Alfie watched the young lady exit his office with a reminiscing gaze. Reading about his escapades in the early days of Pronoe brought back memories he had long forgotten.
Taking a break from the piles of tasks on his desk, Alfie slumped back into his wooden chair.
Throughout the 2 years, Alfie had used his modern knowledge to boost the starting point of Pronoe as a civilization.
Although he couldn't replicate modern technology like computers or phones, his basic knowledge about diseases, mathematics, and modern information helped the young city in its many hurdles.
The city was still in its infancy, and yet it was already starting to grow an identity of its own.
For example, a little bit past noon everyone no matter their profession, age, or gender would head back to their family for some rest or a bite to eat.
It wasn't known how such a tradition started but it's undeniably become a staple part of everyone's schedule.
A soft knock rang from the door of Alfie's office followed by the small creak of its opening. "Professor, Jess and I are gonna be a little late when returning to the office after leisure is that alright?" asked Clare
"Gotchu, enjoy your break, the two of you," Alfie replied while still lost in thought.
"You too, professor," Clare answered with a bright smile before speeding off.
Seeing his subordinates leave for their break, Alfie decided to start leaving as well.
Throwing his hand-woven tote bag over his shoulder, Alfie stepped outside of his small office building onto the lively dirt roads of Pronoe.
Along Alfie's way to the temple, people waved, children pointed at him to their parents, and passersby made sure to not get in his way.
In response, Alfie gave smiles and waved back constantly, something that had become almost automatic for him.
Reaching his destination of the temple, he stood witness to the mural painted across the entrance.
On the front of the building displayed a scene of three individuals being blessed by a divine being.
The divine being was depicted to be Prometheus, while the three individuals kneeling to him were the Counselor, the General, and the Chief, the three positions ordained by his majesty.
After taking a final short look, Alfie entered the temple's main lounge. A waft of roasting chicken permeated the area causing Alfie's mouth to water in anticipation.
The Chief always used the highest grade of harmonic water in his cooking, which always led to the dish being heavenly.
The main area of the temple resembled if nothing else a large dining room combined with a living room.
The temple was used as an area of worship, celebration, and for discussion.
Alfie had proposed the temple to look like a modern church however the chief was adamantly against such an idea.
To the Chief's credit, the place felt a lot more comfy and inviting it felt like a second home in a sense.
Hanging his bag onto a chair, Alfie sat waiting quietly.
He had come earlier than he usually would, so he wasn't completely sure what the others were doing.
Biding his time, he chose to rest his head down on the table and take a moment of shut-eye.
Not a moment later, the door swung open as Lucia walked through.
The lovely general wore a simple leather tunic and some woven shorts. Her long black hair was tied into a bun to not hinder her movements.
Seeing the sleeping Alfie she walked quietly towards the seat next to him, making sure not to make a sound.
Pulling out a chair, she sat down and observed the tired counselor's face. While he was sleeping he was cute, so vulnerable and open.
She liked that honestly, it made her smile. Feeling tired herself she too laid her head down, facing his direction she closed her eyes and too fell into a deep sleep.
The feeling of being tapped on the shoulder slowly awoke the sleeping Alfie.
Feeling his mind clear up he looked up to see the old man nodding to his side.
Turning his head back down, he came face to face with the sleeping Lucia.
Flashing a bitter smile, he stood up straight before nudging the girl awake.
She raised her head while stretching his arms out wide in a yawn.
Looking around she asked, "How much leisure do we still have left?"
"Enough time to eat and relax for a little while." The Chief answered
Sliding two empty wooden bowls in front of the two recently awakened pairs, he explained.
"About 30 minutes to be exact. Enough for you two to gobble down your meals and head out."
"Thank you for the meal chief." Alfie smiled
"30 minutes??" Lucia replied in dismay
Feeling the nearing end of her break she lightly punched Alfie's shoulder.
"It's not my fault you decided to sleep too you know," Alfie said while grabbing some food.
"I know I know, but you seemed so comfy I felt like joining." She sighed
"30 minutes is still quite a lot of time. Stop bickering and enjoy the time you have left." The chief reassured
For the next few minutes, the trio sat in silence, enjoying their meal and each other's company.
Alfie was the first to leave the table after quickly finishing his meal.
After cleaning his bowl he went to gather his materials and leave.
But just as he was about to exit the front door Lucia called out to him.
"Don't forget about tomorrow okay." She told him
Alfie thought to himself, thinking if anything important was happening. It took a few seconds before it struck it. He had finally agreed to exit his room and train with Lucia a few days ago.
"Yeah, I'll see you in the evening." Alfie nodded
Without a second's hesitation, he left.
Watching him leave, Lucia stabbed her spoon into a piece of fish.
There were still 20 minutes left in leisure. Abruptly she stood up from her chair with a spark of determination in her eye.
"Sit down. You know he'll only recluse further if you push it." The chief advised
Lucia bundled her fist into a tight grip before letting go. Sighing under her breath she sat back down.
"I'm gonna ask him about it tomorrow. After our practice." She answered
"That's a bad idea and you know it."
"I just can't wait any longer."
The chief sighed.
"Just don't push it too far."
"I'll try."