Using his 'Shaping' ability, Todd transformed himself into an ordinary young man. He then took Aurora, who was also disguised, and walked out of the royal city gates towards the port area.
Walking along the clean and tidy streets, although the rebellion three years ago is long gone, hidden cracks and slightly black stains can still be faintly seen on the street corners and stone slabs.
Standing before a charred wall covered in ivy, Todd sighed softly, recalling everything that had happened there.
Grasping her father's hand, Aurora looked at the man known to everyone as the "Holy King" with a gaze that was both awe and unfamiliarity.
In her memory, her father, Todd, had been busy and on the go since she was born, and he was mostly out of her sight, and she heard his name from people more often.
The wise, loving, and omnipotent holy king, whose name is like that of an ancient deity, is circulated in the streets and alleys.
But for Aurora, walking with Todd like this, like a father and daughter, on the streets of the city, was a first for her since birth.
Todd turned around, smiled at Aurora, and said, "Let's go, I'll take you somewhere first."
Aurora had assumed her father would take her to the market, docks, or harbor in the port area, but to her surprise, Todd took her to a cemetery near the port area first.
On a low hill, there is a cemetery surrounded by flowers and green grass. The environment there is beautiful, with birds singing and flowers blooming, completely unlike the gloomy and cold atmosphere that people usually imagine.
Todd stood atop the hill, looking at the rows of tombstones before him, and said to Aurora, "All those buried here gave their lives for this kingdom, for this city."
Aurora blinked. "So, everyone here is a good person?"
“Yes, they gave up the joys of family life, the right to live and enjoy life, and sacrificed their precious lives for the well-being of others,” Todd said softly. “They are not just good people, they are true heroes.”
Aurora nodded, seemingly understanding, then suddenly asked Todd, "Father, I've heard people say that you are the god of all things. So, between a hero and a god, who is greater?"
Todd crouched down, looked into Aurora's eyes, and said calmly, "If a god only possesses power but refuses to take responsibility, then compared to a hero, he will only appear humble and insignificant."
Todd gently stroked his daughter's forehead and said with a smile, "Aurora, remember this: with great power comes great responsibility."
Young Aurora repeated the phrase over and over, her eyes filled with confusion.
Todd closed his eyes, shook his head slightly, and said, "You're too young right now; you might not understand what I mean."
Todd's expression and actions made the bewildered Aurora lower her head and unconsciously tug at the corner of his clothes.
“Father, if I could, I wouldn’t want you to be a hero.”
Aurora's words stunned Todd for a moment, then he opened his eyes and asked, "Why?"
Aurora glanced at the tombstones and whispered, "If heroes must leave their families and be buried here, then I will never see you again..."
Todd chuckled and patted Aurora on the head, saying, "Things aren't as simple as you think. Actually... never mind, we'll talk about this later. We've been here long enough; it's time to leave."
Aurora nodded, took Todd's hand, and left the hills.
As Aurora descended the hill, she saw an elderly couple with white hair, leading a boy about her age, heading to the cemetery to mourn the dead. She couldn't help but ask, "Father, are there any other members in your family?"
Todd looked into the distance and said softly, "Yes."
Who are they?
"There are grandpas, grandmas, uncles, maternal uncles..."
Aurora asked, puzzled, "Why do they never come to Twilight City to see Aurora? Is it because they don't like me?"
“No, if they saw you, they would really like you.” Todd’s face showed sadness and longing. “It’s just that they live so far away from here…”
"Far? Is it farther than from Muxi City to Gugu City?"
"It's much, much farther away..."
Aurora looked up and noticed that Todd's expression was a little strange. She said anxiously, "Father, are you angry? Did I say something wrong?"
Todd shook his head, pulled Aurora onto his arm, and said with a smile, "I was just thinking about some things from the past. Your grandmother, who is my mother, was best at making boiled pork slices and fried meatballs. Whenever she cooked, the house would be filled with the aroma of the food, and even the neighbors downstairs would knock on the door asking for some..."
And so, Aurora, accompanied by Todd, spent the entire day exploring most of the port area, from the bustling market with its wide array of goods to the lively war beast enclosure and the magnificent harbor docks.
With the bright moon high in the sky, Todd carried Aurora, who had fallen asleep after playing, back to the palace.
As the palace maids carefully took Aurora from her, Deirdre slowly walked to her daughter. Looking at her sleeping like an angel, with a happy smile still on her face, she said with relief, "It's been a long time since I've seen Aurora so happy."
Taking the wet wipes offered by the servants, Todd hastily wiped his face and neck, and said to Deirdre, "Our daughter is exhausted today. Let her sleep in tomorrow and don't disturb her."
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