While Hazuki wandered around, eyes wide at all the glittering displays and strange artifacts, Ellyn casually slipped toward Grandpa Grimmon behind the counter.
She leaned in and whispered, cupping her hands around her mouth.
"Grandpa!"
Grimmon flinched slightly, bending down to her level to whisper back.
"P-Princess, what are you doing here without your escort!?"
Ellyn tilted her head innocently.
"Hmm? I do have escorts. They're just... outside."
She waved a tiny hand dismissively.
Grimmon sighed heavily, glancing toward the door as if he expected to see an entire battalion hiding behind the fruit stalls.
"Haaa… for real?" he muttered under his breath.
Ellyn smiled brightly.
"How's our business, Grandpa?" she asked, switching back to a whisper.
Grimmon chuckled softly, patting her head gently.
"It's good. Very good."
He leaned closer.
"But why did you bring him here?" he asked, nodding toward Hazuki, who was currently poking at a glowing orb with casual interest.
