Adam stepped into the martial market, eyes scanning automatically for one familiar figure.
Juli, the fox-eared sales girl who was usually easy to spot.
But his search bore no fruit.
There was no sign of a bushy tail or fluffy ear.
Did she take the day off?
It felt unlikely, but he brushed it aside.
He had business to handle.
He turned, and instantly found himself surrounded.
Every free sales attendant within sight snapped to attention the moment they recognized him.
Hands shot up.
Smiles brightened unnaturally.
Voices overlapped, all of them trying to get his attention.
"Sir Adam, over here!"
"I can assist you!"
"No, me! I'm free! I'm free!"
"Oh stars, he looked at me, he actually looked at me—"
Meanwhile, attendants who were still stuck helping customers wore devastated expressions, as if fate had robbed them of the greatest opportunity of their lives.
Adam kept his face neutral.
