GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 9.5: Faith & Landre

Landre let out a short laugh before nodding in agreement. "Fair enough," she said, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her face. Her shoulders sagged slightly as the exertion began catching up with her.

They stood there for a moment in silence, their breaths gradually slowing. When Vel finally looked up at Landre again, he found her already looking at him. Their gazes locked for what felt like an eternity yet passed in an instant.

And then they both smiled—softly at first but soon breaking into quiet laughter that felt like its own kind of release.

Without saying anything more, they moved back to walking side by side down the dirt path. The tension of earlier seemed lighter now as they continued toward home together under the amber light of the setting sun.

Vel and Landre entered Elnor through its iron gate, stepping into the town's evening bustle. The sounds of children's laughter mixed with merchants' calls.

They passed the central fountain with its battling figures. Their destination lay in the quieter southwest quarter, where neat rows of modest homes lined the streets. Their house stood among the others, built of wood and stone with an untamed garden of wildflowers.

Vel paused at the walkway, studying their home—fresh roof shingles, curtains swaying in the breeze. Though modest, the house stirred warmth within him.

"It feels... nice," he said finally, gripping the basket's strap tightly as he stared at it.

Landre stood beside him silently for a moment before responding. "I haven't really looked at it until now."

Vel nodded and moved closer silently. Without exchanging any further words, they began their journey toward its inviting warmth.

Vel adjusted the basket on his shoulder, glancing sideways at Landre as they neared the house. His stomach twisted—not from hunger, but from the glaringly empty basket that should have been brimming with fish by now.

"How are we going to explain this?" he asked, his voice low but carrying an edge of concern. "We haven't caught anything."

Landre shrugged lightly, brushing off a stray leaf clinging to her sleeve. "I'll think of something," she replied, her tone breezy yet holding that unmistakable confidence she always seemed to have when dealing with Mari.

Vel frowned slightly but decided not to press further. He wasn't convinced she had an actual plan, but knowing Landre, she'd probably spin it into something believable—or at least entertaining enough for Mari to let it slide.

As they approached the door, Vel hesitated for a split second before stepping inside behind Landre. The warm scent of stew filled the air immediately, mingling with the faint crackle of firewood from the kitchen hearth.

Mari stood by the table, her sleeves rolled up as she stirred a steaming pot. She turned toward them with a smile that softened instantly into mild curiosity when her eyes landed on the empty basket in Vel's hands.

"Back already? That was quick," she remarked, arching an eyebrow as she wiped her hands on a cloth.

Landre stepped forward casually, gesturing toward Vel as if presenting him for some grand explanation. "Well... about that..." She trailed off for dramatic effect before continuing with an exaggerated sigh. "We had a little incident."

Mari's brow furrowed slightly as she set down the cloth and crossed her arms. "Incident?"

Landre nodded solemnly, though there was a mischievous glint in her eye. "Vel here scared all the fish away."