Lowell felt a twinge of disappointment in his body's limited appetite—was one chicken really enough to make him feel full?
Back in the day, I could've taken down three whole chickens without blinking.
Clicking his tongue, he washed his hands and wandered off to browse other tents. One, in particular, caught his eye—a jewelry vendor. He hadn't cared much for gemstones before, but he felt drawn in, likely because of one unusual piece that stood out.
"See something you like?"
Felix asked, watching Lowell state intently at the display as if entranced. It was curious—Lowell didn't strike him as someone fond of flashy things.
"A fine pair, you two! I'd love to offer you matching rings, but it's the last day of the festival. Hardly anything left now. I'll need bring more next year when I come back to Phoebus."
As the merchant spoke in the distinct accent of the Halo Empire's tongue, it was clear there wasn't much inventory left. But that didn't matter to Lowell. What had caught his eye was a bracelet inlaid with a refined black gemstone. Probably obsidian—though high in quality, it hadn't sold, likely because people in Halo considered black and ominous color.
"That's obsidian, brought in from a neighboring country. Top-grade, but it's hard to sell in Halo because of the color."
The merchant gave Felix a wary glance, perhaps noticing the glimpse of his black hair and wondering if he'd taken offense.
"I think it's beautiful. How much?"
"Three silver coins."
A steep price for commoners, though judging by what had already been sold, the accessories must've been genuinely worth it.
Still feels a bit overpriced.
Lowell considered haggling but quickly gave up on the idea and produced the coins.
Nothing kills the mood like bartering in front of the person you're buying a gift for. I'll just get it.
Once he had the bracelet, Lowell lifted Felix's hand.
"What are you doing?"
Without answering, Lowell gently fastened the bracelet around Felix's wrist.
"My first gift to you. I couldn't pass it up—it's a stone as a beautiful as your eyes."
Had someone else said it, it might've sounded like a jab at Felix's cursed black eyes. But coming from Lowell, who spoke with nothing but quiet sincerity, it carried no malice—and Felix knew that. Looking at the black stone didn't fill him discomfort. He'd learned by now that the meaning behind a thing mattered more than it's color.
"Don't you want anything?"
Unfortunately, nothing left on the table really suited Lowell—bracelets too large for his wrist, feminine necklaces, or rings meant for children. Felix's eyes began scanning the selection with growing disappointment. Lowell decided it was better to buy something—anything—than to outright refuse.
"That one. Please buy it for me."
He pointed to the largest of the remaining rings—still small, just barely big enough for a thin woman's or a man's pinky finger. The blue gem set in it's center was lovely, though the craftsmanship left something to be desired.
"That looks too small."
"It's cute, though, isn't it?"
The merchant, quick to read the mood, handed it to Lowell, who slipped it into his pinky with a playful flint in his eye. Then, holding his hand out to Felix, he declared:
"Perfect fit. I'll use it as an engagement ring."
"You're calling that an engagement ring?"
Felix looked incredulous, but Lowell didn't retract the statement.
"This one's from you, Rix."
He even called him by the made-up alias with a straight face. Lowell already knew Felix only had gold coins on him, but the merchant looked savvy—likely used to traveling and dealing with nobles. Even if given a gold coin, he'd know how to pocket it discreetly without causing a fuss.
"No need for change."
"Ah, thank you kindly!"
Just as expected, the merchant bowed deeply and quickly tucked the gold out of sight. Humming contentedly, Lowell slipped his hand back into Felix's.
"You're not really going to use that as an engagement ring, are you?"
It was clear Felix wanted to say I'll buy you something better, but the words caught in his throat. Lowell simply shrugged. Expensive gems only made him anxious—they could be lost or cracked. Felix wasn't satisfied, but seeing Lowell pleased left him with no room to argue.
"Shall we watch that performance?"