I descended the stairs slowly, passing by the picture frames in the hallway.
The scent of eggs and bacon filled the air.
I pushed open the door to find Sir Exios in the kitchen, standing over a pan.
As I stepped closer to the counter—
"Morning, kid! I'm making breakfast, so sit down at a table and wait for me, okay?" He turned his head slightly, flashing a smile before returning his focus to the food.
I watched the pan move, the sizzle of bacon filling the room.
For a few seconds, I was motionless.
"…Can I help with the drinks?" The words left my mouth before I even thought about them.
I just… wanted to help.
Exios glanced over his shoulder. "Yeah, sure! Open the wooden container behind me and grab a bottle of milk. Then, near the sink, you'll find two glasses. Think you can do that?"
"Yes, I can."
I moved quickly.
Opening the container first, I scanned the neatly arranged shelves. It wasn't hard to spot the bottle of milk. There were other food supplies as well, but I ignored them, focusing on my task.
Once I retrieved the milk, I carefully closed the container and went to get the glasses.
With everything in my arms, I walked slowly, making sure not to drop anything. My grip was careful, my pace deliberate.
After setting everything down on the table, a small sense of satisfaction settled inside me.
I sat and waited.
A few minutes later, Exios arrived with two plates, steam rising from the fresh meal.
He placed one in front of me and the other at his seat.
On both plates were two eggs, crispy bacon, and a thick slice of bread.
The sight alone made my stomach growl.
Exios chuckled. "Haha, you can eat now."
I picked up my fork. "Thank you for the food."
The first bite melted in my mouth. Warm, rich flavors spread across my tongue.
"Mmm." A hum of satisfaction escaped me.
Exios raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh, so you do have expressions when it comes to food, huh?" He teased.
I didn't respond, just continued eating.
Satisfied, he finally started his own meal, watching as I devoured mine.
Halfway through, he spoke. "Still don't remember anything, kid?"
I shook my head.
"Mhm… Let's hope that head of yours starts working again soon. Otherwise, I might just keep you here to help with all the tough chores. Haha." He grinned.
I knew he was joking, but I nodded anyway.
I wouldn't mind staying.
For a while, he said nothing. Just watched me eat, thoughtful.
Then, without a word, he reached for the milk and poured it into my glass.
After finishing my bacon, I took a sip.
"Kid, we're heading outside today." He leaned back in his chair. "I need to pick up some supplies—and get you some clothes, too. As soon as we're done eating, we'll leave, okay?"
Leaving my glass half-empty, I nodded.
For a moment, I thought I saw him smile again.
Maybe he found it amusing, watching a kid eat the food he made.
---
I changed my clothes.
Sir Exios had told me not to go outside in pajamas.
Now, I stood near the door, waiting patiently.
Creak.
A door opened. Exios stepped out, now in a fresh set of clothes, carrying two light bags made of cotton.
He walked toward me, stopping just before he reached the door.
"Here, take this." He handed me one of the bags. "If you see something you want, put it in here. I'll pay for it."
I took the bag and slipped it over my shoulder.
It looked much bigger on me than it actually was.
"All set?"
"Yeah."
He smiled before grabbing the handle and pushing the door open.
Sunlight flooded in, revealing a street brimming with people.
The air was warm. Many wore short sleeves to escape the heat.
Stepping outside, I looked around.
'Woah… It's so noisy and lively from here.'
Men and women strolled by, some engaged in cheerful conversation. Women in elegant dresses twirled their parasols under the sun. A family sat nearby, sharing laughter over a meal.
Children ran past, giggling as they played.
Click.
Exios locked the tavern door behind us before stepping forward.
Then, he paused, looking at me.
"Stay close, okay, kiddo?"
I nodded absentmindedly, still watching the bustling streets.
As soon as he started walking, I followed.
Exios was tall, his strides long. To keep up, I had to walk quickly—almost running.
From my perspective, he moved as if taking enormous, heavy steps.
But after a while, my pace slowed.
Breath uneven, I made small gasping noises.
Exios glanced back. His eyes widened slightly.
"Hey, kid."
He crouched in front of me.
"You should've told me I was going too fast. I didn't notice—sorry about that." He gently rubbed my back.
I took a few seconds to catch my breath.
"Alright, from now on, you walk in front. I'll guide you, okay?"
He straightened, waiting.
I stepped ahead of him, walking at my own pace while listening to his directions from behind.
For some reason, it made me feel… responsible.
Almost like a knight leading the way.
Eventually, Exios told me to stop.
"Kiddo, stay behind me—I need to buy something from this shop." He hesitated, then added, "Or, if you want, take a look around. Just don't go too far."
I perked up.
"Okay."
I had wanted to explore for a while.
Exios was easy to spot in the crowd—his size alone made sure of that.
I wandered a bit, scanning the nearby shops.
Then, something caught my eye.
A store selling books, quills, and paper.
I walked toward it, stopping in front of the display.
My eyes traced the title of one book—
"Lovers… intima—"
"Hey! That's not for kids—wait a minute, you can read?"
The merchant's voice cut through the air, catching people's attention.
A few nearby customers turned to look at me, confusion written across their faces.
Panic crawled up my spine.
'Too many eyes.'
My first instinct was to run.
So I did.
Without hesitation, I turned and sprinted away.
I didn't think, I just moved.
After a while, I stopped to catch my breath.
Looking around, I saw open shops, merchants calling out to customers, the buzz of a busy street.
But no sign of Exios.
I swallowed. "Ah… I lost Sir Exios."
I exhaled deeply.
Then, I noticed something.
These shops looked different from the ones I had seen earlier.
More elegant, higher quality.
One sold jewelry. Another displayed colorful birds in golden cages.
Then—
A flower shop.
I walked over, scanning the vibrant arrangements.
Some flowers were bright and vivid, others muted and soft. Each was beautiful in its own way.
And yet—
My mind drifted back to yesterday.
The field of purple flowers.
Curious, I hesitated before speaking.
"Excuse me."
No response.
I raised my voice slightly. "Excuse me!"
Still nothing.
Embarrassment crept in, and I quickly gave up.
But then—
"Hey! They need your assistance!"
A boy's voice.
I turned.
He had golden hair that fluttered in the light breeze. His green eyes were striking.
His attire was refined, elegant—far different from mine.
The merchant hurried over, apologizing for the delay.
"Ah, yes. Would you like to buy something?"
He was speaking to the boy, not me.
The boy shook his head. "Not me. Her."
I bowed slightly before looking up at the merchant.
"Do you sell purple flowers?"
The merchant brightened. "Oh, we have several kinds! Which one are you looking for?"
He showed me various purple flowers, but none of them matched the ones I had seen.
"Not these…" I murmured. "I mean the ones with thin, long petals. Almost like spider legs."
The merchant frowned slightly, thinking.
But before he could answer—
"Oh. She's talking about the violet spider lily."
I turned.
The boy was watching me closely.
"The national flower of the Empire."
The merchant's face cleared in understanding. "Ah, I see! Unfortunately, I just ran out of stock. I'll need to restock them soon."
"Ah… no worries." I bowed slightly before stepping away.
But before I could leave—
"Hey… do I know you?"
I froze.
Turning, I saw the boy studying me carefully.
He was waiting for an answer.
"I don't think so."
I stepped away.
---
I walked aimlessly, searching for Exios.
Scanning the crowd, I looked for any sign of his familiar, towering figure.
But there was no sight of him.
Still, walking around, admiring the shops and the lively atmosphere—
It wasn't so bad.
But then—
Someone grabbed my arm.
Firm. Tight.
I looked up.
A woman with short red hair and piercing yellow eyes.
Her expression—one of pure disbelief.
"You…" she murmured.
Her grip tightened.
Her eyes widened.
I blinked.
'Why is she holding onto me?'