"What happened? You two havin' some lovers' quarrel?"

The two in the carriage didn't respond.

Seems like they really did have a conflict of sorts eh?

Well whatever I guess, I ain't got no time for these two, heh.

After we get back to the capital, it's finally time to propose to her~! Ah...Isabella...My sweet Isabella...I can't wait to embrace you~

"...forgive...Anne...come on!"

I can faintly hear the lad saying something to the girl.

"I'll...sweets...please?"

You got a ways to go for the love department lad! If you need it, I'll give ya a helping hand later~heheh...

"You folks alright back there? The road's going to be pretty bumpy for a bit!"

"We're fine, thanks Edmun-"

"...We are not. Do you not have a cushion at all?"

"-eh? B-but Anne, we can't jus-"

"...Mr. Smiths...? A pedlar like you who travels all the time doesn't even have a cushion of sorts? We've promised to share such a large margin of the profits, and yet you are treating us lesser than how coachmen would. If you are thinking of ripping us off, I believe my friend here wouldn't really agree...?"

Ah, shit. How did she catch on? Well, guess I'll hand them the leather cushions I've been saving...

                                                             * * *

My cheeks still hurts from last night. How could Lilla have hit me so hard?!

I could have sworn she looked just like that liger...Just thinking of it gives me the chills.

But...that analysis just now. I didn't really have time to think about it back then, but...wow. I never knew Anne was this good at analysing and reasoning. The way she did it, it's almost as if she has a talent for it.

I've never really asked her about her past. Maybe I should next time?

No...no. That's a bad idea. That's a really bad idea. Did you seriously think you've lived long enough already, Jordan? I don't want to prod the sleeping liger, or ligress...

Either way, there must be a reason why she hasn't told me anything about it yet. Besides, it's not like I have to know.

"How much longer, Edmund?"

"Well, it usually takes around 2 days lad! However, we should reach Theilv soon, and we could just rest there for the night. Also, could you please tell the young lady to not put her legs on the merchandise? I mean, I need to sell those, so uh, yea."

Instantly, that cold stare that I'm so familiar with is on me.

Gah... I really don't want to do this...

"You heard him, Anne..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...So uh....are you going to...put your legs down...?"

"..."

"..."

"...Legs."

"What?"

"Your legs. Stretch them out."

"Eh?"

"You heard me."

What is she thinking?

I stretched my leg out after uncrossing my legs. Anne stretched her legs out and put them on top of mine. She seemed comfortable using my legs as a new leg rest, but...why couldn't she just rest her leg on the carriage floor?

"Wh-"

"Shh. This is only right after what you did to me last night."

...

But...didn't she already slap me for it ?!

I don't get this girl at all...

                                                             * * *

"Theilv city. At first glance at the map, it appears to be just another normal city in the Kingdom, with the only special thing being how trade flows through it en route to the capital.

However, if you were to actually arrive at the city, you will see just how special this city is. The whole city is heavily "industralised". Or at least, that's how the mayor put it. The city is at the forefront of technological advancements, and you can see new things everywhere.

Am I being a good guide so far, lad? If you like it, I won't mind getting some donations yea?"

"Ugh. Fine, have some extra when we are done with the deals."

Sneaky merchants. Even while introducing the place to us, he doesn't waste time trying to get profit eh?

"Anyways, I'll be heading to the inn now. You two want me to help you get a room as well while we're at it?"

"Sure. Have an extra gold. Don't look at me like that, I know you would have asked for some extra anyways..."

"Heheh. Alright, I'll be booking the 'Pretty Sleepy' Inn in the middle of the town. Y'all should be able to identify it by the huge billboard sign it has."

With that said, Edmund left us and headed towards the city centre with the carriage.

Phew. That's one thing done. Guess we could take the time to just walk around now.

"Want to take a look around Anne?"

She didn't say anything, but started walking towards the city centre as well.

...or did she? It seems like...she's making a beeline straight for a food stand. Of course. This wouldn't be Anne otherwise...

                                                             * * *

"Candy floss" in one hand. "Lollipop" in another. She's having a field day with this!

Well. She can have it I guess. This is probably another part in the "revenge" that she has planned for me.

The thing is, it looks very tasty. I...kind of want some!

But, she definitely wouldn't share it with me...I should have gotten some back at the food stands...

Speaking of which, how did they make these stuff anyways? I didn't quite get a good look at the machinery that they used, but it all seems quite complicated...I suppose all this have to do with this "industralised" thing that Edmund spoke of? How very interesting...

Ah. Seems to be a crowd up ahead. Wonder what that's about?

"Anne, shall we take a look at what's gathering the crowd?"

"Mhn."

She didn't even bother taking a look at me this time and just made a seemingly affirmative noise while still licking her candies.

Guess that's a yes?

Oh well, let's take a look.

                                                             * * *

"It's Mr. Renald, Whooo!"

"Mr. Renald! Could you please collaborate with my company next?"

"No! Please collaborate with mine instead! We will give up 50% of all profit earned!"

"We are willing to give 60% of the profits! Please choose the East Glauvania Traders instead!"

"Thank you for all your work for the city Mr. Renald! We pray for your safety every day!"

...

Woah. This is...quite the commotion. Who's that man at the middle?

"Excuse me ma'm. We are travelers who just arrived at the city. Who's this man and why does everyone seem to covet him?"

"Oh, young man. That's Mr. Carl Renald~! You probably don't know about the greatness of Mr. Renald. Frankly speaking, he's the reason why Theilv is as big as it is now! Why, he's the very reason for all the industralisation we've gone through!"

"...is he really that great?"

Suddenly, Anne spoke up. It seems she was finally done with the candy floss and the lollipop.

"Of course, sweetheart. He's basically the biggest entrepreneur in the city! But instead of just flaunting about with his money, he uses it all to help the people and promote industralisation! We all owe him a debt!"

"...interesting."

"Thank you for the explanations ma'am."

"Oh no problem sweetie, are you two looking for some accomodations for tonight? I can recommend some places for you both to...enjoy your time~!"

"Ah...there's no need to for ma'am, we have already booked with an inn."

"Of course you did. Of course you did. Don't be too rough with the little lady young man, you look like you could take her apart if you wanted to!"

"I'll...remember that ma'am. Thank you for everything."

This is bad. Disengage before a certain volcano explodes next to me!!

After leaving the old lady and getting out of the crowd, we continued heading towards the city centre.

I hope Anne didn't get too angry...oh? She isn't even taking a look at me. She seems deep in thought.

"...you."

"What?"

"That Carl Renald guy...he had the same look as you."

"Same...look?"

"Yes. He looks just like you did when we first met. Except...there's something more. He seems to have some kind of resolve. "

"Resolve?"

"..."

"...Anne?"

She didn't respond to me any further.

How did she even manage to learn all of that just by taking a look at him?

...No point busting my head thinking about this.

Time to head to the inn! Ahh, I could really use some good sleep tonight after last night...