After three consecutive second-tier quests, Leyang needed a break. He skipped checking new assignments at the Adventurers Guild.

Leaving with Louise, they wandered into Camilla City’s bustling general market. He wanted to replace her ragged hair tie with something prettier—such a waste of her lovely features.

Barring surprises, Louise would stay by his side. He wasn’t stingy with those close to him.

"Louise, pick anything you like. If the price is fair, I’ll pay for it," Leyang said, glancing back at the white-haired, crimson-eyed girl. Her expression was slightly blank.

"Like?" Louise frowned, as if puzzling over the word.

"Meat. I like it," she murmured softly.

Leyang chuckled. "I’ll buy extra meat later. Roast it for you."

The market teemed with life—not just humans, but dwarves, beastkin, and elves. Orcs were rare; tensions between the Camila Empire and Beastman Kingdom limited travel. Yet trade persisted. Beastman merchants brought exotic goods unseen here, swapping them for grain. Their mountainous homeland couldn’t match the Empire’s farms. Even meat-loving beastfolk relied on crops. Wars flared, but merchants kept routes open. No sensible leader would burn that bridge.

Leyang paused at a human vendor’s stall. Intricate accessories lay on the ground, catching his eye.

"Louise, come see. Do you like these?" He gently pulled her forward.

"Pretty. I like it," she replied after a moment, her voice soft and melodic.

The middle-aged vendor, wearing a simple headscarf, beamed kindly. "Such a pretty girl! Pick anything you want."

"Umm… You choose," Louise said after hesitating, turning to Leyang.

"Alright. I’ll pick for you," he replied, smiling faintly.

He selected a pair of butterfly-wing hairpins.

"Lower your head a bit. Hard to reach otherwise."

"Okay."

Shielding her from onlookers, Leyang removed her old rag. He fastened the new pins. They suited her—adding an ethereal glow.

"Not bad. Do you like it?" He held up a mirror for her.

Louise froze for a second. She touched the pins, then pinched her own cheek, looking adorably confused.

"Dirty."

"I’ll wash it later," Leyang said, lowering the mirror. She always noticed odd details.

Might as well grab gifts for Phoenix and Lumiere too. They were good friends. Lumiere, as royalty, probably wouldn’t care for market trinkets. Still, he picked a delicate blue feather hairclip for Phoenix and a crimson flower-shaped brooch for Lumiere.

"That’s all," Leyang told the vendor.