A visit to the bookstore.

Accepting Ben's hand, Alexander stepped out of the carriage onto the bustling sidewalk.

His mother followed, gracefully guided by Ben as well.

"Would you like me to join you inside, my lady?" Ben asked, closing the carriage door with a soft click before turning to face her.

She shook her head. "We'll be fine," she replied with a warm smile.

Taking Alexander's hand, she led him into the bookstore.

The air inside was thick with the inviting scent of fresh paper and ink.

Rows of shelves stretched out, stocked not just with books but with fountain pens, quills, and all manner of literary accessories.

Toward the back, the shelves grew taller, holding oversized maps, posters, and ancient tomes.

Alexander's mother wasted no time browsing; she headed straight for the counter.

There, a woman in her late forties greeted them—or so she appeared.

Her long, luscious hair framed a face etched with subtle wrinkles, and her eyes glowed a bright blue.

Upon spotting them, the shopkeeper—Mrs. Dellwich—smiled warmly. "Well, hello, dear. It's been a while."

Alexander's mother returned the smile.

"It has, Mrs. Dellwich."

She gestured toward Alexander. "This is my second child, Alexander. He's adorable, isn't he?"

Mrs. Dellwich chuckled, studying him with curious eyes. "Ah, I see he has your beautiful golden eyes, Mrs. Daname."

His mother giggled, ruffling Alexander's hair. "I know. I'm glad at least one of my children inherited them."

Ugh, even in a whole different world, I still have to endure my mother's endless rambling.

Alexander forced a smile up at Mrs. Dellwich. "Hey," he said casually. "Looking good, girl—not a day over fifty."

Heh, at least I can sneak in some cheap shots. The joys of being a kid!

Mrs. Dellwich burst into joyous laughter, clutching her side as she leaned forward.

"Ha! Your son is quite the flirt."

Alexander's mother's cheeks flushed red as she glanced down at him, a mix of embarrassment and amusement in her eyes.

Mrs. Dellwich wiped away tears of mirth.

"Thank you, Alex—you certainly know the way to a woman's heart."

She smiled.

"But unfortunately for you, I'm ninety-six years too old."

Alexander's jaw dropped in genuine disbelief, sparking another girlish giggle from Mrs. Dellwich.

"Oh, stop with the acting; my husband will be furious," she joked.

There's no fucking way.

He turned to his mother for confirmation. "Is she serious?"

She nodded shyly. "Mhmm. She's a hundred and two."

Alexander gaped back at Mrs. Dellwich, who blushed like a rose in spring.

"H-how?" he whispered.

"My flirtatious son aside," his mother interjected, gently tousling his hair again, "you mentioned new books in your letter. I'd love to see them."

Mrs. Dellwich nodded, grabbing a box from the shelf behind her.

"Yes, I received the shipment yesterday and wanted you to have first pick."

She placed the box on the counter and opened it, revealing several thick books with red covers.

Pulling one out, she cracked it open. "If I recall, these are the first accounts from the demon continent."

She flipped through the pages.

"Yes—detailed explorations. See?" She turned it toward Alexander's mother.

"Ah, fascinating," his mother murmured, eyes lighting up as she scanned the illustrations.

"These drawings are magnificent. Handwritten, I assume?"

Mrs. Dellwich nodded. "They'll send printed copies soon, but without these illustrations. I knew you'd prefer the originals."

"You know me too well." Alexander's mother chuckled, reaching for her reticule.

"How much?"

"I bought them for nine silver Embers," Mrs. Dellwich said thoughtfully. "One golden Ember seems fair."

His mother frowned, raising an eyebrow. "But that's only one silver in profit…"

"That's fine." Mrs. Dellwich glanced at Alexander with a wink. "Your son made me feel a century younger—that's payment enough."

She giggled.

I'd take the deal in a heartbeat, but hey, I'm just a stupid six-year-old in a world of centenarians.

"Thank you, Mrs. Dellwich," his mother said finally, pulling out two golden Embers.

"I appreciate the kindness, but you have a business to run, and I have money to spend."

She placed them on the counter.

"Besides, I'm paying for your connections too."

Mrs. Dellwich sighed but smiled. "Very well."

She reached for thin rope and cloth. "Would you like it wrapped?"

"Please," his mother nodded.

With expert speed and care, Mrs. Dellwich bundled the book and handed it over.

"Here you are, Mrs. Daname—wrapped and ready."

"It'll be a fine addition to my collection," his mother said gratefully.

Alexander fought back a grin. "I understood that reference," he whispered.

"You should visit more often," Mrs. Dellwich added.

"I'll have more shipments from southern explorations soon."

She turned to Alexander. "And bring your charming son."

"Of course," his mother replied with a smile.

Outside, the city's cool, busy air greeted them.

Ben stood near the carriage, deep in conversation with a striking young woman.

A Pathfinder from the Ambur kingdom, judging by her red-and-gray uniform.

She had long white hair, silver eyes, and was tall and well-endowed, armed with a spear and rifle slung over her back.

That's a ten.

"Ah, come on," Ben grinned, running a hand through his blond hair.

"We're both Pathfinders—why can't we find a path to lovers?"

The woman crossed her arms, shaking her head.

"Because I'm on duty, and so are you, if I'm not mistaken." She smirked. "Or should I assume otherwise, since you're not on the front lines?"

Ben chuckled—until his gaze shifted to Alexander and his mother.

His face paled. "L-Lady Erica!" he stammered, bowing his head. "H-how was your shopping? Did you find what you were looking for?"

Alexander chuckled at Ben's panic, while his mother regarded him with a curious smile.

She turned to the Ambur Pathfinder, who met her eyes respectfully.

"Sir Ben," his mother said, "who is this woman you've enamored yourself with?"

"She's Dame Antoinette, Pathfinder from House Nova, my lady," Ben replied, still bowed.

"House Nova?" His mother sounded surprised, quickly masking it.

"What brings you here?"

Antoinette spoke up. "Lord Napoleon's daughter, Lady Camilla, wished to visit the Fallen Kingdom—specifically to see her father, ma'am. This is our last stop before the war front."

Alexander raised an eyebrow but stayed silent.

"I see. And where is Lady Camilla now?" his mother asked.

"At a nearby café, ma'am. I'm returning with her requested items."

His mother nodded thoughtfully. "It's surprising to see such famed war veterans strolling the streets."

Antoinette bowed. "Your words are kind, Madam Erica. I'm sure your Pathfinders are just as capable."

She side-eyed Ben playfully.

His mother chuckled. "If only. My husband has an eye for talent, but only Elise has truly impressed me."

She glanced at Ben.

"It was good meeting you, Dame Antoinette. I'm sure Sir Ben hopes to cross paths again."

"Actually, ma'am," Antoinette interjected, "would it be too much to ask for a ride back to the café? It's not far."

Ben's eyes widened pleadingly.

Alexander smirked—Ben must be smoother than butter.

His mother gave Antoinette a knowing look, then turned to Ben. "Ask properly. I don't like games."

"I wish to converse more with Sir Ben,"

Antoinette admitted honestly.

With a knowing chuckle, his mother nodded.

"Very well. Ride with him on the driver's bench—who knows, maybe I'll converse with Lady Camilla too."

"Yes," Ben whispered triumphantly, straightening up.

"My lady, allow me to help you and the young lord."

He opened the door, extending a hand.

Congratulations, Ben—you've nailed the first step of many…

Alexander inwardly praised him; something about Ben reminded him of his old self.

After settling them in, Ben climbed onto the bench.

"You saw that," he whispered to Antoinette. "That's called pathing the way for success."

He smirked, grabbing the reins.

She rolled her eyes, smacking the back of his head as she sat beside him.

"Don't take credit—I put my dignity on the line."

Ben grinned ear-to-ear. "I've lost both shame and dignity long ago," he joked, flicking the reins.

Liz pulled them smoothly back onto the streets.

The ride was peaceful.

Alexander caught a quick power nap in his mother's lap as Ben and Antoinette chatted freely.

His mother gazed at the scenery, gently running fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp.

As they neared the café, she woke him with a soft kiss on the cheek. "We're here, darling."