The smell of freshly baked goods hung tight about, enclosing a little cake shop by the side of a major road in the City of Tyche.
That day, many people filled the small shop. The storefront wasn't big, and the shopkeepers were simple folks, but because of the shop's location and the shop owner's appeal and charming profile, goods were ridiculously expensive.
Chance Encounter. This cake shop was recently established a few blocks away from Sweet Haven Company. Most of the shop's customers were of a majority of young, female clients, and while some would come to buy what he bakes for the people, the shop owner's impressive facial features is definitely a sweet bonus.
As a result, almost always, the small shop would be sold out of its baked goods spontaneously. However, right now, unfortunately for those that are waiting outside, the shop is close for a lunch break, and the dazzling shop owner was at the backroom of his cake shop, eating his delicious pastries in delight.
"Rafael!" a voice thundered from outside the wooden doors.
Slam!
Banging open, the doors of the cake shop's backroom swung wide as a man with honey-colored orbs, and hazel hair, occupied by the doorway, drawing the attention of a man in a white apron, his silver steel eyes sparkling once he sees the other man's figure by the door.
"Dennis!" the young man beamed at the other with a pleasant smile. This young man is the cake shop's owner, Rafael Artesia. His figure was tall but graceful. Delicate, but lean. He was at the same age as Dennis, and he also has a peaceful countenance, as well as a sweet, heart-melting smile. Rafael's long white hair was down his back most of the time, but right now, his hair was in a low ponytail, exposing more of his exotic beauty.
"You're finally back! What can I do for you—" Dennis did not let Rafael finish his sentence. He hurriedly entered the backroom with a stern look, speaking in a firm voice, "The time has come. I'm leaving after dawn, so take care of yourself while I'm gone, Rafael. Abel is still suspecting you to be the secret son of Kawai Bartel."
Hearing this, Rafael's expression turned solemn. He bobbed his head up and down in understanding, his snow-white hair bouncing as he does so.
"I understand… Abel won't be able to know my location as long as I wear the nine-tailed fox mask you gave me… Don't worry, I can take care of my own now, but even so, Dennis, please promise me that you'd come back home safe and unscathed…" At this, Dennis smiled at Rafael and returned, "Yes, I promise you that I would come back with all my limbs attached, so don't think about it too much and just focus on tricking Abel."
Rafael nods in acknowledgment, satisfied with his companion's words. Smiling, he said, "Yes, I will, and Dennis, I wish you luck on your journey, and may the heaven's blessings be upon you."
Bowing down his head in return, Dennis waved to him and said, "Farewell!" As he walked out, Dennis also took one box full of baked goods that Rafael has prepared beforehand, stuffing the box inside his magic pouch. Once he reached outside the cake shop's backroom, he headed out to the city gates of Tyche. On his way, he encountered an old fortuneteller and two younger ladies discussing fate.
"Young lady with brown hair! I see that you have black brow ridges and a slit mouth! I suggest that you watch out for poor luck and dog feces when going out," the old fortuneteller said, making the young lady with brown hair reply in repulse, "You--!" She fiercely slams her hands on the old fortune teller's little table, overthrowing the wooden table upside down.
Seeing this, the other young woman spoke up in defense of her friend, retorting, "Stupid fortune teller! What are you trying to pull?!" Raising her right hand to strike the old fortuneteller's withered face, a firm but gentle hand obstructs the young woman's arm from swinging.
"Who--?!" The young woman did not get to finish her sentence when a pure, indifferent voice came from behind the two young women, spoke, "It is not pleasant for a fair lady to fight with an elder in public."
Suddenly shaken by the sudden arrival of Dennis behind them, the two young women both looked at his beaming face, their eyes meeting his ice-cold eyes, "I-Is that so?" they stuttered out.
"Yes." Dennis nods his head with an emotionless smile before continuing, "A genuine lady knows courtesy."
Hearing that, the two young women shared a look with each other before they both bowed their heads down and spoke, "Yes! We are sorry!"
"Haha" Letting out a light laugh, Dennis remarked, "I thank you two for listening to my advice. You two are now acting like a 'true' lady should,"
One after another, the two young women lifted their heads up and said, "M-Many, thanks for the advice! We-We'll take our leave now!"
Blinking, Dennis tilts his head to the side, speaking in his usual jaded voice, "So soon? But I guess if you insist, then farewell." Once he finished his words, the two young women scrambled off, making the old fortuneteller burst out of laughter as she spoke in evident amusement, "Young man! Thank you for sending those evil creatures away! In return, do you want me to tell you about your fate?"
Hearing her offer, Dennis smiles at the old fortuneteller. He turns his head to look at her and said, "Sure thing, please do so, old lady."
At this, the old fortuneteller took his hands to read his palm. She makes a remark as she spoke, "Your hands are like that of a prince! It reflects your noble self and—!" Suddenly halting midway, the old fortuneteller blinks, mumbling in a confused voice, "Huh?"
At that moment, as the old fortuneteller held Dennis's hands, a sudden chill has run down her spine.
This…
The old fortuneteller slightly trembled as she slowly looked up at Dennis with a perturbed look, asking, "You… Who are you?"
Hearing the old woman's words, Dennis turned his head up to look at the clear blue sky, smiling as he spoke, "Me? I'm just a simple man… Who can't have anything in this world."