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His family?
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It was true that she was an outsider, otherwise, this mention of his family should have hinted to his true identity. However, it only lost on the wandering citizen, and she merely thought it interesting that an entire family was comprised of shadow users. It did stir an interest, however. After this, perhaps she should do some sleuthing and stalking. Perhaps.
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“Really?” She murmured, in response to his words about living in the shadows. “I haven’t gotten tired of it yet.” For once, she had replied back in a more serious statement rather than a snarky comment. In reality, she had lived in shadows her whole life. She was the unwanted one, the random baby picked up on the outskirts of town and shunned for her cursed scar. The only person whom she had an actual connection to was with an old woman, the only one who was willing to raise the outcast and whom she called mother. The latter was the only definition of ‘family’ that she knew.
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Even after her adoptive mother’s death, the young woman did not even think to look for any types of relationships in other people, be they friendship or something else. The only things she trusted? Herself, her skills, and her shadows. Those were the only stable things she could depend on. But right now, she was not even sure what to think of this male mage.
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“Disappoint? Who, me?” The slightest of pauses. “Oh yes, you have. Greatly.” Despite everything he was saying and what her mind was telling her, he did not seem like a bad person. At least, not to what she could see. That did not lessen any of her wariness, though.
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She had been nodding slightly as he responded to her question of his plans. He had tried dying, hmm? Interesting. There were different types of deaths, but she would assume that he meant a literal one. Though he did say that it did not work out...she wondered what that meant. Well, thinking too hard never got anyone anywhere, so she did not continue her thoughts. He was privy to his past, after all.
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Gen almost snorted out loud when he said he was too pretty for the throne. “Seduce your way up to the top? That would be one for the books. If you do, though, I’ll be watching the show.” She also caught his implication of putting up an act, and had to admit that he did have a good job at it. That also meant that she had been fooled as well. “Yeah sure, pretty boy.” She was about to say something else, but was interrupted by the photographer’s exclamation that they were done.
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“Thank heavens...” Gen could finally relax now. The background was erupting in confetti, Mel was shaking her hand, Adrian was offering them the clothes they were wearing... All she wanted was to strip out of these flimsy strings and jump back into her regular clothes. Actual clothes. The kind that actually does what it is supposed to do, to cover the skin.
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Back in the dressing room, she never thought she looked so good in her normal dark attire. It may be bland compared to what she had just been wearing, but it was her. As for the ‘clothing’ that she had been wearing for the shoot—she would hold on to them for now. At least until she got out of this place. Then she would probably throw it in an alley somewhere. Or maybe she could sell it. That would probably be a more practical idea, seeing as she was never going to wear that ever again, heavens forbid!
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As they exited the studio, the redhead had a loose grip on the bag of clothes they insisted she keep, and a tight grip around the bag of yul. Her payment. Finally. The clink of coins in her hands was like music to her ears. It seemed like the other shadow mage had received his payment as well. She frowned when he said he did not need the money. Was he really so rich that he did not mind throwing an afternoon’s worth of hard work away?
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She bit her lower lip. Though the female had her pride, at the same time, if he really was still acting out his role of a kind person, she would play along and accept it. “And I suppose this is the part where I say, ‘thank you, kind sir.’” She said cheekily, purposely saying the last part in a high and sickeningly sweet voice. However, she did sincerely mean the words, though her tone meant the complete opposite. She would receive it gratefully. It would definitely go into her next weapon purchase.
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As he revealed that his name was not really Vincent, Gen only shrugged. She was honestly not surprised that he had not given his real name. “Understood, Mr. Famous.” Perhaps nobility did have it harder, as they had a reputation and name to uphold. As a nobody, she could go along and do whatever she pleased without fear of staining any family name. Perhaps he should be pitied instead of scorned, as she had been doing all this time. However, something told her that pity would have not been the best choice, and she was glad she did not go down that route.
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Was he really giving her a well-meant suggestion on where to stay for the night? Did she really look like the outsider that she was? “You know, if you keep acting like that, you might actually become a kind person,” a smirk flitted across her ruby lips. “Be careful, lest I find out what your actual name is when it’s plastered all over town with your good deeds.” She was only half-joking, but it was better that way, no strings attached. It seemed like shadow users would always be alone.
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“Best of luck to you as well, Sir ‘Vincent-but-not-really.’” She grinned mischievously. As an added bonus, she dropped into a mock curtsy before turning and walking away. Nobles had their lofty reputations to uphold, and this commoner had her beloved blades to buy. Although it was too late for that now, seeing as the sun was already setting. She would have to do that tomorrow...after a night at the inn he had suggested. She did not know whether she would meet the man again, but if they did, she would not mind.
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Shadows never forget, after all.
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