The two male leads were at a standstill.
On one side, the greatest mage in all of Cresia. The other, the stubborn young swordsman who cannot wield magic.
It was clear who has the more power between the two, but that didn't make Jeremy scared at all.
"Why are you chasing this woman down exactly?" Jeremy stood as my last bastion of hope. My shield in front of the ruthless hurricane that is Emory.
"That girl is a thief!" Emory pointed at me, "She took what's rightfully mine!"
Jeremy turns to me, confused.
"L-liar!" I yelled, "This was given to me! Besides, you weren't the highest bidder!!"
I was causing a scene on purpose, yelling as loud as I could.
"You pursued me even though it's not yours! How can you call me a thief in this situation?!"
"You little-!
Jeremy raised a hand up, as if to silence Emory.
"You should keep your voice down, Count," He glances around, "The Western Wind wouldn't want to attract attention, would he?"
It's true. Due to mine and his yelling, people were beginning to look our way. I need to take my chance to get him off my tail.
"Had the person who given this necklace to me had given it to you, I would have been the thief for taking it. But that's not the case is it? If anything…you're the culprit trying to chase me down and steal what's mine!"
Perhaps I spoke too dramatically, but it didn't matter. I'm not in the wrong here by technicality, so I can defend my case however I want.
Emory seems to understand that too. He wanted to say something.. I could feel the winds shifting around him as he looked at me with a furious expression. I know he can't hurt me here, not here. But for some reason, I'm not any less scared.
"I think it's time you hit the hay for the night, Count Emory," Jeremy chimed in.
Emory's expression contorts, I could see veins on the side of his face.
"Ah, my apologies. You might not know what that phrase means since you're too high of noble status," Jeremy steps forward. There was only a few inches away from him and the Count now.
"It means go home."
His voice was low, unfiltered. He didn't care to pretend that he respects Emory. I know from the story that the two don't get along, but it's different now that I'm seeing it in real life.
Emory glanced behind Jeremy to look at me. With one piercing glare, he turns away. With one piercing glare, he turns away. As he disappears into the crowd, I let out a sigh of relief.
Frankly, I think he might be more dangerous than Marian. While she's calculated and cunning, Emory is quick to temper. Not to mention the magic he possesses. To be completely honest, he could probably harm everyone at the festival with the flick of his fingers.
Though, that's precisely why I need him on my side. This necklace is the most important thing in my life right now.
"Are you alright?" Jeremy knelt down in front of me.
"Y-yeah." I nodded
"You don't look alright." He muttered loud enough for me to hear, "You're shaking."
Was I? I raised a hand up, my fingers twitching and shivering as if frozen solid. I was so deep in thought I didn't notice I was shaking. Guess that was no joke, huh?
"It's nothing, really.." Even my voice was shaky.
Jeremy didn't seem to buy my sorry excuse of bravado. He glances down, and points at my knee.
"You're injured."
I followed his finger down to my knee. Bruised from when I fell, the pain was slowly starting to settle in. I should still be able to move around.
"It's nothing, really sir."
"No no, let's go there," He points behind him at a bench.
Reluctantly, I went along and sat down. He sat across from me, digging into his pockets. Out he pulls a roll of bandages, handing it to me.
"You'll feel it get worse eventually," He said, "Bandage your knee."
"Eh? Can't you do it for me?" I responded, surprised.
To be honest, I've never bandaged anything before. It'd make more sense for him to do it.
"What?" He paused, his face turning red, "I don't want you to get any ideas."
Ideas? What does he mean by that?
He averted his eyes from me.
…Oh! I suppose it's fair. He's a guy and he doesn't want to make it look weird if he touches my knee, even if it's to help. Guess I'll just have to suck it up.
I snatched the bandage from him. I didn't know how to apply it properly, but I think I'm doing it correctly. After that, I got up.
"Thank you, my Lord," I bowed.
It felt warm inside me. I felt nice knowing that Jeremy looked out for me despite how we're both strangers. He's one of the love interests too, so maybe I should do something for him.
"Allow me to repay your kindness," I smiled, as I walked towards a specific stall I saw.
The stall belonged to a smith, and it displayed beautifully crafted swords. But the pretty swords weren't what attracted me here. There was a specific sword on display, one that I recognized from the novel I so dearly love.
A sword with a glistening blade, and a handle of bronze. A singular peridot would be embedded onto the hilt, a mark that dazzles with integrity.
This has to be it, right? This sword will be one day given a name by Jeremy.
Stone Tusk.
It may not be the flashiest name, but it was what Jeremy wanted to name his very own sword.
I purchased the sword, handing the smith who sold it a handsome price. Walking back, I offered Jeremy his destined blade.
"Here you go," I grinned cheerfully.
He reached his hand out, taking the sword to inspect it.
"This is… perfect," His eyes were bright as he gasped, "Thank you."
It didn't take a detective to see that he was full of joy. His smile was bright, joyful, and sincere. It made my heart flutter to see a smile so genuine.
"Thank you for accompanying me tonight," I let out a hum as I begin to walk away, "I'm really glad to have met you."
I turned to look at him, expecting him to follow me. However, I was greeted with confusion. His once bright eyes now gaze at me like I was a ghost.
"What's wrong?" I mumbled, perhaps a bit too quietly.
Jeremy went stiff, his eyes twitching as he stood.
"Lady Itzal?"
Wait, how-
I look down at my side to see a strand of lavender hair flowing down. It's been too long, my disguise wore off!
"Ah-!" I let out a quiet gasp as I tried to cover my mouth.
I was careless, no one was supposed to know I came here.
Quickly, I pulled my cloak over my head, hiding my red embarrassed face. I didn't look back to see Jeremy's face.
"P-please forgive me, I'll be taking my leave now!" I yelled.
"Hey! Wait!"
I didn't wait to hear him out. I sprinted away, flustered. There was no worst time for my disguise to wear off like that. I was embarrassed to say the least. Ah, I hope Jeremy leaves now. I hope he didn't think I was fooling him.
"Shit…" I muttered as I leaned against the wall, "When will things go naturally?"
Walking as far as I can, I noticed the festival was starting to wrap up. It was getting late into the night. It's time to go home now.
My hands reached into my pockets. I fetched the amulet, taking one last look at it. My key to safety.