Pakura finished clearing away the dishes and changed into some newly bought clothes.
The outfit was simple: a coffee-colored, off-the-shoulder knit sweater that showed off her mature charm, paired with a plain white maxi skirt that retained a touch of girlishness.
"You look beautiful."
"No matter how beautiful I am, I'm still yours."
"You're your own person, not mine."
Xuanhui tapped Pakura on the head and took her out.
"Have you been busy lately?"
"I still have two things to finish. Once this stretch is over, that should be about it.
But I shouldn't have much to do over the next couple of days."
They strolled through the brightly lit night market, which Pakura seemed to love.
"Want some?"
Xuanhui pointed at the candied hawthorn skewers on a nearby stall.
"I... don't..."
"You stammer whenever you lie. You're so innocent."
Xuanhui paid and casually slipped a candied hawthorn skewer into Pakura's hand.
"I'm not innocent..."
Xuanhui glanced at Pakura's faintly flushed face.
"I don't believe you."
Pakura could only stuff the candied hawthorn into her mouth to hide her unease.
"Do you like jewelry?"
"No. It gets in the way during combat."
"So you like simple jewelry that doesn't interfere with fighting."
Pakura fell silent.
"I'll make you something with one of the treasures from the ruins when we get back. The materials here are too cheap to make anything refined."
"There's no need..."
"You're just a lowly assistant. You don't get a say."
Pakura lowered her head slightly, looking forlorn.
As she did, she noticed Xuanhui's hand.
Wasn't he even going to bandage the cut on his finger?
An impulse suddenly welled up inside her, and she reached out to take his large hand.
"?"
Xuanhui turned back. He said nothing, but his eyes questioned her.
"You're hurt?"
"It's