"T-this much…? That's actually quite a lot. Let's see… 20 bronze coins, 2 gold coins, and 6 silver coins… That should be enough for about four weeks, considering the cost of living here isn't too high."
He let out a small breath of relief.
"Nice… I'll wait for Lyra and Aeris at the central fountain."
Altair made his way toward the fountain at the center of the city.
The gentle sound of flowing water filled the air, blending with the soft breeze.
He looked up at the wide blue sky, then around at the peaceful surroundings.
Altair (softly):
"…This place is… quite beautiful. And calming."
Back to Lyra and Aeris
Aeris:
"Thank you so much, Lyra. I really love this… Honestly, this is the first time someone has ever bought clothes for me."
Lyra pouted slightly.
Lyra:
"Yeah… sure."
Aeris (concerned):
"Lyra? What's wrong? Are you upset with me?"
Lyra:
"No."
Aeris:
"Then why? Is it because you didn't get to help me choose?"
Lyra:
"I don't know… figure it out yourself."
Aeris stepped closer and gently hugged her.
Aeris:
"I'm sorry… You can help me next time, okay?"
Lyra sighed softly.
Lyra:
"…Fine. I'll help you next time."
Aeris (smiling):
"Okay! Oh, right—have we bought everything?"
Lyra:
"Yeah. The only thing left is your weapon. But first, we need to find Altair."
Aeris:
"…But where? We forgot to decide a meeting spot."
Lyra paused, thinking.
If I were Altair… where would I go…?
Then, an idea came to her.
Lyra:
"If I were him, I'd go to the central fountain. It's the calmest place—and the easiest to find."
Aeris:
"Hmm… yeah, that makes sense. Let's go!"
The two walked together, chatting and laughing along the way.
Soon, they arrived.
From a distance, Altair spotted them and waved.
Altair:
"Lyra! Aeris! Over here!"
Lyra & Aeris:
"Altair!"
Altair looked at Aeris—and froze for a moment.
She looked completely different.
Elegant… refined… nothing like before.
Altair (grinning):
"Woah… that outfit really suits you, Aeris. You look elegant… beautiful, even. You might attract a lot of attention from guys, you know."
Lyra chuckled softly, watching them with a faint smile.
Aeris frowned slightly.
Aeris:
"Hey! I'm not looking for a guy right now. I'm focusing on making money first."
Altair (teasing):
"Alright, alright… but let me know if you ever find someone you like."
Aeris:
"Yeah, yeah… whatever. So, what's next?"
Altair:
"Oh right—could you wait here for a bit?"
Lyra:
"Where are you going?"
Altair smiled mysteriously.
Altair:
"Just something… Can you wait for about an hour?"
Aeris:
"I don't mind."
Lyra seemed to realize something and smiled faintly.
Lyra:
"Of course. Just don't take too long."
Altair:
"Got it. See you soon!"
Altair ran off toward an equipment shop.
Inside the shop
Altair looked around carefully.
Altair (muttering):
"Hmm… this might work for basic gear… but armor… that's harder…"
A shopkeeper approached him.
Shopkeeper:
"Are you looking for armor, sir?"
Altair flinched slightly.
Altair:
"Ah—y-yes. Do you have light black armor?"
Shopkeeper:
"Of course. Please wait a moment."
While waiting, Altair noticed something.
Altair:
"Hmm… I'll take this hairpin too. It might suit Aeris… the purple color fits her."
The shopkeeper returned.
Shopkeeper:
"Here are three options."
A short-sleeved black armor with a clean design
An armor with a sword slot on the back
A long-sleeved black armor made of breathable fabric, with a small knife slot on the side
Altair examined them carefully.
Altair:
"…I'll take the third one. The long-sleeved one with the knife slot. How much is it?"
Shopkeeper:
"Around 4 silver coins and 5 bronze coins. The materials are simple, but the fabric is high quality. You have a good eye, sir. The total will be about 1 gold coin."
Altair (smiling):
"Thanks. Here you go."
The shopkeeper accepted the payment happily.
Shopkeeper:
"Thank you for your purchase! Please come again!"
Altair rushed back, slightly out of breath.
Altair:
"Aeris! I got something for you…!"
Aeris:
"Hey, slow down! You didn't have to run like that. What is it?"
Altair revealed everything he bought.
Aeris froze.
Her eyes slowly filled with tears.
She couldn't hold it back anymore.
Lyra and Altair were both surprised.
Aeris suddenly hugged Altair tightly.
Aeris (tearful):
"Th-thank you so much…! For all of this… and for everything you've done for me…"
Her voice trembled.
"I don't know how to repay you… but… thank you… thank you so much…"
Altair gently wiped her tears.
Altair (softly):
"Hey… don't cry, okay?"
He smiled warmly.
"You don't have to repay anything. Seeing you happy… makes me happy too. So don't cry, alright?"
Altair then took out the hairpin and carefully placed it in her hair.
He stepped back slightly, looking at her.
Altair (smiling):
"…There. You look beautiful."
Aeris looked at him, her eyes trembling.
Then she hugged him again.
Aeris:
"Thank you… thank you so much… for coming into my life. I promise I'll repay you someday."
Altair (gently):
"Then repay me by getting stronger… and achieving your dreams, okay?"
Aeris (softly):
"Okay…"