The loud crowds could be heard from all around the shopping district. So much was happening, I could hear haggling on one side while customers being thanked on the other. I’m kind of bothered as I’m not too fond of crowds. It sparks some anxiety I have.
The streets were line with stores, ours looked so dull in comparison. I got talk to Elise about this later. Spruce our store up a little. Eh, why am I getting happy calling it “our” store. Never mind.
“Hey, Elise is it a lot of stuff we’re going to have to carry back?”
“Yeah, kind of. Maybe like 2 trips back to the store.”
“Oof, Sorry. I’d assume it’s heavy as well.”
“It’s okay. I got you, hehe.”
Aw she let a cute laugh. I know I’m strong. Be impressed Elise, I could win you over.
“At least the scenery isn’t too bad?”
“Lots of shop variety.”
As soon as she said that I saw a store shaped like a berry. Why? Does it only sell berries? I kind of want to go in there with Elise. Oh wait, there is a stand selling advanced magic staffs. It is one of the latest models too.
Though magic can be casted regardless of tool it just takes skill. Which I don’t have. I wanted to show Elise. Hm?
Ah stop getting distracted it’s like I want to take Elise on a date or something. We got a job to do Claude.
“So why do you think they quit?”
“Hm. Probably got paid higher. Most people aren’t always loyal when it comes to money.”
I tilt my head towards Elise staring at her intently.
“Did you cheap out?”
“No. But I know you would.”
“Hey, how’d you know?”
“Just a feeling.”
“Did Klein tell you? Klein told you, didn’t he? Pay cut it is then.”
“Relax, Claude. Besides do you always treat Klein like that?”
“I take good care of him, yes. Go ask.”
“He will praise you regardless.”
“Exactly.”
Ah the crowd noise is getting louder and more people are crowding the streets. I am slowly having to inch closer to Elise.
“Oh sorry.”
“Huh, oh It’s okay.”
A person just bumped into me right now. Some blonde hair fellow. Must be in a rush if they were going that fast. The couple sitting on the bench looked surprise at what had happened. The guy almost did trip, but seemed to have regained his balance last minute.
But next time, watch where you’re going. I’m with my fellow shop owner here. I look over to Elise. I wanted to make sure she was alright.
“Are you okay Elise?”
“Hm? Fine. I know that you bumped into my shoulder, when that person was in a rush.”
Ah. I could barely hear her. I had to lean in closer to her face. Eh, it’s kind of too close now. I quickly back away as Elise gave a side glance at what I was doing. She didn’t even react. I thought she would do something.
“Elise, is it me or is it more crowded then usual?”
“Yeah, usual it’s fairly light.”
“Something going on?”
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“Um, this is embarrassing to say, Elise.”
“Hm?”
Ah I don’t want to say it. The nerves are getting to me. Ah just go for it, Claude.
“Can I hold you hand?”
Elise paused and started looking really confused. Is it that weird to ask? She tilts her head around while looking at the sky then back down to me.
“…Why?”
“Look I don’t want to get lost okay.”
Uh oh.
“Hm?”
“Please Elise, I’m scared. You need me.”
“Huh? N-need you? Explain…?”
“To carry stuff duh.”
“R-right. You always saying weird stuff like that. I’m going to have to get used to it.”
Elise has her arms behind her back as she inches closer to me.
“But you really think you’re going to get lost in this crowd? Just stick closer to me.”
“No, I want to hold you hand.”
“Oh?”
Elise extends her hand out graceful the back facing towards me. Like I could put a ring on it. But before I could hold it, she quickly pulls it back to her chest. Her other hand now clutching it.
“I’m begging you. I got lost last time with Klein.”
Elise lets out one of her evil smiles.
“Give up the store then.”
“Oh, stop joking.”
“Huh? What was the joke?”
Damn, why is she playing innocent with me? Look at her holding both of her hands back behind there. You know what I want. Ah, she smiled again. Elise, you are so evil.
“Elise let me hold your hand!”
“Hey stop shouting. People are going to look.”
“I don’t care.”
“You can be really a handful sometimes. Actually, I mean all of the time.”
“I just want to hold you hand.”
“Are you that scared?”
“Yes. Klein and I been through some stuff.”
“Huh?”
Elise ponders for a bit. She raises her hand on her chin and looks at the sky for a bit. She looks back at me with her gentle eyes and smiles.
“Nah.”
“Elise. Do you… Want me to…Beg. I’ll beg.”
“We’re almost there anyways.”
“Liar.”
Elise giggles.
“Ha, so you want my hand, do you?”
Elise is acting all smug as she motions her hand around. Yes, I do. Let me hold it.
“I gave you an offer.”
“And I refuse. I’ll get down on my knees and beg if I have to.”
“Yeah, I don’t care if you cause a scene actually. I’m heartless. I don’t care what some passersby thinks.”
I start to tear up a little. I can’t help it.
“Ah.”
Elise grabs my hand and pulls it.
“Happy?”
“If I all I had to do was cry.”
“We’re not getting anywhere if this keeps up. Next time I’m leaving you.”
“No, please don’t.”
Well Elise and I were now holding hands. I don’t want to admit it, but her hands are really soft and delicate. Ah, I don’t want to think about it but I can’t help but think about it. And if she finds out I gave her a serious compliment; I’d never live it down.
It’s a necessary evil. Last time I got lost in the district, Klein and I met some aggressive pet wolf. It chased me all around. I’ll never forget falling down as if was about to eat me. It licked my face for minutes but I know the truth it was hungry. Klein might not agree but he is wrong anyways.
“Elise your hands are very delicate. It’s kind of cute.”
Goddammit, Claude. I just said I was not going to do it but I complimented her anyways. Sometimes I just speak what’s in my mind.
“Oh? Ah? Thanks, Claude.”
I knew it. She had her smug smile back. I can’t see it but I know it’s there. As if I think you’re cute.
“Be honored.”
Oh, stop acting mighty while I’m vulnerable. But I’ll humor her.
“I am honored.”
“Hm.”
Elise sounded so pleased. Damn I’m getting peeved. I lean in close towards Elise, she gives a glance back. Ah her eyes do sparkle.
“You sure sound happy. Like holding my hand that much, Elise?”
I wanted to provoke her a little.
Elise lets go of her hand and twirls around a little. She has this arrogant smile on her face.
“Oh, Claude I never knew you were so easily scared. To see you whimpering to me of all people. I can’t believe you actually like your enemy so much. It’s only time you submit to me. Ahem, well give me the store I mean.”
“Eh, don’t just let go all of a sudden!”
I panic. I quickly try to grab Elise’s hand but miss. She clasps her hand near her chest. Argh, Elise.
“Elise please.”
“Hehe.”
“It’s not funny.”
“Whatever happened, must have traumatized you huh?”
“Elise, your hand.”
“It’s only a few distance away.”
“I’m a cautious person!”
Elise extends her hand again. Oh, she enjoys teasing me. I’ll tease her back one of these days. But not today. Be ready for the ultimate tease. I’ll leave you so embarrassed.
“Fine, here. But are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
I quickly grab Elise’s hand before she can change her mind.
“Hehe.”
Calm yourself Claude. This smug girl. She won’t always win.
“I’ll get you back.”
A quiet whisper that she could not hear. I started noticing some gazes from people. I wonder if they thought we were some weird couple. Elise didn’t even mind the stares at all. Completely unfazed.
Elise soon let out this serene hum. It was a pleasant sound I’ll admit.
“See I told you we’d arrive here quickly.”
I see this giant ark entrance above my head. The sign above the entrance reads “Caravan station #5”. Well, makes sense now that I think about it. I had my stuff in Caravan Station #1. It was closer distance to our store. But I guess by oversleeping I made Elise get to the store first.
“…Are you going to let go?”
Elise shyly looks at me with teary eyes. Do not fall for her antics.
“No.”
“Geez. Do you like me that much?”
“Yeah, I kind of do.”
People must have really thought we were a couple now. Yet Elise didn’t even mind one bit. What is with this girl? Does she perhaps l-like me? Why did I pause there? Do I want Elise to actually like me? No, not like that.
“I’m not letting go.”
There is another chance.
“Do you like me, Elise?”
“Oh? Oh?”
Elise narrows her eyebrows slightly, with an evil grin on her face. Stop acting smug.
“Let’s see.”
Elise lets go of her hand again and puts her finger on her chin. She stares into the sky and ponders. I started to noticed she loved doing that whenever she was thinking.
“Nah.”
“Hey! Why not?”
“You’re pretty weird. Hehe.”
Weird? Before I could speak, Elise walks away. Wait a second. Your hand. I don’t want to get lost. I quickly try to catch up to her. Her hand is swaying at her side. Chance time. I attempt to grab it. Elise turns back at me, smiling deviously.
“You know my hand is sweaty because of you.”
“Eh, is it? I didn’t notice. Sorry.”
“It’s alright. We’re already here anyways, hand holder.”
Elise laughs.
“You sure did love holding hands. Naughty.”
Elise giggles again.
I do not. I was just concerned for my safety.
“You held my hand so tightly.”
Elise gives a smug smile.
Ah, be quiet Elise you had your fun.
Elise points to a caravan holding crates of potions.
“That should be it.”
“How do you know it’s yours?”
“Good memory.”
We had to walk up to a guard before we could even go to the caravan. The guard wore a serious frown over his face. Seemed upset or something.
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