The bustling streets of the city were a stark contrast to the sour mood Spark carried as he walked through them.
The night's events still weighed heavily on him, and the posters calling them "The Three Ugly Demons" only added to his irritation.
As he glanced at the posters with dark, brooding eyes, his dissatisfaction was palpable.
Yuna, walking beside him, couldn't resist teasing him gently.
"I think you're more upset about the 'ugly' part than the bounty," she said, her eyes dancing with amusement.
Spark shot her a look of genuine affront. "Of course, I am! What angle could I possibly look ugly from?"
His frustration was clear as he imagined William's smug face plastered on those posters, a thought that made his blood boil. If William were present, Spark would have relished the chance to bash his face into one of those posters.
Yuna chuckled, shaking her head in amusement.
"You're right. How could anyone miss your dazzling good looks?" she said, trying to lighten the mood.
As they continued their walk, Spark shifted the conversation. "Any news from Kieran's side?"
"None," Yuna replied.
"It's strange," Spark mused. "With his temper, I expected him to act by now."
Yuna nodded in agreement. "That is odd. He's not one to sit quietly."
Their conversation was interrupted by the approach of a shabby man, a pitiful figure in tattered clothes that clung to his emaciated frame.
His eyes were hollow, and his voice trembled as he spoke. "Young lord, I have a sick wife to feed. Please, spare some change."
Spark stopped and regarded the man critically. After a moment, he waved dismissively. "I'm feeling generous today."
Understanding the gesture, Yuna reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small pouch. She handed it to the man, who weighed it in his hands with astonishment.
When he opened it, gold coins glinted inside, and tears welled in his eyes. He fell to his knees, repeatedly thanking them.
The trio continued on, leaving the grateful man behind. Spark's mood lifted slightly as he commented, "Ah, I'm feeling a bit better now,"
Yuna returned his smile, though Zhao Shi remained cautious.
"Young master," he said hesitantly, "was it wise to give away a pouch full of gold?"
Spark raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"
Zhao Shi hesitated before responding. "He could be lying. People sometimes pretend to be in need to take advantage of others' kindness."
Spark turned to Yuna and asked. "Was that man lying?"
Yuna shook her head firmly. "He was telling the truth."
"If she says he was honest, then he must be. No need to fret over a few gold coins," Spark said dismissively.
Zhao Shi nodded, though he still harbored doubts. His experience had shown him that many people exploited the sympathy of others. Still, he respected Spark's judgment and Yuna's insight, deferring to their better judgment.
…
As the sun set and the city bathed in twilight, Zhao Shi roamed the lively streets alone.
Spark had gone to their usual drinking spot, and Yuna had followed, leaving Zhao Shi with the task of shopping for their evening meal.
The bustling atmosphere around him was a stark contrast to his solitude.
As Spark's butler and cook, Zhao Shi had to finish preparing dinner before their return. He moved from shop to shop, selecting fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and rare, expensive items with enthusiasm for the culinary possibilities they presented.
On his way back, Zhao Shi noticed the shabby man from earlier.
The man looked just as destitute as before, but now there was an urgency in his movements.
He hurried through the alleyways, frequently glancing over his shoulder as if fearing pursuit.
Intrigued and concerned, Zhao Shi decided to follow him. There was still time before he needed to start preparing dinner, and the man's behavior seemed off.
Zhao Shi trailed the man through winding alleys into the less savory parts of the city, where the buildings grew more dilapidated and shadows more oppressive.
The man finally stopped in front of a rundown building on the edge of the slums.
Zhao Shi watched from a distance as the man knocked on the door, which opened slightly. The man slipped inside, and the door shut quickly behind him.
'Maybe this is where he lives,' Zhao Shi thought.
As he turned to leave, a burst of harsh, mocking laughter caught his attention. It was not the joyful noise of a reunion but something sinister.
Curiosity turned to concern as Zhao Shi crept closer, crouching low as he approached the building. He found a hole in the crumbling wall and peered inside.
What he saw made his eyes frown deep.
The room was filled with people in similarly shabby clothes, their faces etched with fear and despair.
They huddled together on the floor while a few robust men, clearly in charge, sat on chairs, their faces twisted into cruel, mocking smiles.