After breakfast, I asked Alexander's permission to let me do some shopping. All I had in the trunk were gowns, which were unsuitable for the quest. I need trousers, shirts, and boots. Alexander agreed, but Liam must accompany me and Lady Evelyn.The morning bustle of Evergrove was a vibrant symphony of activity. Merchants displayed their wares, and the aromas of freshly baked goods wafted through the air. The town came alive with people, their laughter and chatter filling the streets.As we walked through the busy marketplace, Liam and Lady Evelyn by my side, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. Shopping for practical clothes had never been something I anticipated before, but with the hunt ahead, it became a necessary task."Let's head to that tailor shop," I suggested, pointing towards a quaint boutique with an array of clothes displayed outside.The shopkeeper greeted us warmly as we entered, and I began searching for sturdy trousers, shirts, and boots suitable for the hunt. Lady Evelyn was quite a fashionista herself. She knew of the latest trends. While Liam's presence was reassuring, he sometimes interrupted us by sharing his thoughts about the suitability of the clothes that we chose.Once we had everything we needed, Lady Evelyn suggested visiting a nearby jewelry shop. I hesitated, not understanding the reason for this detour, but something urged me to follow her lead.Inside the shop, the air was filled with the glimmer of precious gemstones and delicate trinkets. While Lady Evelyn was busy talking to the girl behind the counter, I walked to a tall window opposite where they were standing. Again I saw pomegranate trees laden with ripe fruits not far from a majestic oak tree.As I admired those trees despite the exquisite displays in the shop, a deep voice resonated from behind a curtained area. "Lovely isn't it? Those trees grow almost everywhere in this region."I turned to see a striking figure emerge from the shadows—a man with a regal bearing and eyes that held a glint of mystery. His presence commanded attention, and I couldn't help but be captivated by his aura. He has features sculpted with an air of elegance and refinement. His hair, dark as the night, cascades in waves that frame his chiseled jawline. His eyes, like pools of deep sapphire, hold a glimmer of mystery and intelligence, often reflecting a hint of playfulness."Forgive me for being so bold to interrupt Her Highness' thoughts." He bowed his head. "I'm Lord Killian Ravenscroft. Welcome to my humble establishment."I curtsied to his salutation without extending my hand. How on earth did he know I am a princess? I wore a hooded cloak to cover my head, thus hiding my face from prying eyes.A knowing smile lined his thin lips as if he was able to read my mind. "I overhead your conversation with your lady-in-waiting."I frown for a few seconds trying to remember the conversation I had with Lady Evelyn in the shop, but none came to mind.Without explaining my suspicion, he turned to look at the trees that have captivated my attention since this morning at the inn."It's rare to see pomegranate and oak trees grow near each other. Both are hardy and adaptable to various soil and climate conditions. Both prefer the full sun exposures. But an oak prefers a well-drained, acidic and loamy soil, while pomegranate prefer deep, fertile, slightly acidic, and moist soil. They have different needs but can co-exist as long as the soil is well-drained, acidic, loamy, and moist, and the climate is warm temperate with hot, dry summers and cool winters."Wow? A botanical explanation in the middle of a jewelry shop in the small town of Evergrove in a fictional world! Acidic? Does such a word exist in the land of magic and wonders where science is nonexistent? The lines on my forehead got deeper as I stared at the gentleman.Lord Ravenscroft's smile turned into a chuckle. "I'm sorry, princess, for boring you with the knowledge of trees and soils. I am sure the matter is petty and unattractive. Forgive me for wasting your precious time." Again he bowed his head, apologizing for the trivial matters."I don't mind it, Lord Ravenscroft," I said, waving my hand to dismiss the matter. "Actually I enjoyed your thoughts and appreciate for sharing the knowledge with me. I have been wondering myself since this morning about those trees. From where I came from, I never saw those trees planted on the same soil.""Indeed Astoria is an enchanted land but the soil was not suitable for either of those plants," he added politely, not wanting to utter a condemning remark.My curiosity was piqued. Again, how did he know where Elysia came from? Actually, I'm referring to my own world when making those remarks. I didn't even know what Astoria looked like. But thankfully, I got my facts right."It seems like your lady-in-waiting has a discerning eye for fine jewelry. She has a keen interest in unique gems. How about you, Your Highness?" he inquired, a hint of amusement in his voice. Lord Ravenscroft's eyes met mine, and an unspoken connection seemed to pass between us."I don't know. Do enlightened me."Frankly, I have no knowledge of jewels or precious stones. I only wear gold when living as Samantha in the modern world. But somehow, with this man, I can just admit my ignorance, not worrying if he judges me of being an imposter princess. What kind of princess who doesn't know of her jewelry?As we conversed about gemstones, I found myself drawn to his wisdom and charisma. He spoke with eloquence and shared stories of his travels to far-off lands, his words painting vivid pictures of exotic places and fascinating cultures.I couldn't deny the fascination that grew within me, and as I tried on a bracelet he recommended, his fingers briefly brushed against mine. A jolt of energy surged through me, and I couldn't help but feel that fate had brought me to this moment.Throughout our encounter, I sensed that there was more to Lord Ravenscroft than met the eye. There was a depth to him, a complexity that beckoned me closer. I wanted to understand the mystery that he was, and the draw between us was undeniable.As we bid farewell to Lord Ravenscroft and left the jewelry shop, I couldn't shake the feeling that our paths would cross again. The universe seemed to be orchestrating our encounters, and I knew that destiny had a plan for us all, intertwined in this web of love, adventure, and self-discovery.Yeah... yeah... I guess I have to live and get use to the narratives playing over and over again in my head, acting like a storyteller. I scoffed and rolled my eyes.