A few hours later, Suna suddenly glanced at Celine with a thoughtful expression. She reached out and gently removed the tiara Celine was wearing, explaining softly as she noticed Celine's doubtful look:
– It's better not to wear too much jewelry out here – She smiled reassuringly.
Celine felt a slight pang of fear at those words, understanding their deeper meaning. She nodded quietly, her expression calm but thoughtful.
– You can go back to reading now – Suna added, carefully placing the tiara in her bag.
When they finally arrived in Meres, Suna guided Celine out of the carriage. The princess's attention was immediately drawn to the bustling street stalls, their vibrant colors and lively atmosphere unlike anything she had ever seen. Celine's curiosity sparked, and she took a couple of steps toward the tents before feeling a firm but gentle hand grip her arm. She turned to find Suna looking at her with a mix of concern and patience.
The princess raised her hands slightly in surrender, her expression softening with a hint of sadness – I just wanted to take a closer look. I've never visited a fair before – she explained, her voice quiet but sincere.
Suna sighed, her gaze steady – Alright, we can take a look, but you mustn't leave my side – she said firmly, though her tone was not unkind.
Celine nodded quickly, a small smile breaking through as she gently pulled Suna toward one of the stalls...
A few minutes later, Suna's face was etched with faint lines of exasperation.
Celine had darted from stall to stall, her eyes lighting up at each new discovery. She insisted on examining every trinket, praising their craftsmanship and purchasing a few items. Just as she was about to head to yet another stall, Suna caught her arm.
– Miss, let's head to the inn. It will be night soon – Suna said, her voice calm but insistent.
– This will be the last one, I promise – Celine replied, her expression serious but earnest.
Suna gave her a long, measured look before sighing and following her to the 'last' stall.
In this stall, several types of trinkets quickly attracted the young woman's attention, which the seller easily noticed. He picked up a simple silver bracelet and held it out to her with a practiced smile.
– How much? – Celine asked, her voice polite and gentle.
– Oh, this is an excellent choice, miss. You have a keen eye for jewelry – the seller began, his tone smooth and ingratiating. Noting the quality of their garments, he smiled confidently – This bracelet is made from a rare silver, excavated from the deep caverns of Li Tui's realm. Its true value is beyond measure. For a discerning buyer like yourself, I would say... fifty silver coins.
Suna's eyes widened, and a vein throbbed on her forehead. Fifty silver coins? For a simple bracelet? The audacity of this man! She opened her mouth to protest, her expression a mix of outrage and disbelief, but before she could utter a word, Celine calmly placed a small bag of coins on the counter.
– Exactly fifty silver coins – Celine said, her tone serene as she extended her hand to receive the bracelet.
The seller's grin widened as he placed the bracelet in her palm – Thank you very much, miss. I hope to do business with you again – he said, his voice dripping with false sincerity.
Suna stood frozen, her mouth still slightly open, as Celine turned to her with a soft smile – Shall we go? – the princess asked, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
Suna blinked, finally finding her voice – Miss, that was... – she began, but Celine was already gently pulling her toward the inn, leaving the stunned maid to follow in silence.
Suna opened her mouth again to advise her, but the words died on her lips as they approached the inn. A commotion had gathered outside, centered around a luxurious carriage. A crowd had formed, eager to catch a glimpse of the nobleman inside.
Suna held Celine back, her grip firm but not harsh, as they waited to see who would emerge. The carriage door opened, revealing a slender, pale hand followed by a young man with dark hair and piercing black eyes. His navy-blue attire was immaculate, and his cold expression sent a ripple of unease through the onlookers.
The young man stepped out, ignoring the crowd entirely as his servants scrambled to attend to him – Young Master! – one of them called out, desperation creeping into his voice – Please, the master instructed us not to leave your side!
The young man paid them no mind, striding into the inn without a backward glance. His servants hurried after him, bags in hand, their faces a mix of exhaustion and anxiety.
Suna watched the scene with a hint of amusement – Probably just a spoiled noble – she muttered under her breath. Turning to Celine, she said – Go inside and wait for me. I'll guide the servants and bring your bags. Let me choose the room, alright?
Celine nodded, her expression calm and composed. She entered the inn and took a seat in one of the waiting chairs. The attendants were too preoccupied with the young nobleman to notice her, and she sat quietly, observing the scene.
The young man stood at the counter, his expression bored as his servants negotiated with the attendant. His gaze wandered, eventually meeting Celine's. She held his eyes for a moment, her curiosity evident but not intrusive. He nodded slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment, before looking away and ascending the stairs to the second floor.
His servants, now clutching the room keys, hurried after him – Please, Young Master, don't wander off like that again, or we'll have no legs left to follow you – one of them pleaded, his voice tinged with exhaustion.
Celine watched until they disappeared from view, her gaze thoughtful. She turned her attention to the counter, where the attendant finally noticed her – Do you need anything, miss? – he asked, his tone polite but distracted.
– Oh, I'm waiting for someone – Celine replied softly, her eyes drifting toward the entrance where Suna was still speaking to the servants.
The attendant followed her gaze, connecting her to the servant outside. 'Another noblewoman,' he thought. 'That must be her maid.'
He decided to wait until Suna finished her conversation before approaching Celine again.