“Oh my, did you pass out? How disappointing. I wanted you to suffer a bit more,” she said lightly, shaking off her disappointment.
Raising her hand, she summoned a sharp blade of wind. The blade barely grazed Lambert’s arm, slicing deep into the ground as it curved away.
(This will suffice for now.)
Alice observed Lambert’s unconscious form and smiled softly, satisfaction evident in her expression.
“If there’s ever a next time, I’ll make sure to finish the job properly. Farewell,” she said quietly, her voice calm yet chilling.
She left without looking back, the smile still lingering on her face.
Alice went straight to the local guard station to report a man lying unconscious in an alley. Afterward, she returned to the shop where Lidio was waiting.
The shop specialized in practical yet elegant items such as watches, handkerchiefs, and modest jewelry. As Alice entered, she saw Lidio intently examining something on a shelf. While he had mentioned wanting a personal watch, the section he stood by displayed items clearly meant for women.
Admiring his sharp profile, Alice approached him.
“Thank you for waiting. What are you looking at?” she asked gently.
Startled, Lidio turned to her, his ears turning red.
“Ah… I wanted to get you a gift and was trying to choose something that would suit you,” he admitted. “But then I realized it might bother you if I bought something without asking your preference, so I hesitated.”
“Oh…”
Lidio shyly showed her a delicate hair ornament he had been considering.
(He was thinking of me while choosing…)
Alice’s heart swelled at the thought. No one had ever given her such a thoughtful gift before.
“Um… I know it’s selfish, but would you pick something for me? Anything you choose will make me happy,” Alice said hesitantly.
Though embarrassed to make such a request, she didn’t want to miss this chance. She wanted something tangible to remember these cherished moments with Lidio.
“Even the least expensive item is fine,” she added quickly. “I promise I won’t ask for something like this again…”
Her courage faltered, and she averted her gaze in shame, worried he might think her selfish.
But Lidio’s face lit up with a smile.
“Alice, if this is your idea of selfishness, I welcome it anytime. Please don’t make promises like that. Let me pick something for you.”
With a cheerful demeanor, Lidio began browsing the shelves and eventually selected a silver pocket watch with intricate decorations.
“I’m not confident in choosing accessories, so I thought something practical might be better. It’s not flashy, but I chose it while thinking of you. Will you accept it?”
“I love it. Thank you so much; I’ll treasure it forever,” Alice said with a beaming smile.
The two gazed at each other, their shared warmth filling the shop with a sweet, tender atmosphere.
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