章 22: Chapter 22

Quick Note: Sorry I haven't been uploading for the past few days. This chapter is quite short, but things are going to pick up in the story soon, and from next chapter on, I'm going to make sure the chapters are longer.

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We visited a few more stores before we finally called it quits. From more clothing stores to jewelry, to decorative weapons, and even to what I was calling the kink store. I'd said I wasn't going to enter, but Julia had kept insisting and I had given in, after all, how bad could it be?

When I came out, it was with wide eyes and a whole new slew of imagery in my head that I didn't really want there. Bdsm had been the least of it. This world had a lot of types of magic with a wide variety of uses, some lewder than others.

"Now let's get some lunch," Julia said as the servants packed up everything from the kink store into the other carriage which didn't look like it could hold that much, but its compartments were basically bags of holding, which meant they could store a lot.

We headed out of the upper market and into what was basically an area full of different restaurants, and places to eat, including something called a tea court, which sounded rather strange. Why would you need a court for tea?

Julia ended up taking us to some sort of cafe that served a multitude of different things, though, in the end, I went with some sandwiches and tea while Julia and Erza went for cake and tea."

"Now that we're done with that," I said. "Can we finally head to the arena district?"

Julia nodded. "We can."

"Did you really dislike shopping that much?" Erza asked.

"It's just not for me," I replied. "I can appreciate the beauty of what we saw, but it gets boring rather quickly."

"It's like my sister," Julia explained. "She hates dresses and womanly clothing but adores all types of armor. Whenever she goes out she'll often stay till the nightfall trying on every piece to find the perfect set, and don't even get me started on her obsession with spears."

I couldn't help but snort at that which earned me a mock scowl from Julia. "Not like that, although I think she would be rather impressed with your magic."

"Excuse me, Lady Julia?"

We all turned at the same time to see a group of finely dressed noblewomen making their way over to us, led by a dark-haired beauty in a dark purple dress that was different than any I'd ever seen. It had a layer of see-through silk that glittered atop the main layer of fabric. Her eyes were dark and matched her look perfectly.

She curtsied. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Malena of house Julron."

Julia's face had changed completely and no longer did her eyes hold a look of joy nor were her lips turned up in her usual pretty smile. Her eyes now held a piercing look to them and a regal air surrounded her. This was Julia the noblewoman, daughter of a duke.

"Likewise," Julia said her voice full of authority. "May I ask as to why you interrupted me and my friends?"

Malena bowed. "My apologies, but I wished to ask if you would grace me and my family with your attendance to a party being held at our estate tonight."

"A party?" Interest flashed in Julia's eyes as they turned to Erza and me. "What do you think?"

I leaned back in my chair and turned my gaze to Malena who was trying to covertly look me up and down, and when she met eyes, I saw hope and pleading. "I'm up for a party."

"Then so am I," Erza agreed.

It was extremely subtle but Malean shoulders slumped, and she let out a small breath. "I promise you won't be disappointed. It will be an excellent way to meet new people and two of the royal children will be there."

Malena bowed once more then walked away, followed by her entourage who had been talking glances at me the entire time, not that I minded. It was rather flattering and better than the glares and disgusted looks I got back on earth.

"Sorry you had to see that," Julia said with a sigh. "There are expectations I must meet when coercing with the nobility, and I cannot act as casually around others as I can with you two."

"No need," I replied. "We understand, and you looked quite good doing it you know."

"Oh." Julia raised an eyebrow. "Something to try out later tonight."

I blushed then tried to change the subject. "So, shall we head over to arena district?"

Julia shot me a knowing look then nodded. "We shall. Cate!."

The personal aid who was at a table of her own quickly got up and hurried to prepare the carriage.

"Is there any particular place we should head to first when we make it to the arena district?" I asked as we boarded the carriage.

"Well firstly we want to find out more about the lone competitions," Julia replied. "But there will also be smaller events taking place every day up until the guild clash itself and the other competitions. We can see what the competitions will be and sign you up if you like and then perhaps we can have a look at some of the festivities going on?"

I nodded in agreement and we took off towards the arena district.