Lara Point of View

  Three Months Later

  Fernin glanced around the restaurant, a blend of pride and disbelief in his eyes. "You really managed to pull this off!" he exclaimed, marveling at the transformation. The neatly arranged tables, the soft glow of the lanterns, and the steady hum of the kitchen brought the place to life. He had been instrumental in helping me buy the land and set up everything here, although it wasn't without its challenges.

  He had questioned me constantly—where did I get that much money? Why didn't I just go back to our parents, Bernin and Famelia? I couldn't tell him the truth, not yet.

  Not yet that I would tell him that his sister is gone but someone else in this body.

  I feared that revealing I was in Amelia's body, their daughter's body, his sister , might cause him to hate me. So I kept it a secret saying I was sponsored by someone.

  I smiled warmly at Fernin, grateful for his help. "I couldn't have done it without you."

  "Well, it's my job after all," he replied, shrugging as if it was no big deal. But I could see the pride in his eyes. He wasn't just my brother now—he had taken on a protective role, much like our father, Bernin. It felt odd, yet comforting.

  We had decided to keep this entire project from anyone we knew, especially our parents, until the restaurant became a success. Our plan was to bring them here to live with us, near the academy and the farm we had set up on the edge of the forest. Fernin had insisted we build a life worth showing them, and I agreed. We needed to create something solid first.

  For the first time I had a family.

  "Go ahead and take down the 'Opening Soon' flyers around the city," I said, gesturing toward the growing crowd outside. People were already gathering, curious to see what this new place had to offer. "Replace them with 'Open Now.' Let's get the word out."

  "As you wish, my sister," Fernin responded with a grin, motioning for the staff to assist him. Though younger in age, he had assumed a role far greater than that. It was moments like these that reminded me just how much he had grown.

  I took a moment to glance at my checklist—there were still items I needed to pick up from the market before we officially opened. The flyers would take about three hours to replace, giving me the perfect window to get everything ready.

  "Better head out," I muttered to myself, pocketing my list. As I stepped outside, the cool breeze of the city greeted me. The marketplace would be bustling, no doubt, but it was one last task before my dream officially came to life.

  Third Point of View

  Lara walked through the bustling streets, her thoughts wandering as the city buzzed around her. She was headed back to her restaurant after a long day of shopping, her mind filled with memories of the past. As she passed by a narrow alley, a group of adventurers caught her eye. They were gathered around, laughing and discussing plans. The leader was a woman—strong, confident, and charismatic, guiding her group with ease.

  And she had a yellow hair just like Lara.

  The sight made Lara pause, her steps faltering as an unexpected ache pierced her heart. Memories from centuries ago flooded her mind, taking her back to the days when she herself had led a group of adventurers. Her party. Her comrades. Her family.

  They had followed her without question, trusted her with their lives, and fought by her side against impossible odds. And yet, here she was, alone, watching a new generation take up the mantle.

  The leader of the group reminded her so much of herself—bold and determined, with a gleam of hope in her eyes. That same hope Lara once carried. But now... now, she was a shadow of who she used to be. Her heart ached not just with the weight of her memories, but with the loss that came with them. She had lost so much—her friends, her time, and the chance to save the one she loved the most.

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  As the adventurers' laughter filled the air, it contrasted sharply with the silence within Lara. She could still see the faces of her former comrades, the way they looked at her with trust, the way they fought with unwavering determination, and the way they fell... one by one.

  The woman's voice snapped Lara out of her reverie. She watched as the leader rallied her group, her voice filled with passion. It was a voice that echoed the same resolve Lara had once carried, but now that fire felt distant—like a dream long forgotten.

  Lara's chest tightened as she turned away, her steps heavier now. The laughter and excitement of the adventurers faded behind her, but the ache remained, gnawing at her like a wound that refused to heal. She couldn't help but feel the weight of time press down on her shoulders, reminding her of the centuries that had passed, of the lives she couldn't save, and of the dream she had once dared to believe in.

  She glanced up at the sky, the same sky she used to gaze at during her adventures. But now, it seemed darker, less welcoming.

  Lara point of View

  An Hour Later

  The doors had barely been open, and already the restaurant was packed. I hadn't expected the marketing to work this well! People were lined up out the door, drawn in by the promise of discounted meals and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

  "Get their orders right!" I shouted across the kitchen, trying to keep the team organized as the frenzy of customers rolled in. The buzz of excitement was contagious.

  "I've got an order for three buckets of fried chicken and fried rice!" one of my employees, Gen, called out, her voice barely cutting through the noise.

  "Got it, Gen! We hear you!" I shouted back, my hands already busy with the fryer. I couldn't help but smile as the aroma of freshly fried chicken filled the air. The clatter of dishes, the chatter of customers, the sound of the kitchen working in harmony—it was all so exhilarating.

  Fernin appeared beside me, wiping his hands on his apron. "Looks like we're gonna need more tables if this keeps up."

  I laughed, wiping sweat from my brow. "If this pace continues, we'll need a whole new building!"

  He chuckled and gave me a thumbs up. "Good problem to have, though."

  The thrill of it all—seeing people enjoy the food I made, the sounds of laughter and satisfied chatter—filled me with a sense of fulfillment I hadn't felt in a long time. This wasn't just about the money or success; it was about creating something that brought joy to people.

  A family seated near the window waved me over. "Miss, your fried chicken is amazing! Can we order another round?"

  I grinned widely. "Of course! Coming right up!"

  As I hurried back to the kitchen, I felt a deep sense of pride. This little restaurant had turned into something more than I ever imagined. The money I earned today would help me not only sustain this business but also support others who needed a fresh start, just like I had gotten.

  The clamor of orders, the bustling atmosphere, the joy of feeding people—it was exactly what I wanted. Life was busy, yes, but in this moment, it felt perfect.

  A Few Moments Later

  I never expected so many people to show up; it wore me out, but it was a lot of fun. "As expected, a lot of academy students came," Fernin said, a hint of pride in his voice.

  "Yeah, it's true," I replied, glancing at the bustling crowd. My menu was mostly crafted to cater to students, offering them delightful options, and I was glad it was well received.

  "What if I continue to become an adventurer and let you enroll in the academy?" Fernin suggested, a tinge of regret in his tone. It seemed he still wished he hadn't quit adventuring.

  "Killing monsters is scary, isn't it? But that's how life is. If you let me enroll in the academy, we wouldn't be where we are right now," I countered, trying to reassure him. He smiled at my response.

  "You still talk maturely," he observed.

  "Talking maturely is just how I speak," I replied, rolling my eyes at his playful jab. This child had a knack for spouting nonsense.

  I stood up from the chair and noticed someone had dropped their academy badge nearby. "A badge?" I said, picking it up. "They can come back to get it."

  "Yeah, I know," he said, watching as I placed it on the counter.

  "May I ask what students do at the academy?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

  "You finally got curious," he teased. "Well

  He paused for a moment, gauging my reaction. "You can still enter. It's not too late. You have enough gold, right? A thousand gold can get you in. I can manage here," Fernin suggested eagerly.

  "Like I said before, I don't want to become an adventurer," I replied firmly.

  "But isn't it a great opportunity for you?" he pressed.

  "Great for you, maybe," I shot back.

  "By the way, how long has this academy been around?" I asked, changing the subject.

  "It was built 200 years ago," he explained. "The High Elves wanted to create this school in memory of their leader, Laraeon, the great hero."

  Laraeon sounded like an incredible leader, one deserving of such a tribute. It struck me that his fellow adventurers built a school in his honor.

  "You could really enter," Fernin began again.

  "No," I interrupted, shaking my head. His persistence was endearing, but I had made up my mind.

  "Why not? "This child is so insistent, yet I found it cute. After all, I was his sister, and he wanted the best for me.

  I glanced around the restaurant, filled with laughter and chatter. This was where I belonged, helping others achieve their dreams. I just needed to find my own. But my own dream is to see people happy and surround by those happiness.

  Because all of my life all I see is suffering.