The Villainess only wants to go home

Chapter 123 - Cloaks

Jackal shuffled down the bustling streets of Argentum, his cloak draping around him like a tattered shadow. The fabric was worn and frayed, marked by burn holes from the acidic spits of the giant centipedes they had encountered earlier.

He pulled his hood lower, trying to shield himself from the unfamiliar sights and sounds that engulfed him. He would gaze up looking for the floating pieces of lands that contained homes or other stalls but found none. The little Taivas thief wasn't used to this place as everything was solid and grounded, with streets that stretched endlessly, ending at points he couldn't see. The architecture itself was foreign, with gloomy buildings looming overhead, casting long shadows that made him feel small and vulnerable.

The air was also different from back home. Maybe it was because of his twinkling air magic that had an effect on how he felt towards the air or maybe it was because he was used to the air in Ventus, especially Taivas.

Jackal had always been nimble on his feet, but here, everything felt different. He glanced around, taking in the vibrant market stalls and the throngs of people, their laughter and voices swirling around him like a chaotic melody. It was overwhelming, and a knot of unease twisted in his stomach.

As he walked, he passed by a group of guards patrolling the street, their armour gleaming in the sunlight. Jackal felt a wave of nervousness wash over him. They were imposing figures, and he knew that if he were caught doing anything suspicious, there would be no escape. He had learned the art of slipping away in a crowd or escaping through the labyrinth of Taivas, but here, the streets were unfamiliar and could lead to any dead ends, leaving him with a gnawing sense of anxiety.

He had to constantly remind himself who he was right now "I'm just a dumb looking kid. A dumb looking kid. A dumb looking kid" he would murmur to himself.

Homura, who pranced along beside him was sneering at everything, Jackal could tell by the way the orange fox would bare his teeth at any passing person.

As they moved deeper into the heart of the city, Jackal's senses remained sharp, taking in the sights and sounds that buzzed around him. Merchants called out to potential customers, children laughed and chased each other, and the tantalising smells from food stalls wafted through the air. He ignore all that because he needed to find information, to make sure they were indeed in Argentum, as Artemis had instructed or he would get an ass whooping from Artemis-sensei.

However, there was a temptation to lift something—anything—from the nearby stalls was strong, the colourful trinkets and shiny goods calling to him like a siren's song. But he forced himself to resist. He clenched his fists, feeling the rough texture of his cloak beneath his fingertips. "Focus," he whispered to himself, reminding himself of why he was here.

Stealing would only draw attention, and in this unfamiliar place, he couldn't afford to make mistakes.

Jackal's silver eyes would dart around from one person to another as he thought of his next move. Should he ask someone about their whereabouts or should he observe and find the information himself?

The slight wind made his cloak flap as walked along side with Homura. He would make sure not to lose his way, remembering each wooden building and stall so he could return back to the entrance gates and back to Artemis and Ciel who were waiting for their return with the information needed. The urge to bump into someone purposely just to slip his hand into one of their coin pouches was tempting.

Maybe just one harmless bump and a little theft along the way wouldn't hurt anyone.

So, the little thief deciding his little side quest, strolled along pretending to mind his own business as he strolled towards an incoming man and bumped into him.