CHAPTER 23: Outing

The moment they arrived at the blacksmith’s forge, Kaziel bowed deeply in apology, his expression strained but sincere. The owner, a broad-shouldered man with a well-worn apron, let out a hearty chuckle as he crossed his arms.

Anna, ever the composed one, took charge. "Kaziel and Helion will be fixing this for you," she stated matter-of-factly.

Beside them, Helion sighed, flipping his golden coin between his fingers. His golden eyes gleamed with mild disinterest.

"Fascinating." He tilted his head slightly, voice smooth as silk. "A mistake I had no part in, yet somehow, fate has tied me to its consequences."

"Shush, Helion. We're both in this together." Kaziel cut in, his tone firm yet casual.

"Well," he mused, catching the coin mid-air. "At least I get to witness how stubbornly fate tests you today, Kaziel."

He already knew the answer—it would take hours, if not longer, to fix the damage to the cart.

Sakura watched silently from the side, eyes flickering between the conversation and the cart, guilt creeping up her spine. The blacksmith eventually turned toward her, a soft smile forming beneath his grizzled beard.

"So this is the girl you’ve been carrying the cart for?" His voice was warm but firm, and despite his friendly demeanor, his sheer size made her feel small. Her fingers curled slightly at her chest, and she stammered, unsure of what to say.

Anna, as usual, intervened effortlessly. "Yeah. Something like that."

The blacksmith let out a hearty laugh and clapped Kaziel on the back. "Such a gentleman, carrying around for a lady!"

Kaziel laughed awkwardly, "Yeah… well—"

The blacksmith cut him off with a knowing smirk. "Still doesn’t get you off the hook for my cart, though. You boys can fix it, right?"

Kaziel nodded quickly. "We’ll do our best!"

"Good. Just make sure you take breaks. My wife has been cooking up a feast." The blacksmith gestured toward the forge’s open doorway, where an older woman emerged, wiping her hands on her apron. The warmth of freshly baked bread wafted from behind her, and Sakura's stomach betrayed her with a soft growl.

The woman chuckled. "Just come inside if you need anything," she said kindly. But then her gaze landed on Sakura, wrapped snugly in Kaziel’s oversized coat. The way the fabric draped around her, torn at the edges, made it resemble a slightly tattered white dress.

"Oh my… is this the girl you all have been talking about?" she asked, eyes twinkling.

Sakura blinked in surprise. They talked about me?

"Yeah, don’t worry about her," Anna answered smoothly before Kaziel could speak. "We girls have our own plans today."

Kaziel snapped his head toward Anna, his expression a mix of confusion and betrayal. "W-wait, you’re taking Sakura out?!"

Anna smirked, draping an arm casually over Sakura’s shoulder. "Yep. We’re going shopping."

Sakura’s eyes widened in shock. We are?

Meanwhile, Helion remained entirely unbothered, already aware of Anna’s plan. He nodded toward Kaziel, the faintest smirk playing on his lips.

"Why do you think Anna asked us to fix the cart instead?" Helion mused lazily.

Kaziel groaned, finally putting the pieces together. "That’s so unfair!"

Helion's golden eyes glowed with quiet amusement. "Well, that’s just Anna playing the game better than you."

The blacksmith’s wife laughed, handing a wrapped cloth to Helion. "Oh, don’t pout, young men. I baked plenty of cookies for you. No need to sulk about it."

Kaziel sighed, watching as Anna and Sakura walked off toward the marketplace. The older couple chuckled to themselves as they disappeared from sight. Without realizing it, Kaziel had reached for the coat that Sakura had been wearing just moments ago, his fingers gripping the fabric lightly.

Helion, ever observant, smirked. "You’re worrying too much."

Kaziel stiffened, cheeks heating slightly. As if Helion found out. He turned away sharply. "Not really."

Helion’s smirk widened. "You’re a terrible liar."

Kaziel groaned, choosing to ignore him as he turned back toward the cart, now his responsibility to fix.

Sakura and Anna walked down the bustling streets, their pace slow yet steady as they observed the lively city around them. Pedestrians moved in waves, engaged in daily routines and lighthearted conversations. The golden glow of floating lanterns overhead illuminated the way, casting a gentle warmth against the white stone paths.

"Let's see... what's the first thing to do? Ah! Outfits!" Anna announced excitedly, turning to Sakura with a bright smile. "Sakura, you need to look pretty since you’ll be joining us. You can't just keep wearing the same torn dress when going around." Anna announced excitedly, turning to Sakura with a bright smile.

Sakura blinked, a bit taken aback. "Oh... I—"

Anna linked her arm with Sakura’s and continued walking, her tone teasing. "No arguments! It’s a crime for a Divine Oneness candidate to wear something this worn out."

Sakura nodded quietly, feeling a mix of nervousness and warmth at the sudden friendliness. Despite meeting Anna for the first time, there was an odd familiarity in how she spoke, like they had known each other longer than just today. It made Sakura realize— She reminded her of Yami.

Meanwhile, Anna was doing her best to maintain her composure. Her heart pounded against her ribcage, but her cool demeanor didn’t falter.

"I still can't believe the Divine Oneness candidate is right beside me..." Anna’s thoughts raced, her mind recalling the first time she saw Sakura through her raven’s eyes. She had looked different then—perhaps duller, worn by suffering. But now, there was something striking about her.

Was she glowing? Had something happened to her back then?

Anna’s gaze flickered toward Sakura, recalling Kaziel’s lingering stare from earlier. The thought made her chest tighten slightly, though she wasn’t sure why. But instead of dwelling on it, she asked something else that had been lingering on her mind.

"About the dark power you used back there—how did you feel about it?"

Sakura tensed slightly, her fingers fidgeting as she gazed down. The question made her uneasy, but she knew Anna wasn’t asking to judge her. It was genuine curiosity.

"Dark power... is like my awakening," Sakura admitted quietly. "It’s not a good power. Instead of diminishing the Greed, I might have absorbed them for my own strength… It’s against the laws of Divine Oneness."

Her voice wavered slightly, her gaze clouded with worry. The weight of what she had done was something she had been avoiding. If she was meant to be the Divine Oneness, why did she possess something so… wrong?

Anna watched her closely, then, after a moment, she smiled.

"Don’t worry about it," she reassured. "Her Grace, Amastacia, can diminish the dark power from controlling you. After all, she is the High Priestess of the Selphine Kingdom. You will be fine."

Sakura let out a small breath of relief. At least… there was a chance.

"The High Priestess… she knew about Caelivara, right?" Sakura asked, glancing at Anna.

Anna’s expression changed slightly, as if something weighed on her thoughts. "She knew about Caelivara’s history, but she wasn’t born in time to witness it herself." She paused. "Though the Emperor and Caelivara were close."

The way Anna’s voice lowered made Sakura hesitate to press further.

"I see."

If the Emperor knew something—anything—then maybe...

He had the answer.

They continued strolling, the hum of the city filling the air between them. Sakura’s thoughts remained tangled, but something in her heart urged her to find answers.

"I have so many questions about my mother," Sakura admitted softly. "I wonder if someone who used to be with her in this world could tell me something."

Anna glanced at her. "You knew something that your mother never told you?"

Sakura nodded, gripping the old clock she always carried. "I could… feel it. I couldn’t return to the Celestials because I had no divine power awakening… The clock might have something to do with it. And if the priestess needs the Divine Relic, maybe she knows why."

Anna's brows furrowed, intrigue sparking in her eyes. "Divine Relic… It’s a powerful key to unlocking something. Many people seek them, but they can’t be trusted." Her voice turned serious. "Only the Sapphire Heart Protectors can be trusted with relics like that."

Sakura’s eyes flickered with unease. "The clock? Why?"

Anna exhaled. "People are driven by power and titles. It’s obvious. No one cares about the vows they once made to their people."

Her voice held a sharp bitterness, and as Sakura turned to look at her, she saw Anna’s hands clenched into fists. There was something deeper there—something personal.

Sakura had read enough emotions to know that Anna wasn’t just talking about others. She was speaking from experience.

The information Anna had uncovered in the informant’s satchel had revealed horrifying details. The Warden’s plans, the torture Sakura endured—how many times had they broken her just to see how long she could survive? How they had force-fed her dark energy to awaken her unnatural abilities. But in the end, it had turned against them.

Anna’s grip tightened, her fury simmering just beneath the surface.

Sakura noticed the shift in Anna’s expression. There was a fire there, burning fiercely, threatening to consume everything in its path.

A cold shiver ran through her.

Anna was a force to be reckoned with, and the last thing Sakura wanted was to step into that fire and be burned by it.

Suddenly, Anna’s gaze flicked ahead. She saw something.

"Ah! Here we are!" she announced, snapping out of her thoughts.

Before them stood an elegant boutique. The entrance glowed softly with runic inscriptions carved into a wooden sign, shifting faintly as if whispering secrets. Arched windows emitted a warm, magical light. The door handle shimmered upon touch, hinting at hidden wonders inside.

Anna grinned, grabbing Sakura’s hand. "This is it! Let’s get inside, Sakura!"

Before Sakura could even react, Anna pulled her in, stepping into a place filled with elegance, warmth, and the promise of transformation.

Sakura’s hand was grabbed gently as she looked up at Anna, who was already leading her into the boutique. There was something strangely familiar about Anna’s warmth—a presence that, despite her usual boldness, carried an unexpected gentleness. As they stepped inside, the soft chime of the entrance bell welcomed them into a shop with delicate fabrics, shimmering accessories, and mannequins dressed in elegant travel wear.

The shopkeeper, a woman with an inviting smile, approached them. "Oh, would you like to try our newest arrival outfits? We’ve got a wonderful selection perfect for travelers!"

Anna’s eyes gleamed with interest as she gestured toward Sakura, who stood awkwardly beside her. "Ah, well, do you have something that would be perfect for her? Something practical, but still stylish?"

The shopkeeper glanced at Sakura’s attire—her old, worn dress, the fabric faded from years of wear. Though it had been washed and maintained, the pattern remained the same, a remnant of her life in the FarmLand. With a knowing nod, the shopkeeper grinned warmly. "I have just the thing! We have plenty of recommendations—come this way!"

"W-wait.." Sakura hesitated as she was gently ushered into a fitting room, the curtains drawing closed behind her. Moments later, she stepped out wearing the first outfit—an elegant yet simple navy-blue tunic with golden embroidery, paired with fitted black leggings and a belted waist.

Anna shook her head immediately. "Too formal! You need something lighter, more travel-friendly. Try another!"

"Ehh..." Sakura sighed and went back into the fitting room, only to emerge in another outfit—a loose, white ruffled blouse tucked into high-waisted brown shorts with knee-high boots. She turned slightly, uncertain. "How about this—?"

"Hmm…" Anna tapped her chin. "You look like you’re going to explore ruins, not travel across lands in style! Next!"

Sakura pouted slightly but obediently turned back inside.

The cycle continued. Each time she stepped out, Anna had something to say.

"Too stiff."

"Too heavy."

"Too plain!"

"Too much frill!"

At some point, Sakura lost track of how many outfits she had tried, exhaustion setting into her shoulders. "Anna... how many more—?"

"Just one more!" Anna grinned mischievously, thrusting the final set of clothing into Sakura’s arms. "I have a good feeling about this one!"

With a trouble sigh, Sakura retreated into the fitting room once more.

Anna, on the other hand, was absolutely thrilled—as if Sakura had become her own personal dress-up doll.

"Sakura is sooo cute!!" she squealed, her excitement barely contained.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Sakura stepped out.

The moment she did, Anna's eyes widened, a grin spreading across her lips.

Sakura’s vibrant pink hair had been tied into playful twin tails, secured with delicate silver accessories that swayed with each hesitant step. Her emerald-green eyes darted around nervously, a faint blush dusting her cheeks as she fidgeted with the hem of her white blouse—soft and flowing, tucked neatly into a soft pink pleated skirt that barely brushed her mid-thighs.

She shifted uncomfortably, realizing that the long white stockings hugging her legs only emphasized the amount of skin still left exposed. The subtle pink accents along the sleeve lines matched the entire aesthetic, but right now, all she could focus on was how unfamiliar it felt.

She averted her gaze ,tugging down the pleated skirt as if willing it to stretch, murmuring softly, "I-It’s a little... short..."

The boutique’s warm lighting highlighted the pastel hues of her outfit, casting a soft glow against her fair skin. The shopkeeper smiled knowingly, clearly pleased with the result. The mirror behind her reflected an image that—despite her embarrassment—radiated an undeniable elegance, as if the outfit had been crafted specifically for her.

Anna’s reaction was instant.

"Now that is the one!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together with excitement.

Sakura, still flustered, tugged on the hem of her skirt once more. "A-Anna... isn’t this a bit much?"

Anna ignored her protests, practically bouncing on her feet. "It’s perfect! You look so cute! I knew this one would suit you!"

Sakura sighed, realizing she wasn’t going to win this battle. And as much as she wanted to argue, deep down… she kind of liked it too.

After leaving the boutique, Sakura and Anna continued their stroll through the city streets. The golden hues of the late afternoon sun bathed the buildings in a soft glow, making the cobblestone pathways shimmer. The city bustled around them, filled with lively chatter, merchants eagerly showcasing their goods and the occasional distant tune of a street musician.

Sakura had never experienced a day like this before. She had never had someone to share the sights and sounds of the city with.

Once again, she found herself wandering through the bustling streets, taking in the lively crowd. Her gaze flickered from one unfamiliar face to another, absorbing every detail, every sound. It felt warm, comforting in a way she was with Anna.

Anna, on the other hand, kept up her usual energetic nature, leading them from one stall to another. As they passed by the food vendors, the smell of grilled skewers and roasted spices filled the air, making Sakura’s stomach quietly grumble. Anna, without hesitation, bought a skewer of grilled meat, handing one to Sakura.

"Eh? You don’t want it?" Sakura turned to her, holding out the food.

Anna shook her head. "I don’t usually eat this kind of stuff. I have my own supply of food."

Sakura blinked, then suddenly remembered—Anna was a vampire.

She had read about it before—vampires could sustain themselves for an entire day with just a single pack of blood.

“I’ve never thought it was this fun.” Anna grinned, leaning against a railing, glancing at Sakura, who was carefully nibbling on hers. The air between them was light, warm with the ease of newfound companionship.

Sakura let out a soft sigh, her lips curling into a small smile. “Me neither.”

Anna blinked, then coughed, shifting her weight as she looked away. “S-sorry about earlier… I got a little too excited when I saw you in those outfits.” She embarrassed, scratching the back of her head.

Sakura laughed softly. “It’s fine. I didn’t mind.”

They continued their walk, passing by an accessories stall displaying delicate trinkets and shimmering gemstones. Sakura’s eyes lingered on a small sapphire pendant, the rose quartz gleaming under the fading sunlight.

Anna noticed her interest. “You like it?”

Sakura glanced at her,

She was just like Kaziel—both of them seemed to understand her in ways she hadn’t expected.

A small smile formed on her lips as she nodded slightly, “It’s… beautiful.”

Without a second thought, Anna turned to the merchant. “We’ll take it.”

Sakura’s eyes widened. “Wait—you don’t have to—”

“Consider it a gift,” Anna said with a grin, placing the pendant in Sakura’s hands. “A welcome gift for joining our little group.”

Sakura looked at the small gemstone, a warmth spreading in her chest. It had been so long since someone had given her something without expecting anything in return. She held it close, her grip tightening slightly.

They eventually found themselves near the lake at the city’s edge. The sun was beginning to set, casting shades of gold and orange across the sky, reflecting beautifully in the water’s surface. They sat on a wooden bench, watching as the day slowly melted into twilight.

Sakura’s breath hitched. “Pretty…” The word slipped from her lips before she could stop it.

Anna glanced at her, a small smile forming as she saw Sakura’s mesmerized expression. “First time seeing a sunset?”

Sakura nodded. “Back at the FarmLand, I've never seen...one before.”

Anna leaned back, stretching her arms above her head. “Well, you will get used to it. Because there’s going to be plenty of sunsets to see.”

Sakura turned to look at her, surprised.

Anna grinned and tilted her head to the side, “Let’s get along, okay?”

Sakura blinked, then slowly, she smiled—genuine and bright, a rare warmth filling her heart. She nodded.

For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t alone anymore.