Alexander guided me to a food booth and ordered something. He placed two silver coins on the table and took two food skewers from the vendor.

"Here."

Alexander offered me one and I received it. The food in my hand was white and had the shape of a tube; they stacked up horizontally and red sauce covered them.

"Try it."

I lifted my head and Alexander was seen eating it. I brought it to my lips and took a bite.

The sweet-spicy flavor with a little bit of acidity filled my mouth; I thought it was the dressing while the white tube thing was savory and had a chewy texture.

Surprisingly, it matched altogether and–

"It's delicious."

Alexander chuckled.

"I know, right?"

"Yea."

I nodded in agreement and took another bite.

"Let's try something else."

We went to the second stall and literally, we just tried every food and drink we could find.

Honestly speaking, I really enjoyed this, and without me realizing it, I smiled a lot and even laughed.

.

.

.

We took a break by sitting next to each other on a bench while watching people passing by.

"It's good."historical

Alexander's voice pricked my ears and I responded whilst scooping ice cream into my mouth.

"What is it?"

"To see you smiling and laughing."

I glanced at him.

"Why is that?"

He said nothing and patted my head instead. Since he treated me with lots of food and drinks, I would let him pat my head as he pleased.

"Well–"

His golden eyes locked on me and I continued.

"–I also had a lot of fun today, thanks!"

My gratitude was sincere, to tell you the truth, I never had a chance to have a homie because I was so immersed in my study to keep my scholarship, and was too busy with work to stay alive.

Simply, hanging out with friends or enjoying my youth was something out of the picture back in my previous life.

Alexander smiled and withdrew his hand.

"You're welcome."

I threw the empty cup into the garbage beside me and leaned against the splat.

"So what now?"

My stomach was full and I didn't think I could digest another one.

"Hmm.."

Alexander hummed as he thought of an idea.

"Do you want to go to the amusement park?"

"Oh! Sounds good."

I couldn't wait to go there. As it settled, soon we got up and strode toward Chislon.

However, my step came to a halt when I saw a store that caught my attention.

"Can we go in there first?"

Alexander glanced in the direction I was pointing at and nodded.

"Sure."

We crossed the street and entered the shop. It was a souvenir store. The staff welcomed us and due to Fedel not being by my side, I had to pick the gift myself.

I didn't know which one to choose and Alexander suggested buying something that reminded me of my mother.

Heeding his recommendation, I bought two necklaces, one with a blue gem and one with a gold gem; one for my mom and one for Cameron.

Luckily, I still had the gold Alexander gave me and paid in cash without a hassle.

"Here."

Alexander shook his head.

"No, thanks."

As expected, he refused the gift but I forced him anyway, and he accepted it in the end. Hehe.

Afterward, we exited the store, and I peeked at the souvenir I just bought. Somehow I was quite satisfied with my pick. However–

–Thud!

Someone bumped into me and Alexander promptly defended me.

"Watch your step, Young Lady!"

"Ah! I'm so sorry!"

A girl's voice pierced my ears when the doer immediately apologized. Our eyes met as soon as I lifted my head and in an instant, I recognized her.

"Lady Leticia?"

"Ah!"

She was startled and her face turned red.

"I–I'm so sorry!"

And she hastily walked fast.

"It seems she's sneaking out."

Alexander expressed his thoughts, well, I guess it pretty much explained why she wore a scarf that covered her entire face leaving only her eyes visible.

Nonetheless, I was stunned as I saw something familiar hanging on her dress. I quickly checked the necklace I just bought but found nothing.

I looked at her dress again and the necklace was indeed stuck on her dress.

"Lady Leticia! Wait!"

Her body was jolted upon hearing my voice and quickly ran whilst shouting.

"I'm so sorry! I won't compliment you ever again! Please let me go!"

I couldn't help but frown.

'What is she spewing about?'

And unbeknownst to me, my feet moved on their own and after her.

"Ian wait!"

I ignored his voice and continued to chase her. We played a cat-and-mouse game in the sea of people.

"Please let me go! I just want to enjoy the festival!"

"No! You misunderstood something! Please, come back here!"

"No!!"

Leticia continued to yell and entered an alley. I followed her and to my surprise, she had a quick foot!

Although I channeled my mana to my feet, I still couldn't catch up to her!

'Did she receive proper training?'

However, my steps came to a full stop when my eyes caught someone in a black robe giving a book to a skinny beggar.

'The banned book!'

I turned around to where I spotted the man but he was nowhere to be seen, and all I could see was the beggar starting to read the banned book.

My brows furrowed upon witnessing the scene.

'What in the world did I just see? Did someone spread the book on purpose?'

No–wait.

I shook my head. This was not the time, I had to find Leticia first.

I quickly rolled my legs and began running. I whirled left when I met a turn. Yet, the sight before me made me stretch my eyes.

Leticia lay unconscious and was being carried on a shoulder by a man in black.

'What the hell?'

A magic circle formed on the floor and shone brightly; it was teleportation magic that came from magic paper.

Luckily, the man's back was facing me, and without wasting any time, I jumped and entered the magic circle.

In a split second, we were transported into the forest and suddenly liquid splatted on my face. The man before me fell with a dagger piercing his nape.

"What in the--"

Something stung my neck and my vision went black.