It’s for someone I like.

Ignareth slipped on his cloak, fastening the front as he glanced over his shoulder. "I'm heading out for work," he said casually.

Sebastian, who was dusting near the window, gave a small nod without looking up. "Alright. Be safe."

With his hood drawn low to hide his face, Ignareth stepped out of the small cottage and into the quiet streets of the village. The morning air was crisp, and his boots echoed softly against the cobblestone path. He passed through the marketplace unnoticed, weaving between merchants and early shoppers until he reached a dimly lit bar tucked into a shadowed alley.

The bartender looked up the moment Ignareth entered, recognizing him immediately despite the cloak. "Welcome, Prince Ignareth," he said in a low voice.

Ignareth sat at the far end of the counter and lowered his hood slightly, enough to show his face. "Any news about Prince James?"

The bartender shook his head. "No sign of him, Your Highness. He disappeared after that meeting in Lunaris. My contacts think he might be searching for the dark magic user."

Ignareth's gaze darkened. He leaned forward, his voice dropping into a whisper. "I found something... or rather, someone. There's a scent around him—different. Stronger than any magic I've felt before. His name is Sebastian."

The bartender raised an eyebrow. "Sebastian?"

"Yes," Ignareth said, standing slowly. "Keep your ears open. I want to know everything about him. Where does he go? Who does he meet?"

"As you wish, Your Highness," the bartender replied.

Ignareth pulled his hood back up and left without another word, the weight of a storm brewing in his thoughts.

As Ignareth walked back toward the house, his eyes caught a familiar figure ahead—Oliver. The older man, calm and composed, entered the cottage first. Ignareth followed shortly after and offered a polite greeting.

"Hello," Ignareth said, lowering his hood as he stepped inside.

Oliver turned with a nod and a warm smile. "Ah, hello, sir. Back already?"

"I'm just a traveler," Ignareth replied smoothly, keeping his identity hidden. "Waiting here while I continue my trade route."

"Then please, feel at home," Oliver said kindly, motioning to the sitting area.

"Thank you," Ignareth murmured, removing his cloak and hanging it neatly by the door before settling onto the sofa. Oliver joined him on the opposite end.

Moments later, soft footsteps echoed from the stairwell. Sebastian came down carrying a folded cloth in his hands. He paused when he saw Oliver and offered a gentle smile.

"You're back, Master Oliver," Sebastian said.

Oliver nodded. "Yes, the journey was long, but uneventful."

"I'll prepare tea for you," Sebastian offered politely.

"Please do," Oliver said with a grateful sigh.

Sebastian disappeared into the kitchen, the sound of boiling water soon filling the space. Oliver turned toward Ignareth with a casual glance. "So, what brings you here exactly? Just passing through?"

Ignareth smiled faintly. "You could say that. I trade between towns, move supplies... the usual traveler's work."

"Sounds like a demanding life," Oliver mused.

Ignareth let out a chuckle. "Maybe once, but I've grown used to it. I can handle it just fine."

Sebastian gently placed the tea on the table, steam curling from the cups. His gaze shifted to the window, where dark clouds had begun to gather. The air felt heavy with the promise of rain.

"It looks like it's going to rain soon," Sebastian said softly. "I should go out and buy some vegetables before it starts."

"I'll come with you," Ignareth said casually, standing up from the sofa.

Sebastian blinked, a bit caught off guard. "You don't need to… It's just a short trip."

Ignareth gave a small, easy smile. "It's alright. I could use a walk anyway. I want to see more of the village."

Sebastian turned to Oliver, who silently nodded in approval.

"Alright then," Sebastian finally said. "Come if you like."

They both pulled on their hooded cloaks and stepped out into the cool breeze. The scent of wet earth already lingered in the air as they made their way down the cobbled path toward the market.

As they walked, Ignareth kept sneaking glances at Sebastian from beneath his hood. His eyes lingered on the way the young man moved—light on his feet, quiet, almost like he belonged more to the wind than the earth. Something was captivating about him, something that stirred curiosity and desire.

Sebastian slowed his steps slightly, frowning as he felt the persistent stare. He suddenly stopped and turned around to face Ignareth.

"Why do you keep looking at me like that?" he asked, his voice a mix of suspicion and embarrassment.

Ignareth blinked as if caught, then chuckled softly. "Ah… no reason. You're just… interesting, I guess."

Sebastian gave him a sideways look, clearly unconvinced, but said nothing more. He turned around again and continued walking, keeping his eyes on the winding path ahead.

Ignareth smiled to himself and turned his gaze toward the market stalls that were just beginning to bustle with life, though his thoughts stayed fixed on the mysterious man walking just ahead of him.

As they walked through the market, Ignareth suddenly stopped in front of a small jewelry shop. The glass display sparkled with intricate rings and polished stones.

"Come here," he said, lightly tugging Sebastian's sleeve.

Sebastian followed with a curious glance. "A ring shop?"

The shopkeeper greeted them warmly. "Welcome! Looking for anything special today?"

Ignareth stepped closer to the display case. "I'm looking for a ring… with an ice-colored stone."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Are you buying it for yourself?"

Ignareth smiled and shook his head. "No. It's for someone I like."

Sebastian blinked, then quickly looked away, a bit flustered. "Ah… I see."

The shopkeeper began taking out several velvet boxes filled with elegant rings. The gemstones shimmered in hues of pale blue and silver.

Ignareth examined them closely, his eyes settling on a delicate silver band holding a glacial blue crystal. The shopkeeper noticed and nodded.

"That one's special," she said. "You can even embed a protective magic into it, though it is quite expensive."

"How much?" Ignareth asked calmly.

"XXX coins," she replied.

Sebastian's eyes widened. "That's a lot…"

But Ignareth didn't hesitate. He reached into his cloak, pulled out a heavy coin pouch, and placed it on the counter.

The shopkeeper used a small burst of magic to count the coins. "You've given more than enough. There's extra."

Ignareth waved a hand. "Keep the change."

The shopkeeper blinked in surprise. "Are you sure, sir?"

Ignareth picked up the small box with the chosen ring and smiled. "Yes. I am."

Sebastian watched him quietly, unsure why his heart was beating faster.