These crates are filled to brim with fruits; the sour dylin, the juicy crane and the diabetic sweet tooth. They originate from the South East in the sleepy town of Dulcee, a one day trip by horse from The Slums—Deintris.
Deintris was a shadow of its former self. It was a town that specialized in trades and businesses with seas of people from all over bustling through these streets on a daily basis. However, when the construction of the Royal City—a city separate from the capital, Kaleunbright finished, the trades, businesses and inhabitants of Deintris moved there for a brighter opportunity. This caused Deintris's fated downfall.
Dulcee—in contrast is the opposite of the current Deintris. The town is a painful reminder of what The Slums once was. They specialize in imports of their fruits, cheap, abundant and takes a short time to grow. Dulcee is also home to Imperia's most fertile land, their soil was said to be blessed by the gods.
Luckily, the Mayors of both towns are in a good relationship, giving Deintris a chance to keep standing with the help of Dulcee's imports of fruits and other resources.
Jean was one of the people in charge of transporting these fruits to the few lasting fruit vendors. The Cardinel's being one of them. "The number one business in the field!" Being their motto.
One by one, I carried the crates to the Cardinel's, each being a ten minute walk. If I were to sprint, I'd burn my last remaining energy twice as fast.
Each time, I happened to catch glimpses of people on the streets. Some didn't have the luxury of clothing, using the skin of the dylin as a makeshift rags, some didn't have the luxury of a home, some of them were the businessman who chose to stay, only to end up bankrupt.
I was fortunate enough to even have a home, although it seems dilapidated.
Judging by the sun's angle, it's almost noon. Only one crate remained for me to carry.
Hastily, I carried the crate and walked down the cobblestone street. The sun was scorching hot, prompting me to look for momentary shade under a tree by the roadside.
"Might as well take a break."
After placing the crate down I sat atop of it, serving as a temporary chair.
The distinct smell of the fruit filled the air around me. It was the smell of the juicy crane. As the name suggests, it is watery and perfect for consumption on a hot afternoon like now.
A mischievous feeling arose inside of me. Feeling tempted, I stood up and clicked my tongue.
I wanted to quench my thirst and satisfy my grumbling stomach by taking one measly fruit from the crate. They wouldn't realize it no?
"Maybe I can ask for one after delivery? Surely they don't mind giving me one."
After sending a rejection letter to my temptations, someone bumped onto me before I picked the crate up.
I looked back and it happened to be a young boy, barely up to my elbow in height, aged between twelve and fourteen. His skin was fairly white, perfectly paired with his wavy blonde hair and grey cap atop his head. His clothes were baggy and didn't quite fit his size. This boy was quite well kept.
He looked up, his eyes were emerald green. This child looked like a masterpiece made in heaven.
"S-sorry."
Before I could say anything the child made his leave, awkwardly staggering away from me before walking normally.
Now carrying the crate in my arms, I continued my trip to the Cardinels. It was a seamlessly smooth journey. I was paid in full, earning about twenty bronze crenseusz.
When I asked if I could take one fruit, the owner generously gave me three!
It was a good day.
With fruits clutched up in my arms, I bit into the juicy crane. It made a crispy, crunch sound. Juice dripped down from the fruit onto my rags.
I ate some of these fruits while walking down the streets. Atleast now I've eased my thirst and hunger.
My expression turned soft. I was simply indulging in the fruits of my labor.
Only one remained, I wanted to savor it. My mouth inched closer, preparing for a bite to enjoy.
Unfortunately though, someone bumped into me causing the fruit to slip out of my grasp and onto the cobblestone road. Conveniently, a dog came, sniffing it and carrying it away from me. My face was blank, staring at the dog carrying away the fruit of my labor.
"A-ah sorry."
"Wait, that voice..."
I looked to my left and saw the same boy from earlier. Unless he has a twin brother, it was undoubtedly the same boy.
"You bumped into me twice."
The boy's shoulders shifted slightly at my words.
"You're not wrong Mister..."
"Where are you going in such a rush?"
"Home."
"What were you doing?"
"I was taking a stroll. I was in my own world that's why I bumped into you mister. Sorry."
"A stroll in the slums? Alone? Some people here are crazy enough to take your belongings if you do as much as dress like that."
"They won't sir, thanks for worrying. I'll... Take my leave now."
"Oh, my bad for holding you back."
The boy faced to the direction where I was walking to.
"Wait."
I wrapped my hand around his wrist, guiding his hand up, prompting the boy to loosen his grasp on something.
A few bronze coins dropped down onto the ground.
I patted the pockets of my rags, sure enough, those coins were mine. Digging into the pocket, I felt that there were no holes where my coins could've slipped through. It was deep enough that they wouldn't accidentally slip out.
"My, my, a pickpocket. Are those clothes stolen too?"
The boy's dazzling face turned dark, bitter even.
He pulled back, attempting to free himself and he did.
"Hey!"
The boy ran, dropping a few bronze coins in the process.
Looking down onto the ground, I picked the first three bronze coins that were dropped before going after him... While picking up my coins.
The boy went and blitzed in between the people walking by, sometimes he would even push them if it was necessary.
"Kids these days."
I also went and blitzed in between the people walking by.
"Excuse me! Sorry! Coming through!"
After about three minutes, he abruptly stopped in his tracks, slipping through an alleyway with ease while I struggled to follow him through the narrow alleyway.
Through the tight slips and turns, the boy saw light at the end of the alleyway and quickened his pace, squeezing out the claustrophobic space like an eel.
I struggled and was very much far behind him. The boy was out of my sights.
Eventually, I reached the exit. I turned to my left, my right.
"There!"
The boy had just turned a corner.
"Hey! Come back! "
A man yelled out with what I assume to be his broken crate of fruits on the ground.
From the looks of it, the kid was slowed down.
I quickly followed him. By now the coin tracks have disapeared and I was still a few coins short. Even if I missed some coins on the way, I still couldn't let that little thief go!
***
The beautiful orange of the sunset painted the evening sky. Some shops closed up for the day, some crows were flocked up atop a building.
*KAW KAW KAW*
I was drenched in sweat, my breath heavy, my back hunched. With the little air I have in my lungs, I yell out to the boy who is in the same state as I am.
"How are you still running!?"
"How are you still chasing me!?"
The both of us paused in sync to take a moment to breathe.
Almost mockingly, the crows repeatedly kawed at the both of us.
"Give me back...huff...the rest...huff."
"Huff...no..."
The boy started to walk again, he staggered with each step.
I took a single step forward only for my legs to fail me.
*thud*
My tire's flat.
I was now lying on my side, eyes locked on the staggering boy. Lady luck's practically making me a joke.
I turned my body and laid on my back. My face was gloomy. I took the moment to rest.
"Maybe... I'll just lie down here for the next hour."
Now that I'm looking up at the sky, I noticed a cloud that looked like a dog. There was also one that looked like a cat. Eventually, I ended up counting how many crows that passed by, just to pass the time.
"One, two, three—"
My little childlike moment was disturbed by a thud sound that came from next to me, followed by a grunt.
"Apologize and give the poor man his coins, now."