After getting dressed, Xin opened the door and stepped out.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself after everything that had just happened.
Right outside, Gloria was already waiting – arms crossed, eyes gleaming with playful mischief.
"You look much better now," she said with a sly grin.
Xin shot her a glare but stayed silent. – Arguing with a girl never ends well.
They made their way to Senderos's office to say goodbye. The bald healer seemed relaxed, giving only a few instructions about Xin's injury before sending them off.
As they left the clinic, Gloria turned to him, her tone nonchalant.
"We're heading to the city center of Seraing now. Follow me, and remember these rules."
Xin raised an eyebrow.
"Rules?"
She held up one finger.
"First: you're not allowed to walk beside me. Stay behind me, no more than two steps away."
Then a second finger.
"Second: keep your head lowered at about… let's say 15 degrees."
And finally, a third finger – along with a devilish smile.
"Third: when you speak to me, you have to address me as 'Master.'"
Xin nearly tripped. His eyes widened as he stared at her in disbelief.
"Are you serious? Since when did I become your servant?!"
Gloria shrugged, completely unfazed.
"Since you drank that cup of tea."
Xin froze. A chill ran down his spine.
That cup…?!
He suddenly remembered – before they left the clinic, she had smiled and offered him a drink.
No way…
"You… you didn't…"
Gloria gave him a mysterious smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief… and just a hint of danger.
"Congratulations! You officially belong to me now."
Xin stood there, stunned. His face darkened as he muttered under his breath.
"Alright then… Just you wait… One day…"
Gloria tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "One day what?"
Her question made Xin jump. He quickly forced a stiff grin.
"Oh, nothing! I was just thinking… that one day, I'll repay your kindness, dear… Master."
She stared at him, eyes full of suspicion.
"Don't call me 'Master' like that. It's disgusting."
With an annoyed sigh, she crossed her arms.
"Just don't talk to me."
Xin fumed in silence.
There was nothing he could do now – he simply trailed behind her like a well-behaved servant, biding his time and waiting for the right moment to escape this ridiculous situation.
---------------------------------------
After passing through several uneven dirt roads, a completely different sight unfolded before them.
Cobblestone streets stretched ahead, flanked by ornate buildings with intricate architecture. Shops lined the sidewalks, bustling with activity. The sounds of merchants calling out and cart wheels grinding over stone blended into a lively hum of city life.
Gloria turned back briefly and spoke in a clipped tone.
"This is the center of Seraing."
Xin looked around, silently awestruck. Compared to Gedion, this place felt like another world entirely. If it weren't for his current predicament, he would've loved to explore every corner of it freely.
"What are we here for?"
Before he could get an answer, a horse-drawn carriage barreled toward them from the opposite direction. They both had to duck quickly into the shade of a nearby building.
Without thinking, Xin reached out and shielded Gloria with his arm – a reflexive gesture of protection.
She paused for a moment, her expression flickering with something unreadable.
But before either of them could speak, a loud, gurgling sound broke the moment – Xin's stomach.
They locked eyes in silence. The atmosphere instantly turned awkward.
Clearing his throat, Xin looked away.
"I'm not that hungry. It just… made that sound on its own."
Gloria folded her arms, giving him a look halfway between teasing and consideration. After a moment, she sighed and muttered,
"Such a hassle..."
She turned on her heel and walked toward a nearby restaurant. Startled, Xin quickly adjusted the pack on his back and hurried after her, maintaining exactly two steps of distance per the "Master's Rules."
They chose a quiet corner of the restaurant, away from the noisier diners.
A waiter approached and bowed.
"What would you like to order?"
Gloria didn't answer immediately. She gestured for Xin to open a compartment in his bag. He obeyed, and she pulled out a small packet of powder, emptying it into an empty cup.
The waiter, understanding her silent cue, poured tea into the cup. Gloria remained calm and composed as she gave her order.
"Something light will do."
The waiter nodded and left.
"Drink this," she said.
Xin frowned, suspicious.
"You're not seriously expecting me to drink that, right? Who knows what you just put in it?"
Gloria smiled sweetly – but her voice carried a subtle, almost chilling force.
"It's the antidote. You're free to refuse it."
He looked at the tea, then back at her. She didn't blink.
"Antidote?" he repeated, tense. "What do you mean?"
Propping her chin on one hand, Gloria stared at him with amused eyes.
"Drink it, and you'll find out. Or don't – if you're curious how long you can hold out."
She playfully poked him with a chopstick.
"Tell me, are you feeling it yet? A creeping discomfort? Maybe a dull throbbing, like something's gnawing at you from inside?"
Xin's eyes widened. He was starting to feel strange. A tingling pain radiated from his chest to his shoulder. It wasn't unbearable, but enough to throw him off.
Without another word, he grabbed the cup and downed it all in one go.
Gloria rested her cheek on her hand, watching him like a spectator enjoying a good play. Xin stared at her in frustration, but she only smiled.
"Good boy. Feel better now?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he focused on his body, trying to sense any changes. Then he shot her a glare, thoroughly exasperated.
Silence hung over the table.
A few minutes later, the waiter returned with their food. Gloria calmly picked up a piece of vegetable and took a bite. Then she tapped the table lightly, glancing at Xin.
"Eat. You're not going to be able to keep up on an empty stomach."
Too drained to argue, Xin quietly picked up his chopsticks and began to eat. The food wasn't bad… but he couldn't enjoy it.
Once the meal was over, Gloria stood up and gestured for Xin to follow. Without a word, they stepped back into the bustling streets of Seraing.