Chapter 28 : A Date

Chapter 28: A Date

Rain clouds loomed over Prismara city, their dark masses hiding the sun's grace. The gathering storm made Conrad's heart ache for the people huddled beside the streets, their faces marked by hunger and desperation. Though the thought weighed heavily, it dissolved like mist as the scenery shifted around him.

"Clara is still in school. I could go shopping but..." Conrad's eyes drifted toward two wrinkled notes and a handful of tarnished sili coins in his palm. The touch of silver felt cold in his palm.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips.

"I sometimes forget I am poor. Living on my sister's money... That is just embarrassing for a big brother like me to leech off my younger sister. Even Clara earns through her small business, but me, I am just useless..." Conrad slipped the money back into his pocket, the coins clinking softly as he started walking.

I wonder how I can earn more money. After I get official ownership of the business from Neo and Kalifa, I might make something decent, but I cannot trust them fully. I should consider other ventures.

Ring! ring!

A cycle whizzed past, its bell chiming through the humid air. At the nearby lamp post, a horse carriage halted with a gentle clatter, and a well-dressed couple stepped down, passing gleaming coins to the driver. A boy in a worn Victorian-style detective cap darted past, newspapers clutched to his chest.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! New bounty issued by National Civil Guards—a mysterious thief of the night!"

Conrad's hand shot out to stop the boy, He paused for a moment but his curiosity got the better of him. New bounty? Interesting.

The front page made his breath catch—it was him. A special Blid installed inside the museum had captured a blurry image of The Observer, the shadows playing across his masked figure like a dancer's veil.

So finally The Observer will debut in the public eye. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Though I must say, I am quite the handsome mysterious figure.

His eyes traced the bounty numbers that screamed from the page.

100 kata.

1000 Atana is not bad. As he absorbed the article's details, a thought crystallized: Wait, how would one collect the bounty? Are there official bounty hunters? I'm curious, but whom should I ask? Kalifa might know about these things better, but I think I should first consult with my most trusted partner. A small laugh escaped as he remembered Anira's fierce determination from the previous night.

"Conrad?"

The voice struck him like thunder on some sunny day. He turned to find a vision of beauty—a young woman with eyes like winter sky, radiating an ethereal charm that seemed to bend the very air around her. Her wide-brimmed straw hat cast gentle shadows across her face,fine dark hair flowing like silk in the breeze. Her presence stirred memories in Conrad's heart that didn't belong to him. Whether from the former owner of this body or his current self, his feelings ran deep and true for this one woman.

Xie Lianhua.

"Xie... what brings you here?" Conrad asked, his voice softer than intended.

"I live nearby..." Xie's gaze danced away from his, carrying the weight of unspoken burdens. Her face bore traces of a night-long struggle, something dark and heavy pressing against her spirit. Two bodyguards guarding her like living shadows—a male with features carved from stone and muscles built for violence, and a female with skin like polished ebony. Both wore machinery on their hands that Conrad recognized as advanced projectile weapons, while traditional swords hung at their waists, their eyes constantly scanning for threats.

If I remember correctly, Xie's family commands the largest business empire in Prismara. The Lianhua Enterprises, famous for their designer clothes. After that tragic accident claimed her parents and only brother, she inherited everything. Such a burden for someone so young. The memories floated up from Conrad's mind like leaves in a gentle current.

"I heard you never leave your house except for classes... has something special brought you out today?" Conrad asked, noting how her fingers nervously traced the rim of her hat.

A shadow of hesitation crossed her face. "Home was getting too stuffy. The walls seem to close in sometimes, so I thought to taste the air of our beautiful city." Her eyes briefly met his before darting away. "And you, Conrad?"

"I was just about to pick up my sister but Clara will be still in school for a few hours, so I thought I'd explore a bit." He ran a hand through his dark hair with brown patches, acutely aware of how his worn jacket contrasted with her elegant attire. Why does talking to my own girlfriend feel so awkward? There's something different about her today she looks kind of tired. I might need to take care of her problem sooner than expected.

The air between them grew heavy with unspoken words. A distant rumble of thunder halts their silence.

Xie turned to the male bodyguard, her voice carrying the authority of her position. "Bulga, take the car back to the Lianhua residence. I wish to spend time with my boyfriend." Her tone softened slightly. "I know discretion is necessary, so Shara will stay."

Conrad felt his pulse quicken at her sudden decision. A date? Now ? Wait, did she read my mind or something? I'm hardly prepared, but... His thoughts scattered like autumn leaves. Woman’s intuition is really equivalent to any Essentia.

Shara's eyes narrowed as she studied Conrad, her hand unconsciously sliding closer to her weapon. Him? Madam's boyfriend…?

Bulga bowed with military precision. "As you wish, my lady." His stern gaze locked onto Shara. "Remember your duty. At all times."

Such intensity for a simple walk, Conrad mused. Though if they knew I am the man with 100 Kata bounty on my head, they might have drawn their weapons in an instant … A small smile played on his lips.

They walked side by side through streets that seemed to grow quieter, as if the city itself held its breath. The clouds hung lower now, their darkness a perfect mirror to the tension building in Conrad's chest. Something wasn't right—he could feel it in the air, see it in the way Xie's shoulders carried an invisible weight.

"Shara," Xie's voice cut through his thoughts, "would you get us ice cream from that shop? Take your time." Her words were casual, but Conrad caught the slight tremor in them.

"Yes, my lady." Shara's departure was marked by a warning glance that sent an involuntary shiver down Conrad's spine.

Such fierce protection, it's not like I am going to hurt my own girlfriend, he thought. Though if Anira were here…He couldn't help but laugh internally at the thought. "Or maybe worse."

"Worse?" Xie's question caught him off guard.

"Nothing. Just talking to myself," he offered a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Xie studied him with an intensity that made his skin prickle. "Conrad, you better not hide anything from me, or I'll bite you." Her face remained perfectly serious.

"Bite? What are you, some kind of animal?" He tried to keep his tone light, fighting the urge to pull her close and demand answers about what was really troubling her.

"Who knows?" She walked ahead, her hat casting faint dancing shadows on the streets of Prismara.

Conrad matched her pace, his mind racing. "Hey, where are we going? Your bodyguard—"

"Don't worry about Shara," Xie cut him off, turning to face him. "She knows what I want." A pause, heavy with meaning. "Isn't that what you want too?"

The words caught in his throat. She's so beautiful it hurts. "You really are beautiful," he breathed.

"Huh?"

"Huh?"

"What did you say?" Her cheeks colored slightly.

Heat rushed to his face. "Did I say that out loud?" Smooth, Conrad. Real smooth. "I... I didn't—"

Xie turned away, but not before he caught the faint touch of a smile on her lips.

"Wait... Xie!" His hand found hers, warm despite the cool air. She didn't pull away, but neither did she turn.

"Look at me," he pleaded softly. "Please."

When she finally faced him, the redness in her cheeks made his heart skip. She's blushing... or is she?

"There's a place nearby," he said, gathering his composure.

Xie and Conrad entered a nearby restaurant which was previously visited by Conrad, Nadeko and team. Conrad pulls Xie towards an available table.

"A friend recommended it."

"A friend?" Her voice carried an odd note. "That tall one who's always with you?"

"Isaac? No, actually it's Nadeko, from my department." He guided her to a chair, playing the gentleman despite his worn clothes.

"A girl...?" The weight in those two words could felt little heavy on Xie’s heart.

"Is something wrong?" He tilted his head, studying her reaction.

"No... not at all." The force with which she sat belied her words.

Is she... jealous? No, there has to be more to it...

Conrad ordered pastries and refreshments, though Xie requested tea instead. The waiter's eyes widened in recognition of the Lianhua heir, and their order arrived with unprecedented speed.

"Your fame precedes you," Conrad observed, sipping his drink.

"The burden of being Prismara's largest stakeholder," she replied with practiced grace, but something in her eyes spoke of a deeper burden.

"You must have many suitors then?" The question slipped out before he could stop it.

Xie's winter-blue eyes met his, holding secrets like deep ice. "There was a time... but now..." She let the words fade into silence.

After her family's death, the rumors started. Every suitor meets a tragedy within a month. Not a coincidence—I can feel it. The supernatural leaves marks that most can't see, in order to investigate the report has to be made first but it seems like most people do not like to report supernatural things because it might sound silly. Pretty soon, Anira and I will investigate. Whatever haunts Xie, whatever forces her to push me away... it ends soon.

"Conrad?" Her voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Sorry, was lost in thought." He smiled apologetically.

"About another girl?" The anger in her voice carried undertones of fear.

"No... I was thinking about you." His honesty surprised them both.

Xie's face softened for a moment before hardening into resolve. "Conrad... about breaking up..."

He set down his pastry, meeting her gaze. "Is that still what you want?"

She nodded, pain evident in every movement.

"Then I refuse." His voice was gentle but firm. "I'll be your boyfriend whether you want it or not. I'll chase you forever if I have to."

"You don't understand!" Frustration colored her words. "You can't possibly understand—"

"I don't need to understand everything. I just need to understand this: I'm not letting you go."

Her composure cracked. "You... you're just like all the others! Chasing me for entertainment, for money!" She threw bills at him, her hands shaking. "There! Take it, you filthy poor! Now leave me alone!" She rushed from the restaurant, leaving her hat behind.

Conrad remained seated, watching her go. Good performance, Xie. But I saw your tears. Whatever darkness surrounds you, whatever force compels you to push me away... I will free you. Being a knight for a girl is really hard especially if that knight only works at night.

Conrad scratched his head “that sounded totally wrong even in my head”

He could sense it now—something malicious and hungry circling just beyond normal sight. But it wouldn't approach, not in daylight. The Essentarii's fear of UG makes them cautious. But Xie... she can sense them too. Interesting.

"Time to get Clara," he murmured, paying both bills and leaving a generous tip. The storm was coming, but he was ready.

Xie ran until her lungs burned, tears streaming down her face. Her carefully maintained image shattered like glass, leaving only the frightened girl beneath.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I don't deserve you... please forgive me..."

She ran faster, as if speed could outpace her guilt. Then Shara appeared before her, solid as a wall protecting her friend and lady.

"Shara..." The name came out as a whimper.

"Yes, my lady?"

"I'm cursed... I told him such horrible things... He hates me so much now..." Her words dissolved into sobs.

Shara stood silent, a guardian watching her lady break down.

"My lady, you did the right thing. You did well." She stroked Xie's hair with surprising gentleness.

Xie's cry turned desperate. "I love him! I can't let him die... please, Shara, save him! I'll do anything!"

Shara's silence spoke volumes before she finally offered, "There is a way, but..."

Hope flickered in Xie's tear-stained face. "Why didn't you tell me before?"

"It requires... obeying their demand. It's the only way to save that young man." Shara's voice carried the weight of impossible choices.

"I..." Xie's response hung in the air, as thunder finally broke above Prismara.