~ As his gaze falls upon the unknown - II ~

The town was actually not that unique, since it still appeared to be the same eastern ancient settlement any fantasy world would have, but, it was very crowded and almost dizzying.

And for some random outsider like me, it was alarming.

The colors of the stalls, the various vendors, the lively hustle, it was not something I had seen even in the previous town.

"Woah!" I almost collided with some tough body builder on his way, and that man had the audacity to glare at me.

Usually I had been considered lucky to be taller than most in my class or at least as tall as them, but in this world, everyone was either taller or either stronger. Even the the females were buff, and I wasn't kidding. But even with a healthy body type, no female looked odd or fat, their muscles were definitely tones under their dresses.

I wasn't being a pervert, it was just the truth that made me awed.

I guess it was the daily chore which made them this robust. Since on earth, the modern world was used to depending on electronics and gadgets.

The crowd was getting too severe, so I unintentionally caught hold of Xi Ken's sleeve, trying to stay behind him and not get lost with the flow.

But when I realized my mistake, I let go as if burned, "S-Sorry," I muttered almost to myself, since the loud noise from all the direction was heavy to break through.

Xi Ken did not say anything, making me wonder if he even felt my tug. Would he think of me as a bother? Would depending on him make him see me as a child?

Thinking I was just making a fool of myself by over analyzing, I tried to forget about it. But the next step I almost fell over a small bump, landing down on my knees. Or I would have landed down if not for Xi Ken turning over and smoothly maneuvering me in front of him. His solid arms around my waist to stabilize me, as he leaned down to speak right next to my ear, "Why did you pull back, keeping holding on to me or you are going to get overwhelmed by the crowd."

I blushed, staring blankly at the passing crowd.

"I thought it would bother you."

"What?" he asked me, leaning closer over my shoulder to properly hear what I was saying, his long strands of hair curtaining over me.

"N-Nothing, thanks," I replied instead, keen on establishing an end to the awkwardness and to avoid his strong woody scent, which I had officially labeled as poison for the virgin me.

The flow broke when a hoarse voice shouted out, "Hair ornaments, big small, charms and jewels, hair ornaments, under 1 chunk, under 1 chunk~"

Needing such a distraction, I looked over, watching a middle aged man with a turban, sitting by the edge of the narrow street, his open stall decorated with luxurious hair ornaments, all of them different and striking.

"Want to see?" I heard Xi Ken ask, caressing my chin to distract me, immediately snapping me out of my focus.

"Eh? We can?" I asked with excitement, absently avoiding analyzing his touches. I really found the stalls very phenomenal, attracting my attention. And getting a chance to see them meant I would enjoy the tour.

"Come," Xi Ken pulled me by the waist, continuing to drag my embarrassed self until we reached the stall that caught my eye. I wasn't one for ornaments, but they looked very enchanting, and if a girl was to wear them, then she would indeed charm even the most stoic of faces.

Once I saw the goods up close, I swore I almost gaped. The design and pattern was otherworldly, unlike what I had ever seen and from the material to finishing, all of them were extraordinary.

"Welcome young masters," the stall owner grinned, "what would you like to buy today, Hair pin for your beloved, jewel for your mother, a gift for your sister, or a charm for your brother... the price is cheap considering the quality of work that has gone into it."

I nodded, but I was sure my lack of response did not make a good impression as a buyer. But despite that the stall owner was persistent, as he showed me various headdresses and a bunch of hairpins. To probably woo me into considering his goods.

"You said you have charms for males?" I wanted to see what that looked like, were they more manly, or looked feminine like the rest? And if it was cheap I would ask Xi Ken to buy me one, I would return him the amount in installments. Because I really did not desire to just leave the stall now that I had done this much window shopping. My pride would get hurt and I also did not know how to politely reject such a hopeful business man.

"Charms! Aaha, I have the best kind," he became even more eager, making my eye twitch. Now I definitely had to buy something from him.

"Here," he took out a few wooden boxes, opening them one by one, displaying over the contents.

I realized they were also jewels, but all of them were a little subtle and more plain looking, perfect for uplifting the beauty of a male. They weren't distracting, but more prominent and bold.

"Wah~ they are very beautiful," I was impressed, and in return the owner complimented my kindness.

"You are the first young master I have seen so genuinely appreciating beauty, because the masters I generally meet are either not considerate or very rude."

I knew the man was simply fishing for profit, but seeing the sincere light in his eyes, I felt that he really was thankful for my praise.

I couldn't help but smile, "Then will that cheapen the price?"

The owner started to laugh at that, "I am afraid not young master, my appreciation only goes to a certain extent."

I hummed, gliding my hand over the delicate materials. Finding beauty in each.

Picking up a small clip, that had a wooden roll clinging from it, I noticed the gold and silver carvings covering its surface. The finishing was excellent. And the size was handy.

"How much is this?"

"90 grains young master, no less no more."

I hummed, deciding whether I should buy just any cheap one to please myself, or I should go for it and ask Xi Ken about the expenses.

But as if hearing my internal struggle, Xi Ken patted my head in kind, "Do you want it?"

My heart started to beat faster, as I heard his voice dipping for me. The feeling of satisfaction and happiness booming in. But as soon as it came, I felt my gut clench with unease, "But the more I buy from your pocket the more I would have to pay back."

Finding me amusing, Xi Ken chuckled, "Just buy it, if you like it."

I could clearly see that he avoided the main focus, but targeted the present challenge, which was choosing one thing to buy.

When I looked back at the stall owner, he was grinning widely at the two of us, as his eyes started to linger on the man next to me.

I sighed internally, wasn't the owner just now praising me but when he saw who was his real customer, he started to mount his target in that direction. But I couldn't fault him, for small business man like him, making profit was tough, so having such practical approach was a given.

"I want this-" I stopped, mid way when I saw a silver box kept right at the end of the stall, spiking my interests. "What is in that? The box looks beautiful."

The stall owner turned to see where I was looking at, and immediately recognized the box, "Ah, that is more costly than the charms which come under 1 chunk. I wasn't going to sell from this today," he pointed out, "but I can show you, if you want to buy it, you can."

He brought the box to me and opened the lid, as I saw the contents which were basically more neutral versions of charms. They were even more subtle and dark, but had their own touch to them.

I watched impatiently, as the stall owner arranged the contents in a more organized manner, giving me a glimpse of every article he had.

"Do you like these young master?"

My eyes widened.