He grinned at my not-so-sincere response, then he handed me something. I was about to open the box when he noted, “This is the product you asked me to make three days ago, as well as a gift.”
“You’ve finished with it already?”
Ian nodded in response and added, “You asked me to make it as soon as possible, didn’t you?”
“I did. Thank you.”
Ian looked at me for a moment before stating, “If you need anything at any time, just let me know.”
He was a kind person; he was already doing enough by helping me make money. I was reassured. Indeed, he was a valuable connection.
* * *
‘It has been a while since I went shopping…’
Humming a lively tune, Fresia picked up a wig. In her closet were many—colored black, blonde, red, and even green. Deciding not to stand out today, she picked one with a subtle tone.
In the mirror behind her was a familiar face that startled her. Fresia was wondering if she was seeing things due to overworking recently. She was standing frozen in place when a voice muttered, “Fresia.”
“Ahhh!”
At her scream, the guild members who were waiting outside her room stormed into the room. Nevertheless, they could not attack the unwelcome guest.
“We greet His Highness the Crown Prince!”
Max stared at them for a moment, then he spoke softly, “You all may leave. I have something to discuss with her.”
Once the door closed, the lady forced a smile. “Your Highness, please refrain from scaring me like that in the future.”
His eyes disapproving, Max spoke in a disgruntled manner. “You’ve always noticed my presence until now. Have you been neglectful in your training?”
‘Who does he think he’s talking to?’ Although it was true Fresia wasn’t transcendent, it was none other than her who had taught Max the basics. Feeling insulted, Fresia gritted her teeth. She, however, composed herself and asked, “What brings you here?”
“Nothing. Were you going somewhere?”
“Ah, yes. I was about to head to Arcade Street.”
At the mention of the crowded plaza, Max wondered if he might run into Jubelian there.
In any case, he discarded his thoughts. He was going to focus on his own duties as his master had advised. Max pondered what he had to do right now. He didn’t want to go back to the palace right away as he had been stuck in his room for the past few days.
“I will go with you,” he decided in the end.
Fresia sighed. It was obvious that her liege argued with the lady again.
‘I guess I have no choice but to help.’
* * *
Having finished talking business, I was at the entrance of the workshop saying my goodbyes.
“Please drop by next time at your leisure, Your Ladyship. Our workshop always welcomes you.”
I nodded, “Of course. After all, I’ve contributed a lot to this place, haven’t I?” I smiled. That was my way of referring to myself as the “muse” as I couldn’t bear to say such a word.
Chuckling, Ian said shyly, “I hope that someday you will visit, even if not for business.”
I was about to nod, thinking he meant I could visit any time at my convenience. Then I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I turned my head slightly to the side. A familiar man was standing next to a woman.
“How does this look?” she asked, pretending to wear a headdress. The lady possessed a captivating aura, and the two looked awfully close to each other. Strangely, my heart ached. I felt uncomfortable and couldn’t bear to see them standing side by side for another moment. Why was I feeling this way? I had no right.
Just then, the man furrowed his brow and spat out, “I don’t like it.”
For some reason, the discomfort I had just felt went away a little.
Unlike me, the woman seemed a little offended. “Should I just leave?” she pouted.
I hoped that the man would nod, but he answered with a serious face, “It’s a gift… I want to get something better and more expensive.”
My face hardened immediately.
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