1. An Aimless Walk
"I just want to explore the city," I said, taking a step forward.
Elinia walked beside me—quietly, evenly, as if she had long been used to walking beside me at night.
We walked through the streets, where the light of the lanterns cast crooked reflections on the pavement. Merchants were closing their shops, but lights still burned here and there: takeout food, rune shops, armories with the gleam of steel, smithies smelling of red-hot iron.
I listened to the conversations of the townsfolk; they were everywhere:
"The Order of the Griffin has returned from the northern campaign..."
"The Dark Order is looking for recruits..."
"Elves have appeared in the capital—quiet, but they buy a lot..."
I was about to turn down an alley when I saw something that made me stop.
2. An Elven Shop. In the Capital.
Light. A line of people. And on the signboard—fine, carved patterns.
"Are they... already here?" I whispered.
Elinia stepped closer.
"Surprising. I thought they were afraid of the capital."
We went inside—and the shop turned out to be packed. People were literally crowding in—some for fabrics, some for amulets, some for rare herbs.
And then one of the elves... froze upon seeing me.
He stared for a long time. Too intently. I was just about to look away when he suddenly turned and ran off.
It seemed he recognized me.
A couple of minutes later, another one appeared. Arlis.
City clothes, but his movements were exactly the same: light, predatory, confident. He stopped near us, winked at me so that only I would notice, and said aloud:
"If I had known that Princess Laureley would be visiting our shop, I would have greeted you at the entrance."
Elinia straightened up slightly—she always kept her perfect posture when recognized.
"I am impressed," she said. "You've settled into the capital quickly."
Arlis bowed politely.
"We merely trade in quality goods. Please, to the second floor—there are fewer people there."
3. The Second Floor — Treats and a Strange Role
It was quieter on the second floor. A couple of sofas, soft lighting, the scent of wood oils.
"Please, have a seat," Arlis said.
We sat down. Elinia—immediately sitting perfectly straight, as if on a throne. Me—just as usual.
Arlis snapped his fingers. A moment later, three elves entered carrying trays: sweets, their famous "lunar sand"—that airy marvel—and fragrant herbal drinks.
One of the elves looked at me and asked:
"And who... is with you?"
I had already opened my mouth to tell the truth, when Elinia sharply interrupted:
"He is my squire."
Silence. I blinked. The elves blinked.
Arlis froze for a second, then smiled smoothly:
"A squire? Then we have goods for him as well."
He looked me over—calmly, appraisingly.
"A mage, I see. That means—robes. And new footwear. His current ones are... slightly torn."
Elinia immediately said:
"I'll take them."
I turned to her slowly, very slowly. What are you doing?
She pretended not to notice.
4. After Shopping
When we left the shop, I had a bag with a new robe and footwear that cost more than my monthly budget.
Elinia inhaled the fresh night air:
"How hospitable they are. And their goods truly are of high quality."
I said quietly:
"I actually came out for a walk. Not for shopping."
She looked at me with an innocent expression:
"Oh, admit it... it was fun."
"Fun? Did you... deduct my expenses from my share of the book sales?"
"Yes," she said calmly. "You don't mind, do you?"
I gave her a look that clearly said: Seriously?
She brushed it off. "Don't be a bore. Let's keep moving."
5. Street Performances
We walked through the capital—and the city came alive before our eyes: a strongman lifting a barrel over his head, a snake charmer controlling an illusion of a snake, gamblers shouting "guess the cup!", musicians on the street corners.
We stopped by a barbershop.
Elinia looked at me and said:
"Zane, you need a haircut. Your hairstyle is... too monotonous. And your style too."
"No."
"You're such a grump."
And she walked on.
6. The Shell Game
The man with three cups smiled when he saw us:
"Hah! Rich youngsters! Want to try your luck?"
Elinia instantly replied:
"Yes!"
I realized he saw her as a walking purse and was already planning to scam her. But we didn't play fair.
Elinia sensed the stone under the table using her mana, and I read the movements of his hands.
We played for about twenty minutes. He lost everything he had. And in the end, turning red, he kicked us out:
"Get out! Sorcerers! Cheaters! I'll go bankrupt because of you!"
Elinia laughed.
I said:
"Time to head back. It's late."
She sighed:
"But it was fun."
And for the first time all day... I completely agreed with her.