Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 40: Stuffed Animals and Stuffed Feelings

Chapter 40: Stuffed Animals and Stuffed Feelings

Katherine was about to reply, but then her eyes caught something else—a colorful display of music boxes and stuffed animals at a nearby stall. The soft, tinkling melody of a music box chimed in the air, and without thinking, she wandered over, drawn in like a moth to a flame.

The music boxes were painted in pastel shades, some shaped like carriages, others like cute little animals, each playing sweet lullabies when wound up. Nearby, a row of stuffed animals—teddy bears, fluffy rabbits, and kittens—were arranged in neat little rows, all of them looking ridiculously adorable.

"Okay, I’ve got to say it," Katherine muttered, picking up a tiny teddy bear. It was so soft and warm, she could practically feel the fluffiness seeping into her soul. "These are the ultimate gift for that person you just don’t know how to shop for. And let’s be real, we’ve all been there."

Lord Adolfo raised an eyebrow and watched her with mild amusement. "I’ve seen many noble families purchase these for children at birthdays and celebrations."

Katherine hesitated, holding the teddy bear as if it were an ancient artifact.

"Would you say these are... appropriate gifts for a noble lady to give?" she asked, feigning deep thought as she pretended to weigh the teddy bear like it was some sort of luxury item.

"Definitely," Adolfo replied, his voice smooth. "Although, I suppose it depends on the occasion." He glanced over at the selection of music boxes. "Those would be ideal for someone who appreciates the finer things in life, yet knows how to enjoy simple pleasures. Are you gifting someone, or buying for yourself?"

Katherine paused, still holding the bear as she gazed at the music boxes. "Well, I was thinking of picking something out for Countess Yevon as a souvenir, and maybe Princess Laura," she said thoughtfully. "I think these would make such a sweet gift," she added with a smile. "Something that’ll bring a little joy. It’d suit Laura perfectly." She chuckled softly, imagining the princess’s reaction. "Though, I’d probably give Princess Laura one just to watch her face. I can already see it: She’d act all graceful about it, but you know she’d probably want to hide it under a pile of elegant shawls and pretend it’s not the cutest thing she’s ever seen."

Adolfo watched her with a small smile, clearly amused by how earnestly she was taking in everything around her. "A kind and thoughtful gift indeed," he agreed.

He moved closer to the stall, inspecting the stuffed animals with what seemed like genuine curiosity. "So, the princess enjoys toys like these..." he murmured, almost to himself.

Katherine froze, her fingers still wrapped around the teddy bear. His comment, soft and casual, triggered something unexpected—a sudden, heavy unease that crept up her spine. Her mind flickered back to the novel.

In the book, Adolfo had been obsessed with Princess Laura. He’d chased after her relentlessly, forced her into an engagement, and his obsession had spiraled into something dark and controlling. The image of his unhealthy attachment made her stomach tighten.

But here, in front of her, he was casually admiring stuffed animals. His voice was kind, his attention gentle—nothing like the obsessive intensity she had read about. Well, this is certainly a plot twist.

Was he being nice to me because I’m friends with Laura? she wondered, her chest tightening a little. Is that it? Is this all just some act of courtesy because of her?

The thought struck her with an unexpected heaviness. What if she was just a part of the package deal? A polite gesture because of her friendship with the princess? The idea made her feel oddly small, like she didn’t matter to him on her own terms, just as a mere extension of someone else. Her heart sank, but she quickly tried to shake the feeling off. Stop overthinking it, Katherine.

She pushed the thought away, but it lingered like a shadow, twisting in her chest. What if everything he said and did was just some weird obligation? Was this kindness just a facade?

"Get it together, Katherine," she muttered under her breath. This is ridiculous.

But no matter how hard she tried, the fluttering in her chest refused to go away. What if it wasn’t manipulation? What if he actually...

She sighed, exasperated with herself. I’m like a walking tangle of confusion. Can someone just hand me a handbook for this kind of thing?

Her fingers tightened around the teddy bear, and she tried to focus, forcing herself back into the moment. Focus on the cute toys. They’re adorable. You’re fine. Everything’s fine.

Adolfo glanced up, noticing the sudden silence. His smile flickered just slightly, and a soft concern crept into his gaze. "Is something wrong, Lady Katherine?" he asked, his voice gentler than before.

Katherine blinked, startled out of her spiraling thoughts. She quickly plastered on a smile that didn’t quite feel real. "Oh, nothing," she said, voice a little too light, a little too casual. "Just lost in thought."

Adolfo studied her for a beat, as if deciding whether to press further. But then, with a warm smile, he simply nodded. "If you say so."

They continued browsing the stall, but Katherine felt like her mind was buzzing. The cute little stuffed animals and delicate music boxes were now mere background noise. Her heart pounded a little faster, and the questions swirling in her head wouldn’t go away. Why did everything feel so... complicated?

Was this world just one big confusing puzzle? And, more importantly, what did any of this even mean?

***

The rest of their time at the stall passed quietly. Katherine focused on selecting gifts, trying to ignore the swirl of thoughts creeping into her mind. She picked out a music box with a delicate floral design for Countess Yevon and a plush white rabbit for Princess Laura—because, honestly, who wouldn’t want a fluffy bunny that looked like it could hop straight out of a fairy tale?

Once her purchases were made, Katherine stepped away from the stall, and Adolfo fell into step beside her as they moved through the busy marketplace. The cobblestone streets were alive with merchants calling out their wares, the chatter of townsfolk haggling, and the delightful smells of freshly baked bread, roasted nuts, and something sugary—maybe caramelized apples?

"You seem rather quiet," Adolfo remarked, a teasing note in his voice. "Was the selection of stuffed animals that overwhelming?"

Katherine snorted and shook her head. "Nah, just... sorting through my thoughts. It’s a full-time job, you know?"

"A dangerous thing, for a lady," he replied, his tone smooth but with that underlying hint of something she couldn’t quite place.

Katherine shot him a look, her lips quirking into a smile. "And why is that?"

"Because," he mused, tilting his head ever so slightly, "thoughts have a way of leading to questions, and questions... well, they often demand answers."

Katherine raised an eyebrow, half-amused, half-suspicious. "Are you giving me life advice now, Count Adolfo?"

"Only if you’re willing to listen," he replied with a sly grin.

Katherine gave a dramatic sigh, placing a hand over her heart. "My, my, so wise. You must have a lot of time to think on that."

Adolfo chuckled, clearly enjoying her lightheartedness. "I do my best."

They passed a stand selling accessories, and Katherine slowed down to admire the display. Sparkling keychains glinted in the sunlight, some adorned with tiny gemstones, others simple and elegant. One caught her eye—a flower-shaped keychain. It was understated, but pretty, and for some reason, it reminded her of the logo she once wanted for her store.

"Would you like one?" Adolfo asked, his voice almost too casual, watching her as she traced her finger over the keychains.

Katherine blinked and pulled her hand back quickly, as though caught in the act of stealing a cookie. "Oh, no, I was just... admiring it. No need to get me anything."

"Admiring often leads to wanting," he observed with a knowing smile.

Katherine turned to him with a mischievous smirk. "And wanting often leads to empty coin purses. It’s a vicious cycle."

Adolfo laughed, a genuine, rich sound that seemed to warm the air around them. "Fair enough. Though, if you were interested, I wouldn’t mind—"

"Thanks, but no thanks. I can buy my own accessories," Katherine interrupted with a playful smile, giving him a mock-serious look. "I’m not some helpless damsel in distress."

Adolfo raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable for a moment, before a slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "As you wish, Lady Katherine. I wouldn’t dream of robbing you of your independence."

Katherine rolled her eyes. "Good. I have a strict ’no charity’ policy."

They continued walking, but Katherine couldn’t help but feel the lightness of their conversation hanging in the air between them. Maybe it was the normal, playful banter, or maybe it was something deeper, but for once, her mind felt a little quieter. Still, there was something about this whole situation that felt... off. Not with him, not exactly, but everything around them. Her thoughts started to drift again—until she snapped herself out of it. She had to stop overthinking.

Adolfo, sensing her shift in mood, fell into silence as they continued walking, the sounds of the marketplace around them like a distant hum. Katherine couldn’t decide if his quiet presence was comforting or if it made everything more complicated. Either way, she was pretty sure the next Chapter of her life was about to get even more confusing.

***

They continued through the marketplace, winding their way toward a quieter area where the crowd thinned. Katherine let out a quiet breath, finally feeling like she could breathe a little easier. Her thoughts still hung over her like a thick fog, but at least she didn’t feel quite as trapped by them anymore.

Adolfo broke the silence, his voice gentle but probing. "Lady Katherine, if I may ask... what kind of gifts do you like?"

Katherine blinked, taken aback. "Me?" she asked, more surprised than she cared to admit.

"Yes," he said with a small smile. "You’ve been so thoughtful choosing for others. What about you? What would you like?"

She hesitated, her mind immediately blanking. It had been a long time since anyone had asked her that. In her past life, luxury had never really been a priority. And in this world? Survival had been the focus—gifts seemed so... distant.

"I suppose..." She trailed off, trying to find the right words. "I like things that have meaning. You know, something that says the person really understands me. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant—just... thoughtful."

Adolfo was quiet for a beat, clearly reflecting on her words. Then he hummed, as if mulling something over. "A gift should reflect the understanding of the recipient, then," he said thoughtfully.

"Exactly." She nodded, feeling a little lighter. "But honestly? If I’m being honest, I also prefer gifts that are useful. You know, something that makes my life easier. Like a nice set of kitchen tools, a sturdy bag, warm gloves for winter. Stuff that won’t just gather dust on a shelf."

Adolfo raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Practical?"

"Yeah," she confirmed. "Things that make life easier. But, also... gifts that remind me of a moment. Like, I don’t know, something that gives me that little spark when I see it again."

He gave a slight smile, his amusement just visible. "That’s a very different way of looking at it. Most noble ladies I know would prefer jewelry, fine dresses, things like that."

Katherine smirked. "Well, I’m not most noble ladies, am I?"

He chuckled softly. "No, you certainly are not."

They reached the edge of the marketplace, and ahead of them stood a stone fountain in the center of a quiet courtyard. A few children were playing nearby, tossing small pebbles into the water and laughing as the ripples spread. The sight stirred something in Katherine’s chest—a warmth that wasn’t quite comfortable, but oddly reassuring. It was so simple, so pure, untouched by any of the complications that usually swirled around her. For a brief second, it almost felt like she was seeing the world as it was, not as some tangled mess of expectations and confusion.

Her heart tightened, the knot of unease she’d been trying to ignore creeping up again. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but there was this ache, this unsettling sadness that hadn’t quite left her since the music box stall. A sense that she didn’t fully belong here—or maybe just didn’t fully understand her place in this world. She’d been trying not to think too much about it, but it was hard to ignore when it kept returning, like an unwelcome whisper.

She let her gaze linger on the scene, trying to shake the strange sadness that had followed her for much of the day. Beside her, Adolfo sat in quiet contemplation, his usual playful energy subdued. He wasn’t asking questions, wasn’t teasing her—he was just there. Sitting with her. It was like he understood that sometimes, she needed to just breathe.

Katherine took a slow breath.

It’s like the dialogues from those dramas I watch... ’parang pelikula’. (It’s like a movie.)

For a moment, she let herself forget. Forget the sadness. Forget the knot in her chest that had made everything feel like a blurry puzzle. Forget the way she had no idea how much longer she would be here, or if she even had a place to belong.

But it was only a moment.

The reality was, no matter how comfortable she felt in this fleeting, peaceful silence, she wasn’t supposed to be here. And she had no idea how much longer she would stay.

Her thoughts drifted back to the children. One of them cheered, excitedly clapping after landing a pebble perfectly in the center of the fountain. The other joined in with bright eyes, as though they’d won the greatest prize.

It was such a small thing, such an innocent moment. Yet it felt heavier than it should.

Katherine sighed quietly, straightening up. No more thinking, she told herself. She wasn’t getting any answers from these spiraling thoughts, anyway.

She turned to Adolfo, stretching her arms slightly. "We should go home," she said, trying to shake off the weight of her thoughts with a small, casual smile.

Adolfo blinked at her sudden declaration, and a smirk pulled at his lips. "Tired already, my lady?" he teased, though his tone was softer than usual.

Katherine rolled her eyes. "More like I’d rather not be out when the sun sets completely. You never know what kind of trouble lurks in the evening."

Adolfo chuckled, standing and brushing off his clothes. "Ah, so you do consider my presence useful for protection?"

Katherine scoffed. "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves."

They walked away from the fountain, the sound of the children’s laughter fading behind them. Despite the lightness of their exchange, the weight of Katherine’s thoughts still lingered. She had a feeling that the moment they shared, as warm and simple as it was, wouldn’t be enough to silence the quiet uncertainty that gnawed at her. Not for long, anyway.