The next day was a boring and plain one. Raziel and Tsukasa went around and bought supplies the whole morning. They had just finished and was currently heading back to their inn, with Raziel holding everything they had shopped.
Tsukasa glanced at Raziel who looked like he was struggling. "Dear, don't you think you should also let me hold some of those?"
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Raziel lied through his teeth. In fact, he wasn't fine. It wasn't the weight that bothered him, in fact, he felt it was too light. It was actually the amount that he carried that he was struggling with. He felt like his arms would rip off from how much he was holding. He looked like he was hugging a bear.
Tsukasa giggled and let him be. 'How cute,' she thought.
She knew Raziel had been always like that, no matter how much he struggled, he wouldn't show any weakness, and he wouldn't admit it. It was what she liked about him, his sheer will.
They soon arrived at the inn where the inn lady, Lilibeth, watched them enter.
"Squirt, aren't you trying too hard? Need me to help?" She couldn't help but snicker.
"Shut up," he said, not even giving the woman a glance, and continued his way back to his room.
"Tch." The inn lady minded her business right after.
...
"Ahh, finally," Raziel sighed in comfort as he brought down the last luggage of supplies.
"Seems like you aren't very honest with yourself."
He shrugged and said, "I wouldn't want my wife to go through all that trouble, do I?"
Tsukasa immediately became flustered at his words. "W-who's your wife?!"
What's this? He knew he had to continue, after all, seeing Tsukasa flustered was rare.
He was a little amused. Seeing her like this was a rare situation and he knew that it was time to tease the teasing girl.
Raziel spread his hands open. "You, of course. After all, who was it that asked if we could get married in the future?"
Tsukasa seemed to have caught up with his plans and immediately answered. "Me, of course, but it's not my fault I had to rescue a boy in need, no?"
Raziel was a little disappointed in his failure, but he didn't want to make it too obvious. "Who knew the boy she rescued was actually her Prince Charming?"
After a little awkward pause, Tsukasa burst out laughing while covering her mouth with her hands. "Indeed, who knew?"
After the two had their sweet talk, they soon headed back into town to look around, as Raziel had promised.
The streets were filled with people, other children were running around, ladies were gossiping in the corner, while travelers roamed the shops. It was certainly a busy day for everyone.
"Hey Raziel, I'm hungry." Tsukasa pulled his sleeves and pointed at a nearby food stall. "Let's get something to eat there."
The two of them walked towards the stall and started to smell the sweet and juicy aroma coming from it, making Raziel's mouth water a bit.
He got in front of the stall and saw the vendor facing backward, immediately, he reached out and tapped his shoulder to get his attention. "Can we get two of whatever you're selling...?"
"Ara ara, how cute."
(A/N: Foreshadowing?)
In front of Raziel was a big, buff man that seemed to be 3 times his size.
The man's aura screamed out manliness, but his way of talking screamed out feminine. "How can I help you two lovebirds on this fine afternoon?"
"Two of whatever you're selling, please." Tsukasa bobbed her head from behind him.
The man picked up the juicy meat and waved it in his hands. "You mean this barbeque?"
Once again, Tsukasa bobbed her head furiously.
"Hmm..." The man scanned both of them from top to bottom. "You both look like a sweet couple, so you may have this."
The macho man revealed more barbeque hidden and handed it all to Tsukasa, earning confusion from both Raziel and Tsukasa.
"Don't ask, just keep them. Consider this a gift, I'm sure we'll meet again someday." Before Raziel or Tsukasa could say anything, the man walked away, blending in with the crowd until he disappeared.
"Well, that was strange." Raziel scratched the back of his head in confusion.
"Mhm. But we got food for free." Tsukasa handed him some barbeque and continued on her walk. "Come on, let's keep looking around!"
The two of them had already thrown the previous incident into the back of their mind as they continued exploring. They had visited every shop, with Tsukasa buying trinkets left and right and Raziel following her wherever she went.
They were enjoying their time together until an incident had caught their interest.
"Thieves! Get back here! Help!"
Just behind the two was a recurring robbery. Two burly adult men were holding large sacks filled with goods that they from the merchant shouting for help. Some tried to help, but they were just knocked away by the two.
"Stealing in broad daylight? Are they idiots? Where are the guards?" Raziel commented but proceeded the chase the two. He had also noticed another boy chasing them, but he felt that he was being too slow therefore made his own move.
The people wanted to help but couldn't, someone who was chasing them was too slow, therefore who else could help, but him?
He immediately caught up with the two and kicked them both in the back, knocking them down to the ground. One of them stood back up quickly and revealed a knife.
"You think you can stop us? Then die trying!" The thief acted fast, immediately attacking Raziel.
Raziel felt like the thief underestimated him too much. Didn't the thief notice the sword on his waist?
Without wasting time, he pulled out his sword, seemingly faster than the thief could travel the distance between them, and pointed it towards his throat.
Raziel yawned and started thinking of what they should eat for dinner, not giving heed to the thief much. "I think you should stay put like your friend over there and wait for the guards unless you want a missing hand today."
The burly thief knew that he was serious and dropped his weapon and obediently lied down on his front with a sword pointing to his head. He felt like an old man with how kids these days were swinging swords and practicing magic casually.
Just behind Raziel, Tsukasa walked towards him, with the other boy he saw that was trying to chase the two thieves earlier.
The silver-haired boy walked towards him and gave a bow. "You're very fast. You wield your sword skillfully and you didn't panic in such a situation."
Raziel raised his eyebrow towards the opposite's summary. "Your point is...?"
"Join the Regent Academy. You will surely be the cream of the crop if you join," he offered.
"Regent Academy?" Raziel was a little confused.
"You haven't heard of the Regent Academy?" It was the former's turn to be confused. "How have you never heard of the Elite Academy for Knights and Mages in the entire Alvarez Empire?"
Tsukasa stepped up and leaned on Raziel's shoulder. "He had an accident and lost some of his memories."
The silver-haired boy gave out an awkward "oh" and continued. "Well, just as I have stated, the Regent Academy is the place where every young and talented knight and mages gather to study under the best of the best in the whole Empire. In just a couple of days, the opening ceremony would be held. You should try joining it with me."
The Alvarez Empire holds 40% of the Lemurian Continent, so you must understand how many younglings flock to the academy. The academy itself is sponsored by the Emperor himself, and I've heard that he himself is looking for an apprentice."
It was obvious that the boy had idolized the Emperor quite a bit judging from the adoration visible on his face.
Raziel had a thinking face on. Although he was tempted and had thought about joining, he removed the thought off his head immediately. First of all, he didn't want to leave Tsukasa alone. The second was, well... there was no other reason besides his first one.
"This sounds great and all, but I'm sorry, I have no desire of joining." Raziel grabbed onto Tsukasa's hand and smiled.
The boy sighed in regret but didn't let it linger. "That's too bad... but nevermind that. I haven't really introduced myself, have I? My name's Arslan."
Raziel felt like he had heard of the name Arslan before, but didn't remember where exactly. "I'm Raziel, and this is Tsukasa," he answered.
The two of them continued their chat until the guards arrived to capture the thieves while the merchant had gotten his stuff back and thanked Raziel. Soon, the three of them returned together at the inn.
Soon enough, the time for them to part had come. Arslan would be heading back to the academy while Raziel and Tsukasa were going back to their home. Although it was quite unfortunate that Raziel's first close male friend was going to leave, it was time to say goodbye.
"It's too bad, but I've got to go soon now. Perhaps we'll meet again if you do decide to join the academy." Arslan had not given up trying to make Raziel join.
Raziel decided not to comment any further. "I'm sure we will meet again, one way or another."
Arslan left after their farewell, as Raziel stared at the back of his friend who was walking away with a complicated look.
"Why didn't you accept his offer?" asked Tsukasa.
Raziel hugged her and said coquettishly, "Shouldn't it be obvious?"
Tsukasa's blushed and buried her face on his chest. Raziel smiled widely and pumped his fist mentally. He wished this moment would last forever.