Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 211: Shopping Spree

Lily's eyes widened in curiosity, "Special kind of kiss?"

I nodded, choosing my words carefully, "Yes, it's a way for them to express their love. It's something you'll understand when you're older."

She seemed to ponder this for a moment before returning to her breakfast. The atmosphere at the table remained lighthearted, and Mom returned, sensing that the potentially awkward moment had passed.

"Everything alright, you two?" Mom asked, looking between Lily and me.

I offered a reassuring smile, "Just a little sibling conversation. Lily was curious about what you and Dad were doing."

Mom chuckled, "Ah, I see. Well, it's just a way for us to show our love. Now, finish up your breakfast, Lucas, and get ready for the day."

I nodded at Mom and soon returned to my breakfast while thinking about the upcoming Auction.

Since I will get a VIP membership from Jonathan I don't have to worry about money that much, what I should worry about is the herb that I asked him for my rank goes up.

I'm already at E+ ranked thanks to Luminar crystal shards and where I am currently others took a year or two to get here.

I also know that I shouldn't hurry to break through to the [D-] rank because I feel that in one and a half months I should be able to break through but I don't want to wait that long.

The reason? Since I came home I always found people from the past who I didn't even remember, take Jonathan for example.

The way he was talking to me I'm sure he knew me but I didn't know him at all because I Didn't have any memory of him at all.

I feel weird whenever someone knows me but I don't know them because of incomplete memories.

I remember the first day I entered the I found the Jonrual of old Lucas but I couldn't open it.

It was also that day when that mysterious voice appeared and told me that I should have at least [D-] rank to open it.

I don't know why that voice said that but I'm very close to breakthrough to [D-] rank and with ranked up herb I'm sure I will able to breakthrough in a few days.

Also, come to think of it I didn't hear that voice since Masscor of Silva City.

A frown appeared on my face as I thought about how that Voice could change the plotline at his will.

'If I only knew who he is..'

Anyway, I'm sure that voice revealed himself in an important arc and I'm sure he was going to reveal himself at the upcoming midterm exam.

I'm not going to say how but I'm sure he will reveal himself and try to change the plot for his amusement.

So I want to become stronger so that I can prepare for anything unexpected.

That is the reason I'm hurrying to become [D-] rank.

"Big brother, how about we go shopping?" Lily asked me, breaking my chain of thoughts.

Glancing at her I found out that she had eaten all of her vegetables and now was looking at me with expectations in her eyes.

'Shopping? I don't want to go I have other things to do but...' I glanced at Mom I found she was staring at me with the same expectation in her eyes.

Sigh

'Looks like I have to postpone my plans for now...'

I let out a sigh and agreed, "Sure, Lily. Let's go shopping."

Her face lit up with a big smile, and Mom seemed pleased with my decision. Lily immediately jumped from her chair, seemingly forgetting her previous vegetable-related grumble.

As we headed out for shopping, the vibrant atmosphere of the marketplace greeted us. Lily, excited by the prospect of exploring the various shops, tugged at my sleeve, pointing out items of interest.

We strolled through the market, and Lily's enthusiasm proved contagious. Despite my initial reluctance, I found myself appreciating the change of pace. It offered a temporary respite from the weight of responsibilities and the looming events of the auction.

Amid the market's hustle and bustle, Lily's infectious laughter echoed. The bond between siblings, and the simple joy of shared moments, became a reminder of the humanity that persisted amidst the complexities of the world.

As we browsed through the stalls, Lily's eyes gleamed with curiosity. She spotted a small trinket shop and pleaded with me to take a look. Though my mind lingered on the forthcoming tasks, I couldn't resist her enthusiasm.

Entering the shop, Lily's eyes widened at the array of colourful trinkets. The shopkeeper, a friendly elderly woman, greeted us warmly. Lily explored the shelves, each item drawing her attention.

"Big brother, look at these!" she exclaimed, holding up a pair of small, intricately crafted figurines.

I smiled, genuinely captivated by Lily's excitement. For a moment, the looming concerns about the auction and the quest for Healberry faded into the background. The bond of family, and the simplicity of shared joy, became a cherished respite amid a complex narrative.

***

"Big brother! This one, this one, and this too!" Liky dashed around the shop, her hands landing on every dress that caught her eye.

With a smile, I trailed behind her, picking up each dress that she touched. "Lily, you know you'll grow soon, and then these won't fit you anymore."

Like pouted. "But I want them!"

I tilted my head back slightly, chuckling at her adorable way of speaking, and nodded. "Alright, how about I buy the whole shop for you?"

"Big Brother can do that?!" Lily spun around to look at me, stars sparkling in her eyes. I chuckled again and shook my head.

"It was just a joke, silly. Anyway, let's head back. I think we've done enough shopping for today."

After leaving the figures shop Lily decided that she wanted to buy some clothes and so after that, we entered a clothing shop for girls.

Before entering the shop she had only wanted to buy some clothes but...

Before me, there was a shopping cart loaded with a tall mountain of dresses, all neatly packed in transparent boxes or sheets.

Each package had a chip implanted, connected to the shop's home network, which would trigger an alert if something suddenly disappeared.

This meant I couldn't simply slip anything into my smart bracelet and make it vanish, not that I had any intention to do so.

Lily's eyes sparkled with excitement as she surveyed her mountain of chosen dresses, seemingly ready to conquer the fashion world. I couldn't help but admire her enthusiasm, even if it did lead to a rather extensive shopping spree.

As we made our way to the counter, Lily chattered away about her favorite colors and styles, each dress representing a potential adventure in her imaginative world. The shopkeeper, a patient woman with a warm smile, began scanning the items with a small device.

The total cost displayed on the counter's screen made me raise an eyebrow. Lily noticed my expression and looked up at me with a sheepish grin.

"Big brother, can we get all of them? Pretty please?" she pleaded, her eyes wide and filled with hope.

I sighed inwardly, realizing that granting her every wish wasn't a sustainable approach. However, I couldn't resist the sincerity in her eyes.

"Alright, Lily. We'll get them this time, but we need to be mindful of our budget in the future, okay?"

Lily's face lit up, and she nodded vigorously. The shopkeeper, amused by our exchange, packed the dresses into sturdy bags, and Lily held onto them with a triumphant smile.

As we left the store, Lily skipped alongside me, a bundle of joy with her newfound treasures. I couldn't help but smile at her infectious happiness, momentarily forgetting the weight of impending events.

Our shopping adventure continued as we explored other parts of the marketplace. We sampled exotic snacks, marveled at unique crafts, and even encountered a street performer whose antics had Lily giggling.

The afternoon passed in a blur of colors and laughter, a stark contrast to the serious considerations of the morning. Lily's innocence and enthusiasm became a temporary sanctuary from the complexities of my mission and the impending auction.

As the day drew to a close, we headed home, Lily's arms laden with shopping bags. Despite the weight, her smile remained undiminished. It was a day of shared moments, a reprieve from the imminent challenges.

Back home, Lily excitedly showed Mom and Dad her new dresses, each one more vibrant and unique than the last. Their laughter and words of approval echoed through the house, creating a warmth that transcended the materialistic aspect of the purchases.

As the evening settled in, I found a moment to reflect. The day, initially interrupted by thoughts of control, plotlines, and impending auctions, had transformed into a canvas of family moments and shared joy.

In that quiet reflection, I realized that amid the intricate narratives and grand arcs, these simple, shared experiences were the threads that wove the true tapestry of life.