Chapter 8: Fabrics for the Hidden Hearts

They left the fallen burning building to ashes and crawled back into the city. Larson had most of his armor and clothes burned and torn off, exposing his bare chest. Merlize faced away from him as they searched the busy streets. Thankfully, he still had his fighting equipment with him.

Even after they left the forest, Larson hadn’t told Merlize or Edwin of what transpired in the forest. He decided it was for the best.

Merlize nudged Larson away from his thoughts. “Hey, do you have anything I could hold on to while my bow and quiver are absent?”

“Sorry, I wish I had brought my old sword with me,” he told her.

“It’s okay, maybe there’s something I could use inside the shop,” she figured.

They entered a nearby shop. It had a golden door surrounded by stone walls. Numerous weapons and shields decorated the interior. The owner gave them a small tour of his merchandise. Most of them, Larson hadn’t seen before.

“For you, sir, I think this Jotun Shield works best for your toned physique. It’s made from the rarest emerald snake in all of Luxene,” he claimed.

He slid the emerald-crusted shield into Larson’s arm. The latter posed with it as if defending himself against a wild boar. After that, he returned it to the owner and looked for something else of interest.

Meanwhile, Merlize eyed a slingshot from the rocky shelves. “This is perfect!”

After picking the weapon of her choice, she pulled Larson’s hand toward the tailor’s house. His heart struck the ribcages like a harmonic drum. He couldn’t let go of her warm touch.

"No, Larson, get your head together! You vowed to your father that you would save the princess and have her hand." Larson's mind echoed inside his skull.

Edwin tossed some gold coins over the counter from Larson’s shoulder before leaving the weapon shop. The owner scratched his head as he inserted the coins inside his vault.

The team stopped at a golden house with a sparkling red scissor, the length of a grown man, resting on its forehead. Merlize pulled him inside. Intricate clothes populated each square inch of the interior. Ladies tending to the dresses switched their attention to Larson, who had an exposed chest.

Edwin had switched shoulder for Merlize’s.

“What can I do for you, handsome?” A round-chested woman in her thirties groped his chest as if measuring it.

Larson’s tongue twisted. “Uhm… I…”

“How about a see-through shirt or sleek shorts?” A curvy woman with scissors squeezed his calves. “Let me measure up your strong legs.”

“Uhh… is this really necessary?” He flinched.

“Hush now.” A wrinkly old woman put a finger on his lips. “We are experts in this field.”

“Whoa! Wait!” Larson’s cheeks flared red.

Merlize giggled, waving at him. “Have fun, Larson!”

“Guys, save me!” He pleaded with bulging eyes, as if a group of hyenas were going to feast on him.

The tailors took him away inside their dressing area. Screams and laughter escaped the room. Merlize and Edwin grinned as they looked around the shop.

“Should we save him?” Edwin asked.

Merlize ogled a red scarf in her hand. “Nah, he’ll be fine.”

“You know that I’m going to pay for it, right?” He gazed at the glittering red fabric.

“List our expenditures. We’ll reimburse you once we get our reward from the king.” She returned the scarf back in its rack.

He raised an eyebrow. “Surely.”

The tailors pulled Larson out of the room and spun his body. He wore a gentleman’s white tuxedo emphasized by a smart, casual black coat, matching his dark pants.

“What do you think?” The old woman asked.

It’s Merlize’s turn to have her face red. “Wow! You look like a dashing prince from a faraway land of an unknown kingdom.”

“I’m afraid this isn’t appropriate for battle.” Larson strained his neck, eyeing his new clothes.

“We crafted them from flexible fibers that will follow your every move.” The curvy lady explained. “It’s also tailored with durable quality.”

“Let’s test it out.” Larson grabbed his sword and shield. Swinging his weapon, he made long strides. He also did some evasion maneuvers, rolling in different directions. The clothes remained intact without any scratches or tear.

“How much is it?” Merlize asked.

The round-chested woman replied. “Because this is our first time using the newly acquired rare fibers, you can have it free of charge.”

“Thank the gods!” Edwin’s ears pricked and jumped for joy.

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After leaving the tailors, they stayed at a nearby inn resembling a large boulder of rock. Merlize and Edwin went out shopping for their dinner. Larson laid on the stony bed, mind fixed on Merlize’s reddish flush while she commented on his new clothes.

“You mustn’t deny it. Tell her the truth.” The voice within him urged.

Larson’s face turned sour. “You have no say in this.”

“I’m trying to help you here, lad!” It scowled at him.

Larson shifted to his side, facing away from the door. “If you are doing this to take over my body again, it won’t happen.”

“Aww… you’re no fun.”

Larson ignored his retort. "Because this isn’t right! How can I stop myself from her magnetic pull?"

His father’s words surfaced in his mind, “Son, there comes a time when the brain has trouble finding a way to resolve problems. When that happens, always follow your heart.”

“Who are you talking to?” Merlize tapped his shoulder.

He sprang up from his bed toward her. “Huh? Oh, I was just talking to myself.”

"Too close!" Merlize thought. It was too late for her to regret it now.

With this sudden proximity, their eyes locked. As if gravity pulled them together, their faces began to move toward each other. Her sweet breath with his softness—an electrifying exchange between their beating hearts. Merlize closed her eyes, waiting to receive his kiss.

As their lips were a millimeter apart, Larson froze. “No, I… I can’t. I’m sorry.”

“I guess I shouldn’t push my luck, huh?” She pulled away from him, hiding the crack forming in her heart. “Come, dinner’s ready.”

When they finished dinner, Larson thanked her. Merlize responded with a nod, cleaned the table and urged him to retire in his bed.

“By tomorrow, we must leave for Ragnaheim, Home of the Silver Dwarves.” Edwin announced as he prepares the payment for their stay.