The city streets were lively, warm with afternoon light.
Zane and Eirenyssa walked side by side, their pace unhurried.
People stared.
It wasn't subtle.
Whispers followed them like a trail.
"…Who are they…?"
"…What a handsome guy…"
"…She looks unreal…"
"…They look like a noble couple…"
Eirenyssa heard every word.
Her storm-grey eyes lowered slightly, and though she tried to keep her expression calm, a faint blush crept onto her face. A small part of her felt embarrassed.
Another part felt… oddly happy.
Zane, however, wasn't paying attention to any of it.
His mind was elsewhere.
That shopkeeper's tone.
"You're lucky to be heading home in times like these."
It hadn't sounded casual.
It sounded… tense.
He slightly turned his head, speaking low enough that only his technowatch would pick it up.
"Hey, Eira. Access the miniaturized bee cameras across the world. Tell me what's happening."
The watch flickered softly.
"On it, boss."
A short pause.
Then—
"…Oh."
