Chapter 10: A Merchants Mystery

The first day of their merchant-funded stay was the most relaxing for Erica. The twins had practically skipped off to the festival again, dragging Lee along under the guise of supervision—though in reality, he was just their walking wallet. Erica didn't have any faith in him, of course, but after witnessing the twins battle a beast three times their size, she had more confidence they could fend for themselves.

So, she took the rare opportunity to go back to her roots: lying in the inn's bed and avoiding any and all responsibilities. It was pure bliss.

For precisely ten minutes.

Then, the most dire of circumstances presented itself—hunger.

She groaned into the pillow, staring at the ceiling in silent betrayal. She knew those ungrateful fools wouldn't return with food for her, and the thought of dragging herself out of bed was physically painful. Still, the alternative was starvation, and she wasn't dramatic enough to let that happen.

So, after forcing herself up, she trudged towards the street market, each step heavier than the last. Even with the chatter of villagers filling the space around her, it all felt unusually quiet. Nothing required her immediate attention, nothing demanded quick thinking or strategy. The past week had been a whirlwind of action, and suddenly, having a moment of peace felt… foreign.

She inhaled the crisp air, enjoying the rare stillness—until a sudden surprise caused her to violently choke, nearly hacking up a lung.

"Now you're conspiring to kill me, I see," she wheezed, glaring at the source of her near-death experience.

Lee stood there, pleased with himself, hands lazily tucked into his pockets. "If you're this easy to sneak up on, I should really consider getting a refund on my investment."

Erica wiped at her eyes, still recovering. "What do you want, Merchant?"

"I could ask you the same thing," he mused. "Are you looking for the Syds?"

She blinked at the nickname for the twins, then decided it made sense.

That probably should've been her excuse, since admitting she left her cocoon of comfort for the sole purpose of getting food would be handing him ammunition. Unfortunately, her stomach had other plans.

A loud, undeniable growl echoed between them.

There was a beat of silence before Lee exhaled through his nose, clearly holding back a laugh.

He grinned. "Lucky for you, I happen to be a very charitable man. Care to join me at my favorite food stall? My treat."

She heard food. She heard free. The decision was made.

"…Fine."

They walked together at an easy pace, the crowd buzzing around them. Erica took this opportunity to inquire about something that had been in the back of her mind this whole time. 

"So… are you from the stone ages like these villages? Do you have a phone or access to any modern technology?" Erica said in a blank tone, trying to sound uninterested despite having asked the question. 

"Ah! Are you asking for my number? Who knew you would be so forward!" Lee said in a mocking tone. 

"I'm guessing you are choosing to plead the fifth." Erica retorted, giving a look of mild annoyance.

"Hmm… Who knows?" Lee shrugged his shoulders. That topic clearly was not going to get Erica any answers, so she moved onto silence before Lee would initiate conversation again.

The back-and-forth between them eventually softened, something unspoken shifting. For the first time, Erica allowed herself to simply exist in the moment. Just for now.