Chapter 39: Thief

Chapter 39: Thief

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The sun blazed mercilessly over the sandy expanse of Alabasta. Its midday heat blanketed the kingdom, intensifying as it radiated off the stone streets of the bustling market square. Time had ticked away, marking four hours since the Dragon Sin ship narrowly evaded a naval pursuit, its sails disappearing over the horizon. Now, amidst the fervor of the main city, two figures walked side by side, blending seamlessly into the crowd.

Meliodas, his short frame cloaked in a brown hood that concealed his golden hair, moved casually, as though entirely indifferent to the danger that loomed over them. Beneath the hood, his vibrant green eyes shimmered like polished emeralds, catching glimpses of the city's activity. His white shirt, with its long, folded sleeves, and his bright green trousers stood out starkly against the earthy tones of his surroundings.

Elizabeth walked beside him, her presence radiant against the bustling backdrop. Her silver hair, cascading in soft waves, seemed almost to catch the sunlight itself, shimmering with a metallic glow. Her sapphire-blue eyes mirrored the deep hues of the ocean, and her light blue dress, which swayed with her every step, enhanced her serene beauty. A sapphire pendant glimmered at her throat, its color so rich it seemed to hold a fragment of the sea. Over her right shoulder hung a pristine white bag, the strap cutting across her torso and the bag resting lightly against her left hip.

The marketplace was alive with activity. Merchants called out their wares with voices loud enough to compete with the clinking of coins and the chatter of bartering customers. Stalls lined both sides of the broad street, brimming with fruits, spices, fabrics, and trinkets. The air was thick with the aromas of roasted meats, fresh bread, and exotic spices. Beneath it all lay the faint, salty tang of the nearby sea. Children darted between legs, their laughter mingling with the scolding of exasperated vendors.

Elizabeth wiped a small bead of sweat from her fair skin and remarked, "I can't believe everyone here is smiling and laughing like this heat is nothing."

Meliodas smirked under his hood. "At first, this thing was a lifesaver from this hot sun, but now..." He tugged at the coarse fabric of the hood. "It feels like I'm wearing a horse saddle. And it smells like one too."

Elizabeth glanced sideways, her sharp eyes catching sight of two Marine officers strolling leisurely through the crowd. They were dressed in light summer uniforms—white shirts rolled up at the sleeves, emblazoned with the Marine insignia on the back. Their navy-blue trousers were neatly pressed, and their polished boots thudded lightly against the stone pavement. One of them had a rifle slung across his back, while the other's sword rested at his side.

The two Marines were laughing, their conversation lost amid the noise, but their gazes inevitably landed on Elizabeth as they passed by. Both men paused briefly, their eyes lingering a moment longer than was polite.

Once they'd passed, one nudged the other with a playful elbow. "Did you see that girl? She's gorgeous!"

His companion chuckled. "What, you're thinking of flirting with her? Come on, man. Women like that would laugh you off in an instant."

"Hey, you don't know until you try!" the first Marine protested. "It can't be that hard."

The second shook his head in disbelief. "You're serious? Don't tell me you're actually going to try."

The first Marine hesitated, then turned back toward Elizabeth, a grin spreading across his face. But just as he took a step, his smile faltered, his eyes narrowing as if sensing a presence. From beneath Meliodas' hood, the Marine caught a glimpse of those striking green eyes, sharp and unwavering.

He froze in place, his grin fading. "You know what? On second thought, maybe not."

His companion raised an eyebrow. "What's gotten into you?"

The Marine rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know... Did you notice the short guy with her? For a moment there, I didn't even realize he was standing next to her."

The other Marine scoffed, trying to mask his unease. "You're letting your imagination get the better of you. She's just another local. And him? He's probably just her kid brother or something."

Still, the first Marine couldn't shake the memory of those piercing green eyes. But when he turned back to look for them, Elizabeth and Meliodas had vanished into the crowd.

Elizabeth let out a soft sigh as they walked on. "It seems the Marines aren't too keen on identifying you. My idea for the hood is working after all."

She glanced sideways, intending to share her observation, but the space beside her was empty. Panic flared in her chest as she scanned the crowd, her blue eyes darting left and right. Finally, she spotted him. Meliodas stood at a fruit vendor's stall, examining a mound of ripe produce as if he didn't have a care in the world.

Elizabeth exhaled sharply and made her way toward him. "How can he be so relaxed in a situation like this?" she muttered under her breath.

When she reached him, she found him holding a bulging sack of fruit. "Where did you get the money for all this?" she demanded.

Meliodas grinned innocently. "What do you mean? The vendor's waiting for you to pay."

Elizabeth sighed, suppressing a laugh as she handed over 200 berries from her bag. The vendor returned her change with a grateful nod, and she tucked the coins back into her purse. With the fruit sack now resting against her chest, she smiled faintly. "Well, I guess this isn't the worst idea you've had."

They continued their walk, the heat pressing down on them. Elizabeth tilted her head upward, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight as a rare breeze tugged at the strands. She looked at the cloudless sky, a single thought flitting through her mind. I just hope we can make it out of here safely...

A sudden, sharp cry pierced the air.

"Out of the way! Out of the way!"

The crowd parted in a rush as four Marines stormed through the market, swords drawn. Their uniforms clung to their sweat-soaked bodies, and the heat seemed to amplify the urgency in their voices.

"Make way! There's a thief here!"

The townsfolk recoiled, fear etched into their faces. Among the scattering people, a boy darted forward. He looked about Meliodas' age, with light brown hair that framed a young, angular face. His amber-brown eyes, tinged with orange, darted nervously as he held a dark green patterned pillow in his hand.

He wore a ho oded cloak in shades of honey and cool green, under which a blue shirt and matching trousers peeked out.

"Thief? What are you talking about? I didn't do anything!" he shouted back, his voice tight with desperation.

The boy's gaze flicked forward again—just in time to meet Elizabeth's wide blue eyes. Neither had time to react before their collision sent them both tumbling to the ground. The sack of fruit flew into the air, its contents scattering like a rainbow of orbs before bouncing across the cobblestones.

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[A/N]

Things seem to be getting interesting...

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