Chapter 52

After a brief moment of thought, the two exchanged a silent conversation through their eyes.

‘I’ll let it slide this time.’

‘Says the one who started it.’

Though both cursed each other inwardly, they reached a temporary truce.

Demius stepped into the carriage and sat across from Melissa with a gentle smile.

“If Lady Lily wishes, I can tolerate that foolish brat, that nuisance, that… troublemaker, for now.”

“Sister, he’s insulting me.”

“You shouldn’t use bad words toward your brother, Mimi.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Demius clenched his fist on his knee while Natalianne leaned her head on Melissa’s shoulder, laughing softly.

“Hyah!”

With the coachman’s crack of the whip, the carriage began to move, gliding smoothly down the wide boulevard.

As the scenery outside changed quickly, Melissa’s eyes sparkled as she pressed her hand against the window frame.

“This is my first time going outside the capital.”

“I’ll take you out more often.”

“He’s too busy, so I’ll take you instead, Sister.”

Demius shot back immediately.

“I can make time no matter how busy I am.”

“Why bother? I have plenty of time, you know. So I’ll…”

They really get along well.

Melissa smiled fondly, watching the two who never let a conversation rest.

They both claimed to have a terrible relationship, but Melissa recalled a wise saying she had recently learned from a visiting mage at the Magic Tower.

Actions speak louder than words.

‘They’re actually a very close pair of siblings.’

If they had heard that thought, both of them would have denied it with all their might.

Still smiling, Melissa turned her bright eyes to the window again, excitement bubbling within her.

* * *

By the time they reached the village, the sun was already dipping low in the western sky.

The blue above had softened into streaks of gold and crimson.

Demius glanced at the horizon and spoke with concern.

“It’s getting late. Will you be all right?”

“Yes, as long as you two are fine with it.”

Melissa leaned forward, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret.

“Actually, I heard the market will stay open until night.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

“Sounds great to me.”

Both answered at once, then glared at each other before turning away.

‘That’s a relief.’

In truth, Demius felt secretly glad.

Having Natalianne there was annoying, but being able to spend an evening with Melissa almost felt like a dream.

‘A date…?’

A faint blush crept up his ears.

A date? Could he really call this a date?

He glanced at Natalianne, and determination flickered in his eyes.

Fine, this would be practice for the real date later.

Even if a certain nuisance was tagging along.

Feeling his fatigue from the past five days melt away, Demius smiled softly at Melissa.

Ugh.

Natalianne made a gagging sound at her brother’s expression.

Still, Demius kept his charming smile as he spoke to Melissa.

“Before we explore the night market, there’s something we need to do first.”

“What is it?”

At her curious look, Demius smiled faintly.

“We should change clothes.”

Natalianne raised an eyebrow.

“Since when did you start thinking?”

“Unlike you, I do that quite often.”

“Excuse me?”

Natalianne’s lips curled upward as she shifted into a battle-ready stance.

Demius matched her smirk, tension crackling again.

Before things escalated, Melissa blinked in confusion.

“Why do we need to change?”

Both paused and quickly explained at the same time.

“To blend in. It’s easier to walk around if we dress like the locals.”

“And we can buy some new clothes while we’re at it. I wanted to get something nice for my teacher anyway.”

Though they spoke differently, the thought running through both minds was identical.

They were members of House Eisenhart.

Even if they weren’t in the capital, this was still their own territory. There was a good chance someone here would recognize them.

‘It’ll be troublesome if anyone approaches her or draws attention.’

They couldn’t risk anyone recognizing them or focusing unnecessary eyes on Melissa.

“That makes sense.”

Unaware of their reasoning, Melissa nodded simply.

“I’ll be right back.”

Natalianne lifted her black veil slightly and strode toward a modest clothing shop.

A few moments later, she returned carrying three robes.

“Changing completely seemed bothersome, so I just bought outerwear.”

She tossed one robe toward Demius without looking at him and respectfully held out another with both hands toward Melissa.

“I picked the finest one in the store. It’s hardly good enough for my teacher, but please accept it.”

“It’s beautiful. Thank you. I’ll wear it well.”

“But wait…”

Demius stared at the robe Natalianne had thrown him with suspicion.

“Is this even clothing?”

The frayed hem looked like it had been torn on purpose, and the material was thin and worn. Even a poor commoner would have thought twice before buying it.

It looked more like a pile of rags than an actual robe.

A single oversized hood hung limply from it.

‘Absolutely not.’

Demius wasn’t particularly picky about clothes, but today was supposed to be his practice date with Melissa.

There was no way he could wear something like that.

He opened his mouth to protest, but Melissa spoke first, her cheeks glowing with admiration.

“Wow, that looks amazing. You look like a secret agent sneaking into an enemy base, Mimi.”

“I agree completely.”

Demius changed his mind in an instant.

If Melissa liked it, then it was perfect.

Natalianne bit her lip and blurted out quickly.

“What about me? I match Sister’s outfit.”

“Oh my, you look adorable.”

Melissa’s soft laughter made Natalianne lift her chin proudly as if to say, See that?

Demius shouted.

“You did this on purpose, didn’t you?”

“Of course I did.”

“You rotten brat.”

“Sister, he’s insulting me again.”

Their endless bickering caused a small commotion, but in the end, all three pulled their hoods low and prepared for their outing.

Soon, their little adventure began.

According to the murmurs around them, the night market was even more vibrant after sunset.

And indeed, the moment they reached the plaza, the sight before them was breathtaking.

Countless tents lined the market square, and lanterns swayed high above, glowing softly in the breeze.

“Look over there!”

Melissa pointed up, her eyes sparkling.

“They’re lanterns shaped like fish. Oh, and that one looks like a squid.”

“How strange. I never expected to see sea creatures represented here in the inland regions.”

Something was off.

Demius narrowed his eyes.

It wasn’t impossible to find sea-themed crafts inland.

There were traveling merchants who sold salted fish, and a few traders even used magic to preserve freshly caught seafood for high-end restaurants.

But only the wealthy or noble families could afford such things.

Seeing so many realistic sea-creature lanterns here was unusual.

‘Foreigners must have entered the duchy.’

And not just from nearby territories. Likely from somewhere far to the south, near the coastal regions.

As Demius recalled the confidential reports he had received, Melissa approached a nearby stall.

“Come look at this. The herbs look so fresh.”

Her curious eyes scanned the display of neatly arranged bundles.

“Oh, what’s this one?”