Dimensional Descent

"Hey, hey, hey, watch it. Those are the money makers," James leapt back, coughing lightly.

Leonel sent him a side glance, but rather than shrinking back, James laughed.

"This is too funny."

James plopped down on a nearby piece of grass, having a good 'ol time all to himself. He had never really seen Leonel get angry about anything.

No, it was more accurate to say that nothing really got to Leonel in the usual sense. Usually, if you made Leonel mad, you were just screwed. But this time Leonel wasn't just mad, but he didn't have a counter punch to throw. He seemed so human for the first time.

It wasn't like he could continue crossing that line and humiliating his father-in-law. If he did so, he would be screwed to live a life of misery. Who knew, it might even end in him losing Aina.

Miel was Aina's only family remaining; Leonel couldn't just ostracize him. If he was a bad father, that would be one matter. But he was a man who had done his best. Eviscerating him would feel good for a moment, and then cause years of distress afterward.

The only answer to the problem seemed to be for Leonel to take a step back, but in his mind, that was tantamount to losing. He didn't want to do that.

"Just using Aina to deliver a letter was enough to piss him off even though it had been his idea. Let alone this."

"I'm glad you're having a great time," Leonel mumbled.

"Really?" James replied cheerily. "It doesn't sound like you really are. Say it again if it's true."

This, unsurprisingly, earned James another glare. To which, he, of course, laughed again.

"It's not all bad, you know. It could be worse."

"And how's that exactly?"

could be a mother-in-law involved too, then

was maybe that James was correct. At the very least, he could exchange some fists with Aina's father; if it was her mother instead, where

healthy relationship. So instead of doing all that, just show him you're not the person you think he is. Simple

off as a power play to Miel. And honestly, he couldn't defeat Miel in a straight-up battle even if he wanted to. The only person who could do that was Aina, and he wasn't going to make

away, it would definitely end in a battle. And unless he was willing to kill Miel,

Leonel thought to

else. He looked over and found that Aina

bittersweet smile spread across both

can take

"Hm?" Leonel asked.

my dad. We have to move now, quickly. Or else we might not get

Leonel nodded somewhat

it was for the best. At least for now, Aina would just have to be

least, he appreciated her approach, and though he couldn't read Miel's mind, he was sure

"Let's

...

the process of

it was toward the idea that the place where they were going would be even worse. After all, even in this relatively "stable" city, the living conditions were horrible. They barely got enough food and water, and the streets were rife with

all of this went out the window after they

paradise, and they almost couldn't believe that