Yuki lounged back, savoring another perfectly grilled takoyaki—crispy shell, steaming center. Normally, marketplace chaos was just background noise. But today? Something snapped into focus: Taiyo, the prince, staring at her like she was the main event.
His gaze wasn't respectful. It was intense, unwavering, and deeply irritating.
Yuki narrowed her eyes, tugging at the ragged hem of her goblin-thread dress—the only thing she had left after that slime monster melted her gear. No armor. No proper undergarments. Just this. And he was still gawking?
Clack! Her chopsticks slammed onto the table, sending a takoyaki skidding across the wooden plank. Heads turned. Taiyo jolted upright, caught in the act.
"Oi, Taiyo," she said coolly, her voice carrying through the hush. "Care to explain why you're staring?"
He stammered, face flushing bright red. "I—I wasn't staring! I was… thinking."
"Thinking?" Yuki echoed, arching an eyebrow. She leaned forward. "Thinking of my battle stats? Or my cleavage? Because all I'm thinking about is my next bite. You?"
A ripple of laughter ran through the crowd—adventurers snickered, vendors chuckled, and even the nobles exchanged amused glances.
Taiyo's cheeks burned hotter. "No! I swear—it's not like that!"
Yuki's glare sharpened. She dropped her voice to a menacing whisper. "Look, I've had one hell of a day. Slime ate my clothes. I'm not wearing proper underwear right now. If you keep gawking, I will freeze your lungs."
He threw up his hands in panic. "I'm not— I mean—I used Appraisal earlier! I just wanted to know who you were!"
"Appraisal, huh?" Yuki scoffed, folding her arms. "Funny—they always say that after they get caught being creeps."
From the sidelines, Alepou stepped forward, arms crossed and smirking. "Honestly, Highness, if you stared any harder, I'd think you were checking cup sizes instead of stats."
Taiyo shrank back, utterly defeated. "I—I didn't mean—"
Yuki rolled her eyes and popped another takoyaki into her mouth. "Next time you want answers, try asking instead of leering."
Laughter bubbled up around the stall. Even some of the nobles couldn't hide their grins. Taiyo slumped back into his seat, humiliated but a little wiser.
His grand plan to uncover her secrets had exploded in his face. Meanwhile, Yuki polished off the last of her snack—dignity (and appetite) intact.
To be continued…