Chapter 351: Is This Calm Before The Storm?

"W-Well..." Noah’s smile stiffened slightly.

He could already tell that he was walking into dangerous territory. "I’m also buying something for my master, Akari."

The moment those words left his mouth, Arisha tightened her grip on his hand.

Her expression remained relatively calm, but the pressure against his fingers told a different story. "You really are something..."

"Hey! Why are you looking at me like that? You’re misunderstanding everything!"

"Am I?"

"Of course! Can’t I buy a few souvenirs for the people important to me?"

Arisha tilted her head, her long violet hair swaying gently with the movement.

"Oh, really~?"

"Yes, really!"

"I can understand buying something for your mother. That’s perfectly normal."

She paused deliberately. "But why Lady Akari?"

Noah nearly stumbled. ’Why does it feel like I’m being interrogated?’

He turned toward her with an aggrieved expression. "Come on! She’s my master!"

"Your master, huh?"

"Exactly!"

Arisha hummed thoughtfully, clearly unconvinced.

Noah could only sigh. ’This woman is even more troublesome than I expected.’

"Anyway, let’s go. If we keep standing here, all the good shops might close before we get there."

Arisha finally loosened her grip, although she didn’t release his hand.

"Fine. Let’s see what kind of gift you’re planning to buy for your precious master."

"You’re making it sound weird on purpose!" Noah said with frowned.

"Hehe. Am I?"

Noah gave her an exasperated look.

Arisha merely smiled innocently.

The two continued down the street, their hands still intertwined as they made their way toward a nearby shopping district.

After walking for several minutes, Noah stopped in front of an elegant little shop nestled between two larger establishments.

Its exterior was decorated with intricate wooden carvings, while small flowers grew along the windowsills. Warm light spilled through the glass windows, illuminating the delicate accessories displayed inside.

A sign above the entrance bore an inscription in the elven language.

Fortunately, there were several common-language words written beneath it.

Lunathel Accessories.

The shop specialized in jewelry, hair ornaments, and other decorative items. From the beautiful displays visible through the windows, it seemed to cater to customers who appreciated both craftsmanship and elegance.

"This place looks nice," Arisha remarked while observing.

"That’s what I thought." Noah pushed the door open.

A small bell rang overhead as they entered.

Inside, the shop was considerably larger than its exterior suggested. Wooden shelves lined the walls, displaying an assortment of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and elaborate hair ornaments. Some were decorated with precious stones, while others incorporated delicate flowers, leaves, and branches carved from wood.

Several crystal lamps hung from the ceiling, bathing the shop in a soft, enchanting glow.

The entire place carried a faint floral fragrance.

Behind the counter stood a middle-aged elven woman with long green hair. She looked up from arranging a display and greeted them with a warm smile.

"Welcome! Please take your time looking around. If you need any assistance, just let me know."

"Thank you," Noah replied politely.

Arisha released his hand and immediately began examining the nearby displays.

Noah, meanwhile, walked toward a glass cabinet containing several beautifully crafted hair ornaments.

He wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about accessories, so he had brought Arisha along to help him choose.

However, as he examined the items one by one, his attention gradually settled on a particular hairpin.

It was made from a slender piece of silver-colored metal, shaped into the delicate form of a flower. Several translucent blue crystals formed its petals, while a slightly larger crystal rested at the center.

The crystals shimmered beneath the shop’s lights, their blue color resembling clear water beneath a winter sky. It was beautiful, elegant and refined.

And for some reason, the moment Noah saw it, a certain figure appeared in his mind.

A woman with dark sapphire wings, blue slit pupils, and an imposing presence that could make even the most arrogant individuals think twice.

Akari.

Noah’s expression softened into a genuine smile.

’This would look good on her.’

Noah remembered the hairpin used by Akari which was destroyed in battle. It was also a blue color flower, but this one looks more beautiful.

He could easily imagine the hairpin adorning her hair, the blue crystals complementing her striking appearance.

For a moment, he simply stared at it, a faint smile lingering on his lips. ’I really want to put it on her hair with my own hands and hug her hehe.’

He had spent quite some time away from her recently, and although they had spoken, their circumstances rarely allowed them to meet as often as he would have liked.

Buying her a gift was a small thing. But it was something he genuinely wanted to do.

"Found something you like?"

Arisha’s voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

Noah turned his head.

She was standing beside him, following his gaze toward the blue crystal flower hairpin.

Then she looked at his face. And immediately noticed his smile.

"...Oh?"

Her eyes narrowed playfully. "So this is for Lady Akari?"

Noah didn’t even bother denying it. "Yeah. I think she’ll like it."

Arisha blinked. Perhaps she had expected him to make another ridiculous excuse, but his straightforward answer caught her slightly off guard.

She looked back at the hairpin. The blue crystals were beautiful, and the craftsmanship was excellent.

More importantly, it was obvious from Noah’s expression that he had chosen it with someone specific in mind.

"...It’s pretty," she admitted.

"Right?"

Noah smiled again. He called the shopkeeper over and asked to examine the hairpin more closely. After inspecting its craftsmanship, he decided to purchase it.

The shopkeeper carefully placed it inside a small, elegant box lined with soft fabric.

Noah accepted the box with a satisfied smile. For once, he wasn’t buying something to impress a beautiful woman he had just met.

He was buying something for someone who already held a special place in his heart.

And that made the purchase feel all the more worthwhile.

’Well danger is going to come anyways... but that won’t stop me from doing this... need to keep my people happy. Guess this is calm before some storm.’

Sigh. He exhaled, the shopping for his love ones actually made him relaxed.

’I should buy something for father, brother mother... and also for Sefira... I can give it to her next time we meet.’

With that thought he started to look around for some more things.

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[A/N: Guys I know you must be thinking why so slow again, well I also want to focus on relationship between Noah, Arisha and Lyria through such small moments. Well since i like harem... and Noah also like harem.. no reason to hold back i guess. Also the chaos coming in after next two Chapters haha be ready!!!]