After breakfast, Kaisen and Sylfia headed toward the Agora, the largest market in Hearthshade, the capital of Ducan. The market was famous for its endless stalls, lively merchants, and the constant hum of voices echoing through its wide streets.
As they reached the entrance, Kaisen quietly took Sylfia's hand. Startled by the warmth of his touch, she turned to look at him, but he was staring straight ahead, pretending not to notice her reaction.
A playful smile spread across her face.
"Is this because you don't want your beautiful soon-to-be wife stolen by other men?" she teased.
Kaisen's ears turned red. He looked away, scratching the back of his head.
"Don't overthink it," he muttered. "The market is big. I just don't want you getting lost."
Sylfia sighed dramatically but smiled.
"Then let's go buy supplies for our house."
Hand in hand, they entered the market.
Their first stop was a fruit stall filled with vibrant colors and sweet aromas. Sylfia immediately dragged Kaisen toward it. After inspecting the goods, she decided to buy six of each fruit—rimmta, putawh, nisu, mâlum, and armen.
Kaisen watched in quiet amusement as she fiercely argued over the price with the merchant. When it was time to pay, he pulled out his coin purse and offered it to her. Sylfia took it, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Can I use it?" she asked eagerly.
Kaisen turned his head away, one hand behind his neck.
"Do what you want."
She happily paid the merchant six silver coins. The man was overjoyed—she had originally promised only five. He thanked her repeatedly.
"I'm just in a good mood today," Sylfia replied cheerfully.
The merchant was about to continue chatting when he suddenly felt a piercing gaze. Looking past Sylfia, he froze. Standing behind her was Kaisen—Vice Captain of the Stormclaw.
The noise of the market seemed to fade.
The merchant immediately bowed deeply.
"Forgive me! I didn't realize you were here. I apologize for my poor manners!"
Seeing this, Sylfia frowned and turned to Kaisen.
"Stop staring at him like that. You're scaring him."
Kaisen shifted his gaze and spoke calmly.
"Raise your head."
Flustered, the merchant turned back to Sylfia.
"I cannot accept your payment. Please take your money back."
Sylfia shook her head.
"It's fine. Anything obtained should be repaid with equal value."
Taking Kaisen's free hand—his other now carrying a bag of fruit—she led him toward the meat stalls.
Later, she bought a hairpin and tried it on, turning to Kaisen for his opinion.
"It's fine," he said simply.
She smiled and purchased it. While browsing another stall filled with jewelry, her eyes landed on a double necklace connected by a small ring. Quietly, without Kaisen noticing, she bought it.
After finishing their shopping, they headed home.
On the way, Sylfia spotted a stall selling roasted meat and dragged Kaisen over. The place wasn't crowded, so they sat down to eat.
As they ate, Sylfia kept staring at him.
Kaisen noticed and raised an eyebrow.
"Do I have something on my face?"
"No," she replied quickly. "I was just wondering… how did you find this small outing?"
"It was good," he answered.
Then, reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small box and handed it to her.
Sylfia's eyes lit up. She opened it and found a green hairpin—the exact color of her eyes. Her happiness overflowed.
"When did you buy this?" she asked. "We were together the whole time."
She then pulled out a small box of her own. Inside was the double necklace. She removed the ring connecting the two halves, stood up, and gently placed one half around Kaisen's neck. Sitting on his lap, she connected the rings again.
"Even when you're far from me," she said softly, "this will remind you that someone is waiting for you at home."
Kaisen smiled.
Sylfia's heart skipped. This smile could be sold for a fortune, she thought. Flustered, she quickly disconnected the ring, stood up awkwardly, and returned to her seat.
Kaisen leaned closer.
"Thank you, Sylf."
She looked away and nodded.
They finished eating quickly and headed home together.
---------
Meanwhile, after leaving the tent, Kael decided to search for a dryad healer. Since they were in Hearthshade, traveling all the way to the Dryads' capital in Sylfera would take too long—and time was not on his side.
Instead, he headed toward Malruk. It was the only area in Ducan where dryads lived, thanks to its rich vegetation compared to the other cities.
It was already midday, so he needed to move quickly if he wanted to arrive before dawn.
Eventually, he found a carriage heading toward Vardem. He approached the driver and asked if he would pass through Malruk. When the man nodded, Kael offered three copper coins and asked to be dropped there.
At first, the merchant hesitated. Kael's appearance made him suspect a thief—someone who might steal his provisions.
But when he met Kael's eyes, he saw no malice in them.
With a sigh, the merchant agreed and allowed him aboard.
A.N
Rimmta=Pomegranate
Putawh=Grape
Nisu=Date palm
Armen=Apricot
Mâlum=Apple