Missing(1)

-Outer City Gate-

As Desmond and Alice raced through the distance, their exhausted bodies gradually came into view. The outer city unfolded before them, a sprawling landscape of bustling streets and lively market stalls.

Alice slowly opened her eyes, taking in their surroundings. Her gaze fell upon Desmond, her curiosity piqued. "How did you manage that incredible speed?"

Desmond's expression remained stoic as he replied, "It's a secret."

Alice huffed in response, turning her head away. But soon after, she spoke in a soft tone, "Thank you."

Clearing his throat, Desmond shifted his attention back to Alice and inquired, "So, what was the purpose of our daring escape?" This time, he fixed a serious gaze upon her.

Eying Desmond, Alice's voice lowered, carrying a tinge of mischief. "Well, I wanted to surprise our parents by presenting them with flowers upon their return. But the guards, who are loyal confidants of our parents, are privy to most of our activities. Would it still be a surprise?" She clasped Desmond's hand tightly.

Silent contemplation washed over Desmond. He gently raised his hand, playfully pretending to chop at Alice's head.

"Ouch!" Alice winced in pain, clutching her head, but her eyes sparkled with feigned annoyance as she looked at Desmond.

"Next time, don't attempt it without me. It could be dangerous," Desmond advised, brushing off Alice's gaze as he surveyed the surroundings. "Now, follow me. We'll search for a flower shop."

Taking Alice's hand, Desmond led the way, diligently scanning the area for the nearest flower boutique.

...

After procuring the flowers, Alice tugged Desmond toward the toy shop, her excitement palpable.

"Come on, Desmond, let's hurry!"

"Alright, calm down. The shop isn't going anywhere."

They raced until they finally reached the toy shop, the very same one they had stumbled upon when they first arrived in the kingdom.

"So, did you bring the money?" Desmond inquired, but Alice didn't respond immediately. Instead, she revealed a pouch filled with gleaming gold coins.

"Okay, I'll wait outside..." Desmond's words trailed off as he heard the door close with a satisfying thud.

He simply shook his head and patiently waited.

Minutes ticked by, and finally, Alice emerged from the shop, juggling numerous bags brimming with toys. The bags floated weightlessly, sparing Alice from the burden of carrying them.

"Now, can we head home?"

"I..." Alice paused, her response interrupted by the rumbling growl of her stomach. A blush crept onto her face as she instinctively lowered her head.

*Sigh* "How did this happen? We just ate not long ago."

[Host has been affected by mind spell]

"Stay here and don't wander off. I'll buy you something," Desmond instructed, pointing to a chair outside the toy shop. Alice obediently took a seat, nodding meekly.

[Host has been affected by mind spell]

"Hand me the money pouch," Desmond commanded, and Alice complied without meeting his gaze. She averted her eyes, offering him the pouch.

I wonder if all girls are affected like this.

Desmond examined the pouch, withdrew a few coins, and handed it back to Alice.

[Host has been affected by mind spell]

"No need for too much money just to buy some snacks."

.

.

.

Because it was only Desmond's second time in the outer city, he couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about his surroundings. As he walked, his gaze swept across the streets, searching for a nearby restaurant or shop.

Numerous small alleys caught his attention, leading to narrow passages flanked by buildings. It furrowed his brow, prompting him to quicken his search. Finally, at the end of the road, he spotted a humble establishment that resembled a food stall.

Approaching the shop, Desmond noticed that it had two small windows at either end, with a hole in the middle big enough for an adult's hand to reach through. Above the hole, a glass pane allowed a glimpse into the shop's interior.

Upon his arrival, Desmond found the shop owner busy tidying something on the floor. Feeling impatient, he mustered a smile and inquired, "Excuse me, are you open?"

The shop owner, upon hearing Desmond's voice, glanced up and promptly stood, dust floating from his clothes as he brushed them off. "Yes, my apologies for the mess. My son dropped something earlier," he explained with a smile, rubbing his head.

As the shop owner's gaze focused on Desmond, his smile widened. "Ah, young master, what can I get for you? We also have ice cream here."

Recognizing Desmond's likely affluent background, the shop owner usually only offered ice cream to children from wealthy families. Crafting ice cream was a challenging endeavor, requiring costly ingredients. Understanding Desmond's status, the shop owner felt no hesitation in extending the offer. "Alright, young master, I'll prepare two scoops of ice cream for you."

"Very well, take your time," Desmond replied, waiting patiently.

After placing his order, the shop owner moved swiftly to the cooking counter. He poured milk into a large pot and fetched two glasses of water, casting a spell that transformed the water into ice. The ice was then added to the pot, and with closed eyes, the shop owner murmured incantations. Within seconds, the pot's contents began stirring on their own, transforming into a smooth and creamy texture. The shop owner scooped the ice cream into wooden glasses.

Holding a jar filled with grated chocolate, the shop owner turned to Desmond. "Chocolate or strawberry?"

Mesmerized by the ice cream-making process, Desmond momentarily snapped back to reality when the shop owner inquired, "Both chocolate, please."

Sprinkling the grated chocolate over the creamy concoction, the shop owner chanted another spell, causing the mixture to gradually harden.

"There you go!" The shop owner presented the two ice creams to Desmond.

"That will be 20 silvers."

Desmond reached into his pocket for the money, only to realize that almost all the coins were gold. Perplexed, he reluctantly handed a gold coin to the shop owner.

"A gold coin?" The shop owner exclaimed in surprise. Initially, when he saw Desmond checking his pockets, he assumed the boy didn't have any money and was about to ask him to leave.

"Just keep the change," Desmond replied, taking the two glasses of ice cream and making his way toward the toy shop.

"Thank you very much, young master!" the shop owner expressed his gratitude, bowing repeatedly with a broad smile.

...

Desmond hastened his steps, heading straight to the toy shop. The maze of narrow alleys in the outer city had left him with an uneasy feeling.

[Host has been affected by mind spell]

[Host has been affected by mind spell]

[Host has been affected by mind spell]

[Unable to remove the spells due to the distance between the host and the caster.]

[The mind spell in the host's brain will become permanent in one day.]

"Fuck!" Desmond suddenly became aware of his behavior, realizing he had been compelled by the spell to leave Alice alone.

Frantically, he quickened his pace once more.

"Why didn't the system inform me?!"

[System Conclusion: The system did notify the host earlier, but the host's mind was preoccupied with thoughts about the woman's behavior.]

"Alright, I take the blame for this. I hope you're safe, Alice."

Upon reaching the toy shop, Desmond searched but found no sign of Alice. Instead, he discovered a toy doll lying abandoned in front of the shop.