"Now we need two packs of ice and a wrap of butter"
Cedric uttered as he looked around for the shelves of what he was looking for. He was multitasking with the cart in his hands
"I think they serve the ice packs in the cold section, Mister Ceedric.."
Beside him was no other than the youngest princess of Enchancia following him. Cedric shook his head as he turned to her "You're right. Let's go there now."
Now changing directions, they made their way to the middle where a the row of shelves was seen better with proper directions. They were currently doing some grocery shopping in Dunwiddie's Famous Market. But unlike most markets, this one has isles and section different from the usual markets. It was definitely a more modern grocery market that sure has gained a lot of attraction from people all across Enchancia
Cedric needed to buy some ingredients for his potions and such. Usually, he'd go to the magic shop but Sofia insisted that she accompany him to the Grocery Market for a change.
When they were finally halfway to the chiller section, Cedric realized something...
"You sure know your way around here very well, Sofia.."
Sofia nodded with a proud smile on. "Mom and I used to come here to buy our groceries and necessities. Back then, we had to get our own food unlike nowadays where the castle will provide everything"
Looking at her from the corner of his eyes, he shifted his gaze straight forward "Bet this is nostalgic for you huh..."
Sofia turned to him with a smile on "very~"
"But they're not all good memories though... because as big as the market is, I used to get lost here sometimes when I accidentally lose my awareness of mom"
Finding a perfect opportunity to make light of the situation, Cedric chuckled upon coming up with a perfect jest
"Hah, make sure to hold onto me then, Sofia. We don't want you to get lost, do we?"
Cedric was responded to by a pout coming from her as she crossed her arms and looked away "I am not that little anymore.." Her tone had a bit of defiance. She was clearly offended of what he said
"I'm just saying..." Cedric chuckled yet again as they finally arrived to their destination. Sofia takes the cart and parks it just by the corner, when suddenly, she noticed a nice collar from the other isle that had pet commodities that would look good for Clover. It might be a good gift for later.
"I'll be right back, Mister Ceedric!" the man nodded in response as Sofia ran to the other isle to get the collar. It had two different colors and she couldn't decide which one to choose. One had polka dots design and one had sky blue and white clouds design. In the end, Sofia decided to take both.
When she finally put them in her own small basket, a bag of sunflower seeds came unto Sofia's field of vision. It would be a good gift for Mia and Robin and she couldn't resist getting it for them too.
Upon finally placing the bag in the basket, Sofia was ready to go back to the chiller and meet with Cedric. But still halfway from the place and she noticed that he wasn't there anymore
"M-Mister Ceedric?" she called out but he wasn't there. All around her are people she doesn't know and doesn't look anything like her Sorcerer.
Despite this, Sofia kept her composure and started walking in hopes of finding him in an isle or something. She checked every single one, from every nook and cranny... but unfortunately, he was nowhere to be seen.
She was now feeling anxious. The way back to Enchancia was still pretty far and it was already afternoon. It would be dark anytime now
"M-Mister Ceedric!!?" she was frantic at this point, desperately searching for a man with a purple robe pushing the cart in front of him. This wouldn't have happened if she didn't separate from him in the first place
This was all her fault!!
Sofia decided to rest on a nearby bench to rest for a while. Oh how she wanted to go home and everything will be okay. She might even be lost forever. She might not see her family and friends ever again...
She might not see Mister Ceedric ever again.
With this, Sofia softly wept with the thoughts making her sad and scared. Her emotions were too much and she couldn't hold them in anymore
When suddenly...
A sudden feel of cold jolt was felt from her cheek as she jumped up. When she turned to her side, Cedric was there tickling her with the ice that he got
"So this was where you were..."
Sofia was stunned for a second there as her worries finally was eased. It was really him!
"I know it's tempting but you shouldn't really play hide-and-seek in places like this, Sofia. You might get lost"
A smile quickly forms on her face as she lunges forward and embraced him tight "Oh I'm very sorry, Mister Ceedric!"
"Sorry for what?" he asked in confusion
Sofia raises her head and shook her head from side to side "I'm just glad you're here~"
Cedric also smiled in response as he held Sofia's shoulders close to him "It's about to get late in the afternoon. We better patch things up and pay for everything and go home before it gets dark"
Sofia nodded as they went on their way.
"Make sure to hold on to me this time, Sofia" Unlike earlier, his gaze towards her was not of ridicule, but of concern. Despite him not showing it, Cedric also got pretty worried when Sofia got lost.
"Okay, but don't think I'm being a little girl by doing it!" she glared at him playfully in which he only responded with a shrug
"You're still a little girl like I said, Princess... but whatever keeps you from being lost again... I guess.."
Sofia giggled as she snuggled closer to him. She then grabbed hold of Cedric's sleeve. She couldn't And despite it being child-like and embarrassing–
If it kept them from ever getting separated, then Sofia would oblige and keep hold of him and never let go no matter what~
