7 The Younger Brother

"Thank you, I'll come again," Luis said his goodbyes to the shop tailor who has a very satisfied look in his eyes.

Wearing a new set of clothes, Luis's appearance has improved dramatically. He has specifically picked up the ones that looked like clothes he and Leo usually wears. Practically a medieval-style suit, Luis was in his primal style. He bought another for Leo, requesting the tailor to remove the buttons of his jacket, just the way he likes it. He feels glad he didn't need to commission anything and wait for days: the clothes he bought fit the two of them perfectly.

"I can't believe they have suits like this," Luis murmur as he steps out of the store.

"It's rare to see people wearing those." Suddenly, at the window side of the store, a voice addresses him. It was the voice of a young person.

Luis stares in his direction and sees a hooded figure. He was wearing a brown robe that completely hides his body. Perceiving his height, he only barely reaches his shoulder. His voice was also neutral; Luis cannot guess if he was a male or female. He was, of all things, mysterious.

"Who are you?" Luis asked, turning to the figure with interest.

"Just a normal person passing by."

"You definitely do not look like one."

"I can say the same thing to you, mister."

"That's true," Luis smiled as he replied, causing the figure to momentarily pause towards his oblivious act on him.

"You seem nice, can I follow you around?"

"Why would you do that?"

"I'm touring the city, it would be great if I'll be accompanied by someone."

"Fine, you can stick around. Just make sure you'll leave later." After a show of hesitance, Luis replied.

"I will, just take me around the city while I still have time," He said, adding more of the mysteriousness that surrounds him.

Luis feels that he wasn't dangerous, so he doesn't have his guard on him. He can tell if a person has negative intentions, and like his brother, he can sense malice. The hooded figure asking him for a favor right now only has genuine thoughts. He was merely speaking what's on his mind. Realizing this, Luis starts to walk away, not minding being followed around.

"Why are you alone in the night?" Luis asked.

"I just wanted to look around the city."

"Which I'm guessing you normally can't."

"That's right. How about you?"

"I was asked to do something. So far, I haven't done it yet.

"What are you looking for?"

"An ember that doesn't use mana."

"Fufu..." The person laughs, "There's no ember in the world that doesn't use mana."

On that claim, Luis remains quiet.

"Well, good luck to you, mister. Just take me with you while you're on it."

"As I said, it's fine."

Just like that, he comes along on Luis's walk. The two of them continue to walk around the city, hoping to find other stores, but failed to do so. On the way, it was easy for the both of them to get along. On Luis's side, he was able to gain more information about Zealean and the supposed "different" world he and his brother are currently in. The hooded figure, on the other hand, who introduced himself as Alice, got the company he was looking for.

"It feels like you're a slave to this person you call your brother, Luis," Alice remarks as he listens to Luis's stories.

"That's not it at all. It's actually the opposite. He is stuck with a brother like me."

"What do you mean?"

"Just think of it as if there's a chain that connects the two of us, which has been forced onto him."

"I don't get it..." Alice murmurs, which turns Luis to smile at his innocence.

"Are you hungry?" Luis inquired as he intends to clear the conversation.

"Definitely."

"Then let's go, I'll treat you."

"Really? That would be great! I haven't eaten food from the city before!" Alice excitedly said.

Resuming on their walk, they find a place to eat. It didn't take long for them to come across different stalls that sell varieties of street food. Each time they would try them, and each time, Luis will save some for Leo. Most of the food they ate was apparently unknown to Alice, but at the same time, Luis hasn't seen or tasted any of them too. They were both excited to try each of them.

"I'm full..." Alice moans as he sits on the side of the square, where they came back to rest.

"Did you like it?"

"I loved it!"

"I loved it too," Luis said, showing a genuine smile.

"Haah..." Alice sighs, "It was the first time I had a trip this fun in the city. Usually, I just go around looking at stores and people, avoiding getting caught." He added, "I was really glad I met you!" Although his eyes were hidden under the hood, his smile was abundantly shown.

"Don't mention it," Luis brushes him off.

"Do you have a job, Luis?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I want to hire you."

Luis remained quiet as he was asked. But Alice seems to be determined, and he continues.

"I want to hire you as my bodyguard."

"That wouldn't work; that's not my purpose."

"It's the first time I met someone I could actually trust. It would be a waste if I won't have you."

"I'm sorry, but I cannot work as your bodyguard," Luis said in a straightforward way, directly turning Alice's offer down.

"That's... depressing," Alice said.

Looking far ahead, he suddenly stood up in a rush. Seeing a group of guards gather around near, he starts to panic. "Thank you, Luis. I wanted to spend more time with you, but unfortunately, I cannot. I hope we will meet again." And just like that, he went away.

Luis saw Alice from afar, getting caught and surrounded by the guards. He didn't intervene since he didn't know what his situation was. And as he was carried to a carriage, he saw his hood fell off, dropping the golden braided hair that's long and unique, nothing like he has ever seen before. Apparently, Alice was a female.