Extra's Descent

1:00 PM.

The public market.

Brandon wore his casual black blazer. He let his mid–length white hair flow down smoothly, and to top off his outfit, he wore a pair of black sunglasses.

Beside him was Amelia, who wore–a beautiful white cardigan—and a white skirt—her long flawless legs, for the onlookers to see.

In fact, she had captured the attention of several men as they roamed the streets. Not just men, but women too.

Since she was quite well known, she wore a black hat as she donned a similar pair of black sunglasses.

And in the middle was the little elven girl, Aurelia, holding both of their hands.

Aurelia as well, wore similar clothes to Amelia. But her color palette matched her hair.

Lilac.

And just like them, she also donned a pair of sunglasses. The reason for this was because…

—I want what Brandon and Mama are wearing too!

Yeah, a serious case of 'fear of missing out'.

"You're returning to your duties tomorrow, right?"

"Yes."

Brandon asked and Amelia confirmed.

She nodded her head.

"Technically, I'm still on leave. I've filed for a leave of absence for a year after all. But plans have changed."

"Heh."

Since she had submitted her report about her findings outside, such as the Frostwolves, Frost Golems, and the gimmicks of goblins—actually being communicable, she was given the day off.

Looking around, the public market bustled with activity.

Stalls lined the cobblestone paths, with neat signs and tasteful displays.

Fresh breads sat next to a colorful display of exotic fruits and vegetables.

Vendors offered gourmet cheeses, truffles, and aged wines.

The scent of coffee and pastries filled the air, mingling with the scent of perfumes. Shoppers moved leisurely, chatting quietly as they browsed the selection of goods.

But at the moment, food wasn't on their agenda.

Not yet.

What they were looking for was the clothing section.

After all, Brandon barely had any clothes for himself. The same went for Aurelia.

Apparently, her current outfit was Amelia's when she was younger.

MVLeMpYr-chapter

To think she had still kept that all these years.

Attachment issues, perhaps?

All of a sudden, Aurelia halted in her steps. Noticing her pause, Brandon and Amelia stopped and looked at her.

The little eleven girl's eyes seemed to sparkle as she stared wide eyed at a direction.

Following the direction of her eyesight, Brandon and Amelia turned their heads.

"Ice cream! Come get your ice cream~!"

"Ah."

The little elven girl wanted ice cream.

She was practically drooling at the sight.

Guess the ice cream she had after breakfast earlier had really piqued her palate.

Brandon and Amelia exchanged looks and chuckled.

Then, Brandon lowered his head.

"Aurelia."

The little elven girl stared at the ice cream vendor before she abruptly flicked her head and stared at Brandon, her eyes sparkling.

"You want ice cream?"

Nod. Nod.

The little elven girl suddenly dragged them. She was small. And so her strength didn't amount to much. But Brandon and Amelia allowed her to drag them towards the ice cream vendor.

The line was rather short. The vendor was a woman with long brown hair. Most probably in her mid–thirties.

"Ho, ho! What flavor, Sir and Madam? Is it for that cute daughter of yours?"

"Uh…."

Is that how it appeared to the others?

A smile creeped up on Brandon's lips.

Then, Amelia tried to correct the vendor.

"She's actually my litt—"

"Yes, it's for our daughter."

Before Amelia finished her words, Brandon cut her off.

"Eh… Uh—Ah?"

Amelia seemed to have exploded as she continuously stammered, fidgeting, and her face flushing a tinge of red.

Brandon chuckled, seeing the colorful expressions she was making.

Ignoring her, Brandon bent down and asked Aurelia.

"What flavor do you want, Aurelia?"

"Mmm…."

The little elven girl pondered, pinching her chin.

"Pink!"

"Strawberry?"

The vendor spoke.

Brandon nodded his head and the vendor grabbed a cone, scooped up an ice cream, nestling it down on the cone.

Then, the vendor handed it over to the little elven girl.

"Will that be all, Sir?"

Before giving his response, Brandon turned his head slightly and looked at Amelia.

She was still fidgeting as she mumbled, 'Daughter? Am I actually a mother now? But who's the husband? Is it Brandon? No way, no way, no way. He is quite handsome.

Still, this is way too fast!

"...."

In the middle of it, Brandon couldn't even tell what she was saying anymore.

Probably a bunch of nonsense.

"Amelia."

"But that means I'd have to change my name to Locke. Hmm… Amelia Locke. Has quite a ring to it. Wait, wait, wait. What am I even saying?!"

"Amelia."

"Ah?"

"You want one?"

"Hm…? Ah."

Amelia turned her head slightly and snapped out of it as she noticed Aurelia, completely immersed and indulged in her strawberry ice cream.

"The same as hers."

*

"Thank you. Hope you come again~!"

They continued their walk.

It only took two minutes and Aurelia halted her steps again.

"....?"

Brandon looked down. The ice cream in her hand was nowhere to be seen.

And Aurelia….

"Cotton candy! Get your cotton candy!"

She was completely staring at the cotton candy vendor.

"You want that too?"

Aurelia instantly flicked her head and looked at Brandon.

Nod. Nod.

She decisively nodded.

"Haha. Okay."

Like that, they were dragged again.

"Thank you….. Next…!"

The little elven girl had quite the palate for sweet things.

"Waffles!"

Nod. Nod.

"It was a pleasure serving you."

Nod. Nod.

"Next!"

Nod. Nod.

"That?"

Nod. Nod.

"You want to try that?"

Nod. Nod.

They had practically bought one from each stall that piqued Aurelia's curiosity.

"You should stop spoiling her, Brandon."

"Can't help it."

Brandon grabbed Aurelia and lifted her up.

"She's too cute."

"Haaa…."

Amelia breathed out a sigh and shook her head.

After walking for a few minutes, they had finally arrived at the clothing section.

Brandon picked out whatever was in the line of black, gray, and white.

Monochromatic colors.

Amelia and Aurelia shopped together, Amelia picking out new clothes for the little elven girl.

Brandon finished first and paid for his shopping. Turning his head slightly, he looked back. Amelia and Aurelia were still picking out clothes.

In fact, Amelia was picking out clothes for herself as well.

"Guess I'll leave them to it."

Brandon shrugged his shoulders.

That being said, Brandon left the premises.

He traversed the cobblestone path until he arrived at his destination.

A coffee shop.

Cling—

The chiming of bells rang as he entered the coffee shop. Looking around, there, a hand waved out to him—the table was nestled in a peculiar spot.

Brandon neared the table and settled down.

"Zed."

He whispered, barely audibly.

"Call me Smith when we're in public."

And Zed replied.

"Alright."

Brandon leaned back and scanned. Two coffees were settled on the table. Fixing his attention on Zed, the man was donning a pair of sunglasses as well.

Was this a new trend or something?

Shortly after, Brandon opened his mouth.

"You got the files?"

"All here."

Then, Zed inconspicuously passed a small device, as if they were exchanging a handshake.

A flash drive.

Pulling away, Brandon squeezed his hand and tucked the flash drive inside his pocket.

"So…?"

Zed asked.

"When are you making a move…?"

"Tonight."