Chapter 151: The easiest way to shop with kids is not to.

The quiet atmosphere of the bookstore settled around me as I gazed down at little Bob. I thought the child was reaching for my inventory, but he had actually wanted my wrist.

"Sorry little guy, I'm not going to be going anywhere with you." I spoke. "Where’s your dad?”

I took a step back and little Bob gazed at me in confusion. He looked down at his hands and then back at me and made a grabbing motion.

Mana Sense.

My skill swept through the surroundings, but I couldn't sense the boy’s father nearby. I wasn't sure if I would be able to distinguish him from an ordinary person.

I turned my attention toward little Bob.

"Where do you want to go?" I asked curiously.

I wasn't going to follow him no matter what happened, but I didn't mean I couldn't get some information.

"Painting." The toddler spoke a single word.

Painting? I had no idea what that meant.

Little Bob took a step towards me, and I sighed.

“I don't think you're understanding—” I stopped speaking.

Wait.

I was thinking about this from the perspective of an adult. Maybe that was the wrong way to tackle this problem.

This was a child I was dealing with.

His concentration was already waning, and I could see him looking at the nearby books. His eyes were glancing from cover to cover, focusing on the most colourful ones.

"Little Bob." I got his attention. "Do you care when I go to this painting?"

Little Bob tilted his head in confusion, then he shook it.

I knew it. He had a single goal in mind, but it wasn't fully formed, and he didn't have an intricate plan.

He was thinking like a kid.

He’d see me. He’d ask me to follow him. Then I would go.

Little Bob was getting confused because I wasn't following the last step.

"I'll tell you what.” I smiled. "I'll go with you to the painting. If you do one thing for me."

His expression lit up with joy and he nodded at me.

I pointed at the books. There were seven shelves of Marked one fiction and I wanted to rejoin my friends sooner rather than later.

“I'm buying a present for my friend.” I smiled.  "Help me find a good book and I'll go to your painting another day."

I gave the bookshelf a pat. "

“Choose whatever you think is best.”

That would distract the kid for a while. He didn't seem to have any trouble getting around, but I didn't want him popping by every corner I was in.

I would find a book, congratulate him, and then tell him I'd come visit the painting someday. I’d likely never see him again.

Little Bob nodded his head and pumped his arms in excitement. I saw his face light up as he started from the bottom of the bookshelf. It was the only place he could reach properly.

The minutes passed and I was quickly running into the issue of adding books to a ‘maybe' pile, but not choosing a single one,

They were surprisingly cheap.

Was it insensitive to give Amanda a book about Marked ones now that she was friends with two of them?

Not to mention I was Marked. I'd be handing her a book about myself. I stared at the novels in front of my pensively.

It was a bit pretentious.

Little Bob stood up, a book in his hand, and tugged at my pants. His brows furrowed together in concentration and his expression was one of pride.

"What did you find?” I picked the book up.

‘I Was Marked And Became The Mysteriously Divine Handsome Criminal: A Harem Story.’

I raised an eyebrow at the title and then read the blurb. The plot was exactly as advertised. I flicked through the first page.

It confirmed my suspicion.

Little Bob had terrible taste in books.

“Or would Amanda prefer this?” I tapped the book’s spine.

She’d had a lot of books, but I wasn't sure what her exact type was. Heck, I didn't even know what the popular tropes were.

I was at a disadvantage as a person with minimal book-reading experience.

It went into my ‘maybe’ pile to be reviewed later. The pile slowly grew as time passed, and I was trying my best to rush.

I sincerely hoped that William hadn’t told them the stomachache excuse.

Thinking about him gave me an idea. Maybe I was going about this the wrong way. I’d found the gift I wanted to get Amanda. I just didn't know which of these it was.

I brought out my texting regent.

It was time for me to take a page out of William’s book and make the wisest choice.

One message later I saw Gerial walk into the store and wave at me.

“I knew you weren't sick with a headache.” Gerial grinned. “And to think I bought medicine at the park shop.”

"I'm really glad you just said that." I sighed in relief.

William had just been messing with me.

“I wanted to get a birthday gift for Amanda, then I realised I'm not an expert on this subject." I gestured towards the shelves. “I'm not sure why I'm keeping it hidden.”

Outsourcing my work was a smart move, but I felt embarrassed.

"I get it.” Gerial nodded. “Buying a gift is personal. It’s very you.”

“Exactly.” I smiled.

“Plus, you didn't even know it was her birthday. I got her gift three days ago when I realised she was coming on this trip. It's more of a souvenir, but it's the thought that counts.” Gerial waved his hand dismissively. “Roxxy has one too. Though after the hotel fire I think she's feeling awkward about giving it to Amanda.”

I stared at him.

If he was telling the truth that meant that everybody except William and I had gotten presents.

"Do you all have a list or something you keep on you with each other's information? Why do all the nobles seem to know each other?" I grumbled, searching through more books.

I picked up a book and examined it but saw that Gerial wasn't doing the same.

Instead, he crouched down next to Little Bob with a pensive expression on his face. The child was looking through novels and judging from the covers they all followed the same theme as his first suggestion.

"You’re little Bob?” Gerial stretched his hand out. “Hi, nice to meet you.”

Little Bob ignored him. Gerial took it in stride and kept his hand steady.

"My name’s Gerial.” He spoke again. “Do you want to be my friend?”

Little Bob turned away from Gerial, grabbing another book.

I chuckled.

“Little Bob don't be rude. Gerial’s a very cool person and you're hurting his feelings.” I gave it a try.

Little Bob looked up at me and then at Gerial.

He shook his hand and Gerial smiled.

“That wasn't so hard.” Gerial stood up. “It's always tough to understand what makes them work.”

"He's not much younger than you." My lips parted into a smile.

“I'll say.” Gerial shook his head.

That was the other benefit to inviting Gerial. He could meet little Bob firsthand. He’d said himself that he had met the entire Gesti household, now he could confirm that little Bob wasn't one of them.

"Is it okay if my friend comes with us to the painting?" I asked little Bob.

I just wanted to give context to Gerial.

The child nodded, staring in deep concentration at the blurb of his current book.

I explained what I meant, and Gerial nodded his head.

“You know, that might not be a bad idea.” Gerial’s words surprised me.

I looked at Gerial and he shrugged.

“I think I know what painting he's talking about. Or rather, paintings. Besides, he doesn't mind our friends.” He gestured at our surroundings.

Our guards were with us wherever we went.

“Let me think about the best time for me.” Gerial glanced at me.

I nodded.

I'd trust his judgement.

"This is not how I saw the shopping trip going." My gaze swept over the bookshelves. “By the way, do any of these books look good to you?”

Gerial stood up and glanced over the shelves.

His hand traced over their spines, and he frowned. He pulled out a book and examined it, his lips parting into a smile.

“This is it.” His eyes glimmered.

“Amanda’s type of book?” I turned towards him.

“Nope.” He smirked. “This one's for me. I didn't realise it was out yet.”

He grinned, knowing what my reaction would be to his words. I gave him a playful shove.

"Don't take them all for yourself.” I clasped a new book in my hand. “Aren't we taking a bit too long?”

"Your definition of long is my definition of short.” Gerial retorted.

I didn't realise book shopping would take more than a couple of minutes. No wonder Amanda took so long thrift shopping across Koshima.

Little Bob held out a book towards me and I gazed down at the book in his small hand. He had a proud look on his face.

I read the title and paused.

‘My Wonderousness Cannot Be Contained - My Divine Power Soars Through The Heavens.’

“Hey, this looks pretty good.” I waved it at Gerial.

“That book?” Gerial gave me a skeptical look. “It's a good thing you asked me for help.”

I shook my head.

“I wasn't talking about the book.”

A bookmark was stuck between the pages, and it had an advertisement on it. I brought it out into the open and read through it.

Gesti Sky book fair. Rare books for sale. New and second-hand books for sale. Contact the front desk about setting up a stall or tickets for entry.

It sounded exactly like the kind of thing that Amanda liked to do. The event wasn't included in our Gesti Sky passes because it wasn't a ride.

"I will never doubt your judgement again.” Gerial appeared beside me. “This is great.”

It was Mehta today, and Amanda’s birthday was on Ength. That means that I had to schedule the ticket for Ength, Inné or Crijik.

Our Gesti Sky passes only lasted that long. After that we’d head back to our homes.

I double checked the bookmark and saw that the only day the book fair ran was Crijik.

A smile spread across my lips. Perfect.

I'd never imagined choosing a birthday present could be fun. Or at least calming. It was a welcome break of normalcy after the claim discussions and hotel fire.

I'd never had to pay to enter a book fair before. It was cheap, but it did grind my gears a bit.

I loved living a normal life without stress, but it was time to deal with the elephant in the room.

"Do we call his dad over?" I looked at little Bob. “Technically, he's done nothing wrong, and I don't want to leave a kid alone in a store.”

Little Bob was still looking over books, even after I'd decided on the present.

"Did he try to open your claim?” Gerial frowned.

I thought over what little Bob’s dad had told me. Then I shook my head.

“He wants to reject it. Unless his dad was lying, which might be a real possibility.” I said. “But he can't get to me now.”

The guards would stop little Bob if he did somehow manage to get his hands on the claim sphere.

Gerial clapped his hands together lightly, and little Bob looked up at him.

"We’re going to go and visit your painting tomorrow. Is that okay?” The last question was directed at me.

He was double checking that I was okay with it.

I thought over it carefully. That was sooner than I'd thought. If Gerial was suggesting we do it tomorrow then I assumed he had a plan.

At the very least he would be able to prepare everything he needed to if he had a day in mind.

"I'm fine with that if you are.” I replied.

“It'll be the safest place in Gesti Sky.” Gerial winked.

It was decided.

Gerial knew what he was doing, and I trusted him. If he said it would be safe, then that meant it would be safe.

“You’ll come?” Little Bob stared at me.

“I give you my word.” I promised.

Little Bob’s silver eyes flashed, and he put his hand inside his pocket. When it came out, his tiny fingers were gripping a piece of paper.

Written in messy scribbles was something that vaguely resembled an address. It looked like it had been written by a child.

I took the paper in my fingers. It was ordinary, not magical.

"Now then, how do we get you home?” I took a step back.

"You don't need to.” Gerial spoke. “Goodbye little one.”

He waved.

I hesitated and then waved as well.

Little Bob waved back. The floor underneath him glowed and he disappeared in front of my eyes. I stared at the empty space in surprise.

I'd forgotten that people could teleport.

“Hey.” Gerial’s voice cut through my thoughts. “We’re not done.”

I turned to him, and he pointed at the ground. Little Bob’s stack of books was still there.

So was mine.

“You need to clean up your mess.” Gerial smiled. “I've done my job.”

Five minutes later we walked out of the bookstore, two tickets in my hand.

Both were for the book fair, one for me and one for Amanda.

"They're scheduled for Crijik.” I grinned. “You sure you don't want to come?”

Gerial recommended I check with Roxxy and William before buying tickets on their behalf, but he had shaken his head when offered.

"I'll buy them with the others. It's customary to pass her ticket to her and then let the others buy theirs.” His voice was calm. “That's just basic manners.”

His eyes were distant. He was thinking about the encounter we’d just had.

“You guys really have to show me this manual you all read about noble customs. I can't keep figuring it out on my own.” I was only half-joking.

We teleported back to the hotel. The corridor appeared around us, and I spotted our five rooms. The door to Amanda’s had already been fixed, but the furniture inside hadn't been replaced yet.

The others were already there.

I could see them through the open door into Roxxy’s room. I put the book fair tickets inside my inventory.

"Hey guys." I called out. “How'd the park treat you?”

The moment I walked in I regretted my words. The atmosphere was somber. William’s brows were furrowed in concentration, and he glanced at me before turning towards Roxxy.

“I can't see it.” William shook his head.

“It's right here.” Roxxy’s melodic voice was mired by severity. “It appeared a few moments ago.”

Connection mana buzzed around her. It was a smaller amount than last time, but my heart dropped as I saw it.

Wings flapped in the air, briefly distracting me. I raised my arm and Gold landed on it, hopping up to my shoulder.

"What happened?" I asked them.

"We were shopping for regent attachments.” Roxxy raised a bag in her hand. “For Amanda's new texting regent. We only got back a few minutes before you did.”

Amanda looked up at me, her bright eyes troubled.

“Someone tried to use a spell again. Or so Roxxy says.” Amanda glanced at Roxxy. “Nothing happened this time, I must have stopped it.”

“Just now?” I shared a look with Gerial.

We had just gotten back from talking with little Bob. We'd said yes to everything he’d said, and now at the same time someone had tried to use connection magic on Amanda again.

Why?

Was it a message?

I'd already agreed to go, but maybe little Bob had told his dad and big Bob had decided I needed incentive not to bail.

Gerial’s expression was stormy. He pursed his lips and paced inside.

We double checked everything possible, but there was no sign any harm had been done. Roxxy’s plan of telling Amanda about the spells had worked like a charm.

A few minutes later Gerial and I walked into my room.

He wanted to talk in private.

Gold flapped his wings patiently. He knew when to go with the flow, and he could sense the atmosphere.

“We’ll be perfectly safe tomorrow.” He started the conversation. "With the two of us in a single room it'll be impossible to make a move against us.”

His footsteps were muffled against the carpet as he took a seat on one of the chairs.

“I'm not concerned about myself. They're getting to me indirectly by using my friends.” I sat on the sofa.

“If I understood Roxxy correctly, the further away Amanda is, the less effective their spells become. Maybe it's best if Amanda stays away tomorrow, so she can't be harmed if they want to use her against us.” My mind raced.

It concerned me that I still didn't know who these people were. Little Bob wasn't a Gesti.

A thought crossed my mind.

"You saw little Bob.” I probed. “What did you think?”

"He looks exactly like an awakened Gesti family member.” Gerial replied in an instant. “That’s not a coincidence.”

I unfurled the piece of paper little Bob had given to me.

“The painting he wants us to see is inside the Gesti museum.” I frowned. “So much for forcing my hand. I would have gone there soon anyway.”

The thing that annoyed me the most was that an immortal household like the Gesti family didn't have to go to this kind of petty trouble to deal with me. They didn't even know I was a Marked one.

Each and every step of my life was being invaded. They'd claimed me for their own like property. They were scaring off my family, and now they were aiming for my friends.

Their innocent act was getting on my nerves.

"Is it possible that little Bob isn't related to the Gesti?” I asked.

Gerial shook his head.

"I don't think it's a coincidence that little Bob keeps approaching you. Or that he only listened to you and not me.”

“Ignoring you is suspicious?” I leaned forward. “I know you don't socialise with toddlers much, but they can be really stubborn.”

I was only asking because I wanted to cover all my bases. Whatever they had planned for me, it wouldn't matter with Gerial and our guards there.

“You're right about that.” Gerial frowned. “Maybe he really does think he’s a toddler. Or maybe he’s just following pre-set motions to get you to that museum.”

I paused and took in his words.

“What are you talking about?” I pushed myself forward. “Are you saying he's not a kid?”

“He might be. Or he might not be.”

Gerial sat back, his body sinking into the chair.

“It depends on what kind of golem he is.”