Page 145 of Vameer

“You want to keep using that chain?”

“No.”

“Then tuck your shirt in.”

Rune smothers a laugh behind me as I do what Haruto says.

I’m not used to clothing this tight, but I’ve spent a lot of my life in a robe, so anything would feel constricting in comparison. And from what I’ve observed, these items fit as they’re meant to. Meaning he worked his magic well.

Haruto disappears around a partition, and there’s some rustling, a flash of gold, some muttering in Japanese I can’t make out, followed by a trunk slamming shut.

Reappearing, he approaches with a large bundle in the same dark red color. And a black leather belt with an attached black leather scabbard.

He holds the belt out. “See if I got the length right.”

I loop it around my waist so the scabbard is at my left hip. Then I secure it.

The belt fits perfectly.

I use my gravito to lift my sword from the ground, then slide it into the scabbard.

When it’s in all the way, there’s a click.

I tilt my head at the sound.

Haruto grins. “Only you can remove your weapon.”

I lift a brow.

“May I?”

I nod.

The old man steps forward, grips the hilt, then yanks on it as hard as he can, shaking his arm around wildly.

Rune doesn’t smother her laugh this time.

“Okay, I get it.” I pry the man’s fingers off my sword.

He cackles as he steps back to the bundle he dropped on the ground. “Last item.” Gripping it tight, he shakes it out.

“A new robe?”

He nods. “A new robe.”

I take it from him and pull it on.

The wide sleeves reach my wrists. The hem just brushes the floor. And it’s light. Very light.

Haruto claps his hands together once. “Perfect. It’s made of the same stuff as the rest of your items. I know, I know, too red.” He waves off the complaint from earlier, even though I’ll secretly admit I don’t hate it. “It’s an upgrade from the black fabric your brother has. It’s resistant to your Fire, like his. Best I can test for at least. Bulletproof. Water repellent. But this one is fully venom proof.”

I make an impressed expression. Glad I know about the venom, even if I don’t know how to access mine yet.

“You like?”

“I like.” Hands at my sides, I give Haruto another small bow. He’s crazy. But he’s good. “I would like one for my mate as well.”

If this fabric is a form of protection, I will wrap her in it head to toe.