Eric flew into the master's room, almost tripping over scattered toys and books, a little more and the tray of food would roll on the floor.
— Great response! — The young aristocrat hid his smile behind a book.
— Rich, I almost dropped our breakfast! — Eric frowned. He was surprised at his reaction, it was so strange to yell at him again to yell as if nothing had changed at all.
— Don't be a grump, Ricky. I'm just having fun. You know, I don't have much time. — His smile didn't waver at all. This angered Eric, but all his anger immediately evaporated when he looked at his master.
"I will do my best to prevent this from happening."
— Please don't talk like that. — The boy walked over to the bed and lowered the tray onto a small table next to him.
— I'm sorry, — Richard whispered, — stop talking, let's eat already. I am hungry.
— Rich, I don't want to go to class today, — Eric said during breakfast, the young aristocrat even dropped his fork in surprise.
— It doesn't look like you. Got sick or something? — The boy tilted his head to get a better look at his friend.
— Not at all, you weren't going anywhere today anyway. I just suggested it first.
— You know me too well. Although I thought about going to the gym. But if that's the case, then let's go to the city today. I have a present for you, — Richard smiled enigmatically. Eric already knew what kind of gift it would be, but despite this, he was looking forward to it.
— What is this?
— Surprise! Are you excited? — The young aristocrat leaned forward to look into his friend's eyes.
"He is so cute." – Eric involuntarily smiled from this thought.
— Very! I want to know as soon as possible what you have prepared for me.
— Then eat faster.
When breakfast was over, Rich pulled two sets of old clothes from a hidden closet door. Such things did not attract the attention of curious townspeople.
— Looks like you've grown up, Ricky. I'll need to find you something else soon, — Richard straightened the strap on the old overalls and smiled, looking in the mirror.
— Don't forget the eyes, — Eric reminded him as he buttoned up his shirt. There was nothing special about his appearance, so it was much easier for him to blend in with the crowd. What can not be said about Richie with his purple eyes. A hallmark of royalty.
— I know without you, — the boy pouted. The cap that covered his blond hair slid down over his forehead. — It always requires a lot of concentration. The young aristocrat looked at his reflection for a long time, until gradually his iris began to darken.
— Your control is amazing.
— Not as good as I would like, — Richard sighed tiredly, magic of this level took too much strength.
— Don't be shy, not even every adult can do it.
While Eric was tying his laces on his worn shoes, Rich threw a rope through the window. They were not allowed to see the servants. Especially the old groom who was also their fencing teacher.
They climbed out into the backyard of the estate without much trouble. In the garden, behind the hedge, there was a secret passage about which no one except the owner of the house knew. Therefore, getting into the city was not difficult.
The sun was high in the sky, the first days of spring were very warm. Eric hasn't felt this happy in a long time. He felt like a carefree child again.
— Rich, I want ice cream, or caramel apples, or gummy bees, or—"
— Yes, I understand, I understand. We can go to the candy store when we're done.
There were not so many people on the streets of the city. Most of the adults worked and the children had to be in school.
At the main square, the two friends turned into an old lane. There were very few shops here and mostly they were weapons, dangerous magical artifacts, potions and much more that bordered on illegal activities. Respectable citizens tried to stay away from this place. Rich stopped abruptly at the door of one such store. The signs read "Lyan's Gun Shop" in big letters.
A small bell at the entrance alerted the merchant that he had visitors as soon as the children crossed the threshold of the gun shop.
— Welcome, how can I help you? — overweight man, greeted them, sitting at the counter. He was busy with something, so at first he didn't even raise his head to properly greet the guests.
— Good afternoon, Mr. Layan, I would like to pick up something, — the man immediately jumped up from his seat.
— Good to see you again, sir, how are you?
— Stop sucking up, Layan, let's get right down to business. I want to pick up my order, it should be ready by now, right?
— Of course, young master, I was just waiting for you. I did everything as you asked, — the man retired to the back room for a few seconds and returned with a small, but obviously expensive gift box. — Here, my lord.
— Take it, Ricky.
Eric carefully opened the box, inside on red velvet were two silver daggers. Perfect job.
— How beautiful. — Feelings filled the boy, just like the first time he received them so many years ago. His fingers involuntarily glided over the steel handle, the cold metal leaving a pleasant tingle on the skin.
— Do you like it?
— You can't imagine better, — the boy smiled broadly at his friend, and he answered with the same sincere smile.
— Glad the young master liked it. I had to put in so much effort...
— If you're hinting at an additional fee, don't forget who's protecting the store from intruders, — Richard fixed the salesman with a cold look.
— Of course not, I just, I want to say... — Large drops of sweat appeared on Layan's forehead and his voice began to tremble.
— Relax, Layan, I was just joking. — Rich took out a bag of coins of various values from his pants pocket and threw it on the counter right in front of the seller, "consider this a bonus for good work.
— Thank you, young master, — the man was scattered in gratitude, eagerly counting the money.
— Not at all, see you later, Layan. Have a good day.
— All the best to you, my lord.
Eric and Richard returned to the main square to go shopping. It was much lighter here and the air was very different from the mustiness of the alley. Erik was still looking at his precious daggers with delight. The last time he saw them, there was so much blood on them that the silver blades were permanently crimson. However, a moment later, he was overwhelmed with excitement, his memories of the past were too hazy.