BXBX NOVEL Chapter 135: Missed the quest...
As they exited yet another shop, their arms laden with packages, Cassandra suddenly stopped. "Oh! I completely forgot. We need to stop by the jeweler\'s. Every naming ceremony gift needs a touch of sparkle."
Zafron nodded, adjusting his grip on the packages. "Lead the way."
As they made their way down the street, a commotion caught their attention. A street performer was putting on a magical display, conjuring shimmering butterflies that fluttered through the crowd.
Cassandra\'s eyes lit up. "Oh, how delightful! Zafron, do you mind if we stop for a moment?"
Before he could respond, she was already moving towards the crowd, her enthusiasm infectious. Zafron followed, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings even as he found himself drawn into the spectacle.
\'Great, a magician. Just what I needed—more magic in my life. At least this one isn\'t trying to make me go through a series of trials, sorry Calista and co. But those butterflies? Lovely, still, I\'d trade them for a map of where we\'re going.\'
The performer, a young woman with vibrant blue hair, noticed their approach. With a flourish, she conjured a butterfly of shimmering gold, sending it fluttering directly towards Cassandra.
Cassandra laughed in delight as the butterfly landed on her outstretched hand, its wings gently pulsing with magical energy. She turned to Zafron, her face radiant with joy. "Isn\'t it beautiful?"
\'She\'s really into this, huh? Look at her face—it\'s like she just met her favorite fictional character in real life. I hope I get to see her this happy more often. But let\'s not forget, we\'re here on a mission, not for butterfly appreciation day.\'
Zafron found himself nodding, though his eyes were fixed not on the butterfly, but on Cassandra\'s face. "Yes," he said softly. "Beautiful."
The moment was broken by the chiming of a nearby clock tower. Cassandra started, the butterfly dissipating into sparks of golden light. "Oh my, is that the time? We must hurry to the jeweler\'s before they close!"
As they hurried down the street, Zafron couldn\'t shake the image of Cassandra\'s face, lit up with wonder and joy. It stirred something in him, something he wasn\'t quite ready to examine too closely.
The jeweler\'s shop was a small, unassuming building tucked away on a side street. As they entered, the tinkling of a bell announced their arrival. The interior was dimly lit, showcasing the glittering displays of precious gems and metals.
\'Every surface here is covered in shiny stuff. If I didn\'t know better, I\'d think this place was a treasure chest that threw up. Why is it always so hard to pick the right thing when everything looks so... sparkly?
If I can\'t pick I wonder what I\'d say for miss Beaumont here who can\'t make up her mind on what method she\'s going to use next to make me feel more broke than I already am\' he thought with a quick survey of the place.
An elderly man peered at them over half-moon spectacles. "Ah, Lady Cassandra. What can I do for you today?"
\'This guy\'s got the kind of "wise old man" look that says, "I\'ve seen it all and then some." Let\'s hope he\'s as good at finding the perfect gift as he is at looking like he\'s got secrets to tell.\'
As Cassandra discussed her needs with the jeweler.
"Cassandra\'s talking gems with the expertise of a seasoned jeweler. Meanwhile, I\'m trying to keep my eyes from glazing over. Maybe I should pretend I\'m very interested in the intricacies of cut and clarity, or at least nod convincingly.\' he barely did that though as something caught his attention.
Zafron found his attention drawn to a display case near the back of the shop. Inside was a delicate silver necklace, adorned with a single teardrop-shaped sapphire that seemed to glow from within.
\'So many shiny things. I could start a collection of overpriced rocks and metal. It\'s like a treasure chest for the perpetually indecisive. If I\'m not careful, I might end up buying something just to escape the sparkle overlo.. " he was just about to say in his mind when the man\'s voice cut him off from behind.
"Admiring the Tears of the Sea, are we?" the man\'s voice startled Zafron out of his reverie. "A fine piece, that. The gem is infused with water magic. They say it can calm even the stormiest of hearts."
Zafron nodded, his eyes still fixed on the necklace. "It\'s... remarkable."
The man chuckled. "Perhaps the lady would like to try it on?"
Before Zafron could protest, the man had called Cassandra over. Her eyes widened as she saw the necklace. "Oh my, it\'s stunning."
The man carefully lifted the necklace from its case, gesturing for Cassandra to turn around. As he fastened it around her neck, the sapphire seemed to pulse gently, casting a soft blue glow on Cassandra\'s skin.
She turned to Zafron, her eyes seeking his opinion. "Well? What do you think?"
Zafron swallowed hard, suddenly finding it difficult to form words. The necklace sat perfectly at the hollow of her throat, the blue of the gem bringing out the deep azure of her eyes.
"It\'s perfect," he said softly. "It suits you." What was he supposed to say? That it was more than enough jewelry already and this man was a thief from the looks of things? Everything here seemed like the price of a house or at least two. But he wasn\'t the one paying and miss Beaumont didn\'t seem bothered by the price, did she?
Cassandra\'s cheeks flushed slightly at his words. She turned back to the mirror, admiring the necklace. "I think you\'re right. I\'ll take it," she announced to the beaming man.
As they left the shop, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the streets of Drakoria.
\'And that\'s a wrap. I survived another round of "Let\'s see how much sparkle we can cram into one gift." Honestly, I\'m just relieved we didn\'t get lost in the sea of glitter. Time to escape before I\'m convinced I need a diamond-studded belt buckle.\'
Cassandra sighed contentedly, her hand unconsciously reaching up to touch the necklace. "Thank you for today, Zafron," she said softly. "I know this isn\'t exactly your usual line of work, but I\'ve truly enjoyed your company."
Zafron nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It was... unexpectedly enjoyable."
As they made their way back to the flying cart, laden with packages and new experiences, Zafron found himself looking forward to the naming ceremony, especially how beautiful Cassandra would look in all her purchase.
As they made their way back to the flying cart, laden with packages and new experiences, Zafron found himself looking forward to the naming ceremony, imagining how beautiful Cassandra would look with all that she had shopped for today.
Cassandra stopped just then and turned to him with a mischievous glint in her eye and handed him a small, elegantly wrapped box. "I almost forgot," she said. "I snatched this for you while we were at the jeweler\'s. Consider it a token of appreciation for your company today."
Zafron\'s eyes widened in shock as he took the box.He carefully unwrapped the box, revealing a finely crafted silver bracelet with intricate designs. His mind raced with the implications. How many thalens did this cost her?
"This is… incredible," Zafron said, his voice tinged with disbelief and he couldn\'t help a smile from breaking loose. "I can\'t believe you did this. I hope this wasn\'t from my daily pay. If it was, I\'m returning it right now!"
Cassandra immediately burst out, laughing hard and shaking her head. "Relax, Zafron. It wasn\'t from your pay. I\'ve got my own way of handling expenses. Just accept it as a thank you for being such a good sport today."
Zafron let out a relieved breath, his gratitude palpable. "Thank you, Cassandra. This means a lot. I… I didn\'t expect this at all."
As they continued towards the flying cart, Zafron couldn\'t help but admire the bracelet, feeling a mix of gratitude and astonishment. He looked over at Cassandra, who was beaming with satisfaction. "I\'ll have to find a way to repay you for this. It\'s only fair."
Cassandra waved him off with a grin. "No need. Just enjoy it and remember today fondly."
With a final glance at the bracelet and a renewed sense of anticipation for the naming ceremony, Zafron followed Cassandra to the flying cart.
The cart lifted off, carrying them back towards the Beaumont mansion. As they soared over the city, now bathed in the warm glow of an approaching sunset, Cassandra leaned slightly against Zafron\'s shoulder, her eyes heavy with contentment and fatigue.
Zafron tensed for a moment, then slowly relaxed, allowing himself to enjoy the warmth of her presence. As they flew through the evening sky, he couldn\'t help but feel that something had shifted between them, subtle but undeniable.
The day had been full of surprises, and as they approached the mansion, Zafron found himself wondering what other unexpected turns his life might take in the days to come.
But that was when it clicked to him.
"Shit!!! My daily quest!!"