Chapter 12: Milk Chocolates
[Nea Alba. Noon.
West. Kifestein.]
Ivan was an odd existence. His plastic behavior, coupled with the strange feeling he gave off, made him suspicious. I decided against dragging this out and asked him to accompany me for the day.
I wore a black T-shirt under a blue coat and fashionable knee-length pants. The coat was enchanted and could block a Grade 2 spell. The highest non-armor defense one can get. I braided my hair and let it hang from one end. A hip outfit, trendy in Atirior.
I left for the reception 15 minutes earlier. Ivan was already there before me. He wore a black tunic and trousers. The simple and antique outfit fit him well. He spotted me and made a conflicted expression, as if he didn't want to see me.
"Hello again Ivan, you look quite handsome today." I walked over to him.
"Yes, I am aware~ Where will go today then?" Did this rat just do that? Did he just own my compliment without even glancing at me...? Haha, what an interesting person.
I led him through the streets of Kifestein. Ivan's eyes darted all over the place. I matched his gaze, and the ugliness of this beautiful city entered my sight. Curtained behind the lavishness of the city were the very people keeping it afloat. The poor struggled through their lives as if they existed only to be exploited, helpless against the waves of change, a feeling I was well acquainted with.
The outing changed from that point on, instead of trying to figure Ivan out. I saw the familiar city in a new light alongside an unexpected companion who reminded me of myself.
**
"This building really is as grand as they come, huh?" Ivan exclaimed.
"Is that so? I come here every day so, can't say I noticed. Huhu~"
"Drop it, narc... I gotta say though, I look better than even this grand building"
"What did this bastard just call me?" I thought he reminded me of myself, but is anyone in this world that self-obsessed?! "Hey, let's go get some—"
"Nea, Milk chocolates! Let's get some!"… I was just about to suggest that...
We were near the administrative building, a famous tourist spot in the city. The place had comparatively wider footpaths to cater to the touring civilian. The road had an abundance of expensive automobiles, an expected sight in a post area.
Decorated carts sold various items for the citizens. Ivan pulled me along to one of these carts selling milk chocolates. He ordered melted milk chocolate with sprinkled cocoa and marshmallows for himself, then looked over at me. I could only give a wry smile in response. Same tastes again.
When the shopkeeper handed over the desserts in 2 cups, Ivan's hands fumbled and he dropped the one on the shopkeeper's right hand. Again, this was the 7th time I saw this tattoo on people's hands throughout the day. I am sure Ivan had noticed it too and was, in fact, pointing it out to me.
"Ah, I am so sorry," Ivan said.
"Don't worry about it, sir. I'll make another one right away," replied the shopkeeper.
"That's a nice tattoo you have there, friend. What's it 'bout?"
Oh ho, that was brave. The shopkeeper looked vigilant and spoke back with a suspicious chuckle. "It's just a popular pattern around these parts, sir, haha. Here you go,"
"I see. Thanks, friend, this stuff looks delicious."
Ivan handed him some money and turned back to me. Of course, I hadn't touched my cash even once today. It earned me some hateful glares from Ivan, but we both are over that now... I guess not. He is glaring at my bag.
"Hmph, take it," he grumbled
"Right, right. A bold approach, if I say so myself"
"Yeah, about time I asked. It's not good seeing that tattoo again"
"Again? Do you know what it is?" I asked. Ivan looked around a bit before nudging me with his shoulders "Let's get some privacy."
The sky is rather dark this afternoon, it might rain today.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone