A Journey That Changed The World.

Archer retrieved a thick winter cloak and wrapped it around Nala, who looked puzzled and asked, ''Why are you dressing me?''

''It's cold outside, and you might feel it, but this will keep you warm. Also, we can't have people seeing you in your training gear. Only I can see that.'' He remarked with a grin.

He looked at the lion girl who was checking out the cloak. Archer couldn't help but notice how adorable she looked.

The cloak enveloped her figure, emphasizing the delicate features of her face. Her wild blonde hair cascaded in disarray, creating a captivating frame around her visage.

The cold air teased her hair, causing it to dance in the wintry breeze. Amused by the sight, Archer observed as her lion ears twitched in response to the ambient sounds around them.

The contrast between the softness of the cloak and the untamed beauty of her hair and ears struck him as endearing.

''You look adorable,'' He complimented her with a charming smile.

Nala's cheek went red, but she looked up at him with a playful glint in her blue eyes as she responded, with a hint of mischief in her voice. ''Really?'' 

Her lion ears twitched once more, adding an extra layer of charm to her demeanor. Archer nodded with a grin. ''Absolutely. The cloak suits you, but your ears make the whole look irresistible.''

Nala laughed, a joyful sound that resonated in the crisp winter air. ''Well, I'm glad you think so. Maybe I should wear stuff like this more often.''

Archer smiled when he heard her and agreed. ''Yeah, it suits you. Let's get something to eat.''

She nodded and grabbed his arm before he cast Gate to return to Starfall City and walked through it.

As they emerged onto the bustling street, a flurry of people hurriedly traversing the area caught their attention as snow cascaded from the sky.

While they observed the scene, a man turned a corner at an alarming speed, only to slip and slide comically.

The couple burst into laughter, earning a disapproving glance from the unfortunate passerby.

Their laughter persisted, and Archer, still chuckling, guided her toward a nearby restaurant he had heard about before.

Archer and Nala strolled through streets covered by snow, the chilly air carrying the hushed whispers of winter.

The snowflakes danced around them like ethereal companions, and the streets were adorned with the serene, white glow of the mana lamps.

Archer said as they walked side by side, his breath created little clouds in the crisp air. "So, tell me more about your homeland, Nala. The Lionheart Kingdom sounds like a place of wonder,"

She smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting the memories of her home. "Ah, the Lionheart Kingdom, a vast savannah in the west. Picture endless plains stretching beneath the open sky, dotted with acacia trees and bathed in the warm colors of the setting sun."

Nala gestured with her hands, painting an imaginary canvas of her homeland. "Beyond the savannah lies a dense forest, a natural barrier that separates us from the Empire. The trees are ancient, their branches forming a protective canopy that shields our kingdom from the outside world."

Archer listened with genuine interest as Nala continued. "My home is a realm teeming with majestic beasts, and many other creatures call it home. Our people have learned to coexist with them, respecting the delicate balance of nature. It's a place where the rhythm of the land is as important as the heartbeat of our people."

Nala's eyes sparkled as she recounted tales of her homeland. "Our capital, Naravo, stands proud in the center of our kingdom, a city of golden hues and really pretty buildings. My family's castle overlooks the city, Father sits on the balcony to watch the city when his relaxing."

He smiled and spoke. ''I will visit one day. I thought you had to be my guide because your homeland sounds good.''

Upon hearing this, a radiant smile adorned the face of the lioness. "Count me in. The other girls can join too; they'll adore the fashion there. My mother and auntie are particularly fond of it."

After speaking they continued walking as the snow crunched beneath their boots as Archer and Nala continued their leisurely walk down the enchanting street.

The air was crisp, and the soft glow of street lamps painted a picturesque scene around them.

As they strolled, exchanging anecdotes and laughter, the sounds of the bustling town surrounded them.

Nala glanced around, her lion ears perking up with curiosity. "Archer, why have we come to the docks?" she inquired, her golden hair catching the glint of the lamplight.

Archer grinned, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Just wait," he replied, nodding toward the direction of the docks.

They reached the edge of the snowy path, and Archer pointed to a charming restaurant nestled near the water's edge.

"There," he exclaimed, a gleam of excitement evident in his expression. "They're renowned for offering the tastiest meat dishes in the whole city."

Nala's eyes widened with anticipation, her feline instincts tingling at the prospect of such a feast.

"Rare meat?" she exclaimed, a delighted smile spreading. "Lead the way, Archie! I'm eager to eat."

With that, they made their way to the restaurant, the scent of adventure and rare meats hanging in the air.

The couple entered, finding the place bustling with a crowd. A middle-aged woman greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome to the Meatropolis Grill, younglings. Table for two?"

Archer nodded, and as Nala surveyed the surroundings, the enticing aroma of food made her tail wag even more.

That's when the older woman spoke. ''Wait here for a second. I'll go sort your table out now.''

''Okay no problem.'' Archer replied.

That's when he decided to tease Nala by using his tail. He gently touched hers, eliciting a shiver that caused Nala to turn her head toward him.

She had a playful grin on her face before speaking. "Don't tease me like that. I can barely hold myself back; don't make it worse."

He chuckled at her candid remark, appreciating her openness about what she wanted.

Sporting a grin, he slid his arm under her cloak, drawing the lioness closer to him. The gesture prompted an even brighter smile from Nala.

She gripped onto him as his hand explored her well-defined physique, tracing every muscle he loved.

His touches drew her even nearer, eliciting laughter from Archer as the woman returned, watching the two and coughing before speaking. ''Well, I'm glad you lovebirds are happy, but your tables are ready.''

Upon hearing this, Nala nodded in agreement, taking hold of Archer's hand before heading toward their table.

As they walked, the murmurs and gossip of onlookers reached Archer's ears, his keen hearing picking up every word.

"They make a striking couple," remarked a man to his wife.

"But it's uncommon to see a Dragon-kin and Lion Demi-human together," she replied, acknowledging the unique pairing.

As they made their way, Archer overheard another man addressing the couple. "He's the white prince engaged to the third princess, Leira Avalon. But why is he with another girl?"

Archer chuckled at the comment, and curious Nala inquired, "What's so amusing?"

"Gossip, my lioness," he replied with a smirk as they took their seats.

The waitress asked with a friendly. "Hello there! Ready to order? What can I get for you two?"

Archer and Nala exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. With synchronized grins, they turned to the waitress.

"We'll take two of everything," Archer declared with a playful twinkle in his eye.

The waitress blinked in surprise, her pen hovering over the notepad. "Uh, two of everything? Did I hear that right?"

Nala chuckled, confirming, "Yes, you did. Two of everything on the menu. Surprise us!"

The older woman, recovering from her initial shock, grinned. "Alright then, two of everything it is! You two must be hungry or adventurous!"

Archer winked at her, and Nala added, "A bit of both, perhaps. We're up for a feast!"

The waitress laughed and headed back to the kitchen, shaking her head with a smile at the unexpected order.

Observing the lioness as she continued to survey her surroundings, he inquired, "Didn't realize you had such a hearty appetite."

Nala turned sharply toward him and replied, "Yes, of course. Father and the General always said I should eat, so that's what I do now."

Archer laughed, and the two continued to chat before the waitress reappeared with more waiters pushing trolleys of food.

The older woman started placing plates on the table until there was no room left, but four trolleys of food remained.

When Archer saw this, he told them to leave it be, and they moved them themselves, which the staff agreed and left.

Once they were gone, Archer and Nala exchanged a brief, hungry glance. Without uttering a word, they started devouring the delicious food before them.

The clinking of cutlery against plates and the occasional satisfied hums were the only sounds between them.

Hunger spoke louder than words, and the delectable flavors commanded their full attention.