Disclaimer: I do not and will not ever own Noblesse. sob

Chapter3: Power

Seira was in the foyer when Rael found her. "Seira, I will accompany you outside." He gallantly offered.

"There is no need." Said Seira, not even pausing as she slipped on her shoes.

Rael froze. What do I do? What do I do? Rael panicked. I have been declined again.

Steeling himself for another rejection, he said, "Regis is indisposed. He has obligated me to take his place."

Seira glanced briefly at his uncertain smile and nodded once. She turned around and headed out the door.

Momentarily elated but confused, he followed her outside. This was the first time that she accepted any of his offers, no matter how small a thing, she always declined. Now he did not know how he should react.

They set off at a lazy pace, Siera walking slowly while Rael flanked her from behind.

why does Seira needs a companion while walking this city. He wondered to himself. Surely, no human would be a match for her.

Rael's eyes darted to his surroundings. I do not feel any suspicious aura in the vicinity. Good. He unclenched his fist and continued walking.

"Rael-nim."

Rael flinched. "Yes?" he answered. Was she engaging me in conversation? I did not hear her utter a word. He did not realize she would deign to honor him with her words. It was confusing, being used to years of her silence and coldness.

"We are here."

Rael only noticed now the brightly lit building. Countless humans strolled in and out of the establishment. He observed that most of them took a wheeled contraption from the front and pushed it inside the doorway.

"Seira, do you want to-" Rael turned and did not notice her absence. Where did she go?

She was just about to reach for a cart when Rael appeared by her elbow. "I will assist you with this." He offered.

She moved to the side and allowed him to maneuver the cart inside.

Rael abruptly stopped as he crossed the threshold of the building. His eyes widened as he took in the aisles of brightly lit food and produce.

"What is this place?" he turned to her.

"I believe the humans call this a Grocery." She answered. "It is where they get food and supplies for their house."

Rael distractedly gazed around while following her. Seira picked up various items and gently set them inside the cart while Rael diligently pushed it behind her.

"Can we really take this much?" He asked. "Will the landlord permit this?"

"Yes," answered Seira. "I have been given this identification card. The owner has instructed me to present it to the landlord by the counter. After verifying our identities, he will allow us to leave with his produce with no ill will."

His eyes widened with comprehension. "Is the human truly this powerful?" he asked. "He is able to command other land lords to give up their supplies to us?"

She nodded. "It is true. The humans must fear his power. They will allow us to leave even if my cart is full of their produce."

A/N: Don't the nobles have any form of money? They are self sufficient. But still, they MUST have some form of trade, right?