Meanwhile, in a nearby building, a beautiful young girl named Charlotte Levine sat in her cozy room, surrounded by stacks of books.
She was a shy and introverted girl, with a love for reading that knew no bounds.
Her grandfather, a kind and caring man, had encouraged her passion, and she spent most of her days lost in the pages of her favorite novels.
Charlotte's parents had passed away when she was just a child, and her grandfather had taken her in, raising her as his own.
He had provided a loving and supportive home, and Charlotte felt grateful for his unwavering care.
As she sat in her favorite chair, surrounded by her beloved books, Charlotte felt a sense of contentment wash over her.
Her grandfather sat nearby, watching her with a warm smile.
He knew that Charlotte's love of reading was a source of comfort and strength for her, and he was happy to support her passion.
"Grandfather, I have almost finished this novel," Charlotte said, holding up her book. "It is so good!"
"I am glad you are enjoying it, dear," her grandfather replied. "You have a true love for reading, just like your parents did."
Charlotte smiled, feeling a sense of connection to her parents through her love of books.
She knew that she was lucky to have such a caring grandfather, and she felt grateful for the happy life they had built together.
Charlotte's thoughts were interrupted by the memory of the handsome stranger she had met at her grandfather's fried chicken stall the previous day.
She had been helping her grandfather serve customers, and the stranger had come by to buy some chicken.
Their eyes had met, and Charlotte had felt a flutter in her chest.
She had been too shy to say much, but she had noticed the way he smiled at her, and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners.
"Grandfather, do you think that man will come back to the stall today?" Charlotte asked, trying to sound casual.
Her grandfather looked up from the chicken he was preparing, a knowing glint in his eye.
"Which man is that, dear?" he asked, though Charlotte was sure he knew exactly who she was talking about.
"The one who came by yesterday morning," Charlotte said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "He was very handsome, and he smiled at me."
Her grandfather chuckled. "Ah, you mean Keith. Yes, he is a good customer. I am sure he will be back today, especially if he knows that you will be there."
Charlotte's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Keith's name.
She could not believe that she had been thinking about him all morning, and now her grandfather was teasing her about him.
She felt a flutter in her chest, and she could not help but wonder if she would see Keith again today.
As her grandfather mentioned Keith's name, a look of remembrance crossed his face. "Ah, yes, and he had a young girl with him, did he not? The one who was injured?"
Charlotte nodded, her eyes wide with the memory.
"Yes, I was there when it happened," she said. "Keith brought her to the stall, and she was bleeding so badly. Grandfather, you healed her wounds, remember?"
Her grandfather's expression turned serious. "Ah, yes, I remember now. That was quite an ordeal. But Keith was a great help, and we managed to get her stable."
Charlotte's mind raced back to the scene - the way Keith had carried the girl to the stall, his face set with concern and the way her grandfather had worked his healing magic.
It had been a intense moment, and Charlotte had not forgotten it.
With the memory still fresh in their minds, Charlotte and her grandfather headed to the stall, the smell of fried chicken and spices filling the air.
As they set up the stall, Charlotte could not help but look around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Keith and the mysterious girl.
Her grandfather noticed her gaze and smiled knowingly. "Ah, I think you are looking for someone, are you not?" he teased.
Charlotte blushed, but could not deny it.
"Maybe," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Just then, a figure appeared in the distance, walking towards the stall.
Charlotte's heart skipped a beat as she recognized Keith's tall, broad-shouldered frame.
And beside him, walking a little slower, was the girl he had brought to the stall the day before.
Charlotte's eyes met Keith's, and she felt a flutter in her chest.
He smiled, and she smiled back, feeling a sense of connection she couldnot explain.
Her grandfather noticed the exchange and chuckled, knowing that his granddaughter was smitten.
As they approached the stall, Charlotte's grandfather called out, "Welcome back, Keith! And how is your friend doing today?"
Keith grinned. "She is doing much better, thanks to your healing skills. Evelyn, this is Charlotte, the beautiful young woman I was telling you about."
Charlotte's face flushed as Evelyn's eyes met hers, and she felt a sense of shyness wash over her.
But Evelyn's smile was warm and friendly, and Charlotte felt at ease.
"Nice to meet you," Evelyn said, her voice soft and gentle.
And with that, the four of them stood there, surrounded by the smells and sounds of the market, the beginnings of a new friendship forming.
Keith smiled at Charlotte's grandfather, "Two fried chickens, please. And keep the change," he said, handing over twenty copper coins from his pouch.
Charlotte's grandfather raised an eyebrow, impressed by the generous payment. "Thank you, Keith. You are a true gentleman," he said, handing over the steaming hot fried chickens.
Keith took the chickens and handed one to Evelyn, who smiled gratefully.
"Thanks, Keith. I am starving," she said, taking a bite of the crispy fried chicken.
Charlotte watched as Keith and Evelyn ate their chicken, feeling a sense of happiness at the simple pleasure of sharing a meal together.
She could not help but notice the way Keith smiled at Evelyn, and the way Evelyn's eyes sparkled in response.
As they finished their meal, Keith turned to Charlotte and her grandfather.
"Thanks for the delicious food. We will have to come back soon," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Charlotte smiled, feeling a sense of connection to this strange and handsome man.
"Anytime, Keith. You're always welcome here," she said, her heart fluttering in her chest.
After finishing their meal, Keith and Evelyn bid farewell to Charlotte and her grandfather and headed towards [Olav's Trading Store].
Keith and Evelyn walked into [Olav's Trading Store] together, the bell above the door ringing out as they entered.
Cindy looked up from behind the counter, her eyes sparkling with recognition.
"Keith! Welcome back! And with a beautiful companion, no less," she said, her gaze flicking to Evelyn with a hint of curiosity.
Keith smiled, gesturing to Evelyn. "This is Evelyn. We have been traveling together."
Cindy's eyes narrowed slightly as she took in Evelyn's appearance, her gaze lingering on the way Keith's arm brushed against Evelyn's as they stood together.
"Well, well. Is that not sweet," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
As Keith began to negotiate the sale of his drop items, Cindy's flirtatious behavior became more and more overt.
She leaned in close to Keith, her hand brushing against his as she examined the items, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Evelyn's eyes narrowed, her face growing hot with jealousy.
She did not like the way Cindy was flirting with Keith, and she also did not like the way he seemed to be enjoying it.
She cleared her throat, speaking up for the first time since they had entered the store.
"Keith, can we please just hurry up and sell your stuff? I am getting a little tired of standing around."
Keith looked over at her, his expression apologetic. "Sorry, Evelyn. I forgot you were waiting."
Cindy's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, do not mind me, dear. I am just having a little fun."
Evelyn's eyes flashed with anger, but she bit back her retort.
She did not want to cause a scene in front of Cindy, because she did not want to give her the satisfaction.
But she could not help feeling a twinge of jealousy at the way Cindy was flirting with Keith, and the way he seemed to be enjoying it.
Finally, the negotiations were complete, and Cindy named a price for the drop items, which was 95 gold coins.
Keith agreed, and they finalized the sale. As they counted out the coins, Cindy smiled sweetly.
"Thanks for doing business with me, Keith. You know I always take care of you," she said, her eyes sparkling with flirtation.
Keith chuckled and shook his head, feeling a sense of familiarity with Cindy's playful banter.
"You always take care of yourself, Cindy. That is what I like about you," he replied, grinning.
As they finished up the transaction, Keith received 60% of the earnings, while the store kept 40%.
He pocketed the coins, feeling a sense of satisfaction at the successful sale.
Evelyn watched the exchange, her eyes still narrowed slightly from her earlier jealousy.
"Ready to go?" Keith asked her, noticing her expression.
Evelyn nodded, her face softening. "Yeah, let's get out of here."
As they left the store, Keith could not help but notice the tension between them.
He wondered if Evelyn was feeling jealous of his friendly banter with Cindy, and he made a mental note to help her get over her jealousy, or he could kiss his harem goodbye.