When we arrived at the town where the small festival is held, the bustling was evident even from afar. Len put Jaya in a paid stable which was clearly full.
Sorry, Jaya. I'll buy you apples when we get back.
"Where do you want to go first?"
I thought for a moment, "Can we go look for a fabric shop...?"
"A fabric shop?" Len nodded and took out a map from his pocket. "Alright this way."
I followed Len.
"Why do you want to go to the fabric shop? For your lady?"
"Yeah. For Lady Raina."
"Is she interested in such things? Dresses and jewels?" He inquired.
"My lady does. Oh, is that it?" I pointed to a store which had lots of fabrics and textiles displayed in front. Len gave a hum, and I sprinted to the store, not waiting for Len. I opened the door, and the wind chime made of seashells sounded.
An old man stood up from his seat, taking his glasses to wear it. "Welcome."
"Hello. I'm looking for a fabric that is breathable, flowy, and shiny. Another one that is much stiffer and can hold its form very well while still having movement. Oh, and I need one made with Wusari."
The old man's eyes shimmered at my enthusiastic requests, and he took out a thick book. He opened the book, and it had samples of varied fabrics and textiles.
Being the professional that he is, he understood my vague description and flipped through the book pages as though he had it already memorized, and he probably did.
I chose the ones I liked and flipped through to find more fabrics to get. I saw one with the texture of velvet and had golden, bird embroidery on them. "Do you have one that has star embroidery on them?"
"No, but we can have someone to make you a custom fabric. It might take 2 months or more."
"Then let's do that. Gold embroidery on red and white on black."
Upon saying so, he took out a piece of paper and pencil.
Mr. Fabric shopkeeper, our minds are perfectly in sync. I love you!
I took the paper and pencil from him and began to draw the pattern I wanted to be embroidered.
Since it's like this, might as well shop for more other things! I have a gold bar to spare anyways.
"What else do you have?"
The old man finally stepped out of his desk and toured me around the store. Buttons, laces, threads, he had it all!
I took out the gold bar and handed it to him.
"Th-This..." The old man's eyes widened, his voice trembling.
"Deduct the transportation fee. Deliver it to the Rielta Duchy under the name Raina Atara von Aillard." The shopkeeper looked at me dumbfoundedly and it made me think of something. "You know what? Give me another piece of paper and a pen. Let's write a contract."
As impulsive as it sounds, I decided to write a contract to have my fabrics supplied from here.
The custom fabrics and textiles Party A commission, and design will be exclusive. Once that exclusiveness has been compromised, Party B will be penalized. Plus, some more clauses.
But it is only impulsive sounding. I've thought long about it before deciding, besides my intuition that has been praised by the business tycoon, Kiel Argerich aka King of Gold, for its accuracy has never been wrong.
These are quality pieces.
The old man's eyes which were shining just not long ago is now swirling.
Don't get dizzy Old Man! I'm sure it's too fast paced, but you must handle it well!
He took a handkerchief out and wiped the sweat on his forehead. "Weren't you just buying a few fabrics...?"
"No." I pushed the paper and pen to his side.
He finally read the contract seriously, adjusting his glasses every now and then. After reaching the end, he took the pen and signed it.
I gave him a thumbs up, "Alright! Put the change on my tab and I'll have someone come back. By the way, do you know any skilled, reliable tailors?"
"Ah, yes... Yes! My wife and my daughter are skilled tailors. I know other people too."
"Got it. Have 5 come to the duchy when you're delivering the items. I'll see if their satisfactory."
"Understood, miss."
I nodded, satisfied with our quick agreement. I turned around to leave when I jolted back from surprise.
Ack!
It was Len.
He was patiently leaning by the door with his arms crossed.
I was too excited and completely forgot about him!
Sienna, what the fuck is wrong with you!
I carefully walked towards him, "Len...?" I called out in a hushed voice.
He was unmoving and I thought he fell asleep standing up because of how bored he was. I'm surprised he didn't even leave me alone!
"Hmm?" He stood up properly. "Did you finally remember me?" He asked in an amused tone.
AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
"I'm sorry!" I bowed my head.
"Don't bow and apologize, Sienna."
Too kind!
You're too kind!
An angel!
I raised my head and looked at him with admiring eyes to which he chuckled at.
"Is your errand here finished?"
"Yeah, is... is there somewhere you want to go to?"
"Not really. How about you?"
"No idea, either. Going here was my purpose."
"I see..." Len crossed his arm, thinking.
"Should we just stroll around then?"
I nodded my head fervently. "Sure!"
***
"Len." I called out and pointed at a food stall. "Do you think that's the stall the knight from earlier is talking about?"
No wonder he said we'd recognize it immediately. It wasn't because of the food's mouthwatering smell but because his face is plastered all over it!
The food stall I was pointing at had decorated everything with a poorly drawn knight. The only reason it can be called 'recognizable' is because of the dark green uniform. Add the fact that they keep yelling, 'Specially recommended by the Peristera liutenant!'
Whoever thought of this marketing strategy should get a raise.
Len and I turned to look and each other.
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
We both laughed at the ridiculousness of it.
"Should we try one?"
"Yeah! Ask for a discount if it actually works. Pfft-"
I grabbed Len's wrist and dragged him to the stall. They sold squid skewers, firabimp, and panbo...? What is that?
"I'll have a squid skewer. How about you, Len?"
"Same as yours."
"Make it two." I was about to take out my pouch from my pocket when Len placed a bronze coin on my hand. "I'll pay for it...?"
Len didn't talk and decided to put matters into his own hands, pushing my hand towards the lady and making me give the coin to her. She smiled at us in amusement and took the bronze coin.
I could only shake my head and share the same smile as the lady. "By the way, we were sent by your mascot." I said, pointing to the laughable drawing.
"Sir Fred Arin." Len added.
Oh, so that's his name.
The lady snapped her fingers, "Got it."
A few minutes later, the food was done. We got our squid skewer and two free panbo. The panbo seemed like an ordinary round bread on the outside, but once bitten, it had savor cream and shrimp inside.
"Mhm!"
HOLY!!!!! IT'S SO GOOOOOOOOOOD!
Once I had chewed and swallowed, I immediate went in for a bite. I ate like a child who hasn't eaten in days. Within 5 bites, the panbo was finished. On my side, Len was also devouring his panbo.
"That was exceptional."
Agreed, agreed.
After finishing the panbo, we began on walking as we munched on the perfectly grilled squid skewer.
Suddenly, a frantic yell could be heard, "HEY! MOVE!"
The yell came from not so far away, the source being a coachman with a running wild horse. Everyone quickly moved aside except for a young child that seemed to have froze from fear.
Fuck!
I accidentally dropped the squid skewer and ran frenziedly toward the child, pushing the other people away. I was able to reach the child and was about to push him away, the carriage growing closer by the millisecond.
Ahhhh, Sienna, do you want to die so badly again?
Pushing a child away because they'll get ran over is how you died last time too.
Instead of pushing the child, I was able to grab the collar of his shirt and was about to pull him when one of the horses' hooves grazed my arm.
Like a deer on a headlight, I froze too.
Sienna, move your feet!
"Ah-"
A strong arm wrapped around my waist and successfully pulled us away. I raised my head and was met by Len's gray eyes.
That's right.
Eyes.
Len's hood had slowly fell back, revealing his face.
No wonder Isaac peed himself.
To be continued.