Fulfilled

It was now after breakfast and Kye was getting dressed in some of his finer clothes for his outing with Nadiya. He put on a dark blue button-up shirt with black trousers. He combed his hair into a fashionable style and looked at himself in the mirror. Clothes like these weren't common in Kye's past life but in the recent cultural boom, the fashion of the upper classes became a lot less regal, focusing more on neatness and cleanliness. Kye's look would be considered the height of fashion in today's times, the only thing symbolising his nobility being the small golden cufflinks that adorned his sleeves. Kye straightened out his clothes and exited the changing room to show Vanessa.

"What do you think?" He asked, opening his arms to present himself.

Vanessa smiled when she saw his handsome visage, her heart speeding up. She was used to him wearing training clothes or more comfortable things around the mansion. Seeing him dressed up like this was the greatest gift she could ask for.

"You look wonderful master."

"Great. I wasn't sure how these clothes would fit me but now that I'm seeing them for myself, I quite like this look. Well, no time to delay, let us go."

Kye exited his room with Vanessa close behind him as he walked to the foyer of the mansion. There he saw Nadiya waiting for him, their eyes met and she opened her mouth in shock. She had never seen Kye like this.

"Kye! I had no idea you had such clothes."

"Well, I've got to at least look nice for the public right? Though I don't usually go all out like this."

Kye smiled at her.

"Must be because of you that I felt like doing this."

Nadiya blushed heavily and turned away to conceal it. This is what Alayah meant by 'unwitting womanizer'. To Kye, dressing up to go out with someone you held respect for was simply a given to him, there was no special meaning behind his words yet to a woman in the middle of a crush, those words were much more impactful. Vanessa knew this was just Kye's nature but she couldn't help but shake her head at the sight of Kye's natural womanizing attitude shining through.

Alayah watched the scene from her temple located in her godly domain. She puffed up her cheeks as she saw Kye do what he had always done. He would get a girl interested, show them his cool side and then never show any further interest. It was a pattern she had observed countless times in his past life that she couldn't even muster up the energy to be angry anymore. She knew that the girl fell in love with Kye before this and it was his personality that drew her in, so she could not bring herself to be too mad.

"But still! This is ridiculous, he has to pull it together! Nadiya is a nice girl, she would make a great wife for him. If he manages to ruin this by being insensitive I won't forgive him!"

As the goddess of life, she wanted Kye to have many children and populate the world so that his exceptional talents could live on in future generations. For that, she knew that he would have to have many partners. Luckily, she rather liked Nadiya as she was graceful in accepting help and very thankful.

"I know you can't hear me Kye but you better not screw this up!"

Kye and Nadiya walked side-by-side down the sidewalks of the busy streets in Runia's main business district. Kye did a lot of shopping here for materials so he was acquainted with a few business owners in the area.

"I hope you don't mind me taking charge of where we go today. I know you want to explore but I know of some nice places I'd like to take you."

"T-That's completely fine with me!"

"Great. There is this nice market area just down this street with many stalls. We should have a look to see if there's anything you'd like to bring back for you or your family."

"Mhm!"

Nadiya stuck close to Kye but those around made way for them. Kye was easily recognisable with his pale blonde hair and sharp grey eyes were very unique characteristics that only the young heir of the Runewalkers had. While they made room for him, it wasn't out of reverence or fear, but rather respect. Some even greeted him briefly as they passed and Kye always made sure to at least wave in response. Nadiya admired how Kye got along with those living in his family's city and how they felt comfortable enough to greet him like that.

After a short walk, they arrived at the market. Nadiya gaped excitedly at the bustling market square. Stalls with food, jewellery, artisan goods and even tools lined the square in an orderly manner while people filed down the stalls as store owners hawked their wares at passersby. Kye grabbed Nadiya's hand.

"It's rather busy so don't let go. You might get lost otherwise."

Nadiya bashfully nodded as the two set off down the busy stall lines, looking at whatever caught their interest. As they continued to walk, they approached a busy stall with gruff men standing around looking at the objects on the table. This stall belonged to a blacksmith that Kye had grown to know through Kyla. While he made a lot of industrial parts and weapons, the man had exceptional talent with jewellery. He only produced them rarely as they took an immense amount of time to make and detail but they were almost always bought before they went to market. Nobles paid high prices to have rings made by him, to the point where they were seen only as things to be given on special occasions.

Kye made his way to the front of the crowd, still holding Nadiya's hand.

"Hey, grampa Ewen!"

"Kye ma boy! So glad ta see ya! Mah daughter told me that ya went off for trainin' or somethin' right?"

The man that greeted Kye was a large aging man with grey frazzled hair and a long beard. His tan skin was taught over his bulging arm muscles as he smiled at the young man who was his grandson. This was Kyla's father and had been plying his trade in Runia for many years.

"Yeah, but I got injured so I came back early to rest up."

"I've always said ya'd work yerself into an early grave. You're pushin' yaself too hard."

Ewen's gaze fell on Nadiya and their hands that were clamped together and smiled.

"Didn't tell me ya had a girl already! Ya work quick huh?"

"Well, she's partly the reason I'm here actually. You have any pieces that would suit her?"

Ewen stroked his beard thoughtfully before smiling.

"Elven beauty is secon' ta none! O' course i've made stuff ta fit 'em. Gimme a second alright!"

Ewen looked under his stall table and unlocked a runic box that Kye had made for him at Kyla's request. He pulled out a small wooden box that was inlaid with a soft velvet cushion and handed it to Kye.

"That should fit tha young miss quite nicely I reckon!"

Kye popped the lid and smiled as he laid eyes on the gorgeous necklace inside. It was a simple gold chain that had a small trinket on it. The trinket was made out of a perfectly cut emerald gemstone fashioned into the shape of a leaf.

"It's perfect. What is it worth?"

"Bah, don't ya fret one bit lad! Yer runic chest is worth much more than that! Consider it yer payment fer a job well done."

Kye gave Ewen a big smile and nodded.

"Thanks a lot grampa."

Ewen just waved them away and went back to serving his over customers. Kye led Nadiya away from the crowd and handed her the box.

"I know it's out of the blue but after today, the chances we meet one another are low. I'd like you to take this as something to remember our friendship by."

Nadiya took the box with shaking hands and opened it slowly. She gasped as she laid eyes on the beautiful necklace in the box. She closed it and hugged Kye tightly.

"Thank you so much, Kye! I'll treasure it forever!"

Even though their date had just started, Kye felt rather fulfilled seeing Nadiya so happy from his gift. Was this what it was like to have friends of the opposite sex? If so, Kye thought he could get used to it rather easily.