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Chapter 60
I had often thought that Jade, having mostly lived inside the temple, was seriously clueless about the world.
How should I put it? He was sharp when it came to politics and social matters, and he had plenty of common sense there—but in everyday things, there were countless moments when I thought, How can he not know this?
The question he just asked felt similar, so I stayed calm and answered without hesitation.
“Slime jelly—it’s something you eat. It’s tasty.”
When I exaggeratedly took a big bite of the jelly to show him, Jade’s eyes filled with worry.
“Are you sure it’s safe to eat?”
His expression was almost like he wanted to snatch the jelly from my hand and throw it to the ground immediately. Seeing him keep a suspicious distance from the jelly made me laugh before I could stop myself.
“I’m telling you, it’s really for eating. Trust me—just try it once.”
After I laughed once, I persuaded him again. Reluctantly, Jade, who had been staring at me in disbelief, took a tentative bite of the jelly.
His ash-gray eyes widened as if in shock.
“It tastes sweet.”
“See? I told you.”
I pulled him along, feeling a little triumphant. The plaza was packed with people, so I held his arm firmly to make sure he wouldn’t get lost.
Jade had quietly followed me ever since we left the Christener Marquis’ residence.
At first, he had said he wanted to see the capital, so we toured the main attractions, including the royal palace.
But soon it became clear that he wasn’t interested in sightseeing; his attention was mostly on the people in the streets—the nobles in carriages, their guards following behind, commoners buying and selling goods, and children running around playing.
So I took him to the city’s busiest plaza to make it easier for him to observe the crowd.
Yet once we stepped out of the carriage and into the crowd, I noticed subtle discomfort on Jade’s face.
He kept staring at the people, but whenever someone brushed past him or bumped him slightly, his expression stiffened. It was hard to tell if he was tense because of the unfamiliar situation or just uncomfortable being in a crowded place.
“Are you uncomfortable? Should we just ride the carriage?” I asked.
“It’s fine as long as Liz is beside me,” he replied.
I had asked directly, but the answer was still ambiguous. He didn’t say he was uncomfortable—he said he was okay because I was with him.
Just as I was about to clarify further, a jelly shop appeared nearby. I held his arm and bought two slime jellies, shoving one into his hand.
At first, Jade had been skeptical, but after tasting it and giving a surprisingly positive reaction, the mood improved considerably.
We walked side by side, each holding a jelly. People awkwardly parted as we passed, and many stared directly at us.
I wore the plainest dress of Anne’s wardrobe, covered by a hood, while Jade’s robe hood partially hid his face. Yet, our presence seemed so out of place that curious gazes clung persistently.
It was more attention than I expected, and I felt slightly nervous. Jade’s guards and Sir Rachel kept some distance, but I remained alert, ready to protect him if needed.
“What is this made of? It can’t be real slime, right?” Jade marveled at how something that looked exactly like a slime could taste so sweet.
Watching him, I felt a complex mix of emotions.
I first met Jade when I got lost in the temple following my parents. Lost in a secluded corner, I happened to spot Jade, who helped me get out of my predicament.
Even then, his face showed no emotion, which unsettled me. His mannerisms were awkward, like a child trying to imitate an adult, and his empty, childless eyes were chilling.
Thankfully, he seemed freer now, but seeing him marvel at even common slime jelly made me realize how confined his life in the temple had been.
Damn those temple people—they never seem to get anything right, I thought, quietly fuming and wishing Rixion Luhanes would one day utterly destroy the entire empire.
Now that I think of it, why did he bother searching for me so desperately back then?
My thoughts drifted from Jade’s childhood to the cursed temple people, and finally to Rixion Luhanes again. I tilted my head, recalling how he had suddenly stopped visiting after five consecutive days.
If I were him, I would have lost interest after seeing me act the way I did. But maybe he wanted to tease me for crying? Well… that was also possible. I made a grimace at the thought.
“Liz, what’s wrong?”
Jade asked, noticing my sudden frown. I quickly forced a smile and replied.
“Oh, it’s nothing. I just realized I didn’t eat a proper lunch today. Let’s try that over there.”
Just then, as I grabbed Jade’s arm to head toward a grilled meat skewer stall, I felt someone tugging on my robe. Turning around, I saw a girl around Rowin and Rin’s age smiling up at me.
“Do you believe in destiny?”
Her sudden question caught me off guard. Wait… is there some kind of fortune-telling scam here too? And she’s so young… are these crazy cultists exploiting kids?
As I panicked, the girl proudly spread eight fingers and declared:
“Today only, I’ll tell your fate and future for just 8 copper!”
Huh? I was startled again. Unsure how to respond, I stammered:
“Uh… you?”
“No, my mom!” she shot back confidently.
I glanced at Jade, who looked as bewildered as I felt. Could this be fortune-telling? Some kind of divination? Unsure, I finally nodded. After all, we had plenty of time and money, so a quick look wouldn’t hurt.
“Uh, okay. Where should we go?”
“This way!”
The girl led us a short distance to where a woman, who looked like a gypsy, was seated behind a worn table with three chairs and a small jar.
“That’s it, I’ll leave you here!”
The girl ran off, presumably to attract other customers. Impressed by her resourcefulness, I walked up with Jade to the woman.
“Welcome, guests,” the woman greeted warmly, having watched us from a distance.
I sat with Jade in front of her.
“Your daughter’s sales skills are impressive. We followed her like we were enchanted,” I said politely, trying to blend in as commoners. Jade looked momentarily confused at my sudden formal tone, and I gestured for him to stay quiet.
