Liona and I arrived at the market square, and she turned to me. "Alright, let's go get you some clothes,"
We moved from shop to shop, stall to stall, picking out whatever seemed suitable. Liona didn't leave herself out—she grabbed a few pieces too, probably using the gold coins I'd given her.
Most of the clothes I tried on were stiff and itchy, nothing like what I was used to back home. I couldn't help but appreciate how comfortable the clothes from my world were.
Still, we didn't take long before we had everything we came for.
I even got myself a new hooded coat. Finally, I wouldn't have to wear the same one over and over.
All my clothes went into the woolen bag I carried. Liona stuffed her own clothes into it as well.
I glanced at her. "What are you doing?"
She replied with a playful grin. "These are too heavy for me to carry alone."
"So?"
"So," she said, giving me a smile that was part seductive, part pleading, "I need my big strong man to help me carry them."
I groaned, muttering, "Big strong man, my foot..." but carried the bag anyway.
Her smile brightened even more, and she pressed a quick kiss to my cheek. I froze for a moment, feeling my cheeks getting warmer.
"Thank you," she said, then turned and walked ahead. I followed, swinging the bag slightly in my hand, still a little off-balance from the unexpected act.
We continued down the market street, Liona leading the way and me following behind. As we walked, I noticed a bunch of people glancing at a particular stall as they walked by, whispering amongst themselves.
Who are they looking at?
I wondered, curious.
As we drew closer, I finally saw the cause of the stir.
It was a woman… well, sort of. Her hair was pastel pink, and she had two curved horns on her head. She wore an expensive-looking black dress that hugged her curves, and had a sleek black tail with a heart-shaped tip, flicking lazily behind her.
I'd never seen anyone with horns before.
"Wow…" I muttered, barely able to look away.
Tsk... Liona scoffed beside me, "Of all days…"
"Do you… know her?" I asked, still staring.
Liona's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "That's Princess Lucerielle of the demon realm."
My eyes widened, and I turned to Liona. "Wait—did you say princess?"
"Mmm-hmm," Liona hummed, eyes still on the pink-haired figure.
I blinked, trying to process. "Wait… like, one of the princesses I'm… bonded with?" I asked, surprised and curious at the same time.
"Yes," Liona said simply. "That princess."
My gaze lingering on her for a long moment. Then I turned to Liona. "Should I… go talk to her?"
"Why would you want to do that?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Well… since I'm bonded to her and all, I might as well start somewhere."
Turning back toward the princess while still speaking to Liona, I added, "And what better way to start than going to talk to her?"
The woman glanced briefly over her shoulder in our direction—her pink eyes flicking to us, two small figures whispering and watching from afar—before returning her attention to the stall she was browsing.
Liona tensed, her hand moving to my tunic, tugging lightly.
"We've been caught," she whispered, her tone laced with warning. "We'd better move before this brings unnecessary trouble."
I frowned. "Trouble? She doesn't look bothered."
Liona gave me a sharp look, but I grinned.
"I mean, since we've been caught… might as well go say hi." I said, taking a few steps towards the woman.
"Where are you going?!" Liona snapped, lunging to stop me. Her hands gripped me—but in her rush, she tugged my hood down, revealing my appearance.
At that exact moment, the princess turned fully, probably drawn to all the ruckus we were causing, and her eyes met mine.