Chapter 11 The Unlikely Virtue Of Mixarnt: How A Flirt Discovered He Actually Wants One Woman

The first golden rays of dawn painted the village streets as Mixarnt strolled toward the tailor shop, humming a tune. The wooden sign above the door still hung sideways - clearly the shop wasn't open for business yet. Undeterred, he knocked on the door frame in a playful rhythm. "Knock knock~" he called, his voice carrying that characteristic mix of cheerfulness and mischief. The door creaked open to reveal a flustered woman in her early thirties, her chestnut hair hastily tied back, and a measuring tape still draped around her neck. She blinked in surprise at the unexpected customer, then blinked again as she took in his handsome features, his boyish grin illuminated by the morning sun. "W-what is it? How can I help you?" she said, unconsciously smoothing her work apron. The tailor found herself suddenly very aware that she hadn't yet put on her usual makeup or done her hair properly. Mixarnt gave an apologetic shrug, his muscles flexing beneath his borrowed shirt. "Haha, morning! Sorry if I'm early," he said, scratching the back of his head in that endearingly sheepish way. "I wanted to commission some clothes." He produced a folded sketch from his pocket. "Here's the design I want, and... ah, right-" His grin turned slightly embarrassed as he added in a conspiratorial whisper, "I kinda need to buy some boxers too. Had a little... river incident last night." The tailor's cheeks flushed pink as she stepped aside to let him enter. "O-of course! Come in, come in," she stammered, suddenly very interested in straightening her already neat worktable. "We have several styles of undergarments that might... suit your needs." She dared a glance at his broad shoulders before quickly looking away, fussing with her measuring tape. "Shall we take your measurements first?" Mixarnt chuckled good naturedly, completely oblivious to the effect he was having. "That'd be great! Just need something comfortable, you know? My adventures tend to be hard on clothes." He winked, and the tailor nearly dropped her pincushion. As she began taking his measurements, she couldn't help but notice how this cheerful young man carried himself with easy confidence. And that grin, so carefree, yet with a glint of something deeper in those deep blue eyes. "Your... companion must be very lucky," the tailor ventured as she measured his shoulders, immediately regretting how forward that sounded. Mixarnt burst out laughing. "Aelries? Oh, she'd set your shop on fire if she heard you say that!" His laughter filled the small space, warm and infectious. "We're just travel buddies. Though I did get her to throw me a blanket last night, so maybe she's warming up to me?" The tailor found herself smiling despite her earlier fluster. 'Whoever this Aelries was,' she thought as she noted down the measurements, 'she clearly didn't know how good she had it with this charming, if slightly oblivious, young man.' A bit later... The tailor shop's changing curtain rustled as Mixarnt fastened his new undergarments, his cheeks still warm. He hadn't expected the village tailor to be such a striking woman, her gentle demeanor, and voluptuous figure reminding him painfully of how long it had been since he'd known a woman's touch. Unlike Aelries' constant fiery temper, this woman's kindness left him oddly flustered. "Damn, she's totally my type." he muttered. Just as he reached for his borrowed shirt, he felt soft hands slide around his waist from behind. The scent of lavender and sewing thread enveloped him as the tailor pressed against his back. "Would you... like to join me for breakfast?" Her voice carried a delicate tremor, fingers tracing the ridges of his abdomen. "My home has proper bathing facilities too. The river water can't compare to warm water and scented oils." Mixarnt's breath hitched. The village's female majority was no secret to those living in the area, there was also an old tradition of welcoming travelers to increase their population. This wasn't just hospitality; it was an invitation he understood perfectly. He turned slowly, meeting her dark eyes that held both desire and quiet loneliness. The way her gaze dropped to his lips sent heat pooling in his stomach. A proper bath. A warm meal. And the unspoken promise of pleasure... With a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes, Mixarnt brushed a stray hair from her face. "I appreciate the offer, but," he stepped back just enough to break contact, "my travel companion would burn down your lovely shop if I kept her waiting." The lie came easily, though the image of Aelries' furious face was strangely comforting. The tailor's smile faltered only momentarily before she straightened her apron with practiced grace. "Of course. Another time perhaps..." Her professional mask slid back into place, though her fingers lingered when handing him his bundled clothes. "Do visit again if your... undergarments need replacing." Mixarnt's laughter filled the shop as he hand the payment on her hand. 4 gold coins that is more than enough for his request. "I'll keep that in mind! Though next time I'll try not to lose them in the river." The morning bell chimed as he exited, the crisp air cooling his flushed skin. Part of him regretted declining, the bath alone would have been heavenly. But something about betraying Aelries' trust, even in this small way, sat uncomfortably in his chest. Shaking his head at his own foolishness, Mixarnt adjusted his package and set off toward the inn. He thought that Aelries would probably still be asleep, blissfully unaware of his moral dilemma. The thought made him grin, she'd likely call him an idiot if she knew. And for once, she might be right. "I guess I'm starting to take a liking to Aelries..." Mixarnt trailed off, his face burned like a tomato. "The hell am I saying!?" He said to himself. "Well, whatever..." he said with an annoyed face.