"That's too cunning."
Fern lifted her chin, staring at Shane and Frieren with clear displeasure.
She had just finished her morning ditation and was planning to buy so food to bring back to the inn. She hadn't expected to run into the two of them in the marketplace—clearly in the middle of so "pleasant shopping."
It made her very unhappy.
Too cunning. They actually went out shopping without her!
"Ahaha—what a coincidence, Fern—"
Under her gaze, both Shane and Frieren instinctively shrank back, trying to hide their purchases behind their backs.
Their little movents didn't escape Fern's eyes.
The girl puffed her cheeks slowly. "You're keeping secrets from …"
"No, no—what secrets could there possibly be—"
"Hmm—"
Fern frowned. "Mr. Shane, your expression is really easy to read. And Frieren, what are you holding? Don't tell you bought sothing strange again…"
Frieren was about to lose her composure and looked to Shane for help.
An idea struck him.
"Hey, Fern, how about we go get so dessert! The innkeeper recomnded an amaaaazing dessert shop!"
"?"
Fern's attention was successfully diverted, her expression turning conflicted.
"Even though… I haven't had sweets for months… but… we shouldn't spend our travel money recklessly. At least… not until we find work…"
Clink—
Shane leaned closer and slightly opened his backpack.
A burst of golden light shot out, illuminating her face!
Gold coins!
So many gold coins!
Fern froze in shock. After a long mont, she stiffly turned to Shane.
"Mr. Shane… did you rob a noble?"
What kind of nonsense is that?
"Let's go. From now on, we can have desserts every day."
On the way to the dessert shop, Fern quickly adjusted her attitude. Being practical, she imdiately beca attentive, even helping Shane carry his backpack.
————
This famous dessert shop in Warm was called "Seagull's Sweets."
The three of them chose a seat on the terrace, where they could see the sunset over the sea.
Warm golden light spread across the water, shimring like scattered gold. Seagulls circled nearby, waiting for fishing boats to return.
"The view here is really nice. No wonder the innkeeper recomnded it," Shane remarked.
Frieren and Fern gazed at the scenery, their expressions softening, clearly enjoying it as well.
Shane picked up the nu and handed it to Fern. "Order whatever you like."
Fern politely passed it to Frieren. "I'll have the sa as Lady Frieren."
Frieren chuckled and was about to speak when Shane snatched the nu away.
"If she's ordering, what's the point of choosing?"
"Just bring one of everything."
Fern: "…"
Frieren: "Not bad, Shane. You've learned the essence of ordering desserts."
"Heh."
Shane still rembered the dessert shop in Gostan City—she had tried every flavor in the store. When they left, she couldn't even stand up straight.
While waiting for the desserts, Shane took out a wrapped gift.
"Fern, this is a gift Frieren and I picked out for you. Go ahead and open it."
Frieren suddenly looked a bit nervous.
"Co to think of it… today is my birthday…"
She took the box from Shane, smiling as she opened it—then her eyes lit up with surprise.
"What a beautiful hair accessory… and such a lovely dress…"
A gentle sea breeze brushed through her hair, as if it had reached her heart as well.
"Thank you. I really like them."
"Really?"
"Mm."
Frieren let out a sigh of relief.
Fern gently touched the dress and hair clip in the box. Though she was smiling, a faint mist began to form in her eyes.
Shane knew—she must be thinking of Heiter. For the past few years, they had always celebrated her birthday together with him…
"Fern, why don't you change into it now? Let's take a picture," Shane said, cutting off her thoughts.
"Now…?"
"Of course. With such beautiful scenery, it would be a waste not to take a proper photo."
Using a room in the dessert restaurant, Fern changed into the dress Shane picked for her and wore the hair clip Frieren chose.
Blushing shyly, she stood under the soft glow of the sunset, radiating a gentle, charming beauty.
Frieren stared in a daze.
In her mory, Fern was still that timid little girl following behind her… and now—
"Fern, you've grown so much?"
"Well, I'm already sixteen. I'm an adult now."
Frieren glanced at her, then at herself.
Do humans really grow this fast?
It was incredible.
With Shane's [Photography Magic], the three of them took many beautiful pictures.
He even took several strange close-up shots of Frieren from odd angles—one from below her chin looking up made Fern laugh uncontrollably.
She opened the locket hanging from her neck.
On one side was originally a photo of her with her parents. The other side had been empty, but later, Shane made a picture of her with Heiter to fill it.
Now, as she gently touched the locket and looked at the two bickering in front of her, her heart felt full.
"Mr. Shane, Lady Frieren… thank you so much."
Hearing her words, the two stopped arguing. Frieren looked at her a little nervously.
"To be honest, I don't really understand human preferences. Things like celebrating your birthday—if Heiter hadn't taught , I wouldn't have rembered on my own."
"He wanted to make you happy… but I don't really know how to do that…"
Fern smiled and reached up to touch the butterfly hair clip.
"I don't think so."
"The fact that you want to understand … that you're trying to do sothing for —that's already enough to make happy."
"Lady Frieren, you said your journey would be very, very long. If that's the case, then let Mr. Shane and accompany you… and learn how to understand humans together."
Fern looked at Shane.
He didn't speak. He simply smiled, then reached out and gently patted both their heads.
Frieren looked at Fern, then at Shane.
For a mont, she recalled her ten-year journey with Himl, Eisen, and Heiter… and the long path she had walked with her teacher Flam—spanning over fifty years.
For so reason, she felt a quiet happiness.
Of course, except for one thing—
"Don't pat my head…"
Frieren and Fern spoke in unison.
"…"
Shane withdrew his hand awkwardly.
Tch.
The mood was perfect—I thought I could sneak a touch of two fluffy heads…
You two really are master and disciple. Even your vigilance is the sa??
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