CHAPTER 22………………………………………….
The streets were, as expected, full of dazzling lights, various foods, and plenty to see.
District 1 was known within the empire for its excellent public safety and cleanliness, so even though it was already late at night, people were still passing through everywhere.
“At least I told the coachman too.”
At first, I considered going with him, but since the carriage had been left in a rather deserted spot, leaving it unattended felt awkward.
Still, he seemed trustworthy enough that he wouldn’t run off.
I handed a few fairy tales to the coachman, who would otherwise be bored waiting alone, and then entered the bustling streets with Mathias.
“Good thing I brought the robe.”
It was a bit stuffy to keep it on my head all the time, but it wasn’t quite safe to wander freely yet.
Not just me—those guys could also be chasing Mathias.
“And… I stand out way too much!”
If I kept walking around with this face, it was obvious not just the slave traders but everyone else would stare.
I was already taller than most, and with such striking features, awkward situations were inevitable.
“Let’s not wander for too long. Just take a quick look around.”
“Okay.”
Mathias nodded in response. He also didn’t forget to hold my hand firmly.
“Cute.”
It felt a little childish sticking so close to a grown man, but it was still kind of cute. It could be a bit embarrassing at times because he was so close…
“Ariya.”
“Uh, hmm?”
Startled, I looked up. Mathias was suddenly pointing at something.
“There.”
“?”
I followed his gaze and noticed a small street stall nearby.
“Shall we go there?”
Mathias nodded as if he had been waiting for this moment.
At first glance, it looked like an ordinary stall, but something had clearly caught his attention. He strode straight toward the place he had indicated.
“Welcome, welcome!”
The owner greeted us and displayed the items on the table.
“Hmm.”
Perhaps because this was a street frequented by the wealthy, the quality of jewelry and handkerchiefs sold at a street stall was quite impressive.
Of course, anything below a certain quality wouldn’t even sell here.
I browsed through the necklaces, earrings, and other accessories.
At that moment, Mathias, who was looking at the accessories with me, suddenly pointed at one.
“That one.”
He pointed to a hairpin adorned with a white rose and pearls.
“This one?”
“Yes.”
Mathias pointed to the hairpin precisely and said,
“I think it would suit you.”
“Me?”
“Yes, Ariya.”
“Me?”
Flustered, I glanced at the hairpin. Upon hearing his words, the owner clapped and chimed in.
“Oh my, it’s perfect for you, miss! You must be lovers; your taste is spot-on.”
“Uh, we’re not—”
“Ah, I know, I know. I understand, it happens!”
Wait, what do you understand…?!
I looked at the owner pleadingly, but he was already caught up in the act of attracting customers and ignored me.
“I think it’ll look pretty.”
“……”
Looking at it, I thought it might actually be a bit pretty…
‘I shouldn’t waver.’
Mathias may have simply thought it looked nice, but it was obvious that the owner was just trying to make a sale.
Normally, I was strict about not being swayed by such words.
“It’s pretty.”
“……Should I buy it?”
Ah, now I was tempted.
‘I do have the money to spare.’
I was saving money for unexpected situations anyway. Any debts would be slowly paid back to Javie.
“How much is it?”
“Two coins of fairy tales!”
Hearing that, I was even more torn.
I had worried he might overcharge me, but the price was cheaper than I expected.
‘He’ll soon collect every last bit of his fortune anyway.’
I had struggled a bit these past few days; buying just one shouldn’t be a problem.
Having rationalized it, I cleared my throat.
“I’ll take just this one, please.”
“Excellent choice, miss!”
The owner laughed heartily and handed me the hairpin. Just as I reached to pay, Mathias grabbed my arm.
“What’s wrong?”
“……”
He opened his mouth a few times but didn’t say a word. Then he let go of my arm naturally.
‘What’s up with him?’
“Miss?”
“N-no, sir.”
I finished the payment and took the hairpin. Mathias, still holding onto my collar, looked puzzled. I gave a brief greeting to the owner and led him to a quiet corner.
“What’s wrong?”
“……”
“Was there a problem?”
Or did he perhaps see those guys?
I quickly glanced around. No one seemed to be watching, but better safe than sorry. Sightseeing was fun, but not at the cost of safety.
“Shall we go back now?”
“No, it’s not that.”
“Hmm? Then what is it?”
If it wasn’t about those guys, why would he hesitate?
Just then, Mathias gently held my hand, which still held the hairpin I had just bought.
“……I wanted to give it to you.”
His gaze at the hairpin looked unusually serious.
“I… should be the one paying.”
“……No way.”
I cautiously asked, listening to his muttering.
“Are you trying to say you wanted to buy it for me?”
His large frame trembled slightly. Then, without denying it, he nodded.
“But… I didn’t have it.”
“Didn’t have it?”
“Sorry. So I let you do it instead.”
“W-wait a minute.”
So what he was trying to say was…
‘I wanted to buy it for you, but I feel sorry that you ended up buying it instead.’
It seemed that way from what he said.
I looked up at the still-hesitant Mathias. He hunched his shoulders further and apologized again.
His full-hearted apology instantly snapped me back to attention. Seeing his drooped shoulders made me feel concerned.
“Wait, no, you don’t need to apologize!”
Of course, I was tempted to buy it, but I didn’t want to put the blame on Mathias.
“It really looked beautiful. That’s why I thought you recommended it.”
“……”
“Thanks, I got a pretty hairpin thanks to you.”
Mathias, momentarily speechless, carefully took the pin in his hand.
He twisted the hairpin and bent forward slightly.
“!”
“Here.”
He drew a breath so close to me it made me inhale sharply.
In the blink of an eye, Mathias slowly placed the hairpin in my hair. After adjusting it carefully, he stepped back, looking a little proud.
“It looks beautiful.”
Clearly, he wasn’t talking about the hairpin.
He meant the person wearing it.
