My Starseed Meets Me In A Different World

CHAPTER CXLVIII

Andrew

My beloved home of the sea, kiss me fervently with your memories.

"Papa, can we get this?"

"Your Majesty, it may be presumptuous of me to ask, but this item truly brings me joy."

"Umie, can we visit this store next?"

No matter the era, place, or even the cosmos, one thing endures unscathed by time: the allure of consumerism.

It's no wonder. Place a crowd of restless souls waiting for their airship in a sprawling emporium brimming with entertainment, shopping, dining, and relaxation, and even the most stoic among us might succumb to temptation.

My children were no exception. Even though we weren't the biological parents of the Seraphees, they'd adopted the familiar habit of seeking our permission for things they wanted, much like any other children. Perhaps it was a residue of their more modest life at the temple in Phavia. The followers of Cedesm were meant to lead humble lives, free from material desires. Though the Saintesses lived in the Holy Palace with every luxury afforded, they had never truly "owned" anything from their acceptance into the temple to their current life in Klocsas with us.

"Remember, we shouldn't use formal titles while in disguise... we're hidden for a reason," Ronis reminded us softly as we explored the toy store, Wingsy Whims, we had stumbled upon while strolling around the Vesneau International Airship Port.

"Oh, yes!"

"My apologies!"

Lunár approached me, holding what appeared to be a packaged board game for children. "I'd like to get this," She announced, having sifted through the massive selection of toys, some imported from distant lands.

"Another toy?" I raised an eyebrow. "Don't you already have plenty, even gifts from your birthday?"

Lunár's lip quivered in a pout as she swiftly made her way to Lavania's father. "Grandad, can you buy this for me? Papa says I have too much!" She pleaded.

My jaw nearly hit the floor as my father-in-law shot me a bemused look. "Nonsense! My granddaughter can't have too much. She will want for nothing in this household." I sighed, turning away, only to be jolted back by Lavania's grandfather, Cellach, marching over to Lunár with a radiant grin.

"Fear not, my sweet grandchild. This old man has already secured the toys you glanced at while the others dawdled!" He declared proudly.

Lunár's face lit up with delight as she squealed, "Yay, Grandad!" and leaped into his arms with exuberance.

The Grand Duke scowled in mock irritation, grumbling about how his father had beaten him to it, which only spurred Cellach's further boasting. "I may be old, Titus, but this body still has much to offer for my loved ones," He said with a chuckle.

Lavania's grandmother strolled over and gave her husband a gentle nudge on the shoulder. "Must you two squabble so loudly? You're attracting unwanted attention," She chided them with a reserved smile.

"Great grandma, Grandad bought me the toys I wanted!" Lunár announced with a beaming smile.

Kleio chuckled, "Is that so? Well, great-grandma will make sure you get something special at the next boutique we visit." Her eyes twinkled with mischief.

Another sigh escaped me as I contemplated the increasing weight of our luggage. It seemed our baggage would be significantly heavier by the time we boarded. This wouldn't have been an issue if we were traveling separately from other passengers.