Lyren was just about to witness a wonder of his life. Dressed in blue pants and black shoes. He had fought with Claire as he tried to fight for the freedom of his hair but she had ended up trimming it which he had disagreed.
"Is it the scar that you are trying to hide? You can put make up on it and it won't be visible," she had as she proceeded to trim his hair and he was shedding tears unable to save it.
"I value that scar." Lyren's meaning was clear and Claire did not try to force him.
He had fought so hard for his hair but she was also persistent. She had said it was her condition to go to the market with him. She had also said that she would not return the money and Lyren bled from the inside.
Even if the scar was there, it was easy to realize that his looks were not average. With Claire trimming his hair, it was easy to see some handsomeness in his boyish looks.
He was certainly becoming a man. His dark gray eyes and white hair seemed to strike out emphasizing his features. His eyes carried some depth that one could ignore him for.
"You actually are a pretty boy! You actually have an advantage over your peers. It's not easy to find your looks from commoners," Sera said and Lyren was taken aback.
If he was asked the prettiest woman, it was his mother and he had not seen her competitor. That alone gave him pride and he was tempted to smile but he quickly suppressed it.
"To hell with your flattery. Shouldn't we be setting off already?" Lyren asked and looked at her.
She had worn a blue dress that was pretty loose but it still had a way of making sure that her figure still stood out. He could not help but feel that she had done it on purpose.
"You're right," she said as he took his hand and pulled him. Lyren was caught off guard as he stumbled forward. Why was she treating it like it was a date? She had even worn a dress matching his robes.
He quickly erased these thoughts. It was just an excursion and he was not going to do anything unnecessary. She was going to be the first obstacle he conquered in his journey.
The door was left open as no one would come and there was nothing else of importance as Lyren did not leave his sword.
The jade swung when he was pulled and they walked out through the hotel and it was filled to the brink. Their appearance drew the attention of everyone and they stopped midway lifting their spoons or wine.
Not many people knew who Lyren was but they knew who Claire was. They could easily tell that Lyren was young as their height was equal.
The fact she was leading him was almost comical and it gave the vibe of teenage romance. The waiter saw this sight and his eyes shone. She had finally done it. Still, he could not help but feel some sort of bitterness.
He could actually tell that the smile on Claire's face was not a forced one and she was actually happy.
This made his face turn serious for a moment before he regained his waiter act and watched the kid being dragged while he too dragged his sword.
Now it was obvious. The kid was definitely not normal. He was trying to act as a commoner but when he was dressed like a noble, he really did look like one.
Still, the naivety the kid showed was another mystery or was he acting?
Even the waiter admitted that the kid really had the looks and they ignored the faint scar.
The people in the hotel watched this unfold with interest and after the two were out, the topic was them as they continued with their meals.
The waiter continued to serve them and it was shocking that he was able to serve everyone alone. It really was not an easy task.
***
They headed towards the central parts of the city where the market was but Claire had plans of her own.
"Young Master, let us buy a few things before we take a tour through the city." Lyren was confused by her request but she was the guide for the day. She had already let go of his hand and they were walking side by side talking.
There was a high influx of people and many seemed to be in pairs or groups. Still, the majority appeared like couples.
Carriages here and there and some were public transport. A carriage was heading towards them from behind and when it reached them, Claire stopped it and Lyren was shocked unsure what she was doing.
The doors opened and she climbed by supporting herself with his shoulder. Lyren was flabbergasted and he was left with no choice but to climb after her.
The carriage was spacious and it had red seats. Lyren sat on the opposite seat but Claire came and sat next to him and left no distance between them.
They chattered and after a while, the carriage stopped on Claire's command and she stepped out first. Lyren walked out and he stood next to her and waited for her to pay.
"Young Master, its 100 coppers," Claire said as she wrapped her hands on his shoulders. Lyren was left mouth agape. Had that just happened?
He begrudgingly removed a hundred copper coins and gave them to the driver who looked at them with an interested smile.
'Teenage romance.'
If Lyren heard his thoughts, he would shed tears because he was being exploited. He walked to her feeling angry but she wore a smile as she took his hand and led him into the market.
Lyren did not get the chance to express his discontent as they started walking between the stalls.
The number of people only seemed to keep rising and it was not that easy to stand out which he felt relieved about.
Still, many would definitely take a glance at teenagers walking with hands entangled. Claire went from stall to stall and checking the goods they sold. She would spend a lot of time on them and Lyren could only stand there helplessly.
He could only hope that she was going to buy whatever interested her herself. He did not like how she stopped at these stalls and she did not bother to buy anything yet.
He should have felt relieved but he was only getting an ominous feeling. He was always behind her and he did not stop observing.
There were more teenagers in the market and they too were in pairs. This was also a reason they did not stand out much.
He was surprised when he realized that all the guys were reacting just like him. Their eyes met for a second before focusing on the ladies they had come with.
Lyren felt some relief when he realized that it was something shared among even his peers. At least he was not alone.
"Young master, I want this," Claire said and the words struck Lyren like they were thunder.
So, she was finally doing it. His gaze landed on the item she wanted and it was a normal wrist bangle. He was relieved as he could definitely afford it and not make her lose face after she had called him out loud.
"How much?" Lyren asked rubbing his nose. The female seller looked at the couple and she could not help but smile as the two were being cute.
"I will be giving you a discount because you are my first customers for the day. I bet it really looks good on her, it costs ten silvers but I am going to sell it for seven," the lady said and looked at Lyren expectantly.
Lyren felt her gaze and Claire's gaze and he felt like he had been cheated. He looked at Claire but she was making a cute face that made h even more helpless.
She was doing it on purpose but he had already asked for the price. She knew the price was expensive yet she had taken advantage of him and trapped him. With his poor social skills, he was definitely going to buy it.
"Please…" She pleaded and held his right hand between hers.
Lyren swallowed hard as he removed ten silver coins and gave them to the vendor. As a young master, he could not ask for discounts. Claire clung onto his hand as he took the bangle from the vendor.
Claire offered her left hand and Lyren was forced to tie the bangle in her wrist.
The vendor watched with a pleased smile knowing the bangle cost five silvers. Still, the young couple really had already made her day. She watched as the young master dragged his woman away outside the stalls.