Edward froze mid-bite, his eyes narrowing as Selene's shadow loomed over him.
Selene? Why the hell is she here? The question rang sharp in his head, muddled with the sting of surprise. He hadn't expected to see her in the market, much less staring down at him with a gaze hot enough to burn.
Then, memory returned—her visit, the words about mana, about her grandfather's training.
He cleared his throat, forcing a casual tone. "Would you like a bun?" he asked, lifting the last one toward her as if it might soften the edge in her glare.
Her eyes flicked to the bread and then back to him. "I don't want your stupid bun."
The way she bit the words, low and sharp, made Edward lean back instinctively.
"Did you forget our conversation yesterday?"
"What? Of course I didn't forget," Edward said quickly, shrugging his shoulders like it was nothing. "I was just about to go see your grandfather."
Selene's expression didn't budge. Her lips pressed into a thin line, arms folding across her chest. "The training with Grandfather doesn't start until this afternoon," she cut him off coldly. "You should be working in the field. I walked by to say hi, but you weren't there."
Edward smirked faintly, though his gut tightened. He'd never been fond of how easily she saw through him. "Ohh, well… it just so happens that I got a new job for the Chief, so I don't need to work in the field."
Her brows lifted in disbelief.
"Job for the Chief?" she repeated, the sharpness of her tone softening into surprise. "You expect me to believe that?"
Edward lingered, then held up the last bun like a trophy, as if it were proof enough. "How else would I afford these? They're four silver a piece."
Her eyes widened, then narrowed just as fast. "You paid four silver a piece?"
"…Yes?" Edward muttered, suddenly unsure of his answer.
"You fool," she snapped, "they sell for two."
Edward's jaw nearly dropped.
He whipped his head toward the market stall, though it was hidden behind the cluster of huts.
"Dammit," he muttered, gripping the bun tighter. "That damn merchant scammed me!"
Selene sighed, the sound heavy with both irritation and amusement. Without a word, she slid into the empty chair beside him, resting her hands in her lap. For a moment, she just looked at him—the boy with messy hair, crumbs scattered across his tunic, and an almost bewildered expression carved into his face.
"Listen," she said finally, softer this time. "I don't know what's going on with you lately, but… you can always speak to me. Okay?"
Edward stiffened.
Speak to her? How could he even begin to explain that her real friend had died and he now occupied his body?
"Nothing's going on," Edward replied.
His voice was steady, though his eyes drifted away from hers. "I'm serious about the new job."
Selene studied him for a long moment, as if weighing the truth in his words. Finally, she gave a small nod. "Okay."
She stood, brushing her dress down with quick hands. "I need to go to sewing class," she said, her tone brisk again. "But don't forget about your training with Grandfather."
Edward tilted his head, watching her turn on her heel. Just as she took her first step away, she pivoted back, eyes flicking to the bun in his hand. Without hesitation, she snatched it cleanly from his fingers.
"Hey—!" Edward started, but she was already walking, the stolen bun halfway to her mouth.
He sat there, watching as she disappeared down the street, munching happily on what had been his last bite of breakfast. His hand hung awkwardly in the air where the bun had been.
"What the hell?" he muttered. "She says she doesn't want one, then she steals one anyway?"
He sighed deeply as his hand fell to his side.
After a moment of pause, Edward rose from his chair.
His gaze flickered toward the village, which was now buzzing with life.
Merchants called out to people passing nearby, children darted through the busy crowd, and somewhere beyond all the noise, a blacksmith's hammer rang steady and sharp.
Edward stretched his arms above his head and rolled his shoulders.
Well fed and rested, it was time to get changed out of these ragged clothes and go see the Chief.