The interior of the shop was lit by a single mana stone that flickered every few seconds. The man behind the counter didn't seem to notice nor care.

I approached him slowly, pulling out the small bag of gems from my pocket.

"Hello, I'd like to sell these." I said, placing the bag lightly on the counter.

"Hmm?" He grunted, leaning forward.

He lifted the bag, untied it, and pulled out several. For a while he didn't speak, he simply turned the stones in the dying light.

"Nope." He shook his head, dropping them back into the bag and sliding it across the counter.

"What do you mean no?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. "These are real gemstones."

"Of that I have no doubt." He snorted. "That isn't the problem, missy."

"Then what is the problem exactly?"

"You are." He shrugged, nodding his head toward the door. "Get out before I report you for theft."

"I didn't steal them." I let out a breath– remembering that I was in a maids uniform. "The Lady I serve gave these to me as a bonus."

"Sure, and I'm actually a distant relative of the royal family." He rolled his eyes. "Like I said, get out before I report you. I'm doing you a favor."

"Sir," I began, trying to control the frustration that was bubbling up inside. "It's imperative that I turn these in tonight. My mother is sick and-"

"Get. Out." He sprang up, pressing his palms against the counter. "If you want to fence them, do it somewhere else. I'm not going down for something like this. I have a life of my own and I don't need it being screwed up over some maid."

"Sir, if you'll just-"

The sound of the door opening stopped my words. I turned my head to see a tall man in a cloak with deep black hair and strikingly bright blue eyes enter.

"Did you sell them yet?" He asked, coming to a stop beside me. "The madam is getting antsy waiting in the carriage."

What? I stared at him wordlessly for a few seconds. Is he helping me?

"Both of you degenerates get out of my shop." The man snapped. "I don't want any part of this scam."

"A scam?" The man asked, walking up to the counter. He stopped and pulled out a small decorative insignia pressed into a round metallic circlet. "I only came inside because my coworker was talking so long." He slapped the circlet down on the counter. "Does this suffice as proof?"

"Well," the shop owner lifted it, staring at the small rose engraving. "Count Roslyn." He muttered. "Fine."

The shop owner lifted the bag, and poured out the contents. "Next time, tell your madam to give you her insignia before coming inside."

"I'll keep that in mind." I said, side eyeing the man.

Who the hell is he? I'd never seen him before and I couldn't recall his description in the novel either. He didn't exactly look like a random side character. There was something about him– other than his looks– that made it painfully obvious.

As if he noticed my scrutiny, he looked over and winked at me. Flustered at having been caught, I looked quickly away.

"I'll give you 200 Duclans for the lot." The shop owner grunted. "Can't do much more. The quality is good, but they're small."

"Surely you can do 250 at the least." The newcomer leaned forward. "That sapphire alone is worth at least that much."

"Well…I suppose I can do 230." The owner grumbled. "These aren't gonna be easy to sell and I can't bite my own hand."

"230 is fine." I said, taking a step forward.

"Such a pain." The owner muttered under his breath, dropping the silver coins into the bag. "Don't come again."

"Sure." I snatched up the bag and walked across the room– intentionally leaving the tall man behind.

I stepped outside and began to walk off– hoping the mystery man would take the hint. Unfortunately, not long after I began– I heard footsteps approaching me quickly.

"Why are you following me?" I asked, looking over at him. "Are you expecting me to fall over in thanks?"

"Not at all." He laughed. "If you're going to try and scam someone, maybe try a bit harder in the future."

"I wasn't scamming him." I rolled my eyes, stepping around a puddle.

"Right, of course you weren't." He smirked. "You run away from home or something?"

"Does it look like I did?" I sighed. Why is he pestering me now?

"Kind of." He snatched the hat off my head– twirling it around. "No maid has access to jewels. Either you stole them or you're a runaway."

"Damn it, give me back my hat." I snapped, reaching toward it.

"Nope." He backed off, eyes sparkling. "Not until you tell me why you're running away."

"That's none of your business." I bit out, turning on my heel. "You can keep the hat. Goodbye."

"Whoa, whoa. Hold on!" He jogged after me, bending over to see my face. "Someone like you won't last out in the streets at night. There's murderers, muggers, and vagrants on every corner."

"That's my problem. Not yours."

He's so exhausting. I just want to find somewhere to sleep for the night. Why did I have to run into this obnoxious overly friendly guy?

"It would be my problem if I let someone in need of help get assaulted." He shifted back. "Let me walk you to a good Inn."

"No." I shook my head. "I don't need your help."

"I won't stop following you until you let me." He grinned. "I can be very tenacious. It's in my nature."

"Fine. Do whatever you want. You're going to anyway."

"I'm glad you see reason." He walked ahead, motioning for me to follow. "You really should think twice though before wandering around like you are."

"I don't need a lecture from some stranger I just met." I snapped, debating on kicking him. "Mind your own business."

"Okay, okay." He shrugged. "Such a temper."

Can I hit him? Just once. Right in the face.

He didn't say anything else for a long time– to which I was grateful. Anything else and I might have found a blunt object and hit his knees with it.

After ten minutes, he stopped so abruptly that I almost ran into him.

"Here you go." He pointed toward a small quant building. "This place has good food and good rates. Just lock your door at night."

"Thanks. I guess." I brushed past him.

"Of course." He bowed mockingly. "Have a pleasant night, my Lady."

"Why do you insist-"

My words faded as he gently placed the hat on my head. "Good night."

He turned and walked off– whistling a tune I couldn't make out.

What a strange person. I thought, walking inside.

I hope to never see him again.