RED ROSE | Seungjin

Chapter 7

Seungmin's POV

"Are you perhaps, Kim Seungmin?"

I was stunned by the lad's voice. He owned a deep yet pleasant voice for such a petite figure. I kept staring at him for a minute without even realizing it until he pointed it out. "Uh, Hello? Mr.? Are you there?" the boy said as he wave his hand, trying to bring me back from my thoughts. I was quite embarrassed, feeling a surge of heat run to my cheeks.

"O-Oh, I'm sorry. I was just surprised by your voice, considering that you are quite small... No offense intended."

He nodded slowly, it was satisfying to look at. "I understand, I get that a lot. Anyway, are you Kim Seungmin?" he queried.

"Yes, I am indeed Seungmin. Is there something I can help you with?" I asked. "I was assigned by your mother as your guide. She asked me to assist you until we reach the land of Chrysanthemum." He said then  took to my hand, leading me inside Anthos.

Since he's dragging me inside, might as well start a conversation with him. "Say, What is your name?" I asked, hoping he would answer. "The name's Felix, I am currently 17 years old. I live with my twin sister, cousins, and our Grandma. I work as a guide to visitors and tourists but lately, there are little to none visitors. So, I had to find other jobs." Felix answered. 

"How about you? Would you mind introducing yourself to me? I pretty much told you a good portion of my life." Felix asked back. Seungmin, feeling in debt, answered, "I live in Weller town with my mom and cousin. I am also seventeen years old but will be eighteen in about 6 months.  I was assigned to attend a meeting on my mom's behalf since she's not available for a while."

"What meeting?--" Felix paused his words then continued speaking, "I apologize for my behavior. That question is a bit invasive. You don't have to answer if you don't want to." 

"No, it's okay. It wasn't invasive at all. To answer your question, I don't exactly know what kind of meeting. My mom only told me to take notes for her." I responded calmly.

Felix nodded and we soon reached a busy marketplace. It was full of stalls and stores selling different kinds of products. From Food to Clothing, everything was present. It was too busy and loud that I clutched onto my bag while Felix dragged me from the chaotic setting. If only it weren't this busy, I might had the chance to taste the food the people of Anthos have always bragged about. I thought while pouting.

As soon as we left the market, the surroundings began to change color from yellow to green. The smell of coal getting evident  as we get closer to it. We soon saw a huge gate with a sign at the top that says: 'Welcome to Helios!'. Felix opened the gate and talked to the guards. When he was done talking, he waved his hand at me and said, "Come on, follow me."

I obeyed and entered the kingdom. Once I set foot to the land, I saw similar markets like from Anthos. The only difference are that gadgets and inventions are the main thing here and less busier. Raw materials are also being sold here such as: Wood, metal, and etc.

I kept looking at the stalls, appreciating and trying to identify the products, when one stall caught my attention. I called on Felix and requested for his assistance. He followed me until we reached the stall. 

"Welcome, dear Customers! Are you interested in buying one of my valued products?" The Merchant asked as she smiled for approachability.

"Yes, I am actually. Can you tell what exactly does this do?" I asked as I showed the merchant the product that looked like a small rod with a pointed end. "Ah, yes. That, Sir. is called the 'Infipen' or pen for short. It is a writing tool, much lighter, and long-lasting than quills. Plus, you don't have to dip it in ink since the ink is already inside it and don't worry, the pen also comes with a cap to secure the pen."

Woah! This is amazing! I thought when I tried it on the back of my palm, drawing a heart figure.

"How much for it?" I interrogated.

"Assuming that you are a traveler, I'll give it to you for 75 bronze coins. Its original price is 1 silver rod but I'll give you a discount." She smiled cheekily. Something was not quite right.

(THIS IS HOW THE CURRENCY WORKS IN THEIR WORLD BTW:
100 Bronze coins = 1 Silver rod
50 Silver rods = 1 Gold bar
20 Gold bars = 1 Ruby)

"Stop lying, Lady. Usually, pens like these cost much less than your offered price." Felix exclaimed as he took one from the basket.

"How would you know?" The merchant raised her eyebrows.

Felix pointed to his left, there was a store selling the same product. "That store sells the same item for 70 bronze coins. I would assume that they are your biggest competition and knowing how desperate you are to earn money just by attempting to scam a traveler, you would decrease the price to increase the demand of your product. Therefore, your products should cost less. Am I right?" Felix said, with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Tsk. Fine, 50 bronze coins, that's the lowest I can offer." The merchant stingily said as she accepted my payment and wrapped the pen with paper. "Thank you very much!" I enthusiastically said then left the merchant feeling victorious.

"Uh, Thank you, Felix for helping me save money, I guess. But, the price she offered wasn't expensive though." I said to the petite boy who was leading the way for me.

"You don't want to get scammed. Once you fall for their tricks, you'll become their prey and steal everything from you without leaving anything behind." He warned. There was a comfortable silence after that. Neither of us dared to speak up, each in our own worlds. He was busy leading me while I kept looking around, admiring the scenery. 

We were getting close to the exit of Helios when a question popped up on my mind. I decided to vocalize my question to him. "Uh, will you still escort me when we reach the land of Chrysanthemum?"

"No. I can't since Anthos have curfew hours. I have to get back."

"I understand. Thank you for your service, you have been an excellent companion." I complimented.

I saw his face flush a pink shade which made me blush too. Now, both of us are blushing mess, creating an awkward tension between us. I gathered all the courage left on my body and asked, "Why are you flustered? You ever heard of a compliment?" 

"No, I don't get them a lot since I don't have much friends." He replied.

"Why are you blushing?" He mocked, waiting for my response.

"I- I- Huh?! Never mind that. Just please lead the way out for me please." I said in panic. I was not all that familiar with confrontations. 

We continued walking in silence, the silhouette of someone getting clearer in the exit gate. Fear arising in me.

"Don't be scared. Your mother probably hired another guide to escort you out the kingdom of Chrysanthemum." Felix reassured.

As we reached the gate, Felix faced and stared right into my eyes, "This is far as I can take you. Farewell, Sir."

"You too. Let us see each other next time." I said waving him goodbye as he walked back to his home.

I opened the gate and was welcomed by a pale man which is about the same size as Felix but has the characteristics of a squirrel. Full cheeks and cute mouth. The Sun had already set.

"Welcome, Sir. Please follow me." 

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A/N:

HELLO!! I"M BACK AGAIN WITH ANOTHER CHAPTER!! YAYY!!