I Was a Loner, but My Class Got Summoned to Another World…-Chapter 503: A Date in the Golden City

A day after receiving his armor, Logan leaned against the window of his private study, having just finished reviewing stacks of important documents.

His eyes wandered over the bustling streets of Rosethorn in the distance.

The city seemed alive in ways he never could have imagined. He still remembered when it had been nothing more than a poor, abandoned village.

Now its streets were paved with clean stone, and glowing lanterns fueled by mana lined the roads. Enchanted carriages, designed by Ruben, glided smoothly without horses, an ingenious mix of cars and carriages that still preserved the medieval theme.

And yet, Logan's thoughts were far away, replaying Myrea's words in his mind.

"They are loyal and they love you, but… a small crack is forming. You must fix it soon."

The youngest princess of Elris had stared at him with those sharp, unsettling eyes as she said it. He had brushed it off at the time, but the truth was undeniable. She could read minds, though she confessed this only to a select few. She had not told him who among his companions carried that doubt, and in truth, he preferred it that way. It was his responsibility to mend what was broken, no matter who it was.

Logan knew he had neglected them for too long, believing they would simply wait for him until the war was over. But now he realized this was not something he could solve in just a few days or even weeks.

Meanwhile, grim news spread across the lands. Enhanced mutation crystals. Greater weapons wielded by demons. The Empire's defenses are weakening battle by battle. The other summoned heroes were faltering. Many had lost the will to fight after what happened to George and Jonathan.

And Brian, their only supposed hope, had turned into a disappointment, a selfish leader who cared only for his own survival.

Logan clenched his fist, thoughts weighing heavily on him. So much to resolve, and so little time. But for now, the rest could wait.

What Logan couldn't let pass was how he had been treating those he cared for, the very ones who cared for him.

I can't let them slip away. Not after everything they've done for me. And Lisa… I won't forgive myself if I don't try to keep her here with me. If, in the end, she chooses to return, then at least I'll have shared great moments with her.

He sighed, weary from the weight of his thoughts. He was tired of being weak in character, of hesitating when he was supposed to be the ruler of a nation.

A soft knock broke his reverie, pulling him back to the present.

"Logan? You skipped lunch again. Are you—"

The beautiful sound of Lisa's gentle voice calmed and reassured him, as it always did. Before she could finish, he opened the door. She blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the sudden action. She had expected him to still be buried in documents, not standing there with such an intense look in his eyes.

"Lisa!" Logan said, his voice more emotional than usual. "Come with me. Let's… walk. I want to see the city, especially the changes the others have made."

Though he had been with them for months now, Logan still felt nervous whenever he had to do something as simple as spending time with Lisa outside the castle.

Lisa, who instantly understood this as a date, couldn't help but let her lips curve into a smile. Still, her eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Oh? A walk, hmm? Please tell me it's not just more work."

Logan scratched his cheek awkwardly, realizing he hadn't asked her directly what he truly wanted. "Alright, fine. Forgive me. Let's go on a proper date, Liz. I really want to see how Rosethorn is flourishing with you."

Her smile softened, her teasing fading as her heart warmed at his words. "That's what I wanted to hear. Now, give me a little time to get ready. I don't want to go out looking like this. Let's meet outside in about thirty minutes. And thank Marie, you won't have to wait a few hours."

It was closer to an hour later when they finally stepped into the golden-lit streets of Rosethorn together. Logan wasn't complaining, though. If anything, he was even more nervous now than when he had asked her out.

This time, it was because of Lisa herself, her attire, her hairstyle, and the touch of makeup that accentuated her natural beauty. Before, she had always been angelic in his eyes, but now… now she looked like that image made real, enhanced by the most fitting clothes he had ever seen her wear.

Her platinum hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, catching the city's golden glow with perfect brilliance. Those radiant golden eyes, already enough to steal his composure on any day, were now enhanced with mascara, giving them an even sharper, more confident allure.

The armor she usually wore had reshaped itself into elegant clothes, a cream blouse with golden trims that suited the cool autumn evening, paired with a layered skirt that looked more like something from their old world than from this one.

A delicate mantle of light fabric draped from her shoulders, swaying gently in the evening breeze. Her boots, once made for battle, had refined into sleek, high-heeled footwear that tried to hide their metallic sheen beneath the texture of fur.

The streets of Rosethorn bustled with life as Logan and Lisa walked side by side. Within a few seconds, Logan managed to overcome his nervousness. Through their link, he could feel that Lisa was just as tense as he was.

He didn't want her to remain that way. Slowly, he reached out his hand. Lisa took it instantly, moving closer to him.

The golden brick road stretched before them, gleaming faintly in the afternoon sun. Few knew the truth about that long road, that it was a colossal golem, silently watching over the city, ready to awaken should invaders ever breach the walls.

"Why did Ruben make it gold, though?" Logan asked, half-wondering if it was some kind of reference.

"Knowing Ruben, he probably just wanted to show off for his wives. He's always been the type who enjoys overdoing things," Lisa replied, though her gaze was fixed more on the carriages gliding smoothly past without anyone guiding them.

The soft light of the lanterns brightened the streets as the evening grew darker with the season's early dusk. Their glow didn't just light the way; they also radiated warmth, and some even carried enchantments that offered a faint healing effect to passersby.

Carriages enchanted by Ruben rumbled down the roads, some resembling cars from Logan's old world, yet reshaped to preserve the medieval charm.

On the sidewalks, families strolled freely without fear. Merchants called out their wares, while adventurers in polished gear hurried toward the guild halls that now towered with new expansions.

Lisa glanced around with bright, admiring eyes. "I still remember when this place was barely more than a camp. Look at it now, Logan… You've truly built a grand kingdom."

Logan rubbed the back of his neck, trying to hide his embarrassment. "You mean we did. I keep telling you all, none of this would exist without everyone's help." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

They passed one of Marie's innovations, crystal projection displays mounted on the street corners.

The panels flickered with light, showing announcements, plays, and even recorded footage of tournaments or military drills. Children stopped to gape at the moving images, and Logan quickly noticed that the ones they loved most featured Scorch and his creatures.

He watched as the kids jumped and cheered, eyes wide with excitement at the scenes of Scorch fighting for justice.

"What did they do to you, buddy…" Logan muttered, half amused and half exasperated at what his mighty companion had been turned into.

Farther down, they arrived at a newly built plaza wide enough to host entire festivals. At its center stood a fountain designed by Bobby, its streams of water enchanted to dance with light and color.

Shops lined the square, and one of the new "malls" Bobby had insisted on building dominated the area, a massive structure packed with merchants and crafters. The air was alive with chatter, laughter, and the constant clink of coins.

As they walked, Logan felt Lisa slip her arm through his. His heart skipped, but he forced himself not to overthink it.

"Come on," Lisa said with a smile, tugging him toward the mouthwatering scent of roasting meat and fresh bread. "We're not leaving until we visit Xender."

The restaurant stood proudly at the edge of the square, marked by a banner of golden cutlery crossed over a flame. Inside, the tables were already crowded with soldiers, adventurers, and civilians. Xender himself, tall and broad-shouldered, emerged from the kitchen with a grin.

"My lady, Lisa, and Logan, you're both just on time. I was hoping you'd come today." He clapped Logan on the back with such force that it nearly made him stumble. "I've been working on a new recipe for EXP-boosting meals with just a touch of experience gain. Perfect for keeping morale high."

Lisa laughed at Logan's expression, and Xender ushered them to a private table. Platters soon followed, steaming meats glazed with mana-infused sauces, bread that glowed faintly with warmth, and fruit desserts that sparkled as though dusted with starlight.

Logan took a bite and blinked as a notification flared in his vision. [+1 Strength, +5 Exp.] He stared at the plate, then at Xender. "You're serious…"

The chef only grinned wider. "Eat more, my lord. You'll thank me later."

Lisa giggled at his stunned look, resting her chin on her hand. "See, Logan? Even your meals remind you of your duties. But at least this one tastes wonderful."

For once, Logan let himself laugh. Here, in the heart of Rosethorn, surrounded by everything his people had built, he felt the weight of Myrea's warning soften. He wasn't just fighting a war; he was protecting this life, this peace, and the people who made it worth living.