Chapter 93
Calix, when in motion, was quick and agile, but usually preferred to laze about, which sometimes gave the impression that he was idle.
And he was generally reluctant to employ people due to his difficulty trusting others, but once he made up his mind, he possessed a mercenary’s skill in deploying the right talent in the right place.
Then why was he suddenly trying to look into her mother? Was he still furious over that past incident when she had refused to guide him during the signs of an impending rampage?
“You came to the right place. Our intelligence network holds the most information in the Empire.”
Lea, who had been absentmindedly listening, suddenly recalled something Derek had once said. Come to think of it, he had mentioned he would be running an intelligence network as well.
“So that means, if I pay enough, you’ll find what I ask for.”
The robe shifted slightly, followed by a dull thump.
Just how many gold coins were in there for it to make that kind of sound when dropped?
Lea’s fox ears twitched repeatedly as she tried to infer the contents from the sounds alone. Then a large hand slipped under the robe and gently stroked her ears.
As if to say, ‘This isn’t a conversation you need to hear.’
When his fingertips scratched behind her ears, it felt so good she could hardly stand it.
Though it sounded like he continued talking, she couldn’t focus at all because of the constant ear rubbing.
As she let out a pleased purring sound, the body holding her subtly trembled.
Before she knew it, the silky voice had faded away, and Calix moved again. The ambient noise shifted in reverse from before, eventually transitioning into a bustling, noisy place.
Only then was she lifted slightly by Calix’s hand and able to peek her head out of the robe.
The marketplace, far more crowded than their previous location, felt lively just from the sight of it.
She looked around in surprise until she felt someone’s gaze and lifted her head.
At a very close distance, her eyes met his.
As the memory of their last encounter returned, she instinctively flinched, so he gently but firmly stroked the top of her head.
“If there’s something you want to eat, I’ll buy it for you.”
At his kind voice, the tension in her body melted away again.
‘Right. Calix is kind to Luna.’
So long as she didn’t show her human form, he might remain kind to her for the rest of their lives.
But how much longer could she keep hiding?
Just as she had told Derek, she could no longer keep this from Calix. But since she lacked the courage to confess it, the time had come to say goodbye to Luna.
After all, it had all started from her desire to see him grow into a stable and healthy adult. Now, leaving him was the right thing to do.
Rather than clinging on messily, dragging in all her regrets from the past, it would be better to part ways naturally.
As these thoughts overtook her, the market no longer seemed fun.
Noticing her loss of interest, he quickly caught on and asked,
“Why? Should we head back to the palace?”
“Kyaang.”
“I see, your short-lived curiosity seems to be over. It’s a pity. It was nice to watch you enjoy yourself.”
“Shall I call the carriage, Young Master?”
“…There’s no need to add honorifics, but since you do it anyway, I suppose you’re enjoying yourself.”
“You rarely come out like this, so I couldn’t miss the opportunity. Oh. While we’re out, why don’t you take a look at the merchant guild? I’ve looked into things to some extent, but they may not be to Your Highness’s taste.”
“No need. Just run it properly the way I told you.”
“Yes, then I’ll call the carriage.”
Ilion disappeared somewhere, and Calix, still holding Luna in his arms, headed toward the plaza where the clock tower stood.
He sat down casually in front of the fountain.
Luna gazed at the little rainbow formed where the sunlight met the transparent stream of water. It felt like she’d remember this day every time she saw a fountain from now on.
Resolving not to forget this precious memory, Lea was so absorbed in watching the rainbow that she didn’t notice how Calix was looking down at her.
Nor did she realize that within that gaze, something frightening was beginning to bloom, something that went beyond affection and into obsession.
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.