Disrepected

Kaie awoke to someone gently shaking her shoulder. She cracked her eyes open a bit and mumbled, "Is it time to awake yet...? Do I have a mission today?"

Kerwin looked at her strangely. "Lady Lucille, are you feeling alright?"

She shook her head to clear her thoughts. Kaie smiled and stepped out of the carriage. "My apologies, Knight Kerwin. I was simply a bit drowsy." She shook away her lingering thoughts as she looked towards the road they were on.

Shops lined the street, ranging from desserts to clothes to crafts. Kaie opened the decorative umbrella and held it over her head as she looked around.

Kerwin beckoned to one of the shops. "Lord Shiroi is waiting for you in here."

Kaie smiled and walked through the door. "Thank you, Knight Kerwin." She entered through to see a counter with ice cream on it. There were tables and chairs lining the walls. She spotted Shiroi and promptly walked over to him.

He grinned and waved when he saw her. "Lucille! Glad you came! Come, I ordered your favorite! A chocolate, frosted shake!"

Shiroi placed a long cup with chocolate ice cream and frosting in front of her. Kaie quickly sat down and smiled. "Thanks, Shiroi."

She took a tiny sip and almost coughed. 'So sweet! I don't even think I could drink this much sweetness within a whole week!'

Shiroi grinned and gave her a thumbs-up. He whispered, "I even gave the extra sweetness that you like. I promise I won't tell Knight Kerwin!"

Kaie forced a smile. "Thanks a lot, Shiroi." She stood up to grab a napkin from the counter when someone knocked into her. She fell onto the floor and looked up to see a familiar face. 'Lord Gershire. The one which I danced with at the ball. He probably wanted to get at me for that.'

Kerwin instantly walked over, a hand on the hilt of his sword. She stood up and brushed herself off. Gershire feigned a surprised expression. "Oh Lady Lucille. My apologies, I didn't see you there."

She wanted to lash out at him, but Kaie held herself back. 'One step at a time...I'll correct Lucille's image one step at a time.' She faked a smile. "Is that so, Lord Gershire? I would like to give you a favor for bumping into me. I shall recommend someone to make glasses for you since you can't even see a girl walking across and entered pathway."

Kaie spotted Gershire's hands tightening. She dipped her head down and smirked. 'Perfect. The more I rile him up, the more I can use it against him.' She took out a notepad and pretended to write down the doctor's name.

At that moment, Gershire lost it and raised up his hand to slap her. Kaie pretended to flinch, but before it hit her, someone caught his hand.

Gershire hissed and turned, "YOU-"

Shiroi was gripping his hand. Kerwin relaxed his hand on his sword hilt after seeing Shiroi step in. Shiroi frowned and looked up at Gershire. "Were you about to hit Lady Lucille? The daughter of Duke Elgis?"

Gershire snapped back his hand from him and made a shallow bow. "N-No. My apologies, Lord Shiroi." With that, he ran from the store.

Shiroi quickly grabbed Kaie. "Are you alright, Lucille?"

She tilted her head and smiled. "Thank you, Shiroi. You saved me."

He clenched his fist and looked out the window. "That bastard dares to hit you! Even if our family are the same, he doesn't respect you at all!"

Kaie let out a small giggle and grabbed Shiroi's hand, gently. She pretended to be worried about him. "It's alright. Just don't get hurt yourself, Shiroi."

He smiled and pumped out his chest. "I would never get hurt, but I will protect you!"

Kerwin cleared his throat and Shiroi looked guilty. "Oh, sorry, Knight Kerwin. I'm not going to steal your job."

Kerwin let out a small chuckle at that, the first time that Kaie was hearing him do so. "I know you wouldn't, Lord Shiroi."

Kaie tried to divide Shiroi's attention from her unfinished shake. "Well, Shiroi, would you like to go visit some shops?"

He grinned and nodded. "If you don't mind Lucille, I would like to look at a new sword for myself."

She gave him a warm smile. "Of course I don't mind. Take your time, I would like to come with you."

Shiroi quickly finished his ice cream and headed out of the shop. He pointed at another shop down in the corner of the street. "Let's go there!" He grabbed Kaie's arm and started running down the street.

She stumbled a few times, trying to keep up. Kaie gritted her teeth. 'Curse these high heels! They are almost impossible to run in!' She panted and caught her breath as Shiroi stopped at the store.

He pushed the door open and Kaie peeked inside. There were rows and rows of swords, along with other weapons.

A person greeted them at the door. "It is an honor to have you in my store, Lady Lucille and Lord Shiroi."

Shiroi nodded and looked around. "Lucille, if you would like any decorative swords, I can get one for you."

Kaie shook her head. "Thank you Shiroi, I'm good."

He gave her a thumbs-up and walked over to the swords section. Kaie turned to other side, looking at the knives and daggers. She could see that many of them look sharp, but were decorative. However, one caught her eye.

A simple, rusted blade, with its hilt wrapped in bandages.