"You actually temporarily lived in this world?" Tohru questioned, surprised. Lucoa, who rarely left her territory, nodded in confirmation, "This world is very interesting. You will know after a few days of living."
Tohru hesitated, contemplating whether she could adapt to a life that was not solitary after all these years.
Lucoa encouraged, "Give it a try. This place has its own charm."
Tohru surveyed the bustling tavern, her gaze settling on Rem, Ram, and finally, Ron. "Can you?" she asked.
Ron nodded, "If you think this place is good, you can stay and work in the tavern. No salary, just room and board."
Not wanting to appear as if he's looking down on her, Ron reassured Tohru that it wasn't about being stingy, but rather an understanding that dragons typically accumulated vast wealth in the form of gold and gems.
Rem, extending a warm invitation, tugged at Tohru's robe, "If you are afraid of the dark at night, you can sleep with me or your sister," she offered, with Ram nodding in agreement.
Tohru, moved by their kindness, agreed with red eyes, "Okay."
Rem, leading Tohru to the backyard, suggested they clean up the room and bedding. Ron, sensing a peculiar situation unfolding, became alert, wondering if there was more to Tohru's arrival than met the eye.
Ron, holding the cigarette, pondered for a moment before saying, "Smoking isn't good for you, especially considering your position."
Lucoa chuckled softly, "Well, I'm not like you. I don't have to worry about my health."
Ron took a drag and exhaled a plume of smoke, "So, what brings you here? Couldn't sleep?"
Lucoa's eyes glittered in the dim light, "I was thinking, you've been studying those dragons magics for quite a while. You're really into it, huh?"
Ron nodded, "It's fascinating. I've never seen anything like this. It's like unlocking a new world of possibilities."
Lucoa smiled, "Dragon magic is indeed powerful. It's a part of our essence, passed down from generation to generation."
Ron flicked the ash off the cigarette, "You never told me you were a dragon."
Lucoa smirked, "Would you have believed me if I did?"
Ron thought for a moment, "Probably not."
Lucoa chuckled, "Well, now you know. Dragons have their own magic, their own way of existence. I thought you might find it interesting."
Ron nodded, "It is. And thanks for helping me pull that sword out of Tohru. What's the story with that Excalibur anyway?"
Lucoa's expression turned serious, "Excalibur is a divine sword, a symbol of power and authority. It's not something that should be taken lightly."
Ron raised an eyebrow, "And why did you stop it from returning to the gods?"
Lucoa leaned closer, her eyes glinting mischievously, "Because I think you can put it to better use."
Ron smirked, "Oh, really? And what use might that be?"
Lucoa winked, "I'll leave that to your imagination."
Ron chuckled, taking another drag of his cigarette, "You're full of surprises, Lucoa."
She grinned, "Life would be boring without a few surprises, don't you think?"
The two of them continued their late-night conversation, shrouded in the mystique of the tavern, as the smoke curled and danced around them.
Ron looked at Tohru with concern, "Are you okay? Dreams can sometimes be quite vivid."
Tohru shook her head, "It's not just a dream. It's more like a memory. A painful one."
Ron frowned, "A memory? You mean you actually experienced that?"
Tohru nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and frustration. "I remember my failed rebellion against the gods. The pain of Excalibur piercing through me. It's as if I relived that moment."
Ron's expression softened, understanding the weight of such memories. "That sounds tough. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here."
Tohru gave a small smile, appreciating Ron's offer. "Thank you. Your tavern is full of surprises, and I feel like I've found a strange sense of comfort here."
Ron grinned, "Well, it's not your typical tavern. But we try to make everyone feel welcome."
As Tohru finished her glass of water, she seemed to regain some composure. "I appreciate your hospitality. I never expected to find such a place."
Ron leaned back against the bar, "Life is full of unexpected twists. You never know where you'll end up."
Tohru nodded, "True. Maybe staying here for a while will do me some good."
Ron chuckled, "Just make yourself at home. We're a peculiar bunch, but we've got each other's backs."
Tohru's eyes softened, and for the first time since her arrival, she felt a sense of belonging. The unlikely group in Ron's tavern was starting to feel like a family, each member with their own quirks and stories.
As the night continued, Ron, Tohru, and the others spent time in the cozy tavern, sharing stories, laughter, and the warmth that comes with newfound companionship.