"Aron, what is that? Can I try it?"
Sharon pointed at a cotton candy stall about twenty meters to their right.
Arthur smiled and explained, "That's a cotton candy stall. If you want to try it, let's buy some."
With that, he took Sharon's hand and led her toward the stall.
"Good evening, sir and miss," the stall keeper greeted politely. "How many would you like to buy?"
Arthur held up two fingers. "Two, please."
The stall keeper nodded eagerly. "Just a moment."
He then took out two pre-made cotton candies and carefully wrapped them in separate plastic bags.
"Here you go, sir. That'll be four bronze coins in total."
Arthur reached for his pouch, but before he could pay, Sharon suddenly took out a silver coin and handed it to the stall keeper.
"Keep the change," she said with a sweet smile as she took the cotton candies.
The stall keeper's eyes widened at the sight of the silver coin. He hesitated, glancing at Arthur for confirmation.
Arthur gave a small nod. "Take it."
Only then did the stall keeper dare to accept it, his face lighting up with joy.
"Thank you, Miss! Thank you so much!" He repeatedly bowed to Sharon and Arthur, beaming with gratitude.
Watching him so happy, Sharon felt a warm sense of satisfaction in her heart.
"You're welcome," she replied softly.
After that, she and Arthur turned around and continued their evening stroll.
Watching them walk away, the stall keeper stared at the silver coin in his hand before biting his lower lip.
"Tonight is really my lucky day…"
***
"Why did you give him a silver coin? These cotton candies only cost four bronze coins."
Arthur took a bite of his cotton candy and glanced at Sharon beside him, who was happily enjoying hers.
Sharon winked and smiled sheepishly. "There's no particular reason. I just felt like doing something nice."
Her innocent expression, paired with that adorable smile, left Arthur momentarily silent before he let out a small sigh.
'What a kind and pure girl,' he murmured with a hint of regret.
Since the day she was born into this world, Sharon had known nothing but hardship and oppression.
Losing her mother and being shunned by those around her, she carried a curse that seemed never-ending.
And yet, despite all the suffering she had endured, she still cared about others' happiness.
If Arthur didn't already know the storyline of this book world, he might have believed Sharon was the very incarnation of a goddess of kindness.
'I have to protect her… and change her future,' he muttered with newfound determination.
What had once been just a mission no longer felt that way.
He genuinely wanted to protect Sharon and prevent the tragedies that awaited her.
Maybe it was hypocritical.
But he didn't care.
He had lived three lives—as Yuuya Kazuto, Arthur Vanitas, and Aron.
Although his time as Arthur Vanitas had been brief, he had read The Monarch Mage's Journey to Conquer the World in its entirety and understood all its intrigues and characters.
Because of that, he could confidently say that Sharon was the only truly pure and innocent girl he had encountered across his three lifetimes.
"Aron, why are you so quiet? Is something bothering you?"
Sharon's concerned voice pulled him from his thoughts.
Feeling the sincerity in her words, a warmth spread through Arthur's chest. He shook his head gently.
"I'm fine," he reassured her. Taking her hand, he took another bite of his cotton candy and added, "Come on, let's visit a famous spot in the capital."
Sharon's face flushed at his touch, but she didn't pull away.
"O-Okay…"
...
"Did you get a picture of the target?"
Among the dense trees at the edge of the capital, a cloaked man stared at his comrade.
His companion gave a small nod and pulled out a poster featuring an exceptionally beautiful young girl with silver hair.
"This is her," he said flatly.
The man's eyes lingered on the image, his heart skipping a beat.
'What a stunning girl,' he whispered obsessively, licking his lips. A twisted grin formed beneath the hood that shadowed his face. "How about we catch her first, have some fun, and then finish the job?"
His comrade frowned, glancing at the poster again.
To be honest, he had never seen such a breathtaking girl before.
Her innocent expression and youthful radiance made his throat go dry, stirring something dark within him.
'Seeing her struggle in despair would be… exhilarating, wouldn't it?' The vile thought sent a shiver down his spine.
Without hesitation, he nodded. "You're a genius. That's a brilliant idea."
Their gazes met, sinister excitement flickering in their eyes.
...
"Aron, try this cake. It's really good."
Sharon cut a piece of cake and brought a spoonful to Arthur beside her.
Arthur was about to refuse, but when he saw the anticipation in her eyes, he hesitated—then took the bite.
"Does it taste good?" Sharon asked eagerly.
"It's delicious." Arthur gave a small nod, then suddenly smirked. "But Princess, do you realize you just fed me with your used spoon?"
Sharon froze. Her gaze slowly dropped to the spoon in her hand, her movements stiff.
"T-This…"
Her face turned scarlet in an instant, as if steam were about to burst from her head.
She had completely forgotten!
'Ouch! How could I be so careless?!' She screamed inwardly in embarrassment.
If there were a hole in the ground, she would've thrown herself into it without hesitation.
"Hahaha!" Arthur couldn't help but laugh, making Sharon even more embarrassed.
But suddenly, his laughter faded, and his expression tensed. He snapped his head to the right, eyes sharp with vigilance.
Seeing his sudden change, Sharon's embarrassment gradually gave way to confusion.
"Aron, what's wro—"
Before she could finish, Arthur pressed a finger to her lips.
"Princess, hide somewhere safe. There's danger nearby."
Sharon's eyes widened, her heart pounding.
"I'll go, but what about you?" She asked anxiously, clutching the hem of her mantle.
Arthur turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."
"But—"
Before she could protest, Arthur's figure vanished.
Biting her lower lip, Sharon quickly turned and ran toward a nearby food stall, seeking cover.