Shopping

“It’s a pleasure to spend the day with you like this, Eimyrja. I must thank you again for agreeing to come with me.”

Lily’s  smile was soft as she spoke to the Nifl noble, the veil on the back of  her head moving in the wind as they walked through the market crowds.  They were thin today, but still enough that one could not mistake it for  the bustling capital.

The noblewoman nodded her head regally, her appearance as elegant as the queen Lily had no doubt she would become some day.

“It is of no trouble. I am feeling rather well today, so I am happy to go out, especially if it is for Prince Hrid.”

Lily’s  smile grew as Eimyrja spoke. She had wished to find a gift for  Helbindi, in honor of the upcoming Love Abounds festival, when she had  thought to invite Eimyrja, both to have help in what might be considered  a proper gift in this world and to grow closer with the visiting  noblewoman.

“So what would you think suitable for your prince?”

Eimyrja chuckled.

“I  rather enjoy that. The next time we are all together, you should call  him mine in front of him, I’m sure he’ll have a wonderful expression.”

Lily’s expression had a hint of mischief now, only able to be recognized by those who knew her well.

“I  understand what you mean, it’s the cutest thing when I suddenly say to  Helbindi that I love him during a conversation or take his hand as I  compliment his work, his face twists up and he seems to fight between  being outraged and embarrassed.”

Eimyrja nodded.

“Hrid’s expression when I tease him can truly be a delight, even if he may have grown more accustomed to it.”

The  two of them stopped for a moment, sighing wistfully as they thought of  the ones they loved. Out of the corner of her eye, Lily saw a flash of  pink and she turned her head to see what was in the storefront, gasping  as she did so.

“Oh my, I did not realize that your world had these as well.”

They  had incidentally stopped before what seemed to be a custom lingerie  store, for which an employee was setting up a display of pink clothing  in the front. It was a babydoll, sheer with an edge of frills, under  which a bra and underwear could be seen, both held up by straps around  the shoulders and hips respectively that were decorated with flowers  made with the same material as the frills on the babydoll, giving the  outfit a pure yet sensual feel.

Lily felt a small sense of embarrassment, but she kept staring, the beauty of it entrancing her.

“It’s beautiful.”

“…We were looking for presents, correct?”

Lily looked up at Eimryrja, noticing the tiny smile upon her face.

“That would certainly be a wonderful gift for Helbindi, would you not agree?”

Lily stilled, imagining her lover on the bed, embarrassed as he wore it.

“…He would look delightful, but I fear that may be more a gift for me than for him.”

Eimyrja looked down at her, her gaze wide for a moment before she began to laugh.

“I believe you misunderstood, I meant for you to wear it as a gift to him, though now you have given me an idea, fufufu.”

When her show of amusement was over, the two of them continued on, though both still kept the shop in the back of their minds.

After some time, they found a shop of accessories, and they wandered within, searching until they found something. 

As  they walked out after buying their items, they spoke more of their  loves, their tone and speech making those passing thinking them to be  nobles speaking of matters as prestigious as they appeared to be, only  to be surprised if they actually listened in and heard them talk of  memories of making their lovers grow flustered.

They were making  their way back to the castle, when a small group of men stepped into  their path, leering smiles upon their faces that made Lily feel  sickened, reminding her that this world and hers had more similarities  than she realized.

The one in front, his sleeves rolled up to his shoulders, stepped forward as he made no attempt to hide how he looked them over.

“Well  well well, it’s a shame that two gorgeous women are alone like this.  We’d be happy to give you some company, though I know I can satisfy the  both of you myself, real nice~”

Lily shuddered in disgust, and the expression on Eimyrja’s face showed that she had similar thoughts.

“…No thank you, we were returning home, so your presence will be unnecessary.”

She began to walk, when he reached out and grabbed her wrist.

“Hey, now don’t be like that, I’m sure that I can give you something that you’ll like.”

Lily’s  expression grew neutral, and the resistance against him eased, making  the man be all the more surprised when she suddenly raised her arm and  bit his hand hard enough to bleed.

He shouted and cursed,  releasing her, and she let go of his hand, spitting his blood onto the  ground. She gave him a glare and perhaps he could tell how much she  would fight, for he gestured to his friends and they wandered off,  grumbling all the while.

As Lily and Eimyrja once more continued back to the castle, she gave the Nifl noble a small bow.

“I  do apologize for that display. After coming here and being kidnapped  and such, I find it difficult to tolerate any nonsense from those with  ill will.”

Eimyrja nodded understandingly.

“I am not  surprised, nor do I look down on your actions. Rather, it was satisfying  to see that poor excuse of a man get what should have come to him long  ago. I also agree with you, kidnapping can truly change you.”

“Oh  yes, you were held by the Muspellians as well, though I cannot truly  compare as you were held far longer than I. I can only be grateful that  you were able to come out and once more be with your dear prince.”

Eimyrja’s smile held a tinge of sadness before she spoke.

“The  war took its toll upon us all, but you are correct. We must be grateful  for what we still have, and on what we hope to have in the future.”

The two of them walked silently after that, their minds and their hearts upon what their love had brought them.