Tōga breathed a sigh of relief, finally savoring his first day off since joining the Rune Knights. During his admission process, tales of grueling hours, thankless toil, and the relentless climb up the Knight hierarchy had eluded him. Yet, the consequences of his inattentiveness were now becoming apparent. While he was no stranger to hard work, there was a stark contrast between toiling for one's own desires and serving the whims of others. His labor wasn't for his own benefit; the credit for successes never graced his luxuries, yet he shouldered all the blame for any missteps. It was an exhausting reality.

On this rare day of respite, Tōga strolled through Era's bustling streets. Being amidst others without the weight of duty was liberating. He could observe his regular charges without feeling compelled to drop everything for their safety and needs. Opting for casual attire over his Rune Knight uniform, he donned a vibrant red hoodie concealed beneath the dark navy of his loose pants and secured overshirt. To maintain some sense of cohesion, he completed his outfit with stylish, bright red shoes that kept his feet comfortable as he wandered.

During his leisurely excursion, Tōga spotted a familiar face, a figure known to some but an enigma to others. Councilman Daragast navigated the streets, seemingly engaged in a solitary conversation, disappointment etching his features. Tōga recognized this significant figure and welcomed his presence, even as bystanders reacted with shock to Daragast's draconic appearance. To Tōga, the councilman was akin to extended family.

"Councilman, may I join you?" Tōga exclaimed, swiftly closing the distance between himself and Daragast with his remarkable speed. To his surprise, Daragast accepted without complaint, and what began as a simple inquiry turned into an unexpected journey of sorts.

Their conversation commenced with a focus on the impoverished areas of Era they approached. Observing the dire conditions, it became evident that the councilman was concerned about the need for construction and development in these neglected neighborhoods. The off-duty Rune Knight wholeheartedly concurred.

As they continued, they delved into the subject of implicit bias and the profound impact on the less fortunate. Coming from humble beginnings himself, Tōga understood the struggles of starting with nothing and reaffirmed his commitment to assist those in need, as he had once been offered a helping hand.

Their dialogue shifted to the recruitment of capable talent within Era to serve as civil servants. The Rune Knight nodded in agreement, recognizing that the growth of individuals paralleled the development of their roles. A more intelligent and perceptive workforce in Era would lead to fewer problems.

What felt like mere minutes actually spanned hours, and soon they found themselves observing carefree children playing tag in the streets. Tōga fondly reminisced about his own childhood and yearned to protect these youngsters. They represented the future, and he felt a deep responsibility toward them.

Lastly, their conversation revolved around supporting local, struggling businesses. Commerce served as the lifeblood of any city, and it needed to thrive at all levels, especially among those with less support. Equity was the stepping stone to equality, not the other way around.

Councilman Daragast expressed his gratitude to Tōga for lending an ear and generously handed him a pouch of jewels. He also assured Tōga that he would recommend him for future missions. Unbeknownst to Tōga, his day off had transformed into a day of service, and he had unwittingly ignited a fiery sense of purpose within himself, thanks to Daragast's guidance.

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WC: 600
THREAD END