There's No Love In the Deathzone (BL) novel Chapter 132

Chapter 132: Chapter 128. Seven Ether

"Isn’t it weird?" Zein frowned as they get out of the car. "You buy something from me to give it...to me..."

Zein had argued that Bassena should have just told him to reserve a portion of the aetherite for him, and only paid for the artisan and enchanter service. But the esper just laughed at that and argued back.

"Then it wouldn’t be a present," Bassena said. "Especially with what happened this week, I want to give you some protection."

"Then I should pay for it myself,"

Bassena turned to look at the guide, giving the man an exasperated smile. "I told you I want to gift you a present. Can you just let a man do his courting?"

Zein...had no argument for that.

So he just begrudgingly followed the courting man into what appeared to be an ordinary house. It was quite an ordinary residence, with a simple lawn and minimalistic exterior, despite being spacious. The spacious aspect being the existence of a long building that seemed to be a workshop.

Bassena knocked on the door once and someone opened the door readily, a teenage boy of fifteen or sixteen that got Zein frozen for a bit. The boy told them to enter after greeting Bassena timidly, and Zein exhaled unconsciously, feeling relieved that the boy was very different from the twins.

Following Bassena further, they arrived at what seemed to be a living room. But one side of the wall had an open window and a counter that made it look like a store instead. A store with a very homey and cozy waiting room. _{freeweɓnovel.cøm}

"Don’t you know people had been looking for you? What are you doing suddenly coming here?" a stern voice greeted them behind that counter-like window, and Zein could see an old man, older than old man Dan, standing with crossed arms.

Despite his age, however, the old man had a bulking physique and sturdy arms, with a face covered in a thick mustache and beard. At a glance, he seemed to be irritated, but there was no malice in his voice or his gaze. Actually, he looked like he was quite glad to see them--or rather, seeing Bassena.

"I’m seeking refuge here, of course," Bassena answered with a smirk. "Since people don’t dare come close to your workshop, old man."

The old man clicked his tongue and grunted a reply. "You’re just as cheeky as your mother."

"Thanks for the compliment," Bassena laughed in response, sounding genuinely happy rather than being sarcastic.

The old man scoffed and put something on the counter then, as Bassena and Zein arrived in front of him. It was a small velvet box with a piece of light blue gem, exquisitely carved in the shape of a water drop.

"Here, as you requested. It’s small and inconspicuous enough to be fashioned into any accessory," the old man told them. "Enchanted with a healing amplification, rejuvenation spell, and barrier formation."

"Is your daughter doing the enchantment?"

"Who else if not her?" the man replied harshly, but there was a trace of pride in his voice.

Bassena smiled as he tapped on the box and brushed the blue gem with his thumb. It was small, only about the size of a bean. He made it so--not because he couldn’t buy a bigger one, but because he knew Zein wouldn’t wear it otherwise, even if the man agreed to receive the gift.

"So? What do you want to make?" the old man asked. "Ring? Necklace? Earring? Bracelet?"

Bassena turned his head to look at Zein, who had been only listening quietly while looking around. "So?" the esper asked, and the old man shifted his gaze to the guide too.

Zein, who was still thinking that he might be able to reject the gift, finally answered after a few seconds of silence under the gaze of two waiting people. "...the last one."

"Bracelet it is," the old man nodded, and Bassena grinned in delight as Zein put his wrist on the counter to be measured as per the old man’s instruction.

Well, after looking at the pea-size gem, he thought it was okay. Bassena was right--Zein would refuse to wear it if it was any bigger. That being said, he also liked how the gem reminded him of a water drop.

He realized then that Bassena really ordered this gem for him. Watching the esper looking so pleased and happy at the notion of giving him something made Zein feel a bit weird.

A bit warm.