15 Is it a date? (2)

When I come out, Lein and Fransisca already waiting for me at the entrance. My twin definitely grinning from ear to ear, while Fransisca got those embarrassed look on her face. I look at Lein questionably. She faking whistle as our eyes met, so I pull Fransisca closer as I hold her waist. She surprised at my sudden advance.

"So what did she do to you now?"

When I ask that she blushing even more.

"No-nothing, except the normal things... Like helping me change... Or measuring my body...."

"That indeed seems much normal than I thought, then why are you got those embarrassed look all over your face?"

"Ummm... You know... She definitely got interest in me...."

She fidgeting as she fiddling with her fingers.

"... Okay, I understand Fransisca. She must have molest you while doing those normal thing."

She basically like an apple when I finish my words, as she hiding her face on my chest. I could feel jealousy coming, then suddenly change to happy, sour and prideful... I look at my twin as her feeling keep changing around.

"You already got your fun right?"

"Oh yes I am."

"Then stop thinking weird things... You do know I could tell all of it right?"

"Hey... It hard to control girl feeling you know!"

"... And you always used that card when you know you are wrong."

"Oh come on just leave me be for now. Also your soreness won't change anything, it not like I am doing those with any bad intention. Ehehehe."

"You really sounds like a pervert now. Come back to your sense before you regret it."

She flinched when I said that, then goes in deep thought, before she messing her own hair in shock. Fransisca already looking at her weirdly tho.

"Th-this... It wasn't like that! It not as you think, I definitely didn't plan it to see you in undergarments! I—"

"Okay, Lein, my twin. You better stop there before making things worse."

"Uhh.. ye-yes Lein, we're in pu-public!"

Hearing both of us, she finally realized what she just spouting... How could she becomes this stupid in a relationship?! Are you a romance comedy character Lein? She close her mouth right away, as we walking away from the store, I could feel the maids gaze. There even some shout from one of them... Okay, I am sure now that this boutique definitely a lair of lesbian in the capital. Now my question is...

"Lein, who was the one that bought you here for the first time?"

"Eh? What with the sudden question?"

"Nothing, I am just wondering. Is it Kaitlyn by any chance?"

"How did you know?! Did you spy me before?"

"... I understand now."

While Lein was in deep thought, Fransisca whispering to me as she locking our arm while we walk.

"What did you understand?"

"Hmmm... I understand whose the other bird in your circle."

"The other bird?"

"Ah, I am talking about, bird of the same feather flock together. It mean those that got the same preference will be close with one another. So basically I found out who got the same preference as Lein."

When she heard my answer she stop on her tracks and look at me bewildered.

"You see, that boutique before definitely got many lesbian customer and servant. It weird that the nobleman need to wait on the first floor, and how small the lounge is for such a big store. Then again most costumer that come in is a girl which locking their arms with one another. Also... it weird that only half of the first floor used for costumer. While it might be a tailoring room, but it weird to got so many room for it."

"Then, when we leave I could feel the maid gaze, also when Lein spouting her nonsense they definitely having fun looking. The only question left is, who introducing this boutique to Lein? Since Lein wasn't actively nor sure about her preference before, it weird that she know those kind of place. Then that means someone bought her there."

She amazed at my explanation and train of thought.

"Then why are you so sure it was Kaitlyn?"

"Why? Because she reject Thomas confession, we all knew they're a sweetheart since they child. But around 2 years ago Kaitlyn suddenly pull herself away from him, and on the last year she reject his confession reluctantly in bitter face but her eyes full of determination."

I explain my reasoning one by one to Fransisca. She stare at me blankly.

"How did you know that?"

"Mmm... I keeping my eyes on her?"

"For?"

"... For Lein."

I move my gaze away. She pull my face back to her so my gaze is right at her eyes.

"Ugh... Fine I'll talk. I do couple of things last year... To keep Kaitlyn apart from Lein even though I am not sure about her preference. In my defense, I am not sure Lein is a lesbian at that time, and I don't want your circle to fall apart because of love affairs inside. Although my meddling wasn't the best thing I ever done...."

"Don't tell me those pranks on Kaitlyn was..."

I move my gaze again... She released my arm and the punch my arm hard enough to make me losing my balance. Before she goes over to Lein, yep she completely mad at me.

"Oh, hello there..."

Having her arm catched by Fransisca make Lein back to her sense. She looking at me bewildered since I am on the ground, while Fransisca got those furious face.

"Err what just happened when I am in a deep thought?"

"... Something that need me to be on the ground to apologized for sure."

She frown as she heard me loud and clear. People starting to gather, I stand up right away before it becomes a scene.

"What did you do now?"

"We will talk about it later in private right Zein?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Yep... Fransisca definitely got mother vibe when she is angry. She smiling but her eyes isn't smiling at all.

"Then we should continue our shopping."

"Where to?"

Ask Lein... Right, honestly... I never goes out shopping alone. Most of the time Rum or Jullian bought my clothing, or I got dragged by those fancy noble son. Which really wasn't my style honestly... While when I goes out alone, I usually sneak out to the first zone... Okay, I must admit, that old Zein, wasn't that bad before except that accident with Silva sister which resulting the comatose. Although he act shitty outside, he really like the bustling first zone. He even raise the price, when some poor citizen selling their stuff.

He always said it like a shitty person tho. Like 'this lowly commoner, do you think I am poor or something?! If you want me to purchase your product, sell something fancy at least! For something that not even amount to 1 silver, I won't purchase it.'

He said those while tossing a silver coin for anything that only worth 3 to 5 bronze. Then saying a line like..

'tsk... What a low quality is this shit. Just consider you are lucky since my underlings need some punishment. Hahahaha'

Before leaving the seller with a spit.... Yep, that kind of stupid act, while he never really took any item that can be considered as pricey. He always buy item from the poor with high price, but he also selecting the seller. When someone that really want to do scam come over to him, he always giving them indifference face, a mocking speech and then leave them without a glance.

Seriously what is wrong with me... Am I would become like him too if I was in his shoe? Why is it so hard to be honest? As I reminiscing Zein memories, Lein waving her hand in my face.

"Anyone home?"

"Ahh... What was it again?"

"Err, you spacing out when I ask you where are we going?"

"... Right, just follow me. I guess I found out which tailor be perfect for me."

"Eh, you know a tailor? That is knew Zein."

"I know right Fransisca, I never thought he would go to a tailor alone."

"I'll took that as compliment. Anyway let's go, it kinda far from here."

I give them a robe, before we move, they look bewildered as I giving it to them. They wore it without questioning tho, I could see that Lein was curious. With that I lead them away from the second zone of West district, and goes straight to the tailor that I knew from the past. He is one of the person that Zein playing tough from before. After half an hour walking, we arrive at a small workshop near the slum. Lein and Fransisca frowning as they see how broke down the place is. I knock at the door in confidence, he is a nice old man.

"Old man Vans, are you inside?"

"I am here, wait for a second costumers."

Not too long some kind looking, 50ish years old man opening the door. He look quite shabby, but clean. I smile when I look at him. When he sees me he look confused since he sure he never meet him. It only those from around here called him that, while old Zein indeed meeting him couple of time. When he met me before, I give him 5 silver for a leather gloves which pretty rough. Although he made it really stylish, but his material come from a rough leather. Then afterwards he keep giving Zein his work to paid him back. Which made me keep giving him more money. I mean his craft is good, but his material definitely not up to his expertise.

"He-hello Sir, ho-how may I help you?"

He said that while trembling, since I definitely got a fancy get up.

"Relax there oldman Vans. I was introduced to you by Zein, he said you're the best tailor around here."

"Zein?"

He got a more confused.

"Ah, I mean young master Dageraad."

"Young master Dageraad?! You are introduced by young master Dageraad? Please, come in! come in!"

He suddenly become frantic... He lead us inside whilst trembling. While Fransisca and Lein completely at loss.

"Here, have a seat. My apologies for my humble shop. If I know that young master of Dageraad house would come today, I would have clean it better."

"You're too kind old man Vans. I am here for a request of a new clothing."

"Ah, for young master Dageraad I would give my all. I still in debt with him."

"You got a debt with Zein?!"

Lein surprised when she heard Vans... Now I got a feeling, this would become troublesome.

"Yes, milady. Young Master Zein love to stroll around this part of city before. Whilst he acting haughty, arrogant and sometime spiteful, but he always purchase a merchandise from the poor citizen here in a high price. Sometimes he even bought a rock then threw one silver at the kids or orphanage. He then said something like, 'consider you're lucky, I need a rock like this to hurl a dog at the academy.' or 'Hah what a coincidence, I need this to mock that underlings of mine!'."

" It pretty amusing for this old man eyes, when I heard his reasoning every time he made a purchase of our garbage. He keep acting high and mighty while doing those things. Which make many people in slum thought he is an idiot. But they couldn't get more wrong, he only made a purchase on those which really need it."

"One time a scammer from the slum coming to sell him a fake goods. Which ended with him got an indifference gaze and humiliation. 'Are you an idiot or are you blind? Why did you buy an obvious replica like this? See here, the real things should got the signature plated with mithril. Then here, he is someone that really pragmatic and perfectionist to his bone, how could he made a small mistake like different sizes in scale.'"

"And he goes on and on until the scammer got red faced, before leaving him without a single glance. What more after a couple of minutes, a guard come and catch the scammer. From all those scene he made, this one might be a lowly commoner, but this old man eyes was right about him being a good person under his arrogant and haughty act."

"This might be sound ridiculous, but he never let me give back his money. He always said one or two silver coin won't made the great me die. You lowly one should know your place and just took it for yourself. At first I thought he was looking down on me, but after seeing him couple of time this oldman sure he just wanted to help us."

The only man laugh as he telling them that story, while the ladies got agape from surprise.

"That old Zein do those?!"

"... Whoa twin, you really hiding yourself deep!"

While Fransisca in disbelief, Lein nudge me playfully. Making the old man looking at me wondering.

"What do you mean milady? I was talking about Young Master Dageraad. Also ain't you look familiar with him? While this gentleman, seems too old for being your twins."

"He is my twin you know, and the one you're tal—"

I close her mouth right away with my hand, she look at me still in playfulness. She bite me right away.

"Old man help, my twin Zein Dageraad didn't want the truth goes out! He gonna shut me up."

"Zein Dageraad?! He is.. Young Master Dageraad! Then you are our kingdom prodigious lady, Lady Lein Dageraad?!"

The old man standing shocked, as he then bow down to us. Now you've done it Lein, I reluctantly undo my disguise, making him more surprised.

"It really young master Dageraad!"

"It been awhile old man... Please don't tell anyone about that story ... From now on."

"I-I understand. Please forgive me from gossiping your life."

"Sigh... It fine. Also those Lein saying from before is only a joke."

"Is it? I am sure you would bite me before!"

"... I am considering to do it now."

"See mister Vans, he wanted to silence me..."

Old man Vans look confused because of our bickering. He doesn't know what to do as he look back and forth at us.

"Mister Vans, just ignores their antics. They always doing those when they're together."

"Ain't they closer than how the rumors made them seems?"

"They did. That why it better not to trust a rumors too much mister Vans."

"That's good then, I've been wondering why a noble like young master Dageraad got a really bad reputation. I thought peoples were blind. Seems like those rumors come from people with bad intention."

Fransisca smile brightly as she heard the old man believe. I cut in right away, when I realized where Fransisca bought the conversation. Before she stir it more.

"They weren't blind old man. I am just too great for them. Who do you think I am. I don't need their pity or stupidity"

Okay that come out weird?! But I want that bad reputation. I could feel my ears grow hotter. Hearing my retort he flinched, while Fransisca frown as she staring at me.

"M-my apologize young master Dageraad."

"Tsk... I don't need your apologize. There nothing wrong. Just made me a clothes already. I didn't come here for chat."

I try to act like the old Zein, which really embarrassing... Oh my God, how did he do that before? Lein smirk as she looking at me, while Fransisca holding her laugh as she could see my ears goes red.

"Anyway old man. Your material is really bad, used this to buy a better material for me. Also I want your best design. If you need more just said it. Although it shabby but it good for undercover."

I threw a 9 silver coin as I said that. He only nodding his head with a smile on his face. Damn this oldman definitely know I am only acting.

"Certainly young master. I would made the best suit for you."

"Tsk.. you can ask my fiancee there for the style."

I stand up as if running away from the room. As I go out the door, I could hear a laughter, after awhile Lein come out.

"Look whose here. Our mushy hearted young master."

"Have you had enough?!"

"Hahaha... I never thought you still care about commoner deep inside before. I thought you were a total jerk."

She laugh at my face, as she answer my complaint. I took a cigarette out from the space and lighten it. She look at me curiously.

"So won't you share the truth? I thought you were wasting our family wealth before for drinking and gambling with your fancy noble and merchant son 'friends'."

"Nothing much. I indeed used my pocket money for drinking, and party with them. While most of the rumors indeed made as I planned, all of it was true. But sometimes I just wanted to help them, it the only way to made me feel relieved. Also one of things that keep me sane. "

I took a deep breath, then puff out the smoke. Lein frowning hearing my answer.

"Why—"

"Simple, I already told you that. I can't turn back as I haven't made peace with myself. So you could say all those is how I run away, from my run away feeling."

"How complicated could you get."

"As complicated as your. It the same feeling as what you felt before, when you thought I goes out alone with Fransisca. I don't understand what is going on, but I couldn't accept being left behind. I couldn't reach agreement with myself being a failure of our family, and many other. We're twin, why I couldn't become someone like you, why my potential is so low, why I keep feeling jealous at my own twin. Those thoughts keep swirling around my head. At the end I decided just to push everyone away, so I could feel better. Which in the end it only running away from the problem, not solving it."

"I see... Then that is your reason for today?"

"Yes.. I don't want you to become like that, we're twin after all. What could happen to me on break down, could happen to you too. And I know the results from that is regrets."

I lean on the wall, as I said those things. Which made Lein in deep thoughts as she also leaning on the wall. We stay in silence as we looking at the bustling road full of the citizen activity. A moment later she sighing as she look at me then talking with a low voice.

"Your train of thought is too complicated brother. But somehow I feel that there not only regret now."

"Well I regret my decision, but I like my bad reputation right now. At least I won't be on the center of the attention anymore. I could spend more time with people whose I really care, without public eyes on me. Which is much more relaxing than before."

"Sigh... Indeed, you could just be yourself and no one care. While me right now, I can't even tell other I like a girl. I am not sure how our parents would react when they heard this news!"

"Damn right... I never thought that, and I guess I never seen any noble of our kingdom married with the same gender. There also the holy church.."

"Now Zein, are you purposely made me anxious?"

"Oh come on, you know I am not. But there might be a way?"

"Like what?"

"... Marrying a gay noble? Then you both could just exchanging partner?"

"... That is ridiculous brother! That might be viable but impractical, our family would be smeared for generations if the kingdom and church found it. Worse we could even end it at our generation. Except..."

For the first time I thought how troublesome this world setting. Well there many history on Earth about gay relationship too, and many condemned them in medieval age. As a modern and humanistic person, I didn't care about it honestly. Since it their choice to like and love someone, but public eyes always troublesome. Even on modern Earth, there still countries that didn't accept marriage with the same gender.

What more this world with their fantasy and magical being? There many history about heroes and demon lord, and Gods meddling, which made the church point view important. There couple noble house fall because they got their family head banished or excommunicated by the church. So what Lein said is correct. I know what her line of thought tho... Which I can accept, if it not...

"You know right... I won't share Fransisca..."

"... Am I that obvious?"

"You are obvious for me... Although I could agree with your idea if it isn't Fransisca..."

When she heard that she grinning ear to ear.

"So that mean you would..."

"Yes.. I would, but you still need to take a husband in name which can be trusted."

That is my conclusion as I thought about Earth history.

"That last part is hard tho..."

"You don't want our parents know tho. It would be different if you would talk to them."

"Ugh... Indeed..."

"Sigh... Right, talking about our parents I have a secret that I need to tell you too. Mother told me to keep it to myself, but I guess it won't be fair anymore. Since I promise you no more secret between us."

"Eh? Is it a good secret or a bad secret"

She raise her voice at once as her eyebrows raise with her exclamation.

"A good one I guess. We're going to have a brother or a sister soon."

"A brother or sister??"

"Basically mother was pregnant for two months already."

"What?! How couldn't I know it?"

"Because it a secret? I found it by a chance too, as mother got morning sickness."

"That a great news! I finally got a little sister!"

She jump up right away.

"Hold you reins there... We didn't know which gender our little sibling would be."

"I am sure she would be a girl!"

I could only sigh, as I look her being hype, mission accomplished tho. At least Lein wouldn't be depressed for awhile. Suddenly Fransisca come out from the shop.

"Are you done?"

"Yes, I already make sure the style of your pre-ordered clothes with mister Vans as I imagining."

"Then we should go out of here. I already told Rum to made a reservation on Clear Ambient."

"Ah... I thought you haven't prepare anything."

"Well, I haven't. Except giving some excuse to made Run go away, since I plan today to be a date alone with you. So I told him to reserve a restaurant for dinner."

"Eh... Da-date??"

"Ah.. did I jump in conclusion?"

She shaking her head right away whilst blushing.

"N-no, you aren't... I indeed want today to be a date..."

She answer me in whisper while glancing at Lein.

"I am sorry. But I can't leave her alone for now. Since she feeling lonely and frustrated when she thought we're going out without her."

"Ah.. it okay, I just feeling confused. I thought you weren't thinking this as a date, since you agreeing with Lein going along with us."

"Hey, lovebirds. What were you talking about while glancing at me?"

"Hmm, something secret between fiancee?"

I answer her with a smirk.

"Tsk, I thought there is no secret anymore."

"Oh, would you like to hear our lovey-dovey conversation then?"

She open her eyes wide.

"Of course not! Go have your lovebirds talk!"

She stomping her feet as she walk away. We both laughing at her, as we catch up with her. After awhile we finally arrived at Clear Ambient, it my favorite restaurant in the capital as the old Zein which is a three stories building. It got a good atmosphere, food and privacy. The first floor was an open table and bar for the public, the second floor is for noble reservations, and the third floor is private room.

When we arrive Rum already standing outside with a banquet of flowers in his hands. He bow down then walking to Fransisca. She surprised when looking at the banquet, before looking at me.

"It for you Fransisca. I ask Rum to prepare it for our first date."

She is speechless as she took the banquet from Rum hand. While Lein completely out of the her mind, she pull my sleeve to pull me closer.

"Since when you're this sweet and romantic?"

"Since forever? I never got a chance to show off before, since no one catch my eyes. Actually I am pretty nervous at first when I found out Fransisca is a girl. Then I realized that I never give her a proper gift before."

"Now I realize, that you didn't took her for granted."

"I never did took anyone for granted. I just never said it or show it aloud."

"You never give me a gift tho."

"... Where do you think those scabbard come from?"

"It from you?! I thought it was father gift. I seriously can't understand you at all, how did you live with all those acting before?"

"By deception of course."

"I am glad you turn back before becoming a criminal mind that taking control of underground world."

We whispering with each other.

"Hey, I wasn't that..."

Then I suddenly thought of something... Criminal master...

The voice from before...

Hero....

My self hurting and my decision to stomp Silva sister...

Then God comment...

No way... Just no way....

All the memories of Zein roll through my mind. Ain't I a perfect vilain character before? A perfect sister, a rich and powerful noble son, his weak and useless self, his depression and self blaming...

Error...

Anomaly...

Then don't tell me if the anomaly never happened I would become...

Damn it... What kind of shit, did I signed before?

When I am in deep thought, someone suddenly nudge me.

"Oi, brother. Why are you suddenly spacing out again?"

"Ah, nothing. I just realized something, your words seem legit."

"Legit?"

"Ah, I mean it intriguing."

"Are you regretting not become a criminal mind already?"

"It regrettable I never thought it like that. Maybe I should try to become one."

As I am joking around with Lein, Fransisca suddenly come over and kiss my cheek. I am staring at her blankly, in shock.

"Thank you for your gift Zein. I really love this banquet."

"Aaa..."

I could only answer stupidly, while nodding. That definitely outside my expectations, I never thought she would kiss my cheek in public. She is bashful tho. As she reached out my arm and lock it with her arm.

"Then young master, your private room has been prepared."

"Aaa..."

Yep... Now, I really hope all my assumption was wrong. It must be wrong... No one got a good end as vilain! Yep, let's stay low from now on, also I definitely need to get stronger.

With that we having a complete harmonious dinner in Clear Ambient before parting way by the dormitory. I goes straight back to my room with teleport, where I found Silva studying as usual. He only glance at me before moving on to his studies.

With that I drift off to dream world right away, as I planned my training.

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