The village was calmer than expected.
Not silent… but peaceful. Wooden houses stood in uneven rows, smoke rising gently from chimneys, and the faint smell of cooked food drifted through the air. It almost felt unreal after everything they had just survived.
Aurelion walked slightly ahead, eyes scanning, alert as always.
Then he spoke quietly.
"Elaine… you need to change your clothes."
Elaine blinked. "What?"
"You're still wearing the same outfit from before. If the assassins are tracking you, this makes it easier."
She frowned… but didn't argue.
"…Fine."
They walked deeper into the village until they found a small clothing shop tucked between two older buildings. The wooden sign above the door creaked slightly in the wind.
Elaine turned to him."Wait outside."
Aurelion nodded. "Be quick."
She stepped inside.
Inside the Shop
The air smelled like fabric and old wood. Clothes were neatly arranged — simple, clean, nothing flashy. Perfect for blending in.
Elaine began scanning the racks, fingers brushing across cloth.
Not too fancy… not too plain… something normal.
After a few minutes, she found it — a modest outfit, simple but elegant enough to avoid suspicion.
As she turned toward the counter—
She froze.
The shopkeeper looked… familiar.
Not just him.
Beside him, a small girl sat on a stool, gently playing a soft melody on a tiny instrument.
Elaine narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…Have we met before?"
The man paused… then smiled lightly.
"Maybe it's just your imagination."
Elaine kept staring for a moment… trying to recall… but nothing clear surfaced.
The little girl continued playing, calm, unaware.
The man then asked casually,
"Not many adventurers come here. What brings you to this village?"
Elaine crossed her arms slightly."That's none of your business."
The man chuckled softly. "Alright, alright. So… what will you buy?"
Elaine showed the outfit."This one."
She paid.
No more words.
Then she walked out.
Outside
Aurelion was standing near the wall, arms folded, eyes scanning the surroundings like a hawk.
Elaine stepped closer.
"…Did something happen?"
Aurelion shook his head. "No. Nothing."
Then he glanced at her.
"…Do you know this village?"
Elaine shook her head lightly."No. Not really."
Aurelion didn't reply immediately.
Something felt… off.
Not danger.
Just… unfamiliar tension.
Elaine noticed his expression and sighed softly.
"Don't worry. If something happens, I'll protect you."
Aurelion immediately looked at her.
"…Hey. I can protect myself."
Elaine smirked faintly. "We'll see."
Aurelion exhaled quietly… then started walking again.
"Let's find an inn."
The two continued through the village streets.