Lucas POV

The crunch of snow as I stepped out of the carriage was oddly satisfying. The chill bit at my face, but I didn't mind. This little town, tucked into the mountains and blanketed in white, was perfect. It wasn't bustling like a city, but it wasn't a ghost town either. Decent folk, plenty of trade passing through, it felt alive without being overwhelming.

Just what I needed. Just what we needed.

My wives and I plan on laying low here for a while. So let me introduce you to them.

Harper Silver was just a bit shorter than me, with wavy black hair and striking purple eyes. On the other hand, Ramona Silver was slightly taller than me, with blonde hair and green eyes.

Harper was busy directing the movers, her breath puffing in the cold air, while Ramona wandered toward the garden plot, already muttering about what she could plant come spring. I smiled, letting the moment settle into me. We made our way to the house, a small, stone building with 2 floors and 4 bedrooms. We thought about using the 3 extra rooms for guests or future kids, but those kinds of thoughts are for another time.

No more battles, no more demons, no more heroes fighting each other for power. Just peace. For once, I could finally relax.

I helped with the moving, and after about an hour or so, everything was done, and it was just us relaxing on the couch. Harper and Ramona settled next to me, I closed my eyes and relaxed. Maybe, just maybe, I could finally retire from the world that had demanded so much from me.

*****

I woke up to the soft warmth of the morning sun creeping through the window, the golden light spilling across the room. It was cozy here, peaceful. The weight of the world outside felt miles away. I stretched slowly, feeling the softness of the blankets around me, and then I noticed how cute my wives were as they curled up against me.

I smiled, feeling that rare kind of calm I'd been longing for. I tried to move, but Harper stirred, tightening her hold on me.

"Where do you think you're going?" she mumbled.

"Just getting up, Harper."

"No," she whined, nuzzling into me, "Stay. Just a little longer."

"Hmm, you're cute without your glasses."

"Mona, help. He's trying to distract me."

"She's not going to let you up, you know." Mona chimed in.

"I'm starting to get that feeling...You sure you don't regret turning down that headmaster position? You always wanted that. The youngest headmaster...pays a lot and you only have to be there for 4 days a week."

"Luke...I've had my fill of responsibilities. I want this," she then gestured to our surroundings, "Besides, we've got more than enough money to last a lifetime. Why go looking for stress when I can stay here with you and Harper?"

*****

The crisp morning air greeted us as we stepped out of the house, the snow crunching under our boots. The sun reflected off the frosty rooftops, giving the town a golden hue. Harper slipped her arm through mine while Mona walked beside us. The diner wasn't far, nestled near the town square. It had a warm, inviting charm to it, with a wooden sign hanging above the door and a steady stream of locals coming and going. We pushed the door open, and the comforting aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling breakfast filled the air.

A young waiter approached as we settled into a booth near the window. He looked young, probably not much older than I'd been when I was summoned to this world.

"Good morning," he greeted, "How're you all doing today?"

"We're doing great, thanks," I replied.

"You're new around here, right?" he asked, tilting his head curiously.

"Yeah," Mona said, "We just moved in."

"Welcome to the town!" he responded cheerfully, "It's a nice place, and if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

The waiter jotted down our drink orders and disappeared into the kitchen. A short while later, he returned, not just with our coffees but with a small plate of what looked to be fried croquettes.

"This is on the house," he said, setting the plate down in the center of the table, "Just a little welcome gift from us. It's a local favorite house-made croquettes. Hope you like them."

"Oh, thank you."

"No problem. Enjoy now." he said as he left to serve the others.

*****

After finishing our meal, we sat back, enjoying the warmth of the diner. Just as we were getting ready to leave, a small girl approached our table. She couldn't have been older than ten, bundled up in a patched coat and a woolen hat that looked too big for her. In her hands, she held a small basket filled with flowers and candies.

"Excuse me," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Would you like to buy some flowers or candies? They're not expensive."

"How much for the flowers?" Mona asked.

The girl's eyes lit up.

"Just a copper coin for 3 flowers," she said, "And the candies are the same."

"I'll take 9 of each, and I'll give you 10 copper." Mona said, "You can keep the change."

The girl's hands trembled as she accepted the money, her eyes wide.

"Thank you so much!" she said, her voice brighter now.

She handed Mona a small bundle of flowers and a few wrapped candies, bowing her head before hurrying off to try and sell it to the other customers.

Harper watched her go, her brow furrowed slightly.

"She's out here alone? That's rough."

I nodded, but there wasn't much to say. The world hadn't been kind to everyone, even after the demon lord was gone.

*****

After brunch, we spent the rest of the day walking around town, taking in the sights, and stocking up on groceries for the week. It felt good to do something so normal, just picking out fresh meat, bread, and vegetables at the market. Harper made it her mission to choose the best cuts of meat, while Mona negotiated prices with the vendors, her sharp tone leaving no room for argument.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we made our way back home. The path wound through the edge of the forest, the trees casting long shadows over the snow.

We were close to home until I spotted her, the girl from earlier, crouched in front of a small shed deep in the woods. She was building a fire, her hands moving quickly to stack the wood and strike a spark. Her basket sat nearby, nearly empty. The shed looked run-down, with gaps in the wood and no sign of insulation.

"Why is she out here?" I muttered, stopping in my tracks.

Mona and Harper followed my gaze.

"That's not right. She shouldn't be living like that." Harper frowned.

"I'm going to check on her," I said, stepping off the path, "Can you guys bring the groceries home

As I approached, the girl noticed me, her eyes going wide with fear. She jumped to her feet, clutching a stick like it was a weapon.

"Stay back!" she shouted, her voice trembling.

I held up my hands in what I hoped was a calming gesture.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm not here to hurt you. I just saw you out here and wanted to make sure you're alright. We bought flowers and candy from you earlier, remember? In the diner?"

"...What do you want?"

"Nothing. I don't want anything. Are you here alone?"

"...Yes."

"Where are your parents?"

"They...they left with my brother for the city."

"...Why?"

"They said there wasn't enough for all of us. They said I'd be fine here…as long as I sold flowers and candies."

"How long have you been here by yourself?"

The girl looked away, refusing to answer.