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I closed my eyes and let out a slow, deliberate breath. Inhale… exhale… My heart still rattled from the day's restless pace, began to steady. The world around me faded as I slipped deeper into myself, reaching for the calm at my core. The gentle hum of Exira buzzed faintly in my consciousness, like a whisper just out of earshot. Somewhere, just beneath the surface, a memory stirred – calling out to me.
I focused, pulling at the threads of sensation. The edges of the memory were slippery, refusing to form clearly, but I didn’t push. Not yet. Patience, I reminded myself. Forcing it would only break the fragile connection. Another breath. Inhale… exhale… Slowly, the memory began to sharpen, its details emerging from the haze like a sunrise breaking through the mist.
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Grr…
The engine hummed softly, a comforting melody blending with the rhythmic purr of tires on asphalt. A gentle breeze slipped through the slightly cracked window, carrying the scent of earth and greenery. I glanced outside, watching the scenery blur past—a mix of vibrant greens and blues. Trees stood tall on either side of the road, their leaves swaying in a synchronized dance with the wind.
I loved this. The peace, the serenity. But as I looked down at my wrists, at the faint, curvy stitch-like patterns that had become a part of me, a heavy sigh escaped my lips.
A near-death experience... well, almost. The pain had been real and immense. And yet here I was, enjoying a calm ride, savoring the swaying trees and the wind. It felt weird, but oddly soothing.
“La-la, La-la-la…”
I heard Layla humming softly, her melodic voice weaving a calming rhythm. Beside her, Ari was trying to imitate her tune, her soft, off-key humming bringing a smile to my face.
Heh, my sister is way too cute.
I shook my head, brushing away the lingering stress from yesterday’s sparring session. There is no point in dwelling on that disaster. Instead, I decided to focus on more important things—like what color I should choose for my next outfit.
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“Look, look, brother!” Ari’s excited voice broke through my thoughts. “We reached the place! Yay! Shopping!”
Her enthusiasm was infectious as our surroundings changed. The forest gave way to open farmlands, with towering mountains framing the horizon. And there, standing tall amidst it all, was The Bazaar—a skyscraper so grand it pierced through the clouds, its massive form a testament to architectural brilliance.
The farmland surrounding it was just as awe-inspiring. Aunt Nora had once told me it thrived thanks to the spirit residing within The Bazaar, its presence blessing the soil. The terraced steps of the mountain farms created a picturesque landscape, their lush greenery contrasting against the gray stone of the mountains.
As we drove past, I watched farmers tending to their work. It was refreshing to see their diligence, and even more amusing to notice how quickly their expressions shifted when they recognized the car.
Excitement rippled through them. Kids and adults alike huddled together, their admiration unmistakable.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Reaching the gates of The Bazaar, we passed rows of local farmers selling their fresh harvests—bright vegetables, exotic fruits, and herbs I couldn’t even name.
Inside the car, Ari and Layla were practically bouncing with excitement. If the doors hadn’t been locked, they probably would’ve bolted straight into the market. Aunt Nora and Uncle Sebastian, on the other hand, remained composed, ignoring the girls’ obvious giddiness.
I rolled down the window further, letting the lively sounds of the market spill into the car. The distant chatter of people, the rhythmic clatter of shopping carts, and occasional bursts of laughter created a lively backdrop. Vendors shouted their specials:
“Fresh out of organic farms!”
“Get your melons! Nice and big!”
“Juiciest peaches! Taste now!”
As people noticed the insignia on our car, their reactions were instantaneous. Whispers spread like wildfire. Heads turned, eyes widened, and a ripple of awareness swept through the crowd.
“...Is that Prince Alexis?!”
“Kyaaa! It’s him!”
“Quick, get a picture! This is going on social media!”
I felt my eye twitch.
Just when I praised you guys… And thank god we don’t have paparazzi here anymore.
Still, there was something heartwarming about their enthusiasm. Even if the attention wasn’t always welcome, the genuine admiration in their faces reminded me of the connection we shared with these people.
As the car came to a stop, the Manager of The Bazaar approached, his towering figure cutting through the crowd. He was a distinguished man, standing at 6’3” with a well-built physique. His white three-piece suit, adorned with subtle gold patterns, contrasted sharply with the scars etched into his face. Despite his intimidating appearance, there was an air of hospitality about him.
“Welcome to The Bazaar, Your Excellencies,” he greeted, his voice firm yet respectful. “It’s an honor to see the royal family, the White Saintess, and the Harbinger all in one lifetime.”
Aunt Nora stepped forward, her EXIRA radiating a pale, soothing light that bathed the area in warmth. “And your reputation precedes you, Loid. Glad to see you haven’t lost your touch,” she replied, her tone both teasing and authoritative.
Her display had the desired effect.
“Wah!”
“So pretty!”
“I admire Her Excellency so much!”
I scoffed internally. Show-off.
Uncle Sebastian, ever the voice of reason, cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should head inside and complete our shopping.”
Thank you, Uncle Sebastian. Too many eyes. Let’s just go in and get this over with.
Loid, the Manager, nodded. “Of course, Lord Harbinger. I will not delay you further.”
Turning to me and Ari, he added, “Your Highness, it is an honor to host you at our humble bazaar.”
“Thank you,” I replied, offering a polite nod. “It’s always a pleasure to connect with the heart of the community.”
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The Manager introduced his grandchildren, Misha and Justin, as our guides. They were twins, barely fifteen, with striking purple eyes and cyan hair.
“We greet Your Excellencies,” they said in unison, their youthful voices tinged with excitement.
Cute kids, but not as cute as Ari.
I glanced at them, appraising them silently. Their hands were smooth, lacking calluses, and their builds suggested minimal physical activity. Probably mages—or crafters, considering their connection to The Bazaar.
Exira flared lightly within me as I prodded their energies. Aunt Nora noticed my little trick but chose not to comment.
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.
We entered the grand elevator, its glass walls offering a breathtaking view of the sprawling farmlands and the bustling market below.
“I’ll take Her Excellencies to Amber Boutique,” Misha said confidently.
“And I’ll escort His Excellency to Kingsmen Fine Clothing,” Justin added with equal poise.
I sighed. Shopping, huh? Well, at least it’s something to look forward to.
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