We were weaving through the lively market of Sindria, the smell of spices and roasted fish in the air, children laughing beside fruit stalls, and vendors calling out their wares. I was with Alibaba, Aladdin, Morgiana, and Hyakuriyuu, enjoying the bustle.
Up ahead, I spotted Sharrkan, dressed well even for a market day—Two lovely women walked on either side of him; one rested her hand flirtatiously on his arm, the other smiled softly as her hair brushed his hand. It was exactly the kind of attention he seemed to relish.
I sighed to myself.
''Alas"
I thought.
Even at the end of the manga, he still never quite expressed what he felt for Yamraiha properly.
Sharrkan noticed us then and called out with his usual tone.
"Hey, you guys! What are you all doing in this part of town?"
He flashed a charming grin.
"You do know this is the red-light district, right?"
At his words, Alibaba and Hyakuriyuu both turned red, clearly embarrassed. Morgiana's lips curled, half shocked, half disapproving; Kougyoku's face flushed so much she looked like a burning ruby. Meanwhile, I tried to remain calm outwardly, though my heart hammered.
Aladdin, naive as always, tilted his head.
"Red-light district? What's that?"
he asked, completely clueless.
Morgiana frowned, trying to explain.
"It's... a place where adults go for—um, entertainment…" She paused, seeing
Kougyoku shift uncomfortably.
Kougyoku cut in with a half-scoff, half blush,
"Really, Aladdin? You didn't know?"
Aladdin just blinked, innocent and excited.
Sharrkan chuckled, waving off the women who had been flirting with him—giggling as they left.
Then he, Aladdin, Alibaba, Hyakuriyuu, and me sauntered over Aladdin.
Hyakuriyuu leaned close to Aladdin and whispered,
"It's an adults-only place… things happen there that kids don't usually see."
Sharrkan joined, his voice smooth,
"Yeah, places like this have music, drinks, dancing… sometimes more."
I whispered to Aladdin in turn,
"There are ladies here, and very pretty ones too…" trying to be discreet.
Alibaba, catching my meaning, offered a grin,
"It's kinda like when you and I were in Qishan, remember? The night we first walked the markets? Similar feeling, except… more lively."
Kougyoku, still flustered, glared at Aladdin, then pushed him lightly. Aladdin rubbed his cheek, sheepish smile.
Hyakuriyuu looked at Sharrkan and asked,
"Sharrkan, what brings you here, of all places?"
Sharrkan shrugged, flashing that confident grin.
"Just strolling, seeing the action. Sometimes it's nice to remind oneself of the simpler pleasures."
After the little exchange, they asked me,
"Naberius, you ready to join us for something lighter today? Maybe some new clothes?"
I laughed softly.
"Yes, actually. I don't have many good outfits. Most are old or gifted by Gilak and the crew months ago."
Alibaba's eyes lit up.
"Then good! There's a fancy clothing shop not far from here. They've got colors, silks, tunics—all nice stuff."
Morgiana nodded, measuring me with her eyes.
"Something that fits you. And that looks good."
Kougyoku chimed.
"Yes, you deserve something nice."
We made our way toward the shop- a large, well-decorated store with fabrics hanging from wooden beams, mirrors, and chairs for fittings. Inside, soft music played; attendants bowed when we entered.
The Attendant's.
"Good day,dear sirs and ma'am. How may we serve you?" (smiling)
Alibaba was first.
"We'd like to see your best silk tunics for my friend here," he gestured to me. "Something elegant but comfortable."
Aladdin, always curious, wandered to accessories: belts, scarves, small pouches. He picked up a colorful scarf, holding it against his shoulder.
Morgiana stood by the fitting room curtained off in silk, arms folded, watching critically. She always had an eye for what looked good—quiet, but when she spoke it carried weight.
Sharrkan's voice drifted over.
"This fabric feels good. Smooth, but not too fragile."
He picked a gold-trimmed white tunic, considering what it'd look like under sunlight—probably stunning.
I tried on a few options. One was a deep blue brocade with silver embroidery. Another was lighter, a soft cream tunic with teal accents.
.
"The blue one brings out your eyes—and complements Hyakuriyuu's arm brace color." (Morgiana half-smile)
.
"Yes, that blue looks good on you, Naberius. Feels... you know."(Alibaba)
"The cream one is softer, more... delicate. But blue has strength."(Kougyoku hands clasped)
"I like both. But cream so you can walk in the sunlight and glow!"(Aladdin grinning)
I laughed.
"You all are too kind. I'll take the blue."
We also chose trousers, shoes, and a cloak with a hood for travel.
Hyakuriyuu offered advice.
"Make sure it's warm for evening too."
Sharrkan winked at me.
"Don't let the women's eyes burn too bright—they may forget to look at your face."
Kougyoku rolled her eyes but smiled—cute in her annoyance.
When we settled on the outfits—tailored, fit well, and new—
Hyakuriyuu paid, Alibaba helped negotiate a small discount,
Morgiana adjusted hems,
Hyakuriyuu gave input on armor compatibility (in case of sudden battle),
and Kougyoku watched approvingly.
I stood in the mirror in my new tunic, cloak draped over shoulder. The blue brocade caught the morning light.
It felt different.
Not just new clothes, but a sign of renewal. A symbol that I was stepping more into my own role.
Looking at my friends around me—smiling, laughing, teasing—I felt warmth that went deeper than just joy.
I thought.
"This is the life I want to protect. These faces I want to change the story for.
We left the shop lighter in pockets but heavier in heart—clothes in hand, laughter on lips. The market outside buzzed again.
to be continued...