A Chance Encounter

It had always been a regret in Arkhan's heart.

Even though he and Nidhogg were officially married and had been through many things together, they had never experienced proper romantic moments like dates or honeymoons.

Although he knew she wasn't concerned about these kinds of things, as a husband, there were certain responsibilities he had to fulfill. He felt a failure as a husband if he didn't think it through.

Hearing Arkhan's sincere words of affection, Nidhogg lowered her head with a hint of shyness, but a sweet curve appeared on the corners of her mouth.

"Alright, take your time and see if there's anything else you like, and let's buy it together." Arkhan said with a gentle smile while running his fingers through Nidhogg's long, silky hair. "It's still early in the evening, so we have plenty of time."

Nidhogg nodded obediently, picked a few more clothes that caught her eye, and when finished, the two headed toward the cashier with an assortment of clothes.

But suddenly, Arkhan halted his steps, his eyes showing a hint of surprise as he stared straight at the cashier.

Standing there was an oddly paired duo—a burly man with a scarred face, wearing a black jacket and sunglasses, exuding a fierce, beastly aura akin to an American thug.

Beside him stood a petite, golden-haired individual in a red jacket over a white tube top and fringed hot pants, making it difficult to discern the gender of this person based solely on their dressing style.

'Shishigou Kairi and Mordred, huh? What a coincidence...'

Arkhan squinted his eyes slightly, not expecting to encounter the Saber group from the Red Faction in this kind of place.

Noticing his abnormal behavior, Nidhogg followed his gaze and her eyes soon lit up with joy.

"Momo?"

As she was about to approach Mordred, she felt someone pulling her back. Confused, she turned her head to see Arkhan shaking his head.

"Strange... Where the heck is my wallet?" Kairi checked all his pockets but couldn't find his wallet. He started sweating, vividly recalling he had it when he left.

"N-No... Don't worry, sir. These clothes aren't worth much... Consider it a gift from me..."

The cashier forced a smile, with a hint of fear in her voice. She would rather give away the clothes than deal with this menacing-looking man who seemed more dangerous than a criminal.

Since this man entered the store, several customers left in a hurry, and even those considering entering were turned away. The cashier had the impulse to run away herself, but she feared provoking this scary man.

"Hahaha, you're so dumb, Master. Who goes out without money?"

Mordred, with no concern for her Master's dignity, burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. While she enjoyed herself, she failed to notice the cashier's miserable expression.

"You dare say that? It's all because you clamor for shopping."

Kairi's forehead gained a few black lines, blaming this ungrateful troublemaker. Worried, he furrowed his brow, thinking of some solution.

The cashier might say it was free, but if he believed her nonsense, he would probably get chased down by the police not far from the store when he left.

No need to ask why he had this experience.

Just thinking about being interrogated by the mages in the Clock Tower for doing nothing made him want to shed a bitter tear for himself.

Why did humans always judge someone by their appearance?

Despite being a mercenary and a necromancer who usually caused trouble on the battlefield, sleeping in graveyards and using dead fingers as bullets, he was not a weirdo nor a criminal!

'Better use suggestion magecraft to slip away now and send the money later...' Kairi sighed and decided, realizing it was probably his only option at this moment.

Just as he was about to act, a young and unfamiliar voice suddenly sounded in his ear.

"Let me pay for them."

Kairi turned in surprise, seeing a young couple walking toward them.

Arkhan walked up with a calm expression and handed all the clothes in his hands to the cashier, then passed a black card over.

"By the way, let's settle these as well."

"Sure thing!" The cashier nodded eagerly, quickly taking Arkhan's black card for payment.

"Thanks a bunch, buddy. You're a real lifesaver!" Mordred unabashedly patted Arkhan on the shoulder with a hearty smile on her face.

"Pfttt..." Nidhogg couldn't hold back a chuckle, her eyes forming crescents.

'Buddy my ass...' Arkhan's eye twitched slightly, but he smiled as if nothing happened. "No problem, everyone faces difficulties from time to time. If I can help, I'll do my best."

Mordred gave him an appreciative look.

"Yeah, well said. You know what? I like you! Alright, it's decided! From today onward, you're my subject. No matter what difficulties you face, I, Mordred, will—mph!"

Kairi quickly covered Mordred's mouth and laughed nervously at Arkhan.

"Ahahaha, sorry, Mister, this kid has been immersed in anime lately, always saying weird things. I hope you don't mind."

"I don't mind, but..." Arkhan glanced at Mordred's clenched fist and raised an eyebrow slightly. "You'd better let her go sooner rather than later..."

"Happp!" Mordred opened her mouth, revealing shiny sharp teeth, and bit down on Kairi's hand.

"Gaaahhh! That hurts!" Kairi exclaimed in pain, letting go of his hand. For a moment, he almost thought he was being gnawed on by a lion. 'This rebellious kid really needs to learn some control, dammit!'

"Phew!" Mordred wiped her mouth and crossed her arms. "If there's a next time, I'll just bite your hand off, y'know!"

She wasn't just making empty threats; with her B+ Strength, she could easily crush even a stone with her bite alone.

"Damn... Just started and I'm already injured. What a shit luck..." Kairi sighed, looking at the bite mark on his hand.

"Customer, the payment is complete." The cashier respectfully handed the neatly packaged clothes, the black card, and the receipt to Arkhan.

"Thank you." Arkhan nodded slightly, took everything, and then turned to Kairi and Mordred. "Alright, we have things to do and will be on our way. Hopefully, we'll meet again."

"Um, can we exchange contact information? I'll pay you back the money." Kairi nodded toward Arkhan and asked.

"No need, it's just a small thing." Arkhan smiled and shook his head, holding Nidhogg's hand as they walked outside.

Watching the unknown young couple's receding figures, Kairi couldn't help but sigh. "I never thought I'd encounter such good luck..."

"Strange..."

Mordred suddenly murmured, staring at Arkhan's back confusedly.

"Why do I feel like that guy looks a bit familiar?"