Catalyst of Enigma

"King Gale and King Vikir, huh?" Aizer muttered, letting the names roll off his tongue. [Alright, I guess I've got a decent enough picture of my situation now,] he thought as he swung his legs off the bed. Stretching his arms above his head, he felt his stiff muscles protest before he turned his attention to Mary.

"Come on, let's go."

"Go? Where to, young master?"

"I don't know yet," Aizer replied casually, his gaze drifting around the room.

"Hmm… Ah, I know." He strode purposefully toward the door, only to pause mid-step. "Hey, Mary, go into my wardrobe and find me a cloak."

"Yes, young master," Mary said with a slight bow, hurrying off to complete the task. Moments later, she emerged, empty-handed.

"Young master, I can't find any cloaks in there," she admitted, her tone tinged with hesitation.

"Oh, right," Aizer said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I forgot—I've been asleep for four years. Guess I wouldn't have many clothes that fit me anymore. Not to worry, though. Mary, as of today, you're officially relinquished from your duties."

"W-what?" Mary stammered, her eyes widening in alarm. "Young master, did I do something to displease you?" She fell to her knees, her voice trembling. "If I have, p-please punish me however you see fit, but I beg you, don't fire me!"

"Fire you?" Aizer blinked, his tone incredulous. "No, that's not what I meant. I'm taking you with me to the market. To do that, you'll need to be temporarily relieved of your duties."

"But young master, I—"

"Aren't I a prince? The master of this estate? If I don't have at least that much authority, I might as well be a servant myself," Aizer said, crossing his arms. "Oh, and one more thing—find me a gun."

"A g-gun?" Mary's voice cracked as she repeated his request.

"Of course. You can't expect someone as handsome and charming as myself to wander the streets unarmed," Aizer replied with a grin, placing a hand on his chest and splaying his fingers theatrically.

"Y-yes, young master," Mary said, scurrying off to fulfil his bizarre command.

Aizer turned his attention to the gleaming pile of gold coins on a nearby table. [Hmm, I'm not sure how the economy in this world works, but it should follow the standard trope: gold's the highest, then silver, then copper. Heh, but since I'm a prince, there's not a single copper coin in sight.]

Knock, knock.

"Young master, I've returned with the gun you requested," Mary called from the other side of the door.

"That was quick. Nice work, little bunny," Aizer said with a smirk as he opened the door.

"U-um… thank you, young master," Mary replied, visibly puzzled by the nickname.

"So, young master," she ventured hesitantly, "may I ask why we're going to the market?"

"Why? To celebrate my birthday, of course. And to get some new clothes."

"Hehe, so much gold in my hands," Aizer said, turning back to the pile with a playful grin.

"Now, you're going to carry it."

"M-me?" Mary stammered, her eyes darting to the heavy bag.

"Yep," Aizer confirmed cheerfully as he dropped the weighty sack into her arms. "Oh, you're surprisingly tougher than you look, little bunny."

"Thank you, young master," Mary managed as she carefully placed the gold into the bag she'd brought.

"Alright, we're off."

"W-wait, young master!"

"Hm? Something wrong?"

The maid hesitated, glancing nervously at his attire. "Are you… going out wearing that?"

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Aizer asked, glancing down at himself in confusion.

"Well, it's… it's not how a noble or a prince should dress," Mary said hesitantly, pointing at his simple white shirt and black trousers.

The clothes, though plain, were flexible and comfortable—qualities Aizer prioritised over appearances.

"Doesn't matter how they dress," he said dismissively. "This is what I'm wearing. Besides, there's not much in my wardrobe that fits me anyway. Now stop fussing, and let's go. It's getting stuffy in here."

"Yes, young master. I'm coming," Mary said, hurrying to follow him as he left the room.

They made their way through the estate, Mary leading him toward the grand entrance. Though reluctant to let them leave, Delara, the acting head maid, reluctantly returned to her duties when Aizer commanded it. After all, no matter his state of mind, he was still her master.