EMPIRE [CAPITAL]-
(MARKET AREA)
“30 coppers no more no less. If you have to buy the pan you have to pay at least this much mam ”
“Humph! The vendor that had installed the shop here a week ago was giving me the same pan for 20 coppers. If I had been aware that my pan would be ruined soon, I would have immediately purchased that pan from the vendor who had installed the shop here a week ago. Now i have to pay 10 more coppers for the same stuff”
“If you are getting a better offer than mine, you can go to another vendor”
While my mom was playing a ‘ game of bargain’ against the street vendor, I was spectating the scenery in front of my eyes.
In the bustling markets of this mediaeval kingdom, I see a variety of shops selling goods and wares. There are stalls overflowing with colourful fabrics, shiny trinkets, and exotic spices. I watch as artisans ply their trades, shaping metal into weapons and armour, weaving baskets and pottery, and carving intricate designs into wood and stone.
People who look like foreigners are mingling with locals and interacting with merchants, fellow customers, and passersby, exchanging gossip, news, and information as they go about their business.
In the capital, there are various Markets offering a wide range of goods and commodities, including food, clothing, weapons, and other essentials. One may encounter exotic items, rare treasures, and specialised merchandise as they navigate the crowded market streets.
Merchants and traders gather to exchange goods and conduct business. People can be seen browsing stalls, negotiating prices, and making purchases, highlighting the importance of commerce and trade within the economy of the capital in the empire.
“Ok mam my last offer is 25 copper if you don’t want to buy you can go!”
“ok here are your 25 coppers”
By the way, people here refer to the currency as 'imperial currency' and divide it into several forms such as coppers, silvers, and gold. Furthermore, there exists a diamond token, but it is exclusively used among the Nobility.
Because of dad’s promotion from apprentice smith our living conditions have improved considerably, quality of clothing, house equipment, and most importantly, food have improved very much.
“Let’s go home Leo, today mom got a good deal”
“Yeah mom”
While walking through streets, we observed various people with different garments.
This includes simple tunics, dresses, and cloaks made from coarse fabrics like wool or linen, often embellished with decorative trim or embroidery. Each person is wearing clothes in respective of their day-to-day jobs like merchants don finely tailored garments to impress their customers.
Also, imperial guards were visible as they roamed through various locations. The uniforms Imperial Guard are wearing reflect their allegiance to the ruling government of the Empire. Their attire may consist of standardised military uniforms adorned with insignia or symbols representing the Empire. As for weapons, they are carrying swords, spears and other short arm weapons.
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My mom had once told me the General of the imperial army whose name is ‘Budo’ is a very powerful man that can bring thunder from the heavens and smite his foes….. Yeah she was just messing with me because she thinks i am a child and easy to tease.
She also told me bedtimes stories in which a hero comes and slays ‘Danger beasts’, I don’t remember such a species of animals in my previous life, maybe they are fantasy characters like dragons in my previous life which mothers tell their own children during bedtime.
“Clear the way for Nobleman Honest’s carriage”
As the loud sound reached my ears, I turned my head towards the sound. An imperial guard was heading across the capital’s street in a horse clearing the way for a carriage.
As my eyes set sight upon the nobleman’s carriage, only one word came to my mind…
‘extravagant’. Yes, it is an extravagant display of craftsmanship and elegance, crafted from the finest materials and adorned with ornate decorations. It is a majestic sight, rolling gracefully along the cobblestone streets, drawn by a team of sturdy horses bedecked in richly embroidered harnesses.
Dozen of soldiers in cavalry are surrounding the carriage
While the carriage was moving, I caught sight of a fat middle-aged man inside, devouring a chunk of meat with a large bite.
When the carriage passed by my side, mine eyes met the fat nobleman’s eyes who are inside the carriage for a moment.
I felt a chill run down my spine and I immediately tightened my hold around mom’s hand .
‘................’
“Why are you sweating so much, honey?”
I immediately checked my hands, which were covered with sweat, … while answering my mom that nothing was wrong and diverting the topic by saying I was getting hungry. We should go home quickly, I recall what agitated me so much that moment of passing carriage
Ordinary people would say that there was nothing wrong with the old man as he was just a typical fat Nobel with lavish clothing and usual arrogance, but I my instincts tell me that it is a different story
Those eyes... those deep dark yellow eyes held something deep within it …. Something sinister…..something dark akin to a demon who is staring at me with the skin of a human.
‘........’
I don't know why but I think I should keep my distance away from that fat Nobleman.
_________________
As we were walking our way towards home and I was trying to forget my previous encounter, a Foreign looking street vendor greeted us.
“Hello beautiful miss and young friend, want to see some of my pendant collections”
Liya took a look at various colourful pendants and asked the street vendor,
“Can I touch them?!”
“Of course, mam. You and this little friend can! Explore to your heart’s content. Each pendant has its own story to tell, waiting for someone like you to discover it.”
As we were inspecting different pendants, my eyes darted towards a green pendant.
At first glance, the pendant appears to be nothing more than a beautiful piece of jewellery worn around the neck on a slender chain or silk cord. However, upon closer inspection, the pendant reveals a hidden secret: it contains a small compartment concealed within its intricate design.
With a gentle twist or subtle manipulation of a hidden clasp, the pendant opens to reveal a tiny storage space nestled within its depths.
The vendor looked at me and says
“That pendant symbolises the beauty of nature and the joy of blooming into your true self. It’s a wonderful choice indeed!”
I asked the vendor “How much ?”
“Just 10 copper coins!”
“3 coppers”
"8 coppers"
"Let's go home mom", I say without saying anything to the vendor
“6 coppers no less my little friend, otherwise the deal can not be done!,” this time the street vendor said in last attempt while looking deep into my eyes. The look in his eyes said that he will not budge in the price.
“Ok deal”
I took out 6 copper coins from my pocket with a smile and handed him copper coins.
“Tch, you are good at dealings young man”
“You too old man, I just learned from an expert”
My head turns sideways, my smile comes to a halt as I catch the look of amusement in my mother's eyes and the corner of her mouth tilts upwards. She seems to be amused because it is my first bargain and purchase. I immediately turn my head in a different direction to not let her see the look of embarrassment on my face and also because I know what is coming.
“My son is already so grown up that he using his pocket money for his first purchase”Liya says while wiping fake tears
“LET’S GO HOME MOM!!” I said, walking in the direction of home. My pace was so fast that it seemed to be on the verge of running.
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