A Journey That Changed The World.

507 Out There On The Dunes

As the duo chatted, he noticed people staring at them, which annoyed him, but he decided not to let it get to him.

That's when he asked. ''Apart from being the empire's princess, why is everyone staring at you, my succubus?''

The pink-haired girl's eyes glowed before she replied. ''Well, most of the nobles my age wanted to marry me, but I was never interested in love until I met you, and they probably hate you.''

Her response caused Archer to laugh, ignoring the onlooker's curious eyes. Just then, their attention was diverted by the sweet strains of music reaching their ears.

Archer's gaze shifted towards a group of musicians preparing to perform, capturing his interest.

Nefertiti, who noticed where he was looking, smiled before she explained. "They bring in bands to sing for the patrons while they dine, creating beautiful background noise for everyone."

He nodded as the succubus continued to speak. ''I've never asked this, but can you sing, husband?''

Archer shrugged before answering. ''I'm not sure, to be honest. I've never tried it, but one day I will.''

Shel grinned and spoke in a teasing voice. ''Why don't you try tonight? I'm confident you can sing. You surprise us girls all the time.''

He smiled before shaking his head. ''No, thank you. I don't want to embarrass you. What if my singing is terrible.''

Nefertiti commented in a teasing voice. ''Well, if you can't sing, you're still very handsome.''

Archer started laughing when he heard her and nodded his head. ''You're right, my sweet succubus. Maybe if you reward me, I'll sing for you.''

The pink-haired girl gave him a cheeky smile and leaned over the table, giving him a view of her deep cleavage, which sent his lust soaring.

She leaned into his ear and whispered in a seductive voice. ''I will pamper you tonight with my mouth. I know you love it, you lewd dragon.''

When Archer heard that, he got excited and agreed. ''Okay, deal. Once we've eaten, I'll sing for my Zenian princess. I've got the perfect song that reminds me of the Southlands.''

Nefertiti brightly smiled after he spoke and couldn't wait. While they waited, Archer remembered the song he loved as a child.

It was one of the first movies he watched with Alexa many years ago. He shook his head and wondered how she was doing.

He closed his eyes and tried opening a Gate to Earth. As it tried to open, it sucked up all his mana, causing him to feel tired.

But that's when his Mana Regeneration kicked in, and his body started sucking in the world's mana which made him feel better.

When Nefertiti saw this, she got worried but calmed down when she saw him smile. She asked. ''What just happened? You suddenly looked ill, but now you look better.''

Archer chuckled before he explained in a caring tone so she wouldn't worry. "I tried opening a portal to Earth, but my mana ran out, and I nearly fainted.''

She went silent but quickly replied in a worried but relieved voice. ''Don't do it again, you stupid dragon.''

He nodded and was about to talk again, but the waitress approached with a wooden trolley adorned with silver trays.

With a friendly smile, she unveiled the trays individually, revealing an array of beautiful Zenian dishes.

The woman and a waiter who came to help started placing the trays on the table to give the couple a better view of the food.

The first tray held grilled kebab skewers, the delicious smell drifting through the air. Archer's eyes shone when he smelt it.

Nefertiti chuckled at his reaction, knowing that he loved food and this place had the best in the empire.

"These are our famous Zenian kebabs," she explained, gesturing towards the mouthwatering display. "Made with exotic spices and cooked to perfection. A favorite among our people."

The second tray revealed a colorful selection of dips, olives, and freshly baked flatbreads. Archer couldn't help but appreciate the artistry of the presentation.

Nefertiti grinned as she continued. "Mezze platters are a good way to start your meal. Each dip tells a story of its own."

The waitress and waiter kept placing the trays on the table until no room was left. But she continued explaining what each dish was.

She gestured towards the menu, her pink eyes lighting up as she described each dish. "First, we have Koshari, with a tomato sauce and onions. It's a true Zenian comfort food, a tasty blend of textures and tastes."

As Archer listened, he could almost taste the dish in his mind. Nefertiti continued, "Next on the list is Molokhia, a green soup made from mallow leaves. It's a traditional favorite, and the distinct flavor of molokhia leaves adds a unique touch to it."

Her excitement grew as she moved on to the next item. "And, of course, we have Fatta with layers of rice, bread, and meat soaked in a delicious broth.."

Archer nodded, curious about the food. Nefertiti concluded, "To round off our feast, we have Umm Ali for dessert. It's a bread pudding infused with nuts and coconut, all baked to perfection."

The two of them started eating as the atmosphere in the lounge was peaceful, and they enjoyed the food.

With satisfied smiles, they finished their food, savoring the last bites of the flavorful Zenian dishes.

The empty plates were proof of how much the two enjoyed their food. As Archer leaned back in his chair, content and replete, Nefertiti couldn't resist a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"You know, husband," she teased, "I think it's time you fulfill your promise and sing for me. I'm curious to see if your voice is as captivating as your charm."

Archer grinned. "Alright, my succubus, you've got yourself a deal."

With a quick motion, he rose from his seat, ready to take on the challenge. Archer made his way to the center of the room with a grin.

He approached the men playing the instruments and showed them what he wanted to play, and they happily agreed.

Everyone went quiet as they spotted him. Their curious gazes turned toward him, and a playful glint sparkled in his eyes.

Archer decided to remix a song he loved from his childhood back on Earth. He thought it suited the Zenians and prayed the copy-right god wouldn't strike him.

Without wasting any more time, he began to sing, his voice weaving a captivating melody that resonated through the wooden beams of the building.

''Oh, imagine a land. It's a faraway place,

Where the caravan camels roam

Where you wander among every culture and tongue

It's chaotic, but hey, it's home.''

''When the wind's from the East

And the sun's from the West

And the sand in the glass is right

Come on down. Stop on by

Hop a carpet and fly

To another Zenian night.''

As the first notes filled the air, heads turned, and conversations tapered off. Archer's melodic voice carried the tale of Zenia and the magic of their land, drawing everyone's attention.

''As you wind through the streets,

At the fabled bazaars,

With the cardamom-cluttered stalls,

You can smell every spice,

While you haggle the price,

Of the silks and the satin shawls.''

From the regulars to the newcomers, they were transported to a realm of tales and adventures.

Archer's voice painted vivid images of bustling markets, mystical genies, and the allure of the Zenia Empire.

From across the room, smiles adorned the faces of everyone present, captivated by the enchanting performance.

The audience, a mix of familiar faces and those experiencing the magic for the first time, watched with joy and amazement because of Archer's voice.

''Oh, the music that plays as you move through a maze

In the haze of your pure delight,

You are caught in a dance,

You are lost in a trance,

Of another Zenian night.''

Nefertiti was taken aback when she heard him singing, a delightful surprise that filled her with immense joy.

She couldn't help but capture the moment on a recording crystal, fully aware that having such a precious recording would likely spark envy among others.

''Zenian nights

Like Zenian days

More often than not are hotter than hot

In a lot of good ways

Zenian nights

Like Zenian dreams

This mystical land of magic and sand

Is more than it seems.''

Initially bustling about with trays and dishes serving the customers, the staff found themselves drawn to the performance.

With Ale in hand, they stood in shock, their eyes fixed on Archer as if the world outside the melody had faded away.

''There's a road that may lead you

To good or to greed through