The marketplace was no quieter the next day, though this time the Circle seemed more prepared for Kaito's unusual shopping habits. Mira rolled her eyes the moment he veered off into a side street lined with smaller vendors.
"Kaito," she muttered, "if I see one more blue charm, I'm going to choke."
But Kaito ignored her. His steps carried him straight to a table where vials glittered under the sun—powder, sand, and glitter in every shade imaginable. The merchant, an older woman with a sly smile, raised a brow as Kaito leaned over her wares.
"Young master," she said, her voice smooth. "Looking for something to… shine?"
Kaito pointed directly at the blue glitter—a fine dust that shimmered like crushed sapphire.
"How much."
The woman's smile widened. "For you? Three silvers. But I'd recommend more than one vial. Blue like this… it's rare. Hard to come by."
Without hesitation, Kaito dropped gold into her hand. "All of it."
The Circle nearly fell over.
"All of it?!" Ryo barked, grabbing one of the glitter vials. "What are you even going to do with this stuff? Sprinkle it on enemies until they sparkle to death?"
Mira laughed so hard she nearly dropped her bag of trinkets.
Kaito didn't respond. He carefully packed the vials into his pouch, movements precise, deliberate. Then, as if to silence the mockery, he bought more trinkets from the same stall—rings inlaid with blue stones, charms carved in rough dragon shapes, even a belt lined with sapphire-thread.
By the time he rejoined the group, his entire pack clinked faintly with ornaments.
"You're ridiculous," Mira said, shaking her head.
"Maybe," Ryo added with a smirk, "but admit it—it suits him."
Only Aria didn't laugh. She walked in silence beside Kaito, her eyes fixed on the faint glow leaking from the spear on his back and the glitter vials tucked neatly at his hip.
Every purchase, every shade of blue… it's not random, she thought. He's trying to cage something that can't be caged.
When their eyes met briefly, Kaito broke the gaze first.