back swiftly.
"You want the money, you work with me. Otherwise, you risk losing your Chimera status," she said, her tone firm.
My confusion deepened. "Chimera?"