June stood at the food stall, waiting happily.
The vendor handed her a small plate of hot dumplings.
"Careful, they're hot," he said.
June nodded eagerly.
"Thank you!"
She blew on one and took a small bite.
"Mm!"
Her face brightened immediately.
"So good!"
She continued eating with clear enjoyment, completely relaxed in the busy market.
To anyone watching, she looked like a normal girl having a good day.
But someone was watching.
Not far away, Lucas de Hein stood quietly among the crowd.
No one around him realized who he was.
His tall figure blended into the moving people, but his silver eyes never left June.
He watched as she happily ate the dumplings and talked casually with the vendor.
Lucas frowned slightly.
"…Why?"
He spoke quietly to himself.
The magic aura he felt from her earlier was still there.
It was faint but extremely unusual.
Yet the girl herself looked carefree… almost silly.
June finished the last dumpling and wiped her hands.
"That was perfect."
She stretched her arms slightly and looked around the market again with excitement.
"Now what should I buy next…"
Behind the crowd, Lucas continued observing her.
Most people feared his presence.
But this girl had simply bumped into him, said goodbye, and left like he was nobody important.
Lucas crossed his arms slowly.
His curiosity was growing.
"…Interesting."