Lindyss squinted at the crowd of people. Judging by the clothes some of them wore, it was clear everyone knew about the new freedom within the tower. People dressed like complete beginners were browsing the wares of the markets targeted at explorers. The fifty-first floor of the tower, when one first became an explorer, they’d be greeted by a large selection of the finest items they had ever seen up to that point, and they’d be happily swindled out of their geums while thinking they got the better end of the bargain.
Lindyss frowned at the gazes coming her way, and she took in a deep breath before exhaling while channeling her mana. The people who were looking at her stiffened and shifted their gazes at the same time. Lindyss made her way through the crowd, the people avoiding her path as if she were a shark swimming through a school of fish.
The goods on the fifty-first floor were overpriced, but the marketplace was one of the largest in the tower where items from every floor could be found. A faint smile appeared on Lindyss’ face as she looked around. It was always fun going shopping in a new place, and without having to worry about babysitting Vur and Tafel, she could take some time off for herself.
“What are you looking for?” Erin asked, the fairy queen poking her head out of Lindyss’ hair. “Weapons? Armor? Food for Vur?”
“I’m looking for some peace and quiet,” Lindyss said, her eyes shifting to look at the fairy queen, who was now settling down on the cursed elf’s shoulder.
“Well, you sure came to the wrong place,” Erin said and nodded. “Look at how bustling it is, wow. I, Erin Koller, have seen a lot, but even this is a first for me. I thought there weren’t supposed to be that many explorers, but this place can accommodate a lot of people, huh?”
Lindyss nodded. “Yeah,” the cursed elf said and looked around as she walked down the street. There were buildings selling goods and stalls set up between the entrances selling goods as well. People were crowding around, and it felt more like a fair than it did a place to equip oneself for the dangers lying ahead. It must’ve been the influx of non-explorers that influenced the atmosphere because in the information the lords had given the cursed elf, the fifty-first floor had been described as a more stoic place.
“Excuse me!” a melodious voice called out.
Lindyss turned her head and raised an eyebrow at the person who still dared to address her after she had casted an intimidation spell.
A beautiful woman with long, reddish-pink hair walked up to the cursed elf’s side. She had on a red, fur cloak, one that wasn’t long enough to hide the thigh-high, high-heeled boots she was wearing. Underneath her cloak, glimpses of a red and gold dress could be seen. The woman tucked a lock of hair behind her abnormally long ear—at least, abnormally long for a human—and smiled at Lindyss before speaking. “This might seem sudden, and I know you don’t know me, but may we speak in private?”
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A furrow appeared on Lindyss’ brow as she stared at the pink-haired elf. She was beautiful—like most elves—but there was something off about her. She almost seemed to be too perfect to be an elf. “Alright,” Lindyss said. “I’ll hear you out.”
“Great!” the pink-haired elf said. Her root bracelet flashed, and a glove appeared. She wore it before extending out her hand towards Lindyss. “My name is Mal…vie.” She nodded. “Malvie. And you are?”
“She’s Lindyss, but more importantly, I’m Erin Koller,” Erin said, responding for the cursed elf.
Malvie glanced at the fairy queen and gave her a half-hearted smile and chuckle. Then, she turned her gaze back onto the cursed elf. “So, you’re Lindyss,” Malvie said and tilted her head to the side. “Huh, you have the same name as another elf I know.”
“Do I?” Lindyss asked as she grabbed Erin and stuffed the fairy queen back inside her hair. “Must be a coincidence.” She turned her body to the side, gesturing towards a wooden tablet. “Shall we head somewhere private?”
“We don’t need to go far,” Malvie said and pointed at a nearby restaurant. “I can cast an isolation spell that’ll prevent prying eyes and ears.”
Lindyss nodded and followed after Malvie, scanning the exterior of the restaurant before entering. There didn’t seem to be anything special about it: no traps lying in wait or anything to suggest Malvie had ill intentions. The two elves were seated, and thanks to Lindyss’ intimidation spell, none of the waiters approached until they were addressed. After they got their food, Malvie casted her isolation spell, causing the waiters to breathe sighs of relief.
“Alright,” Lindyss said, picking up a glass of wine—obviously a good choice of beverage to accompany one’s breakfast. “What did you want to talk about?”
Malvie’s eyes shifted to the side of the table, where Erin was placing a metal straw into a goblet of reddish liquid. The fairy queen noticed the beautiful elf’s gaze. “Oh, don’t mind me,” Erin said. “The great Erin Koller isn’t a gossiper.”
Malvie glanced up at Lindyss, and the cursed elf nodded. “If she blabs,” Lindyss said, eyeing the fairy queen, “she knows what’ll happen to her.”
Shivers ran down Erin’s spine, and she looked in Lindyss’ direction. “I do?” the fairy queen asked. She was pretty sure she didn’t know.
“It’s just a joke,” Lindyss said in a flat voice. “Did you really think I’d do something to you?”
Erin kept her mouth shut.
“Well, since you trust her,” Malvie said and shrugged. “I’m curious about your soul….” She narrowed her eyes, trying to read Lindyss’ reaction. “You’re a phoenix, aren’t you?”
Lindyss raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think that?”
A smile appeared on Malvie’s lips. “Don’t worry,” she said. “I’m here to help. I’ll take you to Great Canopy, the heartland of phoenixes.” She reached forward across the table and placed her hand on top of Lindyss’. “You won’t have to disguise yourself like this ever again.”
One thought ran through Lindyss’ mind, but she didn’t let it show on her face: this was going to be troublesome. So much for her personal break.