Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are So Hot! [BL]-Chapter 141: Errands, Candy, and a Jealous Stroll

"Yes, everything is in order. Please inform Lord Rostov that the delivery will be made by the specified date without fail."

"Thank you. We appreciate your continued support," Damien said, bowing deeply once again.

To his surprise, Ola seemed taken aback by the gesture, though he quickly regained his composure.

"Not at all, we’re honored to serve. If you wouldn’t mind, could I ask you to wait here for just a moment?"

"Of course," Damien replied, a little curious.

Ola hurried off and soon returned, holding a small pouch.

"Young man, it’s impressive how capable you are at your age—around the same as our young heir, I’d wager. This is a new batch of sugar candies we’ve acquired. Please take it as a little token of thanks."

"Th-thank you very much!" Damien exclaimed, bowing as he accepted two small pouches.

Do I really look that young? he thought, feeling a twinge of disappointment. Perhaps because of his height, people often assumed he was the same age as Lorenzo, one of the younger members of the household.

Still, he appreciated the kindness.

"I’ll make sure to give one of these to Lorenzo," Damien said politely.

"Oh? So you know our young master?" Ola asked with a warm smile.

"Y-yes," Damien replied, a bit flustered. "We’ve... gotten along quite well."

More like, he’s helped me out countless times, Damien thought.

"Well, it’s a big estate, but I suppose it’s natural to meet within the same household. Wait just a moment."

Ola hurried off again and returned with a total of six pouches.

"These are for your friends, too. Enjoy them together."

"Thank you so much," Damien said, bowing again. "We’ll be taking our leave now."

"Please tell young master Lorenzo that we’re looking forward to the next holiday," Ola said with a grin.

"I’ll be sure to pass that along," Damien assured him before leaving the shop.

As they exited, the shop staff all bowed in unison to see them off.

Family bonds really are something special, Damien thought as he walked away, feeling a warmth in his chest.

As they exited the Steinholt Trading Company, Elyon reached out his hand and grabbed Damien’s hand again.

It seemed like he was doing it to show off in front of Cedran.

Damien found Elyon’s unexpected jealousy oddly endearing.

"I told you, there’s nothing going on with Cedran," Damien said with a sigh.

"I don’t trust you," Elyon replied curtly.

"Ow!" Damien winced as Elyon dug his nails into his hand.

"Seriously, there’s nothing to worry about. Cedran doesn’t feel that way about me," Damien reassured him.

Probably.

Based on Damien’s observations, Cedran seemed more interested in him as he look similar to his sister, so things weren’t likely to go in that direction.

Probably.

"Would it bother you if I ended up with more lovers?" Damien asked, knowing full well the answer.

Of course, Elyon wouldn’t like it.

"No, I wouldn’t mind," Elyon replied matter-of-factly.

"What?!" Damien’s eyes widened in shock at the unexpected answer.

"I understand the situation well enough," Elyon said with a shrug. "But what I don’t like is when you’re the one who is initiating things."

"Does it look like I’m the one doing that?" Damien asked, taken aback. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Maybe the time he’d impulsively hugged someone had given that impression.

"I see. I’ll be more careful," Damien promised.

"Good. Make sure you are," Elyon said with a nod. His irritation seemed to fade as he gently ran his fingers over the spot he’d earlier scratched.

It felt surprisingly soothing.

...

"Have you finished your errands?" Cedran asked, his tone laced with amusement as he watched the two of them.

A little bit embarrassed, Damien resolved to keep holding Elyon’s hand confidently. It seemed important to Elyon, after all.

"Yes, we’re done. I apologize for keeping you waiting," Damien replied politely.

"Not at all. I’ve been instructed to guide you through the market next—does that sound good to you?" Cedran asked.

"Yes, please. We’re looking forward to it," Damien said, excitement building.

Finally, the market! The thought of bustling crowds and countless stalls filled Damien with anticipation.

"Before we go," Cedran said, suddenly serious, "there are a few things I need to emphasize."

Damien straightened up, ready to listen.

"First, the market will be quite crowded with people. Do not let go of my hand or stray from my side. If you get separated, call for me immediately," Cedran instructed.

Damien nodded his head in agreement. He doubted he’d find his way back if he got lost in the sea of people.

"Second," Cedran continued, "we’ll be walking along the main boulevard. If something in one of the shops or side streets catches your eye, make sure to let me know before stopping."

Damien nodded his head again, appreciating the clear instructions.

This was clearly a precaution against getting lost or getting abducted, and Damien understood the reasoning.

"Finally," Cedran said, his tone shifting, "from this point onward, I’ll change my speech for practical reasons. Just call me casual ly and don’t bother with formal language. I’ll drop the formality with you two as well... Hmm, what should I call you?"

"Call me El," Elyon interjected quickly.

Damien stifled a laugh. Elyon clearly meant "El" as in "elf."

"Very well, El. I’ll follow suit. And Damien, I’ll treat you as a man for the purposes of this outing."

Wait, what?

Did Cedran still think he was a woman?

"Um, Cedran, in fact, I am a guy," Damien clarified, feeling a bit awkward.

"Hahaha, right, of course," Cedran said, though it was obvious he didn’t believe it.

Damien sighed. Given the way he and Elyon had been acting earlier, it wasn’t surprising.

Well, it wasn’t a huge deal for now, so Damien decided to let it slide. He could clear things up later when the situation was less chaotic.

As for Elyon, who was barely containing his laughter, Damien decided he’d deal with him later.

"Now then, let’s get moving," Cedran said. "We can’t stand around chatting here all day."