บท 13: JEALOUS OF A CHILD

"Declared missing?" Regis questioned with his brows furrowed even deeper in interest and wonder. "Was she abducted?"

"No. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly is going on, but I can tell that she's not dangerous. Trust me on this."

Regis nodded his head and stood up from his seat.

He had disguised himself before leaving the castle, so when he left Linares' room, he didn't have to cover his face or avoid others.

He slowly made his way downstairs and ignored the look that people threw his way. He had many faces to use, and whenever he visits her for any kind of purpose, he used one disguise as to not to confuse the people who worked for the woman.

This time, he had a golden-yellow hair, with sparkling blue eyes. The contrast of his hair color and his black coat was so striking that all eyes were on him.

"If you believe in her, prove to me that you chose the right option this time," he said without looking back and went out. He decided to take a stroll before going back to the castle.

Linares didn't say anything to acknowledge or disobey the order.

After all, she was left with no other choice but to keep Amber safe no matter the ways she could think of.

***

"Hi, Amber!" greeted the meat stall owner whom she helped to fix the cart yesterday.

"Good morning, Amber!" greeted the fruit seller who was across the meat seller.

"Amber, I've got fresh bread today. Have some," said the kind lady when she passed by her pastry shop. The kind lady handed her a small paper bag with some stuffed bread and she accepted it happily.

Hearing their greetings, she was all smile from so much happiness. It's not even a week yet since she arrived in town, but she could see that people were now slowly accepting her.

As she continued to walk around the town, she met the little boy who was catching small fishes last time so he could bring it home and feed his mother and littler sister.

There wasn't any port in the capital, so any kind of large fish or seafood were imported from the neighboring city which still belonged to the Asenguard Kingdom.

The children could only catch small fishes from the rivers or stream.

"Amber, where are you going this time?" asked the little guy while carrying the small makeshift fishing rod.

[If I remember correctly, his name is Sanlie.] Amber thought as she beamed a smile to the child of eleven years old. "I'm just roaming around the town. I'm looking for a place where I can sell some of my merchandise. What about you Sansan?"

The little guy cocked his head to the side with a confused expression on his face and asked, "Sansan?"

"Calling your first name is too formal. I'll just call you Sansan since we're friends. Are you fishing again?"

"Hn."

"If you don't mind me asking, where is your father?" The little guy went silent and looked toward the castle's direction. Although he wasn't saying anything, she could tell that he felt some remorse to the royalty. "You don't have to ans -"

"One day, my father left to find something to eat, but he never came back after that. We have no clue of his whereabouts."

Amber sighed and whispered her apologies for asking such sensitive question.

When she was about to rub the boys head, she noticed someone's gaze towards them. She looked around and found a handsome man looking at them, or at her in particular.

She knew she could be imagining things, but she felt his sharp glares.

"What's this guy's problem?" Amber muttered which didn't escape Regis' hypersensitive ears.

System: Be careful. I can tell that he is dangerous. He is probably the person I've detected several times in the past. I have sensed him in the capital as well. It would be best if we avoid him.

Although they both wanted to stay away from him, Regis has a different plan.

"Are you new here?" he asked with his arms crossed over his chest. For some reason, his voice was so familiar to her, and while thinking, the face of the man she met last night overlapped with his. "Hey! I'm talking to you. Stop staring at me. I know I'm handsome. You don't have to drool over me."

[Even their arrogance is the same. Could be siblings from different ovaries.] She told herself while trying her best not to roll her eyes at him.

Regis heard what she thought but he only raised his eyebrow. He could now confirm that it wasn't just a coincidence. He could hear her thoughts if it was about him or if it was in response to him, but if it was for someone else, he wouldn't know a single thing.

"I'm Amber," she said after debating in silence.

Not even waiting for him to respond, she turned around and left while pulling the little boy with her.

"Are you not going to ask for my name?"

"I'm not interested," came Amber's cold answer that stunned him speechless. After a minute, a smile bloomed on his face which made the other ladies around swoon for him.