Chapter 83: Portobello Road Market
That afternoon, Portobello Road Market was bustling with visitors weaving between rows of antique stalls. The sounds of haggling, laughter, and the aroma of street food blended together, creating a lively atmosphere. The golden-orange sky cast a warm glow over the rooftops of the old buildings, painting a scene straight out of an impressionist painting.
Still clinging tightly to Ren's arm, Ichika matched his calm stride. She glanced up at him with curiosity.
"What exactly are you looking for here, Ren-kun?"
"Just taking a stroll. Maybe I'll find something valuable." Ren answered lightly.
Ichika frowned, eyeing him with slight concern. "You should be careful. Markets like this are full of fakes made to look like antiques. Don't end up paying a fortune for something worthless."
"Mhm."
Ren only nodded slowly, as if her advice didn't fully register.
"By the way, who came with you to London? Or did you come alone?"
If Itsuki had come along, Ichika would have felt awkward being so physically intimate with her brother-in-law. She didn't quite understand why her perception of Ren had changed so drastically after learning the truth about the hidden world. The Ren she once dismissed as a scumbag—an irresponsible young man who had gotten her younger sister pregnant—was actually a Campione.
'What's really going on with me? Is it some primal instinct—a woman's subconscious desire to seek protection from a strong man? Is that why I'm so drawn to Ren-kun?'
The thought made her cheeks flush slightly, but Ichika quickly diverted her attention.