The sun had begun to rise, its golden light spilling through the window. Birds chirped softly outside, welcoming the new day. Kite was usually an early riser, but the long journey and exhausting day before had taken a toll on him.
Still fast asleep, he remained blissfully unaware of the mischievous grin spreading across the face of the girl casting a shadow over him.
With a sudden leap, the girl landed squarely on his abdomen.
"Oof!"
Kite jolted awake, his life flashing before his eyes. Every regret he'd ever had—including agreeing to come to this house—resurfaced at once.
"Wake up, big bro!"
"Good... morning..." Kite groaned, eyes still half-shut. Looking up, he found Chu-Chu perched on the girl's shoulder.
This girl and Chu-Chu... a deadly combination.
He rubbed his eyes and muttered, "What happened?"
"Mom said to wake you up and get ready!"
"For what exactly?"
"To show you around town."
The memory of last night resurfaced—
Wake up early tomorrow. We have to show you around the town.
With a sigh, Kite sat up and began getting ready.
---
Audrey and Harley stood near the door, already dressed and waiting. Audrey wore tailored black pants and a white linen shirt adorned with intricate silk patterns. Harley wore a black cotton frock. Chu-Chu sat atop Harley's head, wearing a tiny bow tie—undoubtedly her handiwork.
Kite descended the stairs, dressed in a gray double-breasted coat and black trousers. His medium-length brown hair was slicked back on the sides, neat and formal, though a few strands rebelliously fell forward over his forehead. His striking blue eyes, as clear and piercing as a frozen lake, swept over the room.
Audrey whistled in approval.
"We're not going out to break hearts, hero."
Kite smiled shyly, slightly embarrassed.
"Let's go!" Harley declared, grabbing Kite's hand and pulling him outside.
---
Crimson Bazaar
The city of Carynthos was circular in structure, divided into distinct districts: the City Center, Ashenreach District, Noble Heights, Old Walls Ruin, Silkshore Dock, House of a Thousand Crafts, Industrial Belt, Abandoned theater, Academic Enclave, and the Hermes Library. Each had at least seven entry routes.
Kite tried to mentally note the information Audrey was giving him—though most of her chatter revolved around her dating life. Whatever real details he got, he gathered from the scattered crumbs in her stories.
The smell of exotic spices hung heavy in the air. The streets were crowded, buzzing with tourists. Carynthos was one of Teglardia's greatest economic powerhouses. Its Industrial Belt was the fifth largest in the world. The Silkshore Dock was the second largest in trade volume. The Crimson Bazaar was renowned as the most vibrant, exotic market in the world. With over a million annual tourists, Carynthos alone contributed nearly 30% of the nation's economy.
Now, the group stood in front of a small shop. Audrey and Harley whispered to each other, then Harley approached Kite with a serious expression.
"Big bro, get on your knees."
"Why?"
"Just do as you're told!"
Kite sighed and crouched to her level. Harley grinned, pulling something from behind her back and slipping it around his neck.
"Wha—?" Kite blinked in surprise.
He looked down. Hanging from his neck was a black pendant with intricate patterns carved into it. At its center gleamed a small blue sapphire.
Surprised, he gently held the pendant.
"Thank you… both of you." he said softly, a rare warmth in his voice.