Not-So an Extra

Adrian looked at Nathaniel with a puzzled expression on his face and voiced his confusion.

"Aren't we supposed to head toward the Corbenik Mercenary?"

"Tsk. My brother is such a bore."

After muttering under his breath, he eventually responded.

"It's not often that we get the chance to go out together like this."

Well, what Nathaniel said was true; after all, their factions were enemies.

Nathaniel approached a food booth and ordered something. 

He placed two silver coins on the table and took two food skewers from the vendor.

"Here."

Nathaniel offered him one and he received it. 

The food in his hand was white and had the shape of a tube; they were stacked up horizontally and red sauce covered them.

"Try it."

Adrian lifted his hand and took a bite. 

He tasted a sweet and spicy flavor with a hint of acidity, which he identified as coming from the dressing. 

The white tube-shaped food had a savory flavor and a chewy texture.

Surprisingly, it matched altogether and–

"It's delicious."

Nathaniel grinned.

"I know, right?"

"Yeah."

Adrian nodded in agreement and took another bite.

"Let's try something else."

They made their way to the second stall and proceeded to sample every food and drink available.

.

.

.

Two boys with black hair were spotted taking a break, sitting side by side on a bench and watching people passing by. 

Nathaniel leaned against the backrest and expressed his thoughts.

"We should hang out more often."

"Agreed."

Looking at the blue sky above, Adrian's mind flew.

To be honest, he never had the opportunity to enjoy such things before. 

His childhood was solely focused on training and other military activities. 

Hanging out with friends or enjoying his youth was never a part of his previous life, making this a new and pleasant experience for him.

"Anyway—"

Nathaniel stood up and suggested. 

"—let's head to the Corbenik Mercenary."

"Okay."

They returned to the carriage and set off towards their destination.

Entering the Corbenik Mercenary lobby, Adrian was greeted by a grandiose sight.

He had a hunch that this was a Platinum or even a Diamond-ranked Mercenary guild.

Nathaniel moved toward the receptionist's desk and inquired about their appointment. 

After confirming their identities, the receptionist led them to a spacious VVIP room. 

As they settled in, a man with brown hair walked in and greeted them warmly.

Without wasting any time, the man placed a blue velvet box on the table in front of them.

Adrian eagerly opened the box and upon seeing its contents, he burst into uncontrollable laughter. 

Nathaniel and the man exchanged confused glances, unsure of what was so amusing.

"Hahaha!!"

Since the room grew awkward, the man excused himself from the room.

"Hahaha!!"

Nathaniel, who grew impatient with his brother's prolonged laughter, snapped.

"Adrian, can you please stop laughing and spitting what is it all about?"

Finally composing himself, Adrian put the box into his Telesphere before flashing a mischievous grin.

"Hehe, I don't want to."

Nathaniel was part of the plan, so he couldn't spoil it, because the bastard was bound to lie again.

"Ugh, whatever."

The black-haired boy in front of him rolled his eyes in boredom and stood.

"Let's go, it's late."

"Yeah."

As they exited the Mercenary building, Adrian's steps came to a sudden halt upon noticing a shop across the street.

It was a souvenir shop.

Well, Adrian had some cash with him—leftover coins from the survival test, but he was uncertain whether it would suffice to purchase a souvenir.

Noble children's budgets were usually managed by their head butler or nanny before they came of age.

Truthfully, they could buy anything with no money, because their shopping receipts would be sent to their mansion/palace, and the manager would cut the budget to pay for it.

After they turned 18, they would eventually run their own budget, and their family would give them an aide to assist them in managing the money.

However, a brilliant idea crossed Adrian's mind.

"Hei, Nate."

Nathaniel stopped his track and turned toward him.

"What is it?"

Adrian faced him and stretched out his hand.

"Give me my thousand gold coins."

"What??"

Nathaniel was left bewildered and looked at him in disbelief upon hearing his little brother's audacity.

"Yours? You even haven't proven your words yet! This is a broad-daylight robbery!"

Despite Nathaniel's objection, Adrian remained nonchalant and persistent.

"I don't care, give me my money."

Nathaniel was a regressor, he was doubtlessly dirt rich.

And if there was a regressor somewhere but he was dirt poor, then there was something wrong with his head.

"Ha!"

Nathaniel scoffed in disbelief.

But eventually, he pulled out a small pouch of gold coins and placed them in Adrian's outstretched hand.

"Here."

"Hehe, thanks."

Adrian's voice brimmed with excitement as he peered into the pouch, causing his smile to stretch even wider.

"Let's go to that souvenir shop."

Adrian led the way and Nathaniel rolled his eyes but ultimately followed him.

"Whatever."

They crossed the street and entered the shop. 

The staff welcomed them with utmost care and politeness, offering to help them find the perfect souvenir for their loved ones.

Adrian began to browse the shelves, picking up items and examining them closely. 

Nathaniel, on the other hand, sat on a nearby chair, looking bored and disinterested.

Noticing his brother's lack of enthusiasm, Adrian asked.

"You're not going to buy something for your mother?"

Yet, Nathaniel just sneered and waved his hand dismissively.

"Never mind."

Adrian shrugged insouciantly and continued with his activity.

However, just when Adrian finished selecting and paying for his souvenir, his attention was suddenly drawn to a butterfly hairpin adorned with beautiful purple gems.

Without much thought, he picked it up and placed it on the counter.

"Please add this too."

The shop assistant smiled and added it to his purchase.

"I understand."

Finished with their shopping, they made their way out of the store and headed toward their carriage.

"Nate!"

Nathaniel turned and his hand deftly caught an object that hurtled toward him before it landed on his face.

"What the hell, Ian."

Annoyed laced his voice.

"Nice catch."

Ignoring him, Adrian walked past him with a smug grin and climbed into the carriage.

Nathaniel unclenched his fist and a red velvet box came into view.

He opened it and a beautiful necklace with gold gems sparkled in the light.

Nathaniel couldn't help but furrow his brows.

'Did that little brat really wish for him to give this to Lucia, his very mother?'

"Tsk."

His relationship with his mother was irreparable but, after deep contemplation, he placed the box into his Magical Sphere.

Entering the carriage, Nathaniel expressed his gratitude.

"Thanks."

Adrian shrugged and responded.

"Never mind."

With that, they returned to the Mansion.

.

.

.

"Open the gate!!"

A knight shouted.

The gatekeeper hastily spun the winch and the giant drawbridge slowly descended.

Today, they arrived at the Sun Palace.

The day for Adrian to stop the war had come.