"Kaiser, look!"
Helen's clear voice rings out with excitement, her amethyst eyes shimmering like a gemstone reflecting the sunlight. She raises her hand, pointing towards a small street stall selling golden, toasted pastries, their melted cream filling enticingly visible from the inside
Kaiser quirks a small smile, following her gaze. The sweet aroma wafting from the stall is tempting, and even he feels drawn to it
This morning, at Helen's suggestion, the two of them decided to take a stroll through the city's morning market. With no particular plans in mind, he agreed without hesitation. And now, seeing the radiant expression on her face, he quietly thinks that this decision wasn't a bad one at all
Kaiser is wearing a cream-colored turtleneck sweater paired with simple black trousers, subtly emphasizing his tall frame. His dark hair falls gently around his refined features, and the round glasses perched on his nose give him a softer appearance than usual
But what captures his attention the most is not the lively scenery of the market, it's Helen
Today, she looks different. No longer the small girl with slightly messy hair and simple clothes, Helen now wears a soft lilac dress, its flowing fabric. Her short purple hair is neatly brushed, with strands gently framing her delicate face, accentuating her fair skin and vibrant eyes
Even though she is still seated in her familiar wheelchair, today she carries a brighter aura, eager to explore everything new
"Do you want to try one?" Kaiser asks, his tone subtly gentle as he notices her focused gaze on the pastry stall
Helen nods immediately
"I can have one, right?"
Kaiser chuckles, bending slightly to meet her eyes
"Of course. Wait here for a moment"
He steps toward the stall, quickly purchasing two pastries before returning and handing one to Helen. She takes it with both hands, cradling the warm treat as if it were a treasure
Taking her first bite, her eyes widen with delight
"It's so good!"
Kaiser leans slightly against the handle of her wheelchair, arms crossed, watching her enjoy the pastry. The sight amuses him, and he lets out a soft laugh
Helen looks up at him, her cheeks puffed slightly from the food still in her mouth. The image makes her resemble a little squirrel nibbling on a nut.
They continue strolling through the market, with Helen unable to hide her excitement. She curiously observes everything around her, from the vibrant flower stalls to the fresh fruit vendors. Occasionally, she points out something interesting, her eyes sparkling as if she has discovered a hidden treasure. Kaiser simply listens, smiling patiently at her small but enthusiastic stories
However, as he slowly pushes Helen's wheelchair down a quieter street, a familiar figure catches his eye amid the bustling crowd
'Merias? '
His gaze lands on a person wearing a long black cloak, the hood pulled low as if to conceal their identity. But despite the disguise, the strands of golden hair peeking out from beneath the fabric are far too distinct. And those sharp golden eyes - Kaiser could never mistake them, even in passing.
Merias Goldwyn
As if sensing his gaze, Merias glances up. For a brief moment, her golden eyes meet his. Surprise flickers across her face, but it vanishes almost instantly, replaced by a sly smile
She lifts a single finger to her lips, tilting her head slightly - a playful yet enigmatic gesture "Keep this a secret for me, okay?"
Kaiser raises an eyebrow, but before he can say anything, Merias turns away, quickly disappearing into the crowd
He exhales, shaking his head
'Why do noble girls love sneaking out so much?' he muses, before resuming his stroll with Helen
But as it turns out, this unexpected encounter isn't the last surprise of the morning
"K-Kaiser, hello"
A soft, slightly hesitant voice calls from behind them
Both Kaiser and Helen turn around at the same time
"Mary?"
Standing before them is a familiar girl with violet hair, but today, she looks a little different
"What are you doing here?" Kaiser asks, mild surprise flickering in his eyes
Mary lowers her head slightly, her hands unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress. Her voice is tinged with a hint of shyness
"I… I just got a haircut"
Hearing that, Kaiser finally notices the clear change
Her once long, slightly unkempt hair is now trimmed shorter, tied neatly into a small ponytail, revealing her striking crimson eyes. Her face appears brighter, carrying a fresh vitality absent before
Kaiser observes her for a moment before smiling
"This hairstyle suits you"
The moment he says it, Mary immediately ducks her head lower. Her small hands clutch the fabric of her dress tightly, and no matter how much she tries to hide it, the tips of her ears are turning visibly red
"Th-Thank you…"
She quickly changes the subject
"Um, what are you two doing here?"
Kaiser replies casually
"I'm taking a morning walk with Helen.
Mary nods slightly, her gaze briefly lingering on Helen before offering a small smile
"Then I won't keep you two any longer."
She bows her head slightly. "See you later."
Helen beams and waves
"Goodbye"
Kaiser nods as well
"Take care."
Mary turns and walks away, her small figure gradually disappearing into the flow of people. Kaiser watches her for a moment before glancing back at Helen, continuing their peaceful morning outing