Chapter-7
There were two reasons why Yoo Hakim wanted to come to the town at night.
First, He was going to sell a few,or many of *ahem* necklaces cherished by the caretaker 'lady'. It was the step one of his revenge plan. and secondly,, he had heard from the butler about some yearly festival being held today. Of course, Hakim had to attend it. He was going to sell the necklaces and then enjoy the festival before going back before dawn.
"Welcome! Dear customer, how can I help you ?" A man in his thirties asked from behind the counter as he say a young boy enter his store. The boy had soft features. Dark black hair and a slim figure. He was dressed in black clothes, top to bottom and had a cap on his head.
" Hello there, I would like to sell something to you actually."
" Sure, Is it jewellery or decorational ornaments ?"
" It's jewellery." The boy had a soft voice and spoke in a friendly manner. He took a few necklaces from his side bag and kept them on the counter.
" What do you think about these ?"
" The quality is surely very good. They have been well maintained too." The shop keeper said, carefully examining the jewellery.
" The best I can offer is a bag of silver and a few copper coins." The man said. The currency used in this world was uniform. Every region used the same kind of currency so trading could be easy. A single gold coin was enough a single person to eat three meals a day for four whole days . This person was clearly trying to take advantage of Hakim being a kid. Well, guess he had no choice but to bargain.
" How about a silver and few golds."
"no way---"
* * * * *
" Wow that took a while." Hakim stretched his arms after getting out of the shop. The man was trying to scam him but of course he failed in the end. Yoo Hakim's skills were trained by his incredible 'mom' after all.
For now he had managed to get some money for himself. Don't get him wrong. Of course this small amount couldn't help him with anything, yet. He had a greater plan in mind.
Some of the money was going to be used up tonight at the festival and some for publishing a novel.
Initially Yoo Hakim had no idea how he was going to earn something. He couldn't think of any fast use for his other skills. After struggling to come up with a idea he finally decided to publish a novel.
Why a novel ? You may ask. That's because Yoo Hakim doesn't have much time. According to his butler, his 'father' would come and pick him back just in a few days. So he doesn't have much time to prepare for anything else. He eventually decided the best way for him to get some money right now, was to write and publish something under a pen name. But those plans could wait until he entered the mainland, the Asteraceae Empire.
"For now" Yoo Hakim thought as he looked up at the night sky. " Let's enjoy the festival."
Truly, He was feeling a bit excited. It had been many many years since he last saw a lively festival.He really hoped to see the firecrackers tonight. It had been so long.
Yoo Hakim made his way towards the town's centre. The moment he reached there he was over the clouds. A big smile spread across his face when he saw the beautiful view in front of him. The town square was bustling with life. There were colorful lanterns hanging everywhere, glowing warmly and softly . Children were laughing and running through the crowded streets, clutching sweet treats. Musicians were playing lively tunes that fill the air with energy. Numerous stalls were lined on the cobblestone paths, offering vibrant wares and delicious foods, their vendors calling out cheerfully to passersby. The entire town felt alive, each moment brimming with joy.
Yoo Hakim's eyes softened seeing the atmostphere.
He has truly missed such views. After the ' Great Destruction' or the apocalypse fell on their world. Such things had completely vanished. The only things on the streets was the walking dead, filled with never ending hunger for flesh. Everyday was a struggle to stay alive.
" It's beautiful isn't it." Someone whispered in Hakim's ear suddenly, causing him to jump slightly in shock.
" M-Mizuki ?" He asked with surprise. " You scared me. What are you doing here ?"
" Nice to meet you too, Hakim. Glad to see that you didn't forget me." The blond grinned at his reaction.
" Oh-yeah! I have a really good memory actually. So,… are you here to enjoy the festival too ?" Hakim asked softly.
" No, I was just bored. So I came here to take a stroll instead."
" I see"
...…
There was a moment of silence between the two. They didn't really know what to say. After all, they didn't know each other. They just had met once. It was getting a bit awkward for Hakim. So he decided to break the ice. It wouldn't hurt getting along with someone around his current physical age, right?
" Mizuki, Would you like to see the festival with me ?" Yoo Hakim offered softly. He didn't really hopes of the blond accepting his offer.
" Sure." Mizuki agreed without any hesitation. After all he didn't have anything better to do currently.