I decided it would be better if we spent some time together first. The local marketplace was bustling with activity, a vibrant array of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. However, despite the variety of goods offered in the market, I had no idea what to buy, so I checked with her first.

"Anything you want to get before going home?" I asked her while pointing in the direction of the market. "Maybe a pair of clothes? That white dress you got from the town hall is a bit... plain, don't you think?"

She was surprised with my remark and instinctively looked down at her dress; For a moment I was afraid that I had offended her, but quickly she smiled and responded. "Alright, let's go grab me a new pair of clothes."

The store that we went to was a small boutique with colorful garments showcased in every corner. Not only that, there was also a bustling sound of sewing machines coming from the workers in the store. We went in, and she directly asked the storekeeper what was available in the store.

"How about this one, Eric?" she showed me one pair of white shirts and a dark blue vest.

"I don't know, why don't you try putting them on first?"

She took it, along with a few other pieces, and disappeared into the changing room. I waited, leaning against a wooden display case filled with handmade jewelry. After a while, she emerged wearing a combination of a white shirt with a high collar and a dark blue vest, adorned with intricate gold patterns and fastened with a belt.

Included in her attire were a short black skirt, thigh-high boots, and a dark blue cloak that billows behind her, adding to her dynamic presence. Everything perfectly accentuated her striking blue hair that flowed around her face and shoulders.

"What do you think?" she asked, twirling slightly so the coat flared out around her.

"You look amazing," I said, meaning every word. "It's perfect."

She smiled, the kind of smile that lit up her whole face. We spent a bit more time in the shop, picking out a couple more outfits before finally heading to the checkout.

We continued our journey when I remembered something, prompting me to steer us towards a nearby magic shop. Not that I needed anything for myself, but the prospect of seeing Erina's eyes light up at the sight of her own new magic staff was too tempting to resist.

As we stepped inside, a little bell above the door chimed softly, and the scent of books and wooden staff filled the air. The walls were lined with shelves displaying magic items: magic staff, amulets, animal extracts, and mana potions bubbling in glass vials.

"This place is amazing," she whispered upon entering the store. "Are you restocking your magic thingy, Eric?" "No, we're getting you a new staff. Remember, you'll begin your training tomorrow" I responded to her question.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about it, hehe. Now that you mention it, I want the pretty colored one," she declared while pointing towards an extravagant, jewel-encrusted staff that practically screamed luxury.

I glanced at the price tag and felt my heart plummet. "My goodness, that's like my 10 months' wage from the guild," I muttered under my breath, making sure that she didn't catch what I said.

With a heavy sigh, I turned to the seller. "How about this one?" I asked, gesturing towards a simpler staff adorned with a single sky-blue magic crystal. The seller named a price that was still steep but far more manageable.

"That one, 20 silver coins," he mentioned the price without looking away from polishing a newly crafted staff.

"I'll take that one," I replied; I knew that Erina would complain if I consulted with her beforehand, so I just agreed with the seller at that moment.

She seemed disappointed that I didn't get her the one that she desired, but she said nothing as I completed the transaction. Afterward, I explained to her the astronomical price of the first staff, and that this new one that I got her was the best value for money staff that we could afford in that store. Of course, she understood, but her disappointed expression was still palpable as she slightly pouted while declaring her understanding.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

I didn't know how time could fly this fast when I only spent my time in two stores with her. When we got out of the magic store, the sun was ready to set and my stomach was churning as I hadn't eaten anything substantial since I left the tavern earlier.

I decided to buy two roasted turkey thighs in the nearby food stall. The aroma of roasted turkey thighs wafted through the air as we settled onto a cozy bench in the park. We savored our food as we saw the sunset.

Erina attacked her meal with gusto, devouring the succulent meat with a passion that bordered on the ferocious. I couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm, she said nothing the entire time, but it turned out that she was this hungry the entire time.

Between mouthfuls, I decided to show something to her, materializing my magic staff on my left hand; Its elegant design caught her attention, the golden dragon ornament gleaming against the sleek black base color.

"See this staff?" I remarked as I extended my magic staff. I rarely used this, but I still felt pride in owning such a high-quality magic staff. "You can't find this type of staff in any store."

Erina raised an eyebrow and complained to me. "So you're flexing yours now? After buying me the crappy one?" apparently, she was still annoyed with the fact that I bought her a cheaper staff.

I laughed and shook my head hearing her complain. "Hahaha, that's not what I meant," I replied, attempting to steer the conversation back on track. "As you adventure later on, you'll find different materials and magic crystals that are most compatible with your mana pattern."

My explanation successfully piqued her interest as she leaned in closer to me, admiring my special magic staff. "Can I use your staff instead? You can use this cheap one."

I shook my head. "No, let me finish. Any experienced mage knows to have it crafted personally by an expert artisan with their own signature; no one could've drawn the full potential of the staff other than the owner."

My intent was to calm her annoyance, but my statement was not without ground. "Wow, that's so cool," she exclaimed, looking excited at the prospect of owning her own unique magic staff. "With your guidance, I will surely be able to get my own."

I paused a little when she was eagerly showing her confidence in my guidance. At this moment, she might assume that I would always be a constant presence in her life, but the truth was more complicated than that. Sooner or later, I would have to leave this place, leaving her to fend for herself. I just hoped I could teach her quickly enough so that she would be okay by then.

"Yes, so keep practicing, okay?" I forced a smile and patted her on her head.

"Aight, teach," Erina responded with a playful salute; it looked like she didn't mind my hand placement on her head.

I grinned as I pulled my hand back. Maybe this was actually the best course of action. Until this point, I had always been alone with Gareth trying to finish all missions handed to us with little to no questions. I felt weirdly warm inside seeing that her condition had improved.

I knew deep inside she still remembered her family, but if she was willing to try to enjoy the moment, who was I to keep acting miserable? Yes, this was definitely the best course of action for now.

We continued our small talk as the night went by. I didn't want to hurry her back home as I actually enjoyed her company. Suddenly, I remembered something. Now that she would officially be a temporary part of my party with Gareth, I needed to give her this item. I materialized a delicate necklace with a small, round crystal pendant, almost identical to the ones Gareth and I wore.

"Here, take this and wear it," I said, handing the necklace to her.

She blushed, clearly flustered by the unexpected gift. "Oh, wow. I... I wasn't expecting this," she stammered, her fingers trembling slightly as she took the necklace.

I revealed my own necklace, hidden beneath my clothes. "See, I have my own, and Gareth has one too. Now you should wear one," I explained.

As she tried to put on the necklace, she seemed surprised by my statement. "What a weird relationship you and Gareth have," she remarked, showing off the necklace once it was around her neck. "How's it? Does it suit me, Eric?"

"That's not the point," I replied, smiling. "But the necklace, it suits you perfectly."