Chapter 17: Out in the Open
"Talking"
(Thinking)
Kai wasn't one to venture beyond the walls of his mansion, much less partake in mundane tasks like shopping. Usually, his servants handled such errands while he stayed in, comfortably lounging with a book or indulging in sweets. However, the monotony of the day gnawed at him. Something about the stillness of the house felt suffocating, so he decided to break the routine.
"Let's go out," Kai announced lazily, glancing over his shoulder at the three men who were, as always, lingering nearby.
The trio exchanged startled glances, their reactions ranging from curiosity to concern.
"Out… where, my lord?" Edward asked carefully, his voice as polite and measured as ever.
Kai shrugged. "To the market. We're running low on… basic things, aren't we?" His tone made it clear he didn't actually know or care about the household's needs. "Besides, I'm bored."
Edward hesitated, his sharp mind already calculating the potential risks. "Wouldn't it be easier to send someone else? It's hardly necessary for you to—"
"I said I'm bored," Kai interrupted, cutting him off with a wave of his hand. "Let's just go."
Noah's tentacles twitched beneath his cloak, his lips curling into a small, excited smile. (He wants to leave the mansion? He's never done this before… What an opportunity!)
Charles, standing slightly behind them, fidgeted with his coat sleeves. His ears flattened beneath his hood in a mix of anxiety and anticipation. (Out? Around so many people? But if it's with Kai…)
Without waiting for further debate, Kai headed for the door, his pace leisurely and unbothered. The three men scrambled to follow.
---
The market was a vibrant chaos of sights, smells, and sounds. Merchants loudly hawked their wares, the mingling scents of fresh bread and roasted meats filled the air, and a steady stream of townsfolk bustled through the narrow streets.
Kai walked through it all with a calm detachment, his hands tucked into his pockets as he strolled from stall to stall. The three men formed an unspoken protective barrier around him, their eyes scanning every corner for potential threats.
"Do you see anything you like, my lord?" Edward asked, keeping a step behind Kai while his hand rested discreetly on the hilt of his hidden blade.
Kai tilted his head, pausing at a stall selling intricately carved trinkets. "Not really." His voice was soft, almost bored, as he picked up a small wooden fox figurine and turned it over in his hands.
Charles's heart leapt at the sight. (A fox? He… he picked something related to me!) His tails, hidden beneath his long coat, twitched with excitement.
Kai set the figurine back down and moved on without a second thought, leaving Charles to quietly purchase it later when no one was looking.
At another stall, Kai's attention was drawn to a jar of colorful candied fruits. His eyes lit up slightly as he reached for it. "Edward, hold this."
Edward took the jar immediately, holding it as though it were a priceless treasure.
"Do you want more, my lord?" Noah asked, stepping closer with his tentacles twitching beneath his cloak, ready to assist.
Kai shrugged. "Sure. Pick out a few."
Noah eagerly obeyed, his tentacles delicately selecting an assortment of sweets while the vendor gawked at the sight in stunned silence. Kai didn't seem to notice—or care.
(He's so unbothered by it… by me. He doesn't even flinch at my tentacles. How could he be so… perfect?) Noah thought, a faint blush rising to his cheeks.
As they continued, Kai grew visibly less interested in the shopping itself. His attention wandered, his steps slower, and his expression more detached.
"This is boring," he muttered under his breath, stopping in the middle of the street.
"My lord, shall we head back?" Edward suggested, glancing at the heavy bags he and the others were carrying.
Kai shook his head. "Not yet. Let's find something… interesting."
(Interesting?) Charles thought, his ears perking up beneath his hood. (What does he mean? Does he want to see something exciting? Something… different?)
Kai suddenly turned to the three of them, his sharp gaze appraising their reactions. "You all seem tense. Relax a little, will you?"
Edward straightened immediately, his expression smoothing into one of calm professionalism. "Of course, my lord."
Noah nodded eagerly, his tentacles curling and uncurling with restrained excitement. "Whatever you wish, Kai."
Charles simply ducked his head, his voice soft. "Yes… I'll try."
Kai smirked faintly, amused by their efforts. (They're so predictable. It's almost… entertaining.)
---
By the time they returned to the mansion, the sun was beginning to set. The servants rushed to take the purchases from Edward and Noah, while Kai stretched lazily in the foyer.
"That was… tolerable," he remarked, his tone as indifferent as ever.
Edward stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Shall I prepare tea for you, my lord?"
Kai waved a hand dismissively. "Do whatever"
Edward just smiled and prepare a sweet honey tea for the young lord of theirs...