“Restaurant?…” Lisa hesitated at the mention of a restaurant, uncertainty evident in her tone.


    Leo, anticipating her concerns, quickly reassured her. “Don’t worry about the money,” he said. “My recent assignment came with a substantial bonus, so our financial issues are taken care of.”


    Relief washed over Lisa’s face, replaced by a warm smile. “I’m so proud of you,” she said affectionately.


    As she headed towards Rosie’s room, she called back, “I’ll go let Rosie know we’re heading out.”


    Meanwhile, Leo settled onto the living room sofa, the murmur of Rosie and her mother’s voices drifting from the other room as they likely debated over outfit choices. He pulled out his collection of books; over the last fortnight, he had delved into ‘Magic Symbols,’ ‘Basic Illusion,’ and ‘Magic Intermediate’—books from Lavi. ‘Magic Symbols’ was particularly intriguing, and he planned to study it further to fully memorize its contents. Of the four books he had selected himself, he had only skimmed ‘5 Steps into Magic.’ He flipped open ‘Magic Symbols’ once more, his eyes scanning the intricate designs. The elementalist symbol depicted a fiery-fingered hand within a circle, representing the elements. The alchemy symbol featured two overlapping triangles, resembling an hourglass. For divination, a star encircled by another ring sat at the center. The enchanting symbol was complex: a hexagon inside a circumference, with an inverted triangle cradling a central circle linked by lines to the triangle’s three points. Having mastered illusion, he turned his attention to conjuration, represented by a pentagon with additional circles along its edges, all enclosed within a larger circle. The light magic symbol was a simple four-pointed star within a circle. The book also detailed necromancy and shadow magic symbols: the former, was a circle inside another circle; the inner circle had another two small circles on its top right and bottom left, and the latter, an eye-like figure ensconced within a circular boundary.


    After an hour of being immersed in his book, Leo was startled by the sound of his mother and sister entering the room.


    “We’re all set to go,” they announced in unison.


    Leo turned to greet them but was momentarily taken aback. They looked stunning, dressed in elegant outfits that far exceeded any memory he had of them looking so put-together. His mother, Lisa, wore a soft blue dress that complemented her gentle demeanor, while his sister had chosen something more modern but equally striking. He stood there, momentarily frozen, admiring how different they looked.


    Noticing his gaze, Lisa asked, “What do you think?”


    With a genuine smile spreading across his face, Leo replied, “You both look stunning.” He then stepped forward, opening the door for them with a small, proud flourish.


    “Ready to leave?” he asked, holding the door wide.


    They stepped outside, their shoes lightly tapping against the cobblestones. A few steps from the house, Lisa’s voice carried a hint of concern. “Is it really safe that we leave the house empty like this?”


    Leo chuckled at her question. “There’s no need to worry. Mr. Rorin is a formidable Paladin. Our home is in good hands.”


    Lisa’s initial anxiousness shifted to astonishment. “A Paladin? Are you two working together?”


    Leo shook his head slightly, clarifying, “He’s actually the mentor of my mentor.”


    Lisa’s surprise turned into admiration as they continued their walk, her earlier concerns now fully at ease.


    Leo had come across several eateries during his earlier patrols. He had chosen a particular restaurant in Sun Square for tonight’s outing, hoping the picturesque setting would enhance their dining experience. Glancing at Rosie, who was quietly walking beside him, he observed her mature demeanor. She had grown up so much in the past four months, leaving Leo to ponder the cause.


    ‘Is it the influence of school, or is she learning by observing me?’ he wondered.


    Upon reaching Sun Square after a fifteen-minute walk, Rosie’s excitement was palpable.


    “Look at this place, Mom; it’s beautiful!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.


    Lisa shared her enthusiasm. As they meandered through the square, Rosie paused to inhale the scent of a flower, fully embracing the moment. Leo allowed them time to take in their surroundings. Once they were ready, he led them to a nearby restaurant. It was a spacious establishment, its central hall filled with wooden tables and chairs, lively with patrons. As night fell, magic lamps sparked to life, casting a bright glow throughout the square. They were ushered to a table by a waiter, who promptly took their orders.


    Rosie’s eyes darted around the restaurant with unbridled curiosity, her demeanor a clear giveaway of their first-time visit to such an establishment. The patrons nearby began to take notice, some casting furtive glances, others not so subtly sneering. Lisa felt a twinge of embarrassment and averted her gaze. Rosie, sensing the shift in atmosphere, did the same.


    Leo observed the rising tension outside and reassured his mother and sister with a comforting smile. “Ignore them,” he said gently. “There will always be those who find pleasure in belittling others.”


    His words worked like a charm, lifting their spirits. Smiles returned to their faces, and the momentary unease dissolved.


    As they waited for their meal, a commotion outside drew their attention.


    “Why is there no room for us?” a man’s irate voice boomed from beyond the restaurant’s door.


    “Please, sir, try to understand. We’re at full capacity right now,” the waiter explained, clearly trying to calm the escalating situation.


    “You’re saying you can’t accommodate us?” the man snapped. “Aren’t we the ones ensuring your safety every day?”


    Leo glanced out the window and spotted a group of about ten police officers standing outside. At the front of the group was a particularly tall and muscular officer, his booming voice carrying over the street, while his colleagues stood by, some chuckling at the confrontation. Leo exhaled deeply, sensing that the situation was teetering on the edge of becoming worse.


    “I’ll be right back,” he said calmly, pushing his chair back.


    Lisa quickly grabbed Leo’s hand, her face lined with worry. “But there are so many of them,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the growing noise outside


    .


    With a serene smile, Leo reassured her. “It’s okay, Mom. I’ve got this.”


    He walked confidently toward the entrance, the blue gem he carried pulsing faintly with energy as if attuning itself to his resolve.


    “What’s going on here?” Leo asked, his voice calm but imbued with a natural authority that cut through the noise.


    The flustered waiter glanced at Leo. “It’s nothing to worry about, sir.”


    But Leo wasn’t so easily convinced. “It certainly doesn’t seem like ‘nothing’,” he said, shifting his gaze to the policeman at the front of the group, who was still fuming.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Leo locked eyes with the tall officer and spoke firmly. “He said there’s no space here. You’ll have to find another restaurant,” Leo repeated, his voice steady but firm, clearly not backing down.


    The officer looked taken aback by Leo’s boldness, his towering presence momentarily deflated by the teen’s calm but unyielding stance.


    The group of officers paused to size him up before bursting into laughter. The lead officer, ignoring the waiter’s attempts to intervene, stepped forward to confront Leo directly.


    The lead officer growled, "Stay out of this, kid," his irritation palpable.


    Leo remained unfazed, meeting his gaze with quiet confidence. “You have three seconds to leave,” he stated, his calmness unwavering.


    The other officers burst into laughter, mocking his bold countdown.


    “One… Two… Thr—”


    Before Leo could finish, the lead officer, unable to contain his anger, swung a punch at him. But in the blink of an eye, the officer was sent airborne, flipping over and landing hard on his back. The impact left him stunned, while the laughter abruptly died as the remaining officers stood in shocked silence, weapons drawn in outrage.


    “How dare you assault an officer?” one of them barked, clearly rattled by the swift turn of events.


    The sudden commotion drew the attention of everyone nearby. The crowd and the waiter stood frozen in disbelief, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed.


    With calm precision, Leo reached into his bag and withdrew a sword that began to emit a radiant golden glow. Its light illuminated the tense scene, casting a powerful aura around him.


    From the doorway, Lisa watched in astonishment, her eyes wide as she took in the unexpected scene. Rosie, meanwhile, could barely contain her excitement, her gaze locked on her brother in awe.


    Despite his young age and relatively low rank, Leo''s presence commanded the space. His aura, infused with the power of the light sword, was imposing, especially to those of lesser strength. The officers, now feeling the weight of his authority, began to perspire. The one still on the ground scrambled backward, eyes wide with fear.


    “Repeat this mistake, and you’ll find yourselves detained in the church’s jail,” Leo declared, his voice steady but filled with undeniable authority.


    The officers, once brimming with bravado, now exchanged uneasy glances.


    "Could he be a paladin?" one officer whispered, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    “So young... and wielding that sword…” another muttered, sweat beading on his brow. “He’s the paladin genius who single-handedly defeated an E-rank threat yesterday.”


    Fear rippled through the group as the realization settled in. With no other option, the officers collectively began to retreat, their earlier confidence shattered in the face of Leo''s calm but overwhelming power.


    “Help your friend up and leave, or I’ll escort you to the jail myself. And next time I see this, I won’t start with a warning,” Leo warned sternly.


    Two officers hurried to assist the fallen one, and the group quickly departed.


    Leo turned back to his family and resumed his seat, sheathing his sword but keeping his gem ready. All eyes in the vicinity were on him.


    Lisa’s voice broke the silence, filled with maternal pride. “That was amazing, sweetie.”


    Rosie’s admiration was evident. “You were incredible, Leo.”


    Leo acknowledged their praise with a smile.


    Shortly after, the waiter returned, accompanied by the restaurant’s owner. The owner bowed slightly with one of his hand on his back.


    The restaurant owner approached Leo with a mixture of relief and respect. “Sir Paladin, your timely intervention saved us from ruin. Please, allow us to express our gratitude by waiving the cost of your meal.”


    His voice was steady, betraying none of the turmoil that had just unfolded within his establishment.


    Leo responded with a dismissive wave of his hand, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I didn’t act for personal gain but in fulfillment of my duty.”


    “Very well, sir,” the owner conceded, recognizing the finality in Leo’s voice.


    However, anxiety soon crept back into his words. “What precautions should we take against their possible return?”


    Leo’s instructions were clear and authoritative. “Report any further disturbances to the authorities. Should they fail to respond, escalate the matter to the paladin association.”


    As they spoke, a procession of waiters arrived, setting down a feast upon the table with practiced efficiency.


    “We’ll leave you to enjoy your meal undisturbed,” the owner assured, gesturing for the waiters to withdraw to the kitchen.


    Rosie, who had been brimming with questions, found herself momentarily speechless at the sight of the lavish spread before them. The table was adorned with an array of dishes, from golden-roasted chicken to delicately baked crab, leaving her unsure of where to start. Yet, within half an hour, the plates were cleared, and Rosie’s satiated appearance was evidence of their indulgence.


    A waiter approached, placing the bill discreetly on the table. Leo examined it, noting the total with a nod of approval. “Eighty silver coins? A fair price indeed.”


    He approached the cashier, exchanging a gold coin for the meal and receiving his change.


    Upon their departure, the staff saw them out with courteous farewells. Once outside, Leo led the way, his mother and Rosie trailing behind. However, midway, he halted before a structure, there were a name on the structure ‘Elegant’.


    Rosie’s curiosity, momentarily eclipsed by the meal, resurfaced. “Why have we stopped here?” she asked, her eyes widening as she took in the grandeur of the boutique''s tall, polished windows and elaborate architecture.


    “The festivities aren’t over yet,” Leo said with a playful grin, turning toward his family as he gestured toward the entrance.


    Lisa’s brows furrowed slightly, concern lining her face. “Sweetie, we’ve already spent quite a bit today. Are you sure we should—”


    Leo gently cut her off, his voice calm but firm. “Mom, don’t worry about the expenses. This is something I’ve been planning for a while. We’re going inside, and both of you are going to pick out something special—a dress of your choice.”


    Rosie’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she glanced from Leo to Lisa, sensing the shift in mood. Lisa’s initial hesitation slowly gave way to a smile as her shoulders relaxed, the tension melting away.


    “Well, if you’re certain,” Lisa said, her lips curving into a warm smile of acceptance. “Alright, let’s do it.”


    “Hooray!” Rosie cheered, clapping her hands together as her excitement bubbled over.


    As they entered the boutique, the air was immediately filled with the scent of fresh flowers, mingling with the soft rustle of fine fabrics. A sharply dressed man in a sleek black suit approached, his shoes clicking softly against the marble floor. He greeted them with a polite bow and a welcoming smile.


    “Mr. Mantine, welcome back,” he said, his tone respectful yet warm. “How may I assist you and your esteemed guests today?”


    Leo gave a slight nod, gesturing toward Lisa and Rosie. “Today is about them,” he said with a proud smile. “If you would be so kind, please show us your best offerings appropriate for ladies.”


    The man’s eyes sparkled with understanding as he bowed slightly. “Of course. Right this way, if you’ll follow me.”


    They were led through the boutique, the soft lighting illuminating racks of luxurious gowns and elegant ensembles. Leo found a comfortable seat on an ornate chaise lounge, positioned near a tall window that offered a view of the lively streets outside. From his spot, he watched as Lisa and Rosie were guided through the displays, their faces lighting up as they touched the fine silks, chiffons, and laces.


    Lisa and Rosie disappeared behind curtains at intervals, emerging in different dresses, each more striking than the last. They called upon Leo several times, twirling in their gowns and asking for his opinion. His thoughtful responses were met with giggles from Rosie and smiles from Lisa.


    After much deliberation, Lisa finally settled on a floor-length black gown that fit her like a second skin. The fabric shimmered in the light as it draped elegantly from her shoulders, the sleeveless design and subtly curved neckline lending her an air of timeless sophistication. Rosie, on the other hand, went for a vibrant two-piece ensemble—a flowing crimson skirt and a matching blouse, the bold color perfectly complementing her lively spirit.


    As they made their selections, Leo stood and approached the cashier. With a smooth motion, he handed over one gold and ninety silver coins, completing the transaction. The clerk bowed deeply, thanking him with the utmost professionalism.


    The clock neared ten as they wrapped up their outing, the weight of the day’s events settling in. Opting for the comfort of a carriage ride, they rode home in peaceful silence, the soft clattering of the carriage wheels lulling them into a gentle calm.


    When they arrived home, the warm glow of the house greeted them, and as they stepped inside, Rosie could no longer contain her excitement. She launched herself at Leo, wrapping him in a tight embrace. “Thank you, Leo!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with joy.


    Leo, taken aback, caught his mother’s eye and saw her smile. He returned the gesture, ruffling Rosie’s hair affectionately.


    “You’re welcome,” he replied softly.


    Lisa placed a comforting hand on Rosie’s shoulder, drawing her close. “You must be exhausted as well, sweetie. Go and get some rest.”


    With a nod, Leo made his way to his room. Just as he reached his door, Lisa’s voice halted him.


    “Leo,” she called out.


    He turned to find her gaze filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” she said, the sincerity in her voice unmistakable.


    Leo offered a smile, lingering for a moment before retreating to the solitude of his room. There, he spent another hour engrossed in his book, the muffled sounds of his mother and sister’s continued merriment a comforting backdrop. Eventually, weariness crept in, and Leo surrendered to sleep, the book slipping from his grasp as he drifted off.