Chapter 41: Pat on the Head
A few days later, in the early morning.
Bai, having spent several days cooped up in the clothing shop, was unceremoniously kicked out by Leticia, who insisted she get some fresh air, and take Ara with her.
—Of course, Bai suspected the real reason was that Leticia had finished making their new clothes.
“A short skirt and stockings…” Bai sighed, looking at her new outfit.
A light-colored shirt, a khaki skirt, and black stockings made her look slightly more mature, perhaps twelve years old.
Ara’s lolita dress had also been deemed too outdated by Leticia, who had replaced it with a more modern version.
They walked side-by-side, drawing curious glances, though most were directed at Ara.
Despite Bai’s altered appearance, Ara’s beauty was still striking, even with her head down, leaning against Bai’s shoulder.
When with Bai, Ara’s usual melancholic aura vanished, replaced by the innocence of a normal, pretty little girl.
However, she was still uncomfortable in the spotlight, often hiding behind Bai like a frightened kitten.
Bai, on the other hand, was more composed, a stark contrast to her earlier self, when she had first transformed or arrived in Vikarn Port.
“It’s been a while since I’ve just… wandered around the capital’s market. Especially in such a relaxed atmosphere,” she said, a smile touching her lips as she looked at the bustling crowds and festive decorations.
Although this year’s Imperial Festival was unusual, to the common people, it was just another grand celebration.
The air was filled with a festive spirit, vendors shouting their wares, cheers echoing through the streets as magicians performed.
But there were still some differences.
Bai noticed several powerful knights in plainclothes, their auras concealed, as well as heavily armed Crown Guard patrols.
The eastern marketplace was the most densely populated area of the capital; an incident here would be far more serious than in the slums.
However, the increased patrols didn’t seem to affect the festive mood.
“Candied hawthorns! Get your authentic candied hawthorns!” a vendor shouted, catching Bai’s attention.
She followed the voice to see an old man with a wooden stick, covered in bright red, sugary treats.
Bai had heard of candied hawthorns before, but she had never tried them.
“Ara, do you want some?” she asked, pointing at the sweet treats.
Ara looked up, then at Bai. “Does Bai want some?”
“…If you want some, then I want some.”
Ara nodded eagerly. “If Bai wants some, then Ara wants some too!”
“…” Bai sighed. Ara’s logic was a bit… unconventional.
“Alright, let’s say Ara wants some.”
She took Ara’s hand and walked towards the vendor.
“Authentic candied hawthorns—oh, are you two little girls lost?” the old man asked, looking down at them.
Bai shook her head, pulling out a few silver coins. “I’d like to buy two.”
“Buying them yourself? Such well-behaved little girls. Even better than my granddaughter,” the old man chuckled, taking only one silver coin and giving her back a handful of copper. “Two for ten copper coins is enough.”
“Oh, I see…” Bai scratched her head, embarrassed, taking the candied hawthorns and handing one to Ara.
She rarely bought things herself and was unfamiliar with prices.
Seeing Bai’s slight embarrassment, the old man chuckled. “Are you two sisters?”
Bai hesitated, then nodded.
Their relationship was close enough to be considered sisters.
The old man looked at Ara, who was slightly taller than Bai. “And you’re the younger sister?”
Bai: “…”
Being shorter doesn’t automatically make you the younger sister. And I’m not always going to be this short… probably.
“The younger sister is more sensible. Impressive,” the old man commented.
Bai’s face flushed, and she quickly pulled Ara away.
“Bai, how do you eat this?” Ara asked, examining the candied hawthorn intently.
Bai took a bite, her cheeks puffing out as she chewed. “I think… like this,” she said, her voice muffled.
Ara nodded, then, mimicking Bai, took a small bite, chewing thoughtfully.
“You don’t have to stare at me like that,” Bai said, looking away, uncomfortable under Ara’s intense gaze.
“Bai is pretty,” Ara said seriously, then her expression turned slightly confused. “But why does Bai have to look like this? Ara thinks the old Bai was prettier.”
“…Prettier, yes, but also too conspicuous,” Bai sighed, then a mischievous smile touched her lips. “And Ara doesn’t want anyone else to see that Bai, right?”
Ara nodded eagerly. “Yes, Bai is right! Only Ara can see the prettiest Bai!”
Bai sighed in relief, having successfully navigated that conversation.
But then she remembered Ara’s words: “the old Bai.” Ara had seen her in her silver-haired, dark-gold-eyed form.
And in her fragmented memories, she had also seen Ara, and their relationship had been close.
Perhaps Ara knew her past…
“Ara, can you tell me… where you’re from?” Bai asked, ruffling Ara’s hair. No wonder people liked to pat her head; it was surprisingly satisfying.
Given Ara’s… unique way of thinking, she didn’t want to ask directly.
