LET ME SHOW YOU 2

Jason and Annabelle arrived at their next stop, a bustling bar. The sound of laughter and music spilled out into the street. Annabelle glanced at Jason, raising an eyebrow. "A bar, huh?" 

Jason scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks tinged pink. "Hey, don't look at me like that. This is Boris' bar. He's one of our best customers. Orders cookies and bread for his patrons whenever he's feeling generous." 

Annabelle smirked. "You sure know a lot of people in this city." 

Jason smiled softly. "Of course. I've lived here my whole life. Being a delivery guy isn't just about dropping off packages—it's also about connecting with people." 

They unloaded the goods and stepped inside, immediately greeted by the lively atmosphere. The bar was packed, music blaring from a corner as patrons sang along, drinks raised high. 

"Aye, Jason!" Boris called out. "You got the goods?" 

Jason held up the packages. "All here, Boris. Worked hard on them too." He glanced around. "This place is even livelier than usual." 

Boris grabbed the packages, raising them above his head like a trophy. "Hey, everyone! Cookies are here!" 

A roar of approval erupted from the patrons as Boris handed the goods off to his staff for distribution. His attention then shifted to Annabelle. "Well, hello there, sweetheart. Don't think I've seen you around before." 

Before Annabelle could respond, Jason stepped between them, placing a hand on her shoulder. "She's new, Boris. Just moved here. Anyway, we've got more deliveries, so we'll—" 

"Nonsense!" Boris interrupted, grinning mischievously. He clapped a hand on Jason's back, steering them toward an empty table. "Stay awhile! We're just getting started." 

Jason sighed in defeat as Boris turned to address the crowd. "Alright, you animals! We've got a newcomer here. Let's show her how we party in Camelot!" 

The room erupted into cheers. Jason buried his face in his hands, groaning, while Annabelle doubled over in laughter. 

As the music swelled, Annabelle stood and began swaying to the beat, her movements catching the crowd's attention. Cheers grew louder as she jumped onto a table, her legs moving in a quick, rhythmic dance, her laughter ringing out like music itself. 

A man leaned toward Jason, nudging him. "This friend of yours is incredible!" 

Jason watched Annabelle, her energy electrifying the room. A small smile crept onto his face. "Yeah," he murmured. "She really is." 

Boris clapped his hands. "Alright, folks! Grab a partner and show them your moves!" 

The bar erupted into chaos as people paired off, laughter and dancing filling every corner. Jason remained seated, hoping to go unnoticed. But Annabelle appeared before him, her hand outstretched, a playful smile on her face. 

Jason's eyes widened. "Wait! No! I simply couldn't—" 

But Annabelle grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet, ignoring his protests. 

"Come on, delivery boy," she teased. "Show me what you've got!" 

Reluctantly, Jason followed her lead. Annabelle guided his hands, spinning him around. Her laughter was contagious, and before long, Jason found himself smiling, even enjoying the moment. 

As they danced, the crowd cheered them on, their movements growing more synchronized and natural. Finally, Annabelle twirled, falling into Jason's arms. They froze for a moment, catching their breath, their faces close. Then they both burst out laughing. 

Later, as they stepped outside, Boris clapped Jason on the back. "That was incredible! It's been ages since this place was so lively." 

Jason crossed his arms, mock-glaring at him. "Thanks to you, Boris, we've wasted a lot of time." 

Boris shrugged. "Oh, lighten up, boy. Life is short. We might as well live it to the fullest." 

Jason paused, then smiled faintly.

Boris turned to Annabelle, taking her hand with a dramatic bow. "And you, sweetheart, are a treasure. You've got a gift for brightening up a room." 

Annabelle blushed slightly. "Thanks." 

Jason grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the cart. "Alright, Boris, that's enough. We've really got to go." 

As they rode off, Annabelle leaned back, a sly grin on her face. "I didn't know you could dance, Jason." 

Jason groaned. "I can't dance!" 

"Admit it—you had fun back there, didn't you?" 

Jason rubbed the back of his neck, his expression softening. "Yeah… I did." 

Their smiles lingered as they continued their route, the lively spirit of the bar following them through the streets of Camelot. 

Grandpa Mark and Connor strolled through the bustling streets, their arms laden with goods from the market. "Do we need anything else, Pa?" Connor asked, glancing at their haul. 

Mark looked down at the bags, giving a satisfied nod. "No, I think we're all set. This should last us quite a while." 

As they continued, Connor's gaze drifted to a nearby tree, where he noticed a small bird flailing on the ground. His eyes widened with concern as he dropped the goods and hurried over. 

"Hey, little guy," he murmured, gently scooping the tiny creature into his hands. "Looks like you fell from your nest." 

He carefully placed the bird back into its nest. "There you go. Safe and sound," he whispered, giving the bird a quick pet before returning to the path. 

Mark watched the scene with a warm smile. "You've got a good heart, Connor. A rare gift these days." 

Connor gently smiled as he picked up the goods. "Thank you, Pa." 

"Come on, let's get home. We've got work to do." 

Meanwhile, Jason and Annabelle were riding beyond the towering gates of the kingdom. Annabelle glanced at him, a hint of curiosity in her tone. "We're leaving the kingdom?" 

Jason nodded. "Yeah. We're heading to the farmlands. A good friend of mine lives out here." 

After a short ride through the scenic countryside, they arrived at James' house. Jason hopped off the cart and knocked at the door. 

"Just a heads-up," he said over his shoulder. "James takes his time answering the door." 

Sure enough, after a long pause, the door creaked open, revealing James rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, hey, Jason," he mumbled. "You've got my order?" 

Jason handed him a neatly wrapped package. "Chocolate, just the way you like it. Still tired as ever, I see." 

Annabelle stood behind Jason, her cheeks unexpectedly flushing as she looked at James.

James looks at her for a moment. "I'm sorry, who are you?"

"Hi. I'm Anbel. I mean Bell. I mean…" She trailed off, looking mortified. 

Jason smirked mischievously. "James, this is Annabelle. She's new in town and staying with us. She's also an elementiel." 

James raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Seriously? No wonder her eyes glowed so beautifully earlier." 

Annabelle's face turned an even deeper shade of red, her gaze dropping to the ground. 

James offered her a kind smile. "Well, welcome to Camelot, Annabelle." 

"Th-thanks," she stammered, still avoiding eye contact. 

Jason cut in, changing the subject. "Oh, by the way, about those carrots…" 

James nodded, disappearing briefly inside before returning with a basket full of vibrant orange vegetables. "Here you go. Freshly harvested." 

Jason took the basket with a grin. "Thanks. Let's just hope Grandpa hasn't already stocked up on these." 

They waved goodbye and climbed back onto the cart. As they rode away, Jason cast a sidelong glance at Annabelle, his expression teasing. "Just so you know… James is single." 

Annabelle nearly choked on air. "What?! Why would I need to know that?!" she demanded, her face burning as she covered it with her hands. 

"Oh, no reason," Jason replied, his tone light and amused. "By the way, his brother just graduated from the knights academy. He's my best friend, actually." 

Annabelle perked up. "Wait—really? A knight?" 

"Exactly," Jason said, nodding. "The three of us has know each for five years now. They're really good friends of mine."

Annabelle leaned back with a contented smile. "Hey, Jason? Thanks for showing me around. I finally understand how you feel now. This kingdom, these people, it's all so beautiful." 

Jason glanced at her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Sure thing. Come on, we'd better head back before it gets dark." 

By the time they returned to the bakery, the warm glow of evening had settled over the town. As they entered, Annabelle's face lit up. "Connor!" she called, running towards him and wrapping her arms around him. 

Connor laughed, ruffling her hair. "What's this about?" 

"I missed you," she replied simply, her voice muffled against his shoulder. 

Jason walked into the kitchen, where Grandpa Mark was busy putting away the goods. The smell of something delicious wafted through the air. 

"Wow, you guys have been busy," Jason remarked, sniffing the air. 

Mark turned to him, a wide grin on his face. "We're making something special for dinner tonight. Connor's been a big help in the kitchen."

Annabelle sauntered over, poking Mark's round belly. "And you've been taste-testing everything, haven't you, Pa?" 

Mark erupted into laughter, his hearty chuckles filling the room. 

"Don't harass my grandfather!" Jason exclaimed, flustered. 

Connor chuckled, placing a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Alright, let's eat and get some rest. Because tomorrow… we train." 

Jason paused, processing the statement. Slowly, a confident smile spread across his face.