The happiness of shopping

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Grr…

The engine hums softly as I look at the winding road, the rhythmic purr of tires on asphalt creating a comforting melody. The gentle breeze slips through.

I glance out the window, the passing scenery a blur of vibrant greens and blues. Trees stand tall, their leaves swaying in a synchronized dance with the wind. I love this peace and serenity so much, but looking down at my wrists and the curvy stitch-like pattern...

Sigh.

A near-death experience… well, close to one. The pain was real and immense. And here I am, enjoying a calm ride, loving the swaying of the trees and wind—it’s weird, but oddly soothing.

“LaLa, LaLALAa...”

“La~la...”

I hear the soft humming of Layla, and Ari trying to imitate her, their actions bringing a smile to my face.

Hehe… My sister is way too cute… let’s not dwell on yesterday's experience and think about what color I should go with…

I felt the stress from yesterday's spar lessening.

Huu...

“Look, look brother! We reached the place! Yay! Shopping!”

Ari’s excitement breaks me out of my thoughts as we approach. The surroundings change from trees to mountains surrounding a skyscraper standing tall in between. A skyscraper piercing the clouds, THE BAZAAR.

The mountains and the land nearby are extensively made into farmlands, with nearly 70% of the agriculture industry based here. Aunt Nora had told me it was due to the spirit residing in THE BAZAAR. It’s a sight, the mountain has steps like terrace farming. Well, it’s beautiful to look at the land surrounding THE BAZAAR.

As we drive past the farmlands, seeing people tending to their work is refreshing. What’s even more fun and soothing is when they realize whom the car belongs to. Their expressions change rapidly as everyone huddles together, kids and adults alike, their excitement and admiration visible to the naked eye.

Reaching the gates of THE BAZAAR, we see local farmers selling fresh harvests, from vegetables to exotic fruits.

Ari and Layla are way too excited for shopping. If not for the locked door and their anti-social tendencies, I’m sure they would’ve bolted by now. Aunt Nora and Uncle Sebastian both seemingly ignore their excitement.

I roll down the window a bit more, inviting the lively sounds of the market to fill the car. As we drive through the bustling market, I notice a shift in the atmosphere.

The distant chatter of people, the rhythmic clatter of shopping carts, and the occasional laughter meld into a lively background melody. Vendors continue calling out their specials, their voices becoming part of the vibrant tapestry of market life.

“Fresh out of organic farms!”

“Get your melons!… Nice and big!!”

“Juiciest peaches! Taste now!”

As people recognized our insignia, a ripple of awareness spread through the crowd. Whispers start to circulate, and heads turn in unison, eyes widening with recognition.

It's as if a wave of excitement washes over the market, and more and more people begin to notice us. I can feel the change in energy as workers leave their stalls and shoppers abandon their carts.

Hmm… Well, it is good to see their enthusiasm and feel their admiration.

The market comes to a gentle pause as people, with expressions of awe and curiosity, gather to catch a glimpse of the royal presence passing through. Some were even waving enthusiastically, their excitement palpable. Despite the growing crowd, everyone remained respectful, making way for our car to continue its path towards the towering bazaar.

The excitement is visible in their faces, but they maintain a peaceful demeanor, understanding the importance of allowing us to pass unhindered.

Well, that’s what I love. Unlike other nations, people are at least mindful, and we can move around without having a full contingent of guards… Yeah, this is good.

Amidst the murmurs and excitement, snippets of random conversations reach my ears.

"...They're from the royal family! Are there royals inside?"

"Look, there's the insignia – it's really them!"

"Wow, I never thought I'd see royalty here!"

“Wait, is that Prince Alexis?!... Kya!”

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Quick, get a picture! This is going on social media for sure!"

I could feel my eye twitch.

Just when I praised you guys… At least we got rid of annoying paparazzi… The fame is very annoying…

But the genuine enthusiasm of the crowd is heartwarming.

Weird, why am I feeling this… sensation?

Huu.

I took a deep breath and calmed the lingering emotions as I took in the sights. The energy of the market is indeed contagious.

The emotions… no, not that precise, but a collective wave of moods from people when emotions are high. I guess, yeah… probably has to do with the spar.

I could already feel changes in my EXIRA, and even more so when I decided to stop using it as a substitute for flashy spells predominantly.

Huuf.

It sure is annoying though.

As we stepped out of the car, what greeted me was attention—a little too much for my liking. Although people kept a respectful distance, it didn’t change the fact that we now had hundreds of eyes on us, and the emotions I was receiving…

Uggh.

Huu.

As I channeled a small amount of EXIRA through me, I could feel the intense emotions lessening, and my mind calming.

“Welcome to The Bazaar, Your Excellencies…” a firm voice sounded.

“It’s an honor to see the royal family, The White Saintess, and The Harbinger all in a single lifetime.”

As I turned, I saw The Manager of The Bazaar, a distinguished figure with a welcoming smile. Despite his scarred face, which appeared menacing, he had an air of hospitality and gentlemanly vibes around him. He stood around 6 feet 3 inches tall, a well-built hunk of a man dressed in a white three-piece suit inlaid with gold in simple yet elegant patterns.

“And your reputation precedes you, The Manager. Glad to see you haven’t lost your touch, Loid,” Aunt Nora said, stepping forward to return the greeting. She practically glowed, that’s how much her EXIRA was radiating, dyeing everything in a soothing pale light.

The effect on the crowd was well...

“Wah!”

“So pretty.”

“I admire Her Excellency.”

Full marks… I scoffed mentally.

Huf, she really loves to show off. Unlike Mom… well, she would’ve given the cold stare. Yeah, it’s better to show off for good PR.

Cough.

Uncle Sebastian cleared his throat to gain attention as he stepped into the limelight.

“Maybe we should enter and get the task of our shopping done first.” As Sebastian spoke, he took control of the conversation and the situation.

Yeah, Uncle Sebastian, let’s go in… too many people are looking, and I don’t want to give another speech. Please, please…

I prayed silently.

“As we should, Lord Harbinger. I will not hold you all any longer,” Loid, the Manager, said as he turned toward me and Ari.

“Your Highness, it is an honor to have you visit our humble bazaar,” the Manager said, bowing as a gesture of respect.

I returned the gesture with a slight bow of my head.

“Thank you for having us. It’s always a pleasure to connect with the heart of the community.”

Ugh… so many pleasantries, but appearances must be kept.

The manager extends a hand, and I shake it firmly, the exchange marking the beginning of our visit.

"We are thrilled to have you here. The bazaar is at your service and…"

The manager gestured as two people stepped forward.

Twins… Yeah, definitely twins… Cute, but Ari is cuter.

“These are my grandchildren, Misha and Justin. They will be your guides. Please don't hesitate to let them know if anything is required.”

Both had light purple eyes with more cyan hair and petite figures, possibly in their younger teens. The two children, no more than fifteen, stood indistinguishable if not for the hair difference between them, making it obvious that the one with longer hair was Misha—or was it?... Damn.

“We greet your excellencies. We will take care of you while in THE BAZAAR,” their youthful and cute voices sounded.

Hmm, let’s see… Aunt Nora and Uncle Sebastian taught me to appraise and get an idea of a person's archetype…

As I channeled my EXIRA and looked…

No calluses, obvious wounds, or markings… Muscle mass is not that defined… Less strenuous activities… Mages probably, but considering the location, a crafter archetype would be better suited.

I recently learned a lot about EXIRA after the spar, its properties, and its strength.

But it's important to note that out of all the base-type energies that I have experienced and those basic archetype uses.

Mana that Mages archetype uses ki or qi or chi that Martial Cultivators archetype uses Aura of Virtues that Knight archetype uses divine or holy that Cleric and holy-based archetype uses

All these were energies, but their usage on different spectrums of mana was more like external manifestations of energy. Likewise, Qi was an internal manifestation. While Aura lies in between them, they are the same, just processed differently at their base. Among these, Divine was a vastly different power, as Aunt Nora dubbed it: 'Borrowed power.'

EXIRA worked on different bases, like Victor’s family-origin art. They are mages but rely on the power of intent to manifest and change reality to use their spells.

EXIRA was different. Even though I have reached maybe novice mastery over it, still at Tier 0 - even then, someone like the Manager, a powerhouse in his own right, was unaware of the happenings as I silently prodded the kids. He may only be able to tell if I intrude into his defenses or If I actually move to harm him.

EXIRA, that’s what makes it so scary, and anyone without proper mental defenses is dead meat. Though I’m not sure what will happen at Tier I, in Aunt Nora's words, “It’s a game changer.”

Aunt Nora and Sebastian did notice my shenanigans but remained silent.

Hmm, as the more I learn about EXIRA, the more possibilities and paths open… emotions, probing, healing… but all this fades away when one gets to the Tier I stage

Huu.

Sighing, I stopped my mind from pondering anymore and going sage mode. As the Manager left, Misha and Justin took the lead.

We entered the elevator, and Misha spoke, “I’ll take Her Excellencies to Amber Boutique.”

Following, Justin said, “And I’ll take His Excellency to Kingsmen Fine Clothing.”

‘Well, shopping… that’s nice.’

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