After all, the essence of gift-giving lies in perfectly understanding what the recipient loves!
Though located right beside the building where the parade accident occurred, the toy store remained miraculously unharmed. The same went for every other building in the block.
Truthfully, the collapsed building had already been slated for demolition - its weakened state stemming from aged structures and missing support materials.
‘But……’
I sneaked a glance at Grandfather.
‘Why isn’t he reacting?’
I’d expected him to be thrilled, yet he wore an inexplicably complicated expression.
What’s wrong?
‘I brought Theo along thinking he’d want to visit after so long…’
Oh no – is he worried I’ll pester him to buy things?
I hastily interjected, boasting about the mountain of pocket money Grandma Elisa had given me.
“Let’s go!”
Grabbing Theo’s hand in one mine and Grandfather’s in the other, I marched forward with purpose. They were probably first-timers here, and I intended to be the perfect guide.
That’s when chaos erupted.
“Wuuuaaagh!”
Toy store employees came tumbling out accompanied by bizarre shouts.
They formed flawless rows, bowed in unison, then projected synchronized shouts from their diaphragms:
“Welcome to our store!”
“Huh?”
What’s happening?
‘Did I get promoted to… VIP status?’
Well, I have been buying toys here obsessively lately.
“P-p-please th-this way, s-s-sir!”
This level of service?
Theo and I exchanged bewildered looks.
The staff had always been polite when I visited with Kate, but today’s formality crossed into surreal territory.
‘I feel like… the store owner or something.’
“Should we… go in, Theo?”
“Uh… uh…”
Overwhelmed by the fanfare, I shuffled inside with mechanical stiffness.
Thus, I missed it entirely.
How Blaine glared daggers at his former mercenary subordinates behind me, hissing “Shut. Your. Mouths.” through clenched teeth.
Nor did I realize these trembling employees had once followed Blaine Wintervalt into battle, never witnessing the bloodthirsty commander he’d been before adopting us.
This fearsome aspect of our gentle grandfather…
Perhaps…
I’d never glimpse it.
“Oooh… A premium magnifier…!”
I spun in dizzy circles.
“Oooh! A specimen collection kit!”
My pupils dilated with greed.
Dong- dong- dong-
The massive pendulum clock’s chime snapped me from my trance.
“Gah! An hour already?!”
Time clearly warped differently here. No normal hour vanished this quickly!
Coughing awkwardly, I rose from my crouch. Mr. B’s dedication shone through – his addictive carved dolls paired with educational kits proved him both child-loving and business-savvy.
Indeed, beyond signature wooden figures, this five-story capital landmark overflowed with learning tools:
Career simulation sets. Fossil excavation kits. Cave exploration gear. Entomology starters…
‘It’s an educational theme park! Mr. B’s family must be rolling in gold!’
Carefully, I deposited my coveted gold-rimmed magnifier and Theo’s new collection satchel into the basket.
The third-floor education section stood nearly empty.
Downstairs, a sudden clown show siphoned off remaining children – including Theo and Grandfather.
Leaving me blissfully alone with gardening kits.
“Squee! A mini farm set!”
Madness! Instant purchase!
“Seed organizers! Kid-sized hoes! Organic fertilizer!”
My hands became blurs shuttling items to the basket.
“I want EVERYTHING from here to here!”
A petulant voice cut through my frenzy.
My head swiveled automatically.
‘Huh? Another performance-dodger.’
Across the aisle stood a boy at the exploration kits, attended by what appeared to be a servant.
‘Noble-born, but dressed plainly…’
“Y-Young Master,” the servant hesitated. “You already own these. More purchases would be wasteful.”
“But I want them! Buy it!”
I found myself transfixed by the boy’s profile as he yanked the servant’s sleeve:
Hair so deeply black it seemed to absorb light.
Catlike eyes upturned despite his scowl. Porcelain skin glowing under store lights.
‘Wait…’
Recognition prickled my scalp.
‘Why do I know him?’
“You skipped history lessons again!” The servant pleaded. “His Maj– your father will rage if–”
“He’s ALWAYS angry!” The boy kicked his mud-caked heels. “What’s new?!”
I ducked behind a teddy bear display as he turned.
“Ugh–”
A metallic buzz filled my skull. The world tilted.
‘Vision…?’
This disorientation only came during prophetic dreams. But I’m wide awake!
“I DON’T CARE! BUY IT!”
The scream jolted me back.
“Fine! Let’s get this explorer’s lamp!” The servant compromised. “I’ll order the rest!”
“Three lamps! With glow-crystals!”
“But there’s only–”
“THREE!”
Groaning, the servant departed after thrusting a jelly jar into the boy’s hands. “Stay. Put.”
“Order the blueprints too!” The boy chirped, suddenly docile. “Ooh! Apple flavor!”
As the servant passed my hiding spot, he muttered: “Nine years old and still this spoiled… He’ll lose his inheritance at this rate.”
‘Nine-year-olds ARE immature,’ I reflexively thought.
Alone now, the boy meandered shelves, jar clutched to chest.
Petite for his age. Delicate features that…
‘…Wait.’
His posture shifted imperceptibly.
Slowing footsteps. Eyelids drooping languidly over garnet eyes that now glinted with…
‘Boredom?’
Yet his smile remained fixed.
Step.
Step.
‘Ah. Of course.’
This was no ordinary noble.
“Arjen Eterion.”
The name struck like lightning.
Imperial Prince.
Future tyrant.
“My regrets, Commander.”
Memories-not-mine flooded in – a man with sharp smile executing soldiers.
‘Since when do I know about lightbulbs?!’
Wait, what’s a lightbulb?!
“Never imagined ending you this way.”
‘What IS this?!’
I shook my head violently, dislodging the vision of a sharp-faced man.
Faintly, someone chuckled: “This novel’s getting good.”
