Takahiro (4)

After bathing and changing, we headed downstairs. Since I was in regular clothes, I tied my bandana around my head as usual. As we reached the tavern, Truth reminded us to wear our Division Knight jackets before flying.

"They protect against strong winds while in the air," he explained.

Without hesitation, we raced back upstairs to grab them. Yushiro, of course, won.

"Ready to go?" Truth asked. He wore a simple jacket over a T-shirt, looking as relaxed as ever.

"Yeah!" I answered cheerily.

We were traveling with Truth's entire team today. It was rare to see them all in casual clothes—each of them looked different without their usual uniforms. When we entered the tavern, all eyes turned to us, though most were fixated on Yushiro.

He remained unfazed, as if the attention was completely normal. Flashing his usual charming smile, he gave a casual wave.

Yoon blushed. Some of the guys averted their gazes.

"Alright, let's go," Truth said, leading the way.

The Flight & Arrival

The dragons barely reacted as we climbed onto their backs. Unlike the last time, they didn't growl or resist—they must have gotten used to us.

The flight took about an hour and a half. We landed just outside the town and left the dragons there before making our way toward the entrance.

A towering stone wall surrounded the town, thick and sturdy—strong enough to withstand a beast attack. At the gate, armored guards in capes stood watch, carefully inspecting everyone who entered.

The moment we stepped inside, my eyes darted around, captivated by everything. The streets were bustling with life. Merchants sold goods from colorful stalls, people in fancy clothes haggled over prices, and the air buzzed with energy.

Truth glanced at me. "First time in a town?"

"Uh… yeah," I admitted, still taking in the lively atmosphere.

He chuckled. "Well, get used to it."

After a bit of walking, Truth clapped his hands together. "Alright, we'll be splitting up. Yoon and Blade will go their own way."

He moved closer to Yoon and, without warning, wrapped his arms around her from behind. She giggled in response, leaning into him.

Blade, however, kept walking, ignoring them entirely.

I caught Marko stealing a glance at her. There was something in his eyes—something like sadness.

When we reached a street corner, Yoon and Blade took the left path, while we turned right.

Shopping

"What do you guys want to buy?" Truth asked. "It's my treat, but nothing over two silver."

I did some quick math in my head. In the Empire, ten copper coins made a silver coin. Ten silvers made a gold, and ten gold made a platinum.

"I want spicy meat!" Kenji said enthusiastically.

"I'd like more books," Yushiro added without hesitation.

"Huh? You guys, don't be shameless," I said, raising a brow.

Yushiro smirked at me. "Ah, Blondie, they offered, didn't they? It would be rude of this old man not to accept." He stroked his chin dramatically, mocking me with his 'wise elder' act.

Kenji smacked the back of his head. "Yushiro's right. If they're offering, we should accept."

Truth and Marko exchanged amused looks.

"Alright, let's buy," Truth said.

First, we stopped at an old bookshop for Yushiro. The place smelled of ink and aged paper, filled with books stacked high, some thick, some thin, some brand new, others so worn they looked like they'd crumble.

Yushiro picked out an old book about fairy tales and myths.

Next, we found a stall selling spicy meat skewers. Kenji wasted no time stuffing his face, looking way too happy. When it was my turn to pick something, I just shook my head. "I'm fine."

Truth and Marko had things they wanted to buy, so we followed them to a jewelry shop.

Inside the Jewelry Shop

The store gleamed with expensive-looking bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces. Yushiro identified the blue stones in some pieces as sapphires.

I kept my hands to myself. Everything in here looked expensive, and the thought of accidentally breaking something made me anxious. We weren't even getting paid yet—I wouldn't be able to afford anything.

"Yushiro, this ring looks expensive," Kenji said.

I turned to see him holding a green ring.

"Yeah, looks like it," Yushiro replied casually.

My heart nearly dropped to the floor.

I rushed over. "Put it back."

"Why?" Kenji blinked at me.

"Don't ask unnecessary questions. Just put it back."

"Alright, alright, calm down." Kenji handed the ring back to the shopkeeper.

I exhaled in relief. Who in their right mind would let him hold something so valuable?

I shot Yushiro a suspicious glance. He was smiling at me.

It was him.

After browsing three more jewelry shops, we finally made our way toward the meeting spot where Yoon and Blade were waiting.

Before we got there, Truth turned to us. "Oh, and don't tell them anything."