Chapter 712 - Market
The train screeched to a halt, the brakes whining as the cabin jolted gently. Irina stirred, her hazel eyes fluttering open. She blinked, momentarily disoriented by the soft warmth against her cheek. Realizing she was still leaning against Astron, she jerked upright with a faint blush, quickly smoothing her hair.
"We've arrived," Astron said, his tone as calm as ever. He rose from his seat, brushing off his cloak with practiced precision. He glanced down at her, his sharp gray eyes (thankfully back to their usual disguise) unreadable as always. "You ready?"
Irina straightened her posture, her earlier embarrassment quickly replaced by her usual poise. "Of course," she replied, her voice firm as she grabbed her bag. She moved to the window, peering out at the platform below.
The station was modest but clean, with polished stone floors and simple arches supporting the roof. Beyond the station's edges, the city spread out in orderly grids of buildings—sharp, modern structures that contrasted sharply with the historical charm of other cities she'd visited. Yet there was something oddly incomplete about it as if the city had been freshly constructed but was still waiting to be fully brought to life.
"This is Stellamare," Astron said, his voice low as he joined her by the window.
Irina nodded, her gaze sweeping over the scene. The streets were alive with activity despite the sparse population. Vendors lined the sidewalks, their stalls brimming with goods that reflected a blend of modern and traditional craftsmanship. Bazaar canopies of colorful fabric swayed gently in the breeze, and the hum of quiet conversation filled the air as shoppers browsed.
"It's… different," she murmured, her tone laced with curiosity. "It doesn't feel settled yet."
Astron offered a faint shrug. "Most likely that's because it isn't."
"Indeed. Just a recently constructed city, isn't it?"
"You were the one who brought me here. Don't you know more?"
"Cough….."
Irina glanced at him, noting the way his sharp gaze seemed to catalog every detail of the bustling scene below. "Ehm," she said with a small smile, "let's see what this place has to offer."
The two stepped off the train and onto the platform, their boots clicking softly against the polished stone. Irina adjusted her coat, the faint chill of the evening air brushing against her skin. Astron carried his bag slung casually over one shoulder, his posture relaxed as they made their way toward the station's exit.
As they emerged into the open air, the city unfolded before them. Rows of sleek buildings with smooth, reflective facades lined the main avenues, interspersed with pockets of greenery—small parks and planters brimming with carefully arranged flowers. The streets were lit by soft, glowing orbs of mana, their gentle light giving the city an almost ethereal quality.
Irina's attention was immediately drawn to the bazaar ahead, its vibrant stalls a stark contrast to the clean lines of the surrounding architecture. Vendors called out to passersby, their voices mingling with the sounds of bartering and laughter. The air was thick with the scents of roasted spices, sweet confections, and freshly baked bread.
"Over there," Irina said, nodding toward the bazaar. "We should take a look."
Astron raised an eyebrow. "I thought the museum was the main reason we came here."
"It is," she said with a small smirk, "but I don't see why we can't explore a little first. We're already here, aren't we?"
Astron didn't argue, simply giving a faint nod as he followed her lead.
The bazaar was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Brightly patterned awnings shaded the stalls, their edges embroidered with intricate designs. Irina paused at a stall displaying delicate jewelry, her hazel eyes drawn to a pair of earrings shaped like tiny crescent moons.
"These are lovely," she murmured, reaching out to examine them.
"Handmade with mana-infused silver," the vendor said, his tone eager. "The enchantment ensures they'll never tarnish."
Irina smiled politely but set the earrings back down, moving on to the next stall. Astron lingered a few steps behind her, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd with practiced caution.
As they wandered deeper into the bazaar, Irina's attention was caught by a vendor selling what appeared to be small glass orbs filled with swirling colors. She picked one up, watching as the hues shifted and danced within the orb.
"What's this?" she asked the vendor.
"A memory sphere," the vendor explained with a proud smile. "Infused with captured mana flows. Each one is unique—a small piece of someone's memories, preserved for eternity."
Irina arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Someone's memories?"
"Fragments," the vendor clarified. "Moments of strong emotion—joy, wonder, even sorrow. They resonate with whoever holds them."
She turned the sphere over in her hands, her curiosity piqued. "Interesting."
Astron stepped closer, his gaze briefly flicking to the sphere before settling on her. "Do you want it?"
The vendor leaned forward, his face lighting up with an eager grin. "You've got a good eye," he said, motioning to the sphere in Irina's hands. "That one's special—rare, high-end quality. It used to belong to a noble house before finding its way here. I'll let it go for just 4000 Valer."
Irina's hazel eyes widened slightly at the mention of its supposed noble origins. She turned the sphere over in her hands, watching the swirling colors shift and shimmer. The price didn't seem entirely unreasonable—after all, she was used to far higher price tags in the high-end markets she frequented.
Astron, standing beside her, raised an eyebrow but remained silent. His sharp gaze flicked between the vendor and the sphere, his expression unreadable.
Irina hesitated, her fingers brushing the smooth surface of the sphere. She couldn't deny its allure, nor the curiosity it sparked. But a voice in her head reminded her of her mother's advice: Always haggle. Never take the first offer.
"It's beautiful," she said, her tone thoughtful as she set the sphere back down. "But 4000 Valer seems a bit steep for something without proper documentation of its origins."
The vendor's grin faltered for a fraction of a second, but he quickly recovered, his hands gesturing animatedly. "Ah, but you see, the quality speaks for itself! The mana flows are exceptionally stable—rare for memory spheres. And look at those colors! That vibrancy is a hallmark of genuine noble craftsmanship."
Irina tapped her chin, pretending to consider his words. "Even so, I've seen similar items go for much less in markets like this. How about 1500 Valer?"
The vendor's smile slipped into a nervous laugh. "1500? My dear, you wound me! I'd be losing money at that price. But for you, I'll lower it to 3500 Valer. That's a generous offer."
Irina narrowed her eyes slightly, feeling the thrill of negotiation. "Generous, but still not worth it. 2000 Valer, and I won't go a single coin higher."
The vendor grimaced, his eyes darting to Astron, who stood silently observing the exchange. The vendor's hope of getting support from him quickly faded when Astron simply crossed his arms, his sharp gray eyes offering nothing in the way of help.
"Fine," the vendor finally said with a sigh, throwing his hands up in mock defeat. "2000 Valer. You're driving a hard bargain."
Irina's lips curled into a triumphant smile. She handed over the coins and picked up the sphere, its swirling colors catching the light as she held it carefully. "Thank you," she said, her tone polite but firm.
As they stepped away from the stall, Irina glanced at Astron, who had remained silent throughout the negotiation. "What?" she asked, her voice defensive. "I got a good deal."
Astron's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smirk. "Did you?"
Irina frowned, clutching the sphere tighter. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing," he said, his tone neutral. "You handled it well, considering."
"Considering what?" she demanded, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Considering you're used to paying ten times that price for similar items," Astron replied calmly, his gaze flicking to the sphere. "But it's fine. You seemed happy enough with the deal."
Irina's frown deepened as she studied Astron's calm expression, her hazel eyes narrowing. He wasn't outright mocking her, not with his words anyway—but she knew that tone. That ever-so-slightly amused, maddeningly indifferent tone that said, You tried, but it wasn't good enough.
Her jaw clenched, the sphere still cradled in her palm. 'This bastard,' she thought, her cheeks warming in frustration. 'He's doing it on purpose. He didn't even say I did poorly, but I know that look. That "I could do better without trying" look.'
Her grip tightened on the sphere as she replayed his words in her head. You handled it well, considering.
'Considering what, exactly? That I'm not as good as him at haggling? That I've been ripped off before? Oh no, I'm not letting him get away with this.'
She turned on her heel, her hazel eyes blazing with a sudden, fiery determination. "Fine," she said, her voice sharp.
Astron's gray eyes flicked to her, one brow arching slightly in question. "Fine?" he repeated, his tone as calm as ever.
"I want to compete," she declared, thrusting a finger toward his chest. "If you're so confident that you could get a better deal, why don't we settle it right now?"
His brow furrowed ever so slightly, the only indication of his mild surprise. "Compete?"
"Yes!" Irina said, stepping closer, her voice rising with her indignation. "You pick something, anything, from this market, and we'll see who can get the best deal for it. If you're going to stand there acting like you're so much better at this, prove it!"
Astron regarded her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he let out a soft sigh, his gaze flicking briefly to the bustling stalls around them. "I wasn't implying—"
"Oh, please," Irina cut him off, her hands on her hips. "You absolutely were. Don't even try to deny it."
'I'm not letting him weasel his way out of this,' she thought fiercely, her hazel eyes boring into him. 'He's always so smug, so annoyingly composed. Well, let's see how he does when he's put on the spot.'
Astron's lips twitched into a faint smirk, the kind that only fueled her competitive fire. "Alright," he said simply. "If that's what you want."
Irina blinked, momentarily thrown off by how easily he agreed. 'Wait, that's it? No argument? No condescending remark? No, focus, Irina. You started this, and you're going to win.'
"Good," she said, her tone firm. "You pick the item. I'll show you exactly how wrong you are."
Astron nodded once, his gaze scanning the nearby stalls. After a few moments, he motioned toward a vendor selling intricately carved mana crystals. The crystals were set into decorative bases, their soft glow illuminating the intricate designs etched into their surfaces.
"That one," he said, his voice calm. "We'll both try to buy the same piece."
Irina followed his gaze, her competitive spirit flaring anew. "Perfect," she said, brushing past him toward the stall. 'I'll make him eat his words. Let's see how smug he is when I out-negotiate him.'
Chapter 713 - Market (2)
The competition's rules were simple: one would haggle first while the other observed from a discreet distance, then they'd switch, each attempting to get a better price for the same item. At the end of three rounds, they'd compare receipts to declare the victor.
Irina, her hazel eyes blazing with determination, volunteered to go first. She stepped up to the first stall—a vibrant display of handwoven scarves, each shimmering faintly with mana-infused thread. Astron lingered just out of earshot, his posture relaxed but his sharp gray eyes clearly watching.
******
The first haggle was about a scarf.
Irina picked up a pale blue scarf, running her fingers over the delicate fabric as the vendor beamed at her.
"Ah, a fine choice," the vendor said, clasping his hands. "Mana-woven silk, perfect for warding off the chill while enhancing your magical resonance. 3000 Valer."
Irina tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. 'Alright, start strong. Compliment the item, but cast doubt on its worth.' She held the scarf up to the light, her lips curving into a small smile.
"It's lovely, but I've seen similar scarves priced lower in Stellamare's main market," she said smoothly. "For 3000 Valer, I'd expect something rarer. How about 1500?"
The vendor's smile faltered. "1500? Madam, this is no ordinary scarf! The mana infusion alone makes it worth far more. I could go to 2500 for you, but not a coin less."
Irina arched an eyebrow, her tone taking on a polite but firm edge. "2500 is generous, but I doubt you'll move these at that price today. I'll offer 2000 Valer—right now."
The vendor hesitated, glancing between her and the scarf. After a moment, he sighed. "Alright, 2000. You drive a hard bargain."
Irina's lips curled into a triumphant smile as she handed over the coins. She glanced toward Astron, who gave no visible reaction, before moving on to the next stall.
******
At the next stall, Irina examined a pair of golden earrings shaped like phoenix feathers, their edges glinting faintly with enchantment.
"Ah, exquisite taste!" the vendor exclaimed. "These earrings are imbued with minor fatigue resistance—practical and stylish. Only 8000 Valer."
Irina raised an eyebrow. 'Overpriced. Time to play the long game.' She set the earrings down gently. "8000? They're charming, but for that price, I'd expect a stronger enchantment."
The vendor looked startled but recovered quickly. "The craftsmanship alone—"
"Is excellent, but not worth more than 5000 Valer," Irina interjected, folding her arms. "That's my offer."
The vendor grimaced. "5000 is far too low… I could do 7000, but not a coin less."
Irina gave a small, calculated shrug. "Then I'll look elsewhere. Plenty of vendors carry similar designs."
As she turned to leave, the vendor panicked. "Wait! 6000 Valer. Final offer."
Irina paused, her lips twitching into a victorious smile before she turned back. "Deal."
She handed over the coins, her gaze darting toward Astron. He stood a few stalls away, arms crossed, watching with quiet interest.
******
At the final stall, Irina selected a small mana trinket—a pendant that shimmered faintly with shifting colors.
"This is a rare piece," the vendor said proudly. "Crafted with spectral mana. 10,000 Valer."
Irina let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. 'This one's absurdly overpriced. Heh….you think you can trick me into doing this?' She leaned forward slightly, her tone turning skeptical. "10,000 for this? It's lovely, but I've seen better-crafted pendants with stronger mana flow."
The vendor's smile wavered. "Ah, but this one—"
"I'll offer 4000 Valer," Irina said firmly. "That's more than fair for something of this level."
"4000? Impossible!" the vendor exclaimed. "The materials alone—"
"Are standard," Irina interrupted, holding his gaze. "Look, I don't want to waste either of our time. 5000 Valer, and we'll make the deal now."
The vendor hesitated, his expression conflicted. Finally, he sighed. "Alright, 5000 Valer. You drive a hard bargain, miss."
Irina paid for the pendant, clutching the receipt as she walked back toward Astron. Her eyes sparkled with triumph as she gestured for him to take his turn.
******
Irina returned to Astron's side, her hazel eyes glowing with triumph as she clasped her hands behind her back. She exuded confidence, the faint smirk on her lips practically daring him to try and top her performance.
"Well," she began smugly, tilting her head slightly. "I hope you were paying attention, Astron. You might learn a thing or two. I managed to get those vendors down to what I'd call very reasonable prices. I'd be surprised if you could even come close."
Astron glanced at her, his gray eyes calm and unreadable. "You seem confident," he said simply.
Irina crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, I am. Those prices were practically unbeatable. You should just accept your loss now and spare yourself the embarrassment."
Astron let out a faint sigh, shaking his head ever so slightly. Without a word, he began walking toward the first stall, his calm demeanor unchanged. Irina blinked, caught slightly off guard by his lack of response.
'He's probably just trying to act unfazed,' she thought to herself, trailing after him. 'There's no way he'll do better than me.
When Astron reached the first stall, the vendor's expression brightened, clearly eager to make another sale. "Ah, a discerning customer! Perhaps a scarf to catch your eye?"
Astron picked up the same pale blue scarf Irina had purchased earlier, running his fingers over the fabric as he examined it closely. Then, in a calm, measured tone, he spoke. "Mana-woven silk, basic threadwork. The mana infusion is low-grade—likely performed with second-hand equipment. The material cost? About 100 Valer. Labor included, 150 at most."
The vendor froze, his cheerful expression faltering. "W-well, you see—"
Astron's sharp gray eyes met the vendor's, unblinking, the faintest hint of menace lurking in his gaze. "3000 Valer was a bold starting price. 2000 was still an overcharge. I'll pay 200 Valer. Or should I share these details with your other customers?"
The vendor paled, his hands fidgeting nervously. "200 Valer? But—"
"200," Astron repeated, his tone soft yet unyielding. His eyes didn't waver, and the air between them grew heavy with an unspoken tension.
Finally, the vendor sighed in defeat. "Fine. 200 Valer."
Astron handed over the coins without another word, tucking the receipt into his pocket as he moved to the next stall. Irina, watching from a short distance, felt her jaw tighten. 'What just happened?'
At the second stall, Astron approached the phoenix feather earrings. The vendor greeted him enthusiastically, but Astron's response was just as direct as before. He picked up the earrings, turning them over in his hands as he spoke.
"Gold-plated steel. The enchantment is rudimentary—fatigue resistance of this level barely qualifies as practical. Production cost, including enchantment, around 200 Valer."
The vendor stammered, his confidence visibly crumbling. "Sir, I—"
"8000 Valer was insulting," Astron said, his voice as calm as ever. "7000 was laughable. I'll pay 400 Valer."
The vendor's eyes widened at Astron's blunt statement, but there was a dangerous glint beneath his initial surprise. His fingers twitched nervously at the counter, and he leaned in slightly, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "You might be sharp, friend, but this city isn't kind to those who poke around too much. It's best not to make enemies where you don't need to."
The words were laced with a thinly veiled threat, but Astron didn't flinch. His gray eyes remained locked on the vendor, his expression calm yet piercing, as if he could see straight through the man. Then, with an almost imperceptible tilt of his head, he spoke, his tone carrying a quiet finality.
"Tell me, do you trust the three men stationed at the eastern gate of Everhall? The one with the scar under his left eye, the second with the uneven gait near the fountain, or the third who lingers by the corner of the artisan's market? You shouldn't."
The vendor froze, his blood draining from his face. The details Astron provided—specific locations, precise descriptions—cut through any bravado he had. A cold sweat broke out on his brow as his hands tightened into fists. He didn't need Astron to elaborate further; the implication was clear. Whatever connections the vendor thought he had, Astron had already noticed them and was prepared to leverage that knowledge.
"Fine," the vendor finally muttered, his voice shaky. "300 Valer."
Astron handed over the coins with a serene expression, his movements deliberate. Without another word, he pocketed the receipt and turned to leave, his posture relaxed but exuding quiet authority.
When he arrived, the vendor at the third stall—an older man with a shrewd look in his eyes—tensed visibly at Astron's approach. The man's gaze flicked nervously to the mana pendant on display, then back to Astron. Before Astron could speak, the vendor reached for the pendant, hastily placing it in a small cloth bag and extending it toward him.
"It's… on the house," the vendor stammered, his smile strained. "No charge."
Astron's gray eyes lingered on the man for a moment, gauging his sincerity. Then, with a slight nod, he took the pendant, pocketed it, and turned away without another word.
As Astron rejoined Irina, she couldn't help but feel a bit suspicious.
How come this guy finished everything this easily?
Irina watched Astron approach her with his usual calm demeanor, his hands tucked casually into his coat pockets. Something about the way he moved—the faint ease in his steps, the utter lack of tension—set her on edge. He handed over his receipts without a word, his expression unreadable as always.
Her hazel eyes darted between the slips of paper in her hands, her brows furrowing as she scanned the numbers.
'What?'
"What?"
Her thoughts mirrored her words…..
Chapter 714 - Market (3)
Irina stared at the receipts in her hands, her hazel eyes growing wider with every passing second. Her gaze darted between the numbers again and again, as if hoping they would magically rearrange themselves into something that made sense.
200 Valer.
300 Valer.
No charge.
Her jaw dropped. She raised her hand, pointing at Astron with a trembling finger, her mind spinning in disbelief. "How!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with equal parts outrage and confusion. "How did you do this?!"
Astron's gray eyes met hers, calm and unbothered as always. "I told you," he said simply, his tone maddeningly composed. "I observed."
Irina gawked at him, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. 'Observed? That's it? Just observed? He didn't use mana, didn't pull out some hidden skill. He didn't even haggle the normal way!'
She threw up her hands, her receipts fluttering to the ground as she began pacing in small, frustrated circles. "This doesn't make any sense! The scarf—200 Valer?! That vendor practically begged me to take it for 2000! And the earrings—300?! I spent 6000, and I thought I was being clever!" She stopped abruptly, spinning to face him. "And the pendant! Free?!"
Astron watched her tirade with an unreadable expression, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. "You're overthinking this," he said, his voice steady. "I pointed out flaws in their products and leveraged their circumstances. That's all."
"That's not all!" Irina shot back, jabbing a finger at him. "You didn't just point things out—you made them fold like wet parchment! That's not normal!"
Astron tilted his head slightly, the faintest hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "What's abnormal about it?"
Irina's eyes narrowed, her frustration bubbling over. "Everything! You didn't even raise your voice. You didn't argue, or charm them, or—I don't know—bribe them! They just… caved! It's like you hypnotized them without even trying."
He raised an eyebrow. "Would you prefer if I had?"
She groaned, throwing her head back in exasperation. "Astron, I'm being serious!"
"And I'm answering seriously," he replied, his tone infuriatingly even. "I observed their weaknesses, applied pressure where necessary, and allowed them to make a choice. Simple."
Irina glared at him, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. 'Simple? Simple?! There's nothing simple about this! He makes it sound like some mundane chore, like sweeping the floor or folding laundry.'
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "Okay," she said finally, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Let's break this down. The scarf vendor—what did you say to get him to drop the price to 200?"
Astron shrugged slightly. "I pointed out the low-grade mana infusion and the lack of craftsmanship. He understood the value wasn't what he claimed."
Irina's eye twitched. "And the earrings?"
"I informed him of the actual material costs and the poor quality of the enchantment," Astron said, his tone as calm as ever. "I also mentioned a few… external factors that persuaded him to be more agreeable."
Irina threw up her hands. "External factors?! What does that even mean?"
"….."
But as Astron didn't reply, Irina finally came into a thought!
'Wait…..'
She stood frozen, her hazel eyes narrowing as a realization struck her like a thunderclap. It wasn't just about Astron's ridiculous haggling victories. No, this was about her. About the truth that those vendors had likely known all along.
She clutched the receipts in her trembling hands, her mind replaying every moment of her supposed "triumphant" negotiations. The scarf vendor's hesitant smile, the jewelry seller's mock indignation, the pendant vendor's exaggerated explanations—it all clicked into place.
'Those shameless bastards,' she thought, her jaw tightening. 'They were playing me the whole time!'
She could almost hear their smug inner voices now: Oh, look at her, thinking she's being clever. Let's humor her—she'll never know she's still overpaying by triple. Her hands clenched into fists, crumpling the paper. "Those… those scamming parasites!"
Astron raised an eyebrow at her outburst, but wisely kept silent.
Irina's face flushed as the humiliation settled in. All that effort, all that haggling—and it was a lie. A performance, with her as the fool, dancing to their tune. She could practically feel their invisible laughter trailing after her as she walked away from each stall, proud of her "victories."
Her teeth ground together as she imagined the vendors chatting amongst themselves after she left: Did you see how she thought 2000 was a bargain? Hilarious. She was practically begging to be overcharged!
Her anger flared, hot and uncontrollable. "How dare they!" she hissed, her voice rising with each word. "How dare they scam me and pretend like they're doing me a favor?!"
Astron, still maddeningly composed, watched her with faint amusement. "You're taking this personally," he noted.
Irina rounded on him, her fists clenched at her sides. "Of course I'm taking this personally! I spent hours negotiating, thinking I was outsmarting them, and the whole time they were probably laughing behind my back! It's infuriating!"
Her gaze swept across the bustling market, now teeming with activity as the vendors called out their wares. The vibrant colors and cheerful voices grated on her nerves. She could almost hear the whispers: That girl? The one who overpaid for everything? Yeah, she's an easy mark.
Her blood boiled. "I should burn this entire market to the ground," she muttered, her fingers twitching as though itching to summon flames. "Teach them all a lesson about cheating their customers."
Astron's lips quirked into the faintest smirk. "That seems… excessive."
"Oh, excessive?" Irina snapped, turning her fiery glare on him. "Excessive is scamming an honest buyer and treating her like a fool! Excessive is letting someone walk away thinking they've won when you've been mocking them the whole time!"
She began pacing again, her thoughts spiraling. 'How could I not have noticed? I've been shopping in high-end markets for so long that I didn't even question their pricing! They must've pegged me as a clueless noble from the moment I walked up!'
Her frustration bubbled over as she kicked a stray pebble, sending it skittering into a nearby stall. The vendor gave her a startled look but quickly averted his gaze when he saw the storm brewing in her eyes.
Astron stepped closer, his calm presence irritating her further. "Are you planning to torch the entire market, or just the vendors who wronged you?"
"Don't tempt me," Irina growled, her fists still clenched. "They deserve it. All of them."
"And what would that accomplish?" Astron asked, his tone annoyingly reasonable. "You'd waste your energy, and the market would rebuild. Meanwhile, you'd be remembered as the noble who lost her temper over a few coins."
Irina glared at him, her lips pressed into a thin line. "A few coins? I spent thousands, Astron! Thousands on junk!"
"Junk you chose to buy," he pointed out calmly.
Her eye twitched. "You're not helping."
"I wasn't trying to," he replied, his expression neutral.
Irina's frustration was palpable, her fiery hazel eyes practically daring the market to test her patience again. But when she paused to glare at him, he tilted his head slightly and spoke with a measured calmness.
"You're upset because you feel cheated," he began, his voice steady. "And you have a right to be. But before you burn the market to the ground, consider this: these vendors aren't just random scammers. They're meeting a demand."
Irina stopped mid-step, her frown deepening. "Meeting a demand? Astron, they're lying! Overpricing junk and passing it off as rare or valuable. How is that meeting a demand?"
Astron raised an eyebrow. "Think about it. You came here expecting authenticity. Something tied to the experience of this place. These vendors know that. They sell you the idea of value, wrapped in the atmosphere of this market. If you hadn't pushed me into revealing the truth, you'd still be marveling at your purchases, connecting them to the charm of your trip."
Irina blinked, her frustration momentarily giving way to surprise. 'Is he seriously justifying this?' she thought, her lips pressing into a thin line. "So what? That makes it okay to rip people off?"
"I didn't say it was right," Astron replied calmly. "But it's not as simple as you think. These vendors provide exactly what many customers are looking for—something they can take home and feel good about. It's supply and demand. If people stopped paying these inflated prices, the market would adjust. But as long as people are willing to pay, the system sustains itself."
Irina crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "That's ridiculous. It's still dishonest."
Astron's gaze remained steady. "Is it? Or is it just business? They're not forcing anyone to buy. They're creating an illusion, yes, but one that the customer willingly participates in. And before you realized the truth, you were a willing participant, weren't you?"
Her cheeks flushed with indignation. "That's not the point! I thought I was getting something real—something valuable!"
"And to you, it was real," Astron said, his tone soft but unyielding. "Until I pointed out the flaws. Without that, those items would still hold value in your mind. The authenticity you sought wasn't in the products themselves but in the connection you made to this place. The vendors know that, and they cater to it."
Irina clenched her fists, her frustration bubbling over again. "So what, I'm just supposed to accept being scammed?"
"No," Astron replied evenly. "But you should understand the system you're participating in. If you truly want to change it, then don't just rage against it. Stop participating. Spread the truth, and the demand will shift. But blaming the vendors alone won't solve anything—they're just the other half of the equation."
Irina stared at him, her hazel eyes narrowing as she absorbed his words. 'Of course, he's turning this into some philosophical debate,' she thought bitterly. But deep down, she couldn't entirely dismiss his point. The logic of it gnawed at her, frustratingly sound despite her emotions.
"Fine," she said finally, her voice clipped. "But it doesn't change the fact that they're taking advantage of people like me."
Astron nodded slightly. "True. But they're also providing exactly what people like you are looking for. The question is whether you value the truth more than the illusion."
Irina glared at him, her frustration warring with reluctant acknowledgment. She exhaled sharply, brushing past him with a huff. "You and your sophistry…."
And then just like that, they did head to the inward of the city.
Chapter 715 - You will get it
Irina folded her arms tightly, still simmering from the exchange. But deep down, beneath the frustration, a flicker of curiosity sparked. If she was going to lose—truly lose—she at least wanted to understand why. Why was Astron so effective? What was she missing?
She shot him a sideways glance, her hazel eyes narrowing. "All right," she said finally, her tone begrudging. "Show me."
Astron raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly. "Show you?"
"Yes," Irina snapped, her voice tinged with exasperation. "You clearly know something I don't. I want to see how you actually do it—up close."
For a moment, he studied her, his sharp gray eyes thoughtful. Then, with a small nod, he gestured toward the bustling market. "All right. Follow me."
Irina trailed after him as he wove through the crowd with a calm ease that seemed almost instinctual. Unlike her fiery determination, Astron carried an air of quiet authority, the kind that made people notice him without even realizing they were doing so. She frowned, watching his movements. 'He doesn't rush,' she observed. 'It's like he's already in control before he even speaks.'
Astron stopped at a modest stall displaying polished wooden carvings—figurines of animals, warriors, and mythical creatures. The vendor, a wiry man with a weathered face, perked up immediately, his eyes lighting with the practiced enthusiasm of a seasoned seller.
"Ah, sir! Welcome! Interested in something? These carvings are crafted from enchanted ebony wood, infused with—"
"Hold on," Astron interrupted gently, picking up a small carving of a gryphon. He turned it over in his hands, his gray eyes scanning it with precision. "Enchanted ebony wood, you said?"
"Yes, yes," the vendor said eagerly, leaning forward. "Rare and durable, perfect for collectors."
"Interesting. Because this grain pattern is clearly mahogany. Beautiful in its own right, but far from rare."
The vendor's smile faltered, and Irina's eyes widened as she watched Astron continue, his tone calm but firm.
"Mahogany's a fine wood," Astron said, setting the carving back down. "But it doesn't take enchantments well, does it? The mana residue on this piece is faint, likely from a weak infusion spell. So, let's skip the pretense. How much for this as a decorative piece?"
The vendor stammered, clearly thrown off balance. "Uh… well, for a decorative piece, I suppose I could—"
"500 Valer," Astron said, his tone final. "Fair for the craftsmanship, but that's all it's worth."
After a moment's hesitation, the vendor nodded, his earlier bravado replaced with a sheepish smile. "500 Valer it is."
Astron handed over the coins, pocketing the receipt with a nod before turning to Irina. "See?"
Irina stared at him, her hazel eyes wide. "You knew the wood type just by looking at it?"
Astron shrugged lightly. "It's not hard if you pay attention. The grain patterns are distinct. And the mana residue? That's just basic observation."
Irina blinked, her mind racing. 'Basic? How is that basic? I would've believed the whole enchanted ebony story without a second thought!'
Astron led her to another stall, this one selling gemstones embedded in intricately designed rings. The vendor, a plump woman with a warm smile, greeted them eagerly.
"Ah, what a fine couple," the woman said, her tone sweet.
Astron talked with the vendor like that and at the end, she end the same…..
The vendor's confidence wavered, but Astron continued before she could respond. "I'll offer 1000 Valer, for the design. The stone's value is negligible."
The vendor hesitated, glancing at Irina as if hoping for some support. But when Irina said nothing, her frustration still tinged with curiosity, the woman relented. "Fine. 1000."
From the starting value of 9000 Valer, the price fell down to 1000.
As they walked away, Irina couldn't hold back any longer. "How do you know all this?" she demanded, her voice tinged with awe and irritation. "The wood, the stone—how can you tell so quickly?"
Astron walked calmly alongside Irina, his gaze flicking briefly to the bustling market before returning to her as she asked her question. He seemed to consider her words for a moment before speaking, his tone steady and deliberate.
"Observation," he began, "is about identifying patterns and linking what you see to what you already know. It's finding relevant, discerning details and comparing them to your prior experiences."
Irina frowned, her hazel eyes narrowing slightly. "That sounds… vague. Can you be more specific?"
Astron nodded, gesturing toward a nearby tree. "Take that tree, for example. You know its trunk is brown. If I asked you to describe that shade of brown, you might compare it to something else—say, the color of milky coffee."
Irina blinked, tilting her head. "Alright… and?"
"How did you make that connection?" Astron continued. "You linked the tree's color to coffee because you've seen coffee before. You know it's brown. That prior knowledge lets you create a bridge between the two."
Irina pursed her lips, her mind working to keep up. "So… you're saying observation is just connecting things to what we already know?"
"Exactly," Astron said, his voice calm but firm. "When I looked at the carving, I recognized the grain pattern because I've seen mahogany before. When I examined the gemstone, I noticed how it refracted light, and I compared it to what I know about moonstones and feldspar."
Irina's brows furrowed as she considered his words. "But… what if you don't have that prior knowledge? What if you don't know what mahogany looks like or how moonstones refract light?"
"That's where experience comes in," Astron replied, his gray eyes sharp. "You can't observe what you don't understand. But every observation builds on the last. The more you expose yourself to, the more connections you can make."
He paused, gesturing to the market around them. "Think of it like building a web. Every piece of knowledge is a strand, and observation is about weaving those strands together. The more strands you have, the stronger your web."
Irina tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "So… when you observe something, you're not just looking at it—you're analyzing it based on everything you've seen before."
"Exactly," Astron said. "Observation isn't just about the object itself. It's about the context, the details, and the patterns. And it's not just objects—it applies to people too."
Irina raised an eyebrow. "People?"
Astron nodded. "Take the vendors we just dealt with. The first one hesitated when I mentioned the wood type. That hesitation told me he wasn't confident in his claim, which made it easier to push back. The second vendor, on the other hand, tried to double down. But when I pointed out the flaws in her stone, she glanced at you, looking for support. That glance told me she was desperate to salvage the sale, so I pressed harder."
Irina stared at him, her hazel eyes wide. 'He's not just observing the items,' she thought. 'He's reading everything—the vendors' reactions, their body language, their tone. It's like he's picking them apart without even trying.'
Astron's calm gaze met hers, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of frustration. He made it sound so simple, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than he let on.
"So," she said slowly, "it's all about finding patterns, making connections, and reading people."
Astron continued walking through the market, his tone calm as he elaborated, "That's exactly what it comes down to. Observation isn't some mystical skill—it's about building a knowledge bank, a repository of connections and experiences that you can refer to as needed. But the trick is in knowing how to build that bank."
Irina walked alongside him, her brows furrowed as she absorbed his words. "And how do you do that? Build a knowledge bank, I mean."
"You observe more," Astron replied simply. "The more you expose yourself to different environments, objects, and people, the more you start recognizing patterns and traits. Over time, those patterns become your references. You don't need to memorize every detail—just the ones that matter."
Irina tilted her head, her hazel eyes narrowing. "But how do you know which details matter? Isn't that the hard part?"
"Not as hard as it seems," Astron said, stopping at a stall selling spices and dried herbs. He gestured subtly toward the vendor, a middle-aged man whose hands were stained with yellowish hues from handling turmeric. "You don't analyze everything—that would take too long. Instead, you focus on key areas."
Irina's gaze followed Astron's gesture. "Key areas?"
Astron nodded. "Look at his hands. They tell you he handles his products frequently, meaning he's likely familiar with their quality. His apron is worn but clean—he takes pride in his work, even if his setup is modest. And the arrangement of his spices? Meticulously organized, which suggests he values precision. Those small details are enough to tell me he's not the kind of vendor who'd overinflate prices without good reason."
Irina stared at the vendor, her eyes darting to his hands, his apron, and his display. "You got all that just by glancing at him?"
"Yes," Astron said, his tone steady. "Because I know where to look. That's the real skill—not just observing, but knowing what to observe. The key is efficiency. You don't need to analyze the entire context—just the parts that matter."
Irina let out a low whistle, her frustration giving way to reluctant admiration. "That's… impressive. And a little annoying, honestly. You make it sound so easy."
"It's not about being easy," Astron said, his gray eyes meeting hers. "It's about practice. Inherently, some people are better at noticing where to look. But even that can be trained. The more you observe, the better you get at filtering out the noise and zeroing in on the important details."
Irina crossed her arms, her lips pressing into a thin line. "So, what you're saying is… I've been looking at the wrong things."
"Not wrong," Astron corrected. "Just less relevant. You were focusing on the vendors' words, their sales pitches, and the aesthetics of the products. Those things are designed to distract you from the truth. If you want to observe effectively, you need to cut through the distractions and find the details that actually tell the story."
Irina considered his words, her hazel eyes narrowing thoughtfully. 'He's right,' she admitted to herself begrudgingly. 'I was too caught up in the surface—the presentation, the charm of the market. I never thought to look beyond what they wanted me to see.'
Astron gestured for her to follow him to another stall, this one selling intricately designed lanterns. Without hesitation, he pointed to a specific lantern. "Take this one, for example."
Irina leaned closer, inspecting the lantern carefully. "What about it?"
"Notice the welds along the edges," Astron said. "They're uneven—likely done by hand. The metal is sturdy but shows signs of patchwork repairs. This isn't a new piece, but it's functional. The vendor might try to sell it as an antique, but it's probably just a repurposed design."
Irina blinked, studying the lantern again. 'Uneven welds? Patchwork repairs? I wouldn't have noticed any of that.'
"You don't need to know everything about metallurgy or design," Astron continued. "Just enough to spot inconsistencies. Once you know where to look, the rest falls into place."
Irina straightened her expression a mix of frustration and determination. "All right. I get it. I've got a lot to learn."
"If you pay attention, with a mind like yours…..you will naturally get better at it. You are one of the smartest after all."
Chapter 716 - You will get it (2)
"If you pay attention, with a mind like yours…..you will naturally get better at it. You are one of the smartest after all."
Irina felt a small spark of pride bloom in her chest at Astron's words. She tried to keep her expression composed, but the corners of her lips twitched upward despite herself. 'One of the smartest, huh?' she thought, a mix of satisfaction and determination bubbling within her. 'Well, if he thinks I can do it, then I'm going to prove it.'
She straightened her posture, her hazel eyes glinting with renewed energy as she glanced around the market. "Alright," she said decisively. "Let's see if I can put what I've learned to use."
Astron tilted his head slightly, watching her with his usual calm demeanor. "You're going to test yourself already?"
"Why not?" Irina replied, folding her arms with a confident smirk. "I've already booked the hotel for two nights. We're not in a rush, and the market's still bustling. I might as well use the time to practice."
Astron gave her a small nod, his sharp gray eyes studying her as if gauging her resolve. "Fair enough. Where do you want to start?"
Irina scanned the stalls, her gaze flitting over colorful displays and eager vendors. Her attention landed on a booth selling intricately beaded necklaces, each one strung with vibrant stones and small, metal charms. The vendor, a cheerful older woman with a warm smile, was already calling out to potential customers.
"That one," Irina said, nodding toward the booth. "Let's see how much I can get one of those necklaces for."
Astron stepped aside, gesturing for her to take the lead. "Go ahead. I'll observe."
Irina took a deep breath, adjusting her posture as she approached the stall. 'Alright, Irina. Focus. Don't get distracted by the sales pitch. Look for the details that matter.'
Just like that, Irina's little adventure did start….
*********
The city's market district was abuzz with the hum of activity, filled with people from all walks of life—travelers, merchants, and locals creating a vibrant tapestry of motion and sound.
Among the crowd, the operatives moved with careful precision, scanning every face, every movement, every interaction. They had narrowed down the possibilities, but nothing was confirmed yet.
The foreknowledge from Reginald Hawkins had provided critical hints, but disguises made confirmation challenging. Astron and Irina had altered their appearances—Astron now had ashen hair and gray eyes, while Irina's fiery red locks were replaced with deep chestnut brown, her amber eyes masked behind a hazel hue. Their disguises were strong enough to blend them into the sea of people, but the operatives knew to look deeper.
From multiple vantage points, the team observed several couples fitting the general profile provided. Each operative had been assigned to shadow a different pair, employing their high-grade detection artifacts to search for any signs of hidden enchantments or mana flows indicative of disguises.
"Target spread confirmed," one operative reported quietly through the communication network. "Five couples matching the descriptions across the district. Assigning resources to all pairs."
The team leader, stationed on a rooftop overlooking the central square, issued commands with calculated precision. "Maintain observation distance. Activate enchantment analyzers, but keep the fields low—don't risk tipping them off. We're searching for any anomalies."
The operatives moved to comply. One, stationed near a café, adjusted his enchanted goggles. The lenses shimmered faintly as he scanned a couple sitting by a window. Their features matched the descriptions loosely, but the lack of any detectable enchantment dismissed them as a possibility.
"Negative," the operative murmured. "No signs of disguise artifacts on this pair. Moving to the next."
Another team member, trailing a couple walking through a quieter alley, activated a mana-detection artifact. The artifact pulsed faintly, sending out a subtle wave of mana to probe for hidden enchantments. The couple glanced around briefly but continued on their way, seemingly unaware of the observation.
"Negative," the second operative confirmed. "No response from the probe. Moving to new targets."
******
In the market, there was a man named Jihan. He came from the rather eastern side of the Federation, up to this city on the west side after hearing about the fact that there were many quick bucks that were to be made here.
Jihan adjusted the display of trinkets and small enchanted charms on his stall, his movements automatic as he tried to keep his mind from wandering. The bustling marketplace surrounded him, vibrant and noisy, yet he felt strangely detached. His thoughts kept drifting back to the strange encounter from the day before.
The man who had approached him in the shadows of his stall had been unremarkable at first glance, but his demeanor was unnervingly calm, his voice carrying an edge that left no room for argument. The artifact he handed Jihan was small, nondescript—a smooth, flat stone with a faint shimmer of mana coursing through it.
"Use this if you see a couple that stands out," the man had said. "The girl will act haughty, angry, or overbearing. The man will be calm, quiet. That's all you need to know. Press the button on the artifact if you spot them. One-time use. Don't ask questions."
At the time, Jihan had laughed it off. What kind of nonsense is this? he'd thought. The marketplace was full of all sorts of people, but finding such a specific pair seemed absurd. He had pocketed the artifact anyway, more for the decent sum of coin the man had offered than any intention of actually using it.
But now… now, he wasn't so sure.
His gaze flicked to a couple browsing a nearby stall. The woman, her chestnut brown hair glinting faintly in the sun, was speaking to the vendor with a tone that was sharp and impatient, her words laced with a subtle authority. Beside her stood a man with ashen hair and gray eyes, his demeanor calm and composed, as though he were entirely unaffected by her mood.
It was uncanny, like watching a scene from one of the adventure tales his son loved so much—where an unsuspecting market vendor stumbled into something far larger than himself.
'Is this… them?' Jihan's heart began to race, his hands growing clammy. No, it's probably nothing. Just a coincidence. But… what if it isn't?
The memory of the strange man's words came rushing back. A couple that stands out. The girl, haughty or angry. The man, calm and quiet. The description fit too well.
His hand hovered over his pocket, where the artifact lay. It felt heavier than it should, its presence a silent reminder of the choice he had to make. Am I really doing this? he wondered, his chest tightening with a mix of anxiety and curiosity. What if it's just some kind of prank? Or worse… what if it isn't?
The couple moved closer to his stall, their quiet interaction drawing his attention. The woman was gesturing to a trinket with a faint scowl, her body language radiating irritation. The man beside her simply nodded, his expression calm as he listened to her, occasionally offering a soft word or two.
Jihan's pulse quickened. It's them. It has to be.
His fingers closed around the artifact, the cool surface tingling faintly against his palm. He hesitated, glancing around the marketplace as if expecting someone to leap out and stop him. No one did. The bustling market continued on, oblivious to his internal struggle.
With a deep breath, Jihan pressed the button.
The artifact pulsed once, a faint glow emanating from its surface before it faded, leaving no trace of its activation. Jihan slipped it back into his pocket, his heart hammering in his chest as he tried to act normal.
That's it? he thought, a wave of anticlimactic relief washing over him. Nothing happened. Maybe it really was a joke.
Jihan's breath hitched as the couple drifted closer to his stall. He busied his hands, arranging trinkets on the display to feign nonchalance, but his heart was hammering in his chest, louder than the chatter of the bustling marketplace. He had pressed the button, and done what he was told, but now he couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted.
He risked a glance at the pair, and that was when it happened.
The young man's gray eyes locked onto his, steady and unblinking. Jihan froze, his fingers trembling as they hovered over a small amulet. Those eyes… There was something about them, something unnatural. They weren't just gray; they seemed to pierce through him, reaching beyond the surface, as if peeling back layers he didn't even know he had.
A shiver ran down his spine. What the hell? Why is he looking at me like that?
Jihan quickly averted his gaze, his throat tightening as he struggled to swallow. His palms grew slick with sweat, and he felt an unfamiliar, unsettling pressure weighing down on him. It wasn't just fear—it was as if the young man's gaze carried a weight that bore into his very soul.
The woman beside the young man appeared oblivious, her attention still focused on the trinkets at the next stall. She spoke to the vendor in a clipped tone, her impatience evident, but Jihan barely registered her voice. His focus was entirely on the gray-eyed man, who, mercifully, had shifted his gaze back to the woman.
Jihan exhaled shakily, his pulse still racing. He glanced around the marketplace again, half-expecting someone to appear and confront him, to call him out for what he'd done. But no one did. The world carried on as if nothing had happened.
The couple moved away from the stall, the woman leading with a purposeful stride while the man followed close behind, his calm demeanor unchanged. Jihan watched them go, his shoulders slumping as a wave of relief washed over him.
That was weird. Way too weird. He rubbed his sweaty palms against his tunic, trying to steady himself. Maybe it wasn't them. Maybe I'm overthinking this. But those eyes…
He shook his head, trying to push the thought away. The artifact had been activated, and whatever it was supposed to do, it wasn't his concern anymore. He had done his part, and collected his payment. That was all.
********
Irina's sharp tone cut through the buzz of the marketplace. "What are you looking at?" she demanded, her hazel eyes narrowing as she turned toward Astron. Her arms were crossed, her stance radiating irritation.
Astron's gaze lingered in the direction of the stall they'd just passed, his gray eyes unreadable. "Nothing," he said calmly, though his tone carried a faint edge of caution. "I just… felt something."
Irina harrumphed, her frustration evident as she stomped forward a few steps before turning back to face him. "Felt something? You're just saying that to sound mysterious, aren't you?"
Astron didn't respond immediately, his expression as impassive as ever. Instead, he continued walking, his calm demeanor only fueling Irina's growing irritation. She caught up to him quickly, her words tumbling out in a stream of complaints.
"This isn't easy at all," she grumbled, throwing her hands in the air. "You said I'd learn fast, didn't you? Well, I've been trying, and all I've done is embarrass myself in front of half the market!"
Astron glanced at her, one brow lifting slightly. "You've improved," he said simply. "But if learning observation were something you could master in a single day, everyone would be a detective."
Irina opened her mouth to retort, but no words came out. She closed it again, her cheeks warming slightly as she realized she had no counterargument. "Still," she muttered, crossing her arms and looking away. "I hate feeling clumsy at anything. It's annoying."
"Being annoyed is part of the process," Astron said, his tone calm but firm. "Mistakes are how you learn. The more you fail, the more you'll start to notice what you missed."
Irina frowned, her hazel eyes darting to the bustling marketplace around them. Despite his frustratingly logical words, she couldn't shake her lingering embarrassment. "Fine," she said abruptly, as if making a decision. "Let's take a break. I've had enough of this market."
Astron tilted his head slightly, studying her for a moment.
"The museum," Irina said, her tone firm. "I've been wanting to go there anyway. It's better than staying here and humiliating myself more."
Astron gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "Alright. Lead the way."
Without waiting for him to respond further, Irina turned on her heel and marched toward the museum district, her steps quick and purposeful. She could still feel the weight of the market's bustling atmosphere behind her, but the thought of exploring the museum—a place where she could shift her focus—lifted her spirits slightly.