The Unadorned Sovereign

Chapter 5. His Worth

Frustration gnawed at Liam as he stared at the holographic display of the merchant system, bewildered by the array of unfamiliar items it showcased. Skill books, potions, monster parts — it was all Greek to him. Liam's brows furrowed deeper, his fingers twitching in agitation.

His annoyance building, he muttered to himself, "This is ridiculous! I just need something simple, something I can understand."

Letting out a sigh of frustration, Liam's impatience got the best of him. He decided to settle for something familiar, something that resonated with his mundane existence. Instant ramen and popular snacks, everyday items that seemed to hold a glimmer of normalcy amidst the otherworldly goods.

Before his hand could even reach out to take items his choices, a sudden grip on his old hand startled him. Liam turned his head quickly, his aged eyes widening in surprise as they met the gaze of the shopkeeper. The grip was firm, almost restraining, and it belonged to a middle-aged man with a stern expression.

"What do you think you're doing?" The shopkeeper's voice held a note of accusation, his gaze locked onto Liam's actions. "Don't even try it," he added, a hint of annoyance seeping into his tone.

The shopkeeper's grip tightened, and he pulled Liam's hand away from the goods. His voice was gruff as he addressed Liam, "I know exactly what you're trying to do. Don't think I haven't seen your type before. I have enough on my plate without dealing with a shoplifter – an old one at that."

Liam's frustration surged anew, and he tried to explain himself, "Wait, you've got it all wrong! I'm not trying to steal anything." His words fell on deaf ears, the shopkeeper determined to stick to his assumptions.

The shopkeeper's voice stern and dismissive. "Get out of here! I don't have time for your games."

With a decisive yank, the shopkeeper practically dragged Liam toward the exit. The cold air from outside rushed in to meet them as Liam stumbled onto the street, his heart pounding with indignation. His sense of injustice was palpable as he took a deep breath, ready to retort.

Just when he about to retort, a voice interjected - a voice as melodious as a songbird's and as captivating as a summer breeze. A beautiful young woman had approached, her presence radiant as sunlight through leaves. Next to her was a man dressed entirely in black, his demeanor stern and vigilant, like a shadow guarding the light. Liam's eyes widened, captivated by her striking beauty. She appeared to be in her twenties, with lustrous black hair framed her delicate face, and her lithe form moved with grace and confidence. Liam's old eyes widened with surprise as he found himself bewitched by her beauty.

Gazing upon her in awe, he almost missed the exchange between the beautiful lady and the shopkeeper. Anger radiated from her as she argued vehemently on Liam's behalf. The beautiful lady's plump, red lips formed fierce words, her stance unyielding against the shopkeeper's accusations.

Reality snapped Liam back to attention as he found himself inside the store once again, his savior at his side. Her presence was a soothing balm, a balm that dampened the sting of the shopkeeper's harsh treatment.

As the shopkeeper watched, the beautiful lady stepped forward, her graceful presence commanding attention. "Don't worry," she said with a soothing smile, her voice carrying a gentle assurance. "I'll help you with your shopping today. You can pick anything you want, and I'll take care of the payment."

Liam's eyes widened in amazement at the unexpected kindness. He glanced at the rows of items displayed in the store. The shopkeeper stood there, seemingly surprised by this interaction, while a man clad in all black, who had been silent until now, observed with an air of caution.

Gathering his thoughts, Liam turned to the shopkeeper and spoke,"I'd like to take all the ramen you have and some snacks, please."

The words hung in the air, a moment of silence stretching before them. The beautiful lady's smile remained, but there was a hint of surprise in her eyes. The man in black, however, seemed to seethe with sudden anger. His voice, which had been silent for so long, erupted into a shout that echoed through the market square.

"How dare you?!" The man's voice thundered through the air, his eyes blazing with anger as he glared at Liam. In an instant, he had crossed the distance between them, his grip tight on Liam's arm.

"What audacity!" he bellowed, his grip tightening around Liam's arm as he accused, "You're just too greedy! My lady is trying to help you, and you take advantage of her kindness."

The shopkeeper nodded in agreement, his face contorted with judgment. "He's right," the shopkeeper chimed in, his tone accusatory. "We know your type, an old geezer like you is no good. You're nothing but an old geezer trying to swindle people."

Amidst the turmoil, Liam's patience and understanding began to wane. His own sense of justice, battered by a world that had shown him little compassion, was ignited by this seemingly unfair turn of events. In a voice that carried both frustration and resolve, he declared, "Enough is enough."

Without hesitation, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash, the notes crumpling slightly in his grip. He flung the money onto the counter, the sound of bills hitting the surface resonating through the shop.

Liam's eyes blazing, his voice was stern, cutting through the tension like a blade., "Just pack my things and be quiet."

The shopkeeper's mouth fell open in surprise, his earlier certainty faltering as he stared at the unexpected display of wealth. The man in black took a step back, his anger momentarily subdued by the sudden turn of events. Liam's actions spoke louder than any argument, and his message was clear – he was not to be underestimated.

With a newfound sense of authority, Liam addressed the man in black, his voice firm and unyielding. "I've had enough of unfair judgments. If Miss wishes to help, I appreciate it. But, no thanks. I can buy it my self, as much as i want."

As the shopkeeper began hurriedly gathering the ramen and snacks, the beautiful lady watched the scene unfold with a mixture of admiration and amusement. Liam's response had revealed a side of him that they hadn't anticipated. As the tension gradually dissipated, she addressed Liam, her voice soft with appreciation. "You certainly know how to make a statement."

Liam's expression softened as he met her gaze, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Sometimes actions speak louder than words."

He had stood up for himself in the face of adversity, and he was determined to assert his worth, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.