Novels2Search

Pretense

When Calypso woke up, it was already noon. The ache from Nox's visit remained, but she could no longer rest. She left immediately after getting ready and cleaning the room. The sound of her heavy steps on the inn stairs caused the patrons to turn their heads in that direction. It was already noon, yet she had only just come down. Is that the alcoholic from last night? Many stifled their laughter at the thought, none planning on revealing the previous night's events to her. The memory became candy that they were reluctant to share with anyone.

Similar to yesterday's clothing, the attire Calypso chose was somber. The previous scent of alcohol no longer clung to her, replaced with a slightly sweet smell. It was almost off-putting how different she was last night! The confusion in their glances went unnoticed by Calypso, who had already exited the inn. With some time on her hands, she decided to explore nearby areas. It was the perfect chance to be a real tourist and take in the scenery. The first place to visit was the nearby market street. Stalls selling fruits, baked goods, and other wares lined the bustling street. Vendors called out to those who passed by, trying to earn a sale. Many of these stalls sold pekra fruit. Spiked and triangular, this fruit was native to the desert.

Things became more active as pedestrians noticed Calypso's arrival. The Daedalus' Wings building was only a bit further down this street! Gossip filled their eyes as they observed Calypso's every move.

What was it this time? The prickling feeling of being watched made Calypso stop dead in her tracks. However, she quickly began to walk again. She began inspecting the fruit at the stall before her, listing reasons someone would observe her. Only one thing she could think of that would bring her this attention. She must've acted the fool last night before arriving in her room. Yet here she was, walking around Dalry without care!

Panic quickly set in while Calypso stared at the fruit in deep contemplation. Ark could not stifle his laughter while witnessing the scene, drawing Calypso's attention. "Please, continue. You are close to figuring out the mysteries of the universe." Arkyn jested. The joke did not amuse Calypso, who placed the fruit before walking away. "Wait, what about this fruit?" Arkyn had grabbed another fruit from the stall, waving it for Calypso to see. In response, she quickened her pace. Why let herself be embarrassed? It was easier to let Arkyn talk to himself while she distanced herself. Summer on another continent would be a lovely experience for any tourist.

"Hold on, I've finished," Arkyn choked between his laughter. He had to jog to catch up with the agitated Calypso. Although she stopped walking away, she did not face him. Instead, she stood there with her arms folded and head turned away from Arkyn. It took a while before her pursed lips opened to speak. "Why are you here?" Undoubtedly the behaviour was cute. If Ark had a romantic interest in her, hit heart would be in a racket. "Well?" Calypso pushed. Was it appropriate for a foreigner to ask a native that question? Should it not be the other way around?

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After shaking his head, Arkyn pointed at a structure up ahead. The Daedalus' Wings building was hard to miss as it practically shimmered among the dull nearby constructs. So many ways to call someone poor, yet this building found a way to say all of them! If Calypso did not have her head deep in fruit, perhaps she would notice this detail. It was the second time she was embarrassed today. The embarrassment made her sensitive to the now blatant stares. All sense of decency vanished as the crowd stopped hiding their gaze. Calypso lowered her head and dropped her shoulders, trying to make herself seem small. The action may seem subtle to other observers, but the act was conspicuous to Ark. "Cali, what's wrong?" He asked.

"They're watching me."

"Watching you?" Arkyn's eyes darted in every direction before he continued. "I think they are looking at the both of us." It was his idea to keep the people's eye on her using his reputation, but something felt wrong. The discomfort Calypso displayed concerned him. Arkyn felt like he was bullying a child, not a treasure hunter. Could this woman even be a treasure hunter with this demeanour? "You are quite troublesome." Arkyn did not elaborate on why he thought that and grabbed Calypso's hand. The action stunned her, but she did not resist. This lack of resistance troubled Arkyn even further. She could at least ask where they were heading!

Besides their footsteps, the entire walk was silent. Calypso had already guessed where they were headed and obediently followed along. Her eyes stayed glued to the ground, but she could still sense people watching them. The viewers no longer hid behind whispers, and multiple comments rang through the air, each more wonton than the last. Arkyn had enough of the noise and shot a glance at the crowd. Everyone on the scene bit their tongues, swallowing their words. Arkyn could have believed they were newborns with how noisy they were before. The thought that he was partly responsible crossed his mind, but he pushed it down before entering the building.

Just as Calypso expected, the two entered Daedalus' Wings. As the doors opened, sounds of bustling workers, customers and visitors entered her ears. She raised her head to once again take in the luxurious interior. Positively too beautiful! The person who designed it must have great taste. It was regrettable that, like the previous occasion, Calypso could not take in the decorations. Arkyn had dragged her into a separate room, the closing door blocking her sight. "Firstly, I recommend you stop drinking."

Arkyn did not allow the puzzled woman before him to speak. If she remembered last night, facing him today would be impossible. How enviable! Calypso got away with everything she did last night. She placed more attention on herself than Arkyn could ever accomplish on his own. "Secondly," He began. "Dalry is not a good place to go around pretending to be a treasure hunter."