Please give me a cup of Qido.
Lyria Stormveil held her guide cane. Realizing that something sounded off, she added softly,
Thank you.
Jace glanced at her hand gripping the cane too tightly. That alone told him she rarely went out or barely interacted with people.
Otherwise she would not be so nervous that she mixed up the name of a coffee.
Do you mean a macchiato Jace asked.
Color rose quickly on Lyria's cheeks. She nodded and tightened her grip on the cane.
It was true. Today she had received an important assignment from her grandfather. She had to visit five shops before sunset and bravely purchase something she liked from each one.
She had heard someone order this coffee once, and though she did not remember it clearly, she knew it was less bitter than others.
Mix milk and herbal syrup, add milk foam, then drizzle caramel to finish the pattern.
A macchiato girls loved was ready.
Thank you.
Hearing the cup placed on the table, Lyria thanked him again and took a sip.
Watching her up close refreshed Jace's impression of the girl.
Her skin was unreal, smoother than any meticulously made up celebrity. Her chest was modestly covered, but that swanlike neck exposed just enough to tempt a man to bite.
Every inch of her figure grew exactly where it should, neither excessive nor lacking.
But for Grey Hat Jace, such mortal charm paled in comparison to the pair of bells hanging at her waist.
One look told him they were extraordinary. This girl probably came from a very wealthy family.
Lyria pressed her lips together, her upper teeth lightly biting down.
The coffee was bitter.
I remember Dad always kept sugar nearby when he drank coffee.
She felt around the table. Jace understood her intention and handed the sugar to her.
Thank you again.
A sheltered rich girl with little social experience, reduced to constant gratitude because she had no other tools to cope.
Jace found her amusing and adjusted the sweetness for her.
When she sipped again, Lyria licked her lips unconsciously.
Delicious.
No wonder Dad liked coffee.
She picked up her cane and slowly made her way toward the exit. Jace stepped ahead and opened the door for her, earning yet another soft thank you.
Just as she was leaving, Lyria suddenly froze. Her hand searched her waist.
The bells were gone.
Um... did you see my bells The ones on my waist. They were my mothers keepsake.
She crouched down in a panic, tossing her cane aside as she patted the floor.
Jace paused, crouched as well, and when he stood back up he placed the bells into her palm.
They fell on the floor. Make sure to tie them tighter next time.
Lyria did not doubt him at all. She bowed happily and used her cane to find her way back to the stretch limo waiting at the curb.
Such an honest girl.
Jace waved at her from the roadside, not caring whether she could see him or not.
Inside the car, an elderly butler with meticulously groomed hair had been waiting.
Miss, did something make you happy
His young lady never hid her mood. One glance was enough.
Lyria nodded.
The clerk there was very kind. He did not ignore me like some people do, nor did he overdo his attention.
And he helped me find the bells I almost lost.
She shook the little charms at her waist, their chime crisp and calming.
The butler looked surprised.
The one your mother gave you That is no ordinary item.
Lyria smiled faintly.
Yes. So I bowed deeply to him before leaving. Mr. Butler, I did everything Grandpa said. When someone helps me, I say thank you.
With that, her grandfather would not complain that his granddaughter had trained herself stupid with sword practice.
Well done. Todays task is complete. Now we should head to the exhibition hall. I believe the other young family members will enjoy your company.
At the word company Lyria felt a headache.
Grandpa's assignments were so unfair.
Others were told to catch this Grey Hat. But hers was to find a close friend and buy things she liked. Just hearing it sounded troublesome.
She thought of the barista at the cafe.
If only everyone were like him. Silent, unbothered, doing his job without fuss.
He was definitely the definition of a confidant.
The limo pulled away.
Jace's smile faded.
What kind of background does she have to notice a missing item that fast
Even Adam, when he lost his watch, only discovered it by accident. Yet this blind girl noticed her bells missing within ten meters, despite their light weight.
Forget it. It is the start of the semester. The martial university is full of geniuses. Weird prodigies are nothing new.
Jace headed back inside to clean up and switch shifts with his two childhood friends. Time to get ready for tonight's performance.
Maxwell spotted him returning and grinned with nosy interest, making Jace uncomfortable.
What is that look for
Nothing. Seeing how happily you chatted with that girl reminded me of the old mans assignment.
Just hearing about that headache made Jace groan.
He never understood the old man. He had banned dating in high school, yet the moment they finished their martial exams, he demanded they bring home a girlfriend in college.
Jace always felt romance could not compare to cold hard cash. Maybe once he got rich enough he could pull a girl like that snow spirit from the grey hat.
Maxwell enjoyed Jace's frustration.
He did not know if Jace stole the lighter, but experience said that whenever something went missing, Jace was usually involved.
His good mood lasted right up until Jace left for the exhibition hall.
Hey, boss, where is mine
The woman who ordered the strawberry latte slapped the table and shouted.
Damn it, Jace, you idiot. Too busy thinking about the white haired girl to serve this customer.
Maxwell rushed to the counter to serve the drink, but the latte was already lukewarm. As expected, he got chewed out.
So I am not worth serving, huh You only treat pretty girls well Disgusting
She threatened to shame him on social media.
Maxwell was speechless.
This was obviously Jace's job.
Night, 21:30.
Outside the P City Exhibition Hall.
Grey Hat's arrogant tradition of announcing his heists over the past two years had won him a massive fanbase.
Crowds gathered with glow boards and signs, waiting eagerly for another spectacular theft.