❝When you go to a store, don't you ever go window shopping? Sometimes there's no particular item in mind.❞

How unusual. Perhaps the merchant harboured doubts. Because this isn't like him at all. If she recalls correctly, Luocha once suggested items to Mitsuki.

❝Or maybe you're unconfident in >

❝Nu-uh~❞

Wow! He surprisingly knows her quite well. She refuses to comprise on this matter. The pink-haired girl is quite stubborn, after all.

Mitsuki had a little skip in her step, radiating utter joy as they arrived at the patisserie. Truth be told, it's a mixture of pure and >

❝How rude! What happened to 'I absolutely believe you, Mitsuki', huh?! Are you calling me a liar now? What made you change your mind?❞

... Suspicious. The pink-haired girl will never understand him, at least not anytime soon.

❝Now you've made me curious. Why were you so determined?❞

As expected from the merchant, he approached the situation with a very pragmatic mindset. She's not a heliobi, though. Although she won't call herself Mitsuki, she's practically the same person.

❝That wouldn't be very fun. I'd like you to pick. Shouldn't it be your role to find the perfect item >

She was the former Head Representative of the Whistling Flames, after all. Not only did Fugue have a natural gift for connecting with others, but also understanding their hidden feelings.

If he ever needs a listening ear, she'll be there for him.

❝Unfortunately, it's a secret. Some things are >

According to Luocha, she shouldn't expect rejection, but the Cloud Knight thinks otherwise! She's constantly braced for rejection, especially since Sushang thinks he has a sweetheart.

[ Text to: Luocha]

> See you there, then!
> And don't be late! Punctuality is important.

After sending the >

Oh? How surprising~ Despite her appearance, he seemed to accept her as Mitsuki. Everyone else had assumed she'd taken over ' Mitsuki Nanoka's ' body, but not him.

❝Don't you like it? I think it suits me. Since it's your birthday, I thought I'd finally buy something from you.❞

The Cloud Knight practically jumped when she received his message, as she wasn't expecting to hear back so soon. She had assumed she'd have more time to prepare for rejection.

[ Text to: Luocha ]

> What about 12pm at the entrance of Aurum Alley?
> Oh, Cloudbreadth Sleeves will allow you to rent >

Despite his calm demeanour, the foxian could sense his inner turmoil. Although she didn't know the reason, she assumed it had something to do with his birthday.

❝You said that our relationship went a bit further than business, so of course I wouldn't miss your birthday. Had you refused, I would >

Come on, Sushang! Taking a deep breath, the Cloud Knight sent a message she had been staring at for ages.

[ Text to: @foreigntrxder.bsky.social ]

> Luocha, if you have the time today, would you like to attend a festival with me?
> It's a must-visit event before you leave the Xianzhou.

After >

Perching on the arm of the couch, Tingyun crossed her legs, one over the other. @foreigntrxder.bsky.social seemed preoccupied...

With a flick of her wrist, the Amicassador used her closed fan to lift his chin.

❝Mr Luocha, I believe it's your birthday today. Although my memories of our time >

With her parasol in hand, Evernight walked towards @foreigntrxder.bsky.social, the breeze causing her hair to flutter out behind her. Her crimson eyes were vacant, completely devoid of any light.

❝Suspicious merchant~ What a coincidence to see you here.❞

All the former Amicassador could do was stare at Luocha. Bewilderment was reflected in her eyes, utterly confused by the situation.

The merchant's voice sounded muffled through the glass, so she tried to focus on the movement of his lips, hoping to piece together his words.

'Don't give >

❝You're not wrong there. It's best not to dwell on the things we can't change, but instead, focus on what we can control.

I'm looking forward to making new memories with you, Mr Luocha.❞

Her past self must have been something special to make him feel that way. She will do her utmost to live up >

❝I hate to admit it, but it makes sense... Good! Because I wasn't going to answer them anyway.❞

The merchant will have to put in a lot of effort to earn her trust! Until then, he'll always be suspicious.

❝You've never shown your products to me before! How am I supposed to be interested if you >

Luocha's birthday is more important than proving a point. He's definitely wrong, though.

❝Exactly! What better opportunity to taste all the cake flavours than on your birthday? Consider it another present from me~❞

Mitsuki couldn't resist. Grabbing his wrist, the pink-haired pulled him along to >