The news of Distro spread across the kingdom faster than anyone expected. Within a single day, their name was everywhere. Adventurers whispered about them, guild members watched them with curiosity, and even higher authorities had started paying attention. A team that once disappeared had suddenly returned, stronger than before, with powerful new members. Some even said other kingdoms had begun to take interest.
But for them, the day felt surprisingly normal.
They walked through the market together, surrounded by noise, crowds, and the usual life of the city. For a moment, it didn't feel like they were part of something dangerous. Emily walked beside Igna as usual, staying a little too close just to annoy him. As they moved through the stalls, she suddenly stopped and picked up a small keychain shaped like a cute cat. She looked at it, then at Igna, and smiled.
Emily: "This looks like you."
Igna: "What does that even mean…?"
She ignored his question, bought it, and placed it in his hand.
Emily: "Keep it."
Igna stared at it for a second, then quietly kept it, holding it more carefully than he expected.
When they returned to their base, a man was waiting outside. His clothes were formal, his posture straight. A messenger. He stepped forward respectfully.
Messenger: "His Majesty requests your presence."
Everyone looked at Yash. He answered without hesitation.
Yash: "No."
The messenger hesitated.
Messenger: "It's an order from the king—"
Yash: "We're busy."
That was enough. The messenger understood and left.
Night slowly fell, and the house grew quiet. Yash lay down, and Hena naturally moved closer in her sleep, curling into him without realizing it. He didn't react, just adjusted slightly and closed his eyes. May went to rest, leaving the main area calm.
Only Igna and Emily were still awake, sitting on the floor playing ludo.
Emily: "You're losing."
Igna: "I'm not."
Emily: "You are."
A few moves later, she laughed.
Emily: "See? Told you."
Igna: "You cheated."
Emily: "Skill issue."
She flicked his piece lightly, clearly enjoying it.
Igna: "That's not fair."
Emily: "Life isn't fair."
She smirked slightly, then added more softly.
Emily: "Get stronger."
Igna didn't reply, but he remembered it.
Nearby, Sele sat quietly, still awake. Igna noticed and asked.
Igna: "Why aren't you sleeping?"
Sele: "I don't sleep much."
Her voice was calm. But after a few minutes, she quietly fell asleep on the sofa, curled up peacefully.
Emily stood up, walked over, and gently placed a blanket over her. Then she came back.
Emily: "Let's sleep."
Igna nodded, and they both lay down. The house finally went silent.
Morning light slowly filled the room. Igna woke up first, followed by May. They stepped into the main area and stopped.
Yash was still asleep, and Hena was curled into him, holding onto him slightly, her face calm and peaceful. Neither of them had moved.
Igna blinked. May looked for a moment, then quietly looked away.
From behind them, Emily's voice came, full of amusement.
Emily: "I think you both are jealous."
Igna turned immediately.
Igna: "What—?!"
May didn't react much, just sighed softly.
Emily walked closer, looking at them with a teasing smile.
Emily: "Don't worry, it's normal. Seeing something like that makes people feel lonely."
Igna: "No it doesn't."
Emily: "It does."
She leaned slightly toward him.
Emily: "Especially you."
Igna frowned.
Igna: "What does that mean…?"
Emily grinned.
Emily: "It means you need someone too."
Igna immediately stepped back.
Igna: "I'm fine."
Emily crossed her arms, clearly not convinced.
Emily: "Sure you are."
Then she leaned in a little closer, lowering her voice just enough to make it more annoying.
Emily: "If you want, I can help you find one."
Igna froze.
Igna: "I don't need your help."
Emily: "Too late, I already decided."
May covered her face slightly, trying not to laugh.
Emily straightened up, still smiling.
Emily: "I'll find you a perfect partner."
Igna looked completely done.
Igna: "…Please don't."
Emily just laughed softly.
The moment stayed light, warm, and a little chaotic. Even in a world filled with danger, these small moments brought something rare—peace.
And somewhere between teasing, silence, and laughter…
Distro felt more like a family than ever before.