Reputation, he realized, was paramount in a time like this. So, he swiftly concluded that he would need to present these men in a more respectable manner before anything else. With the rising popularity of his shop, it was inevitable that they would attract unwanted attention—robbery and deceit often lingered on the fringes of growing success. But now, with the addition of these bandits who had likely renounced the darker paths, his plans had taken a wild and unpredictable turn.
The five men, now clad in semi-respectable attire, loitered around his drink stall, which humorously bore the title "The Prince of Peach & Palmyra." Amid the chaos, he could only hope that their presence would lead to a new chapter—both for his shop and for the unfolding mystery surrounding the woman in black. The sun, relentless above, continued its climb, promising that this day would not soon be forgotten.
In the beginning, the townsfolk couldn't help but chuckle at the sight before them. "Look at the little boy playing merchant prince with his band of hired ruffians!" they jeered, their laughter ringing through the marketplace. Yet, their amusement swiftly transformed into a hushed silence when, just the following day, an audacious thief was discovered hanging upside down from the palace gates, his foot ensnared by an intricate trap designed by none other than the boy they had underestimated. In the complex game of power, Veer knew he needed to solidify his position so effectively that any thought of crossing him would provoke a shiver down the spine of even the most hardened criminal. This was when the bandits came into play, acting as his unassuming allies.
What the gang of ruffians didn't realize was that their young leader didn't require their protection; instead, he craved the watchful eyes of witnesses, a subtle yet powerful strategy to build his influence. Each bandit was given a specific role in this elaborate dance of deception and control, turning their mischief into a mechanism to fortify Veer's standing.
One bandit took up a position at the entrance of the bustling shop, meticulously monitoring the comings and goings of every client that dared to cross the threshold. Another slyly stashed a hidden parchment in his cloak, ready to record the names that slipped from the lips of unsuspecting nobles during their drunken ramblings. There was one who kept a watchful eye on the boy during the night, appearing as his dedicated bodyguard while cleverly baiting any concealed adversaries lurking in the shadows.
One fellow bandit became a master of disguise, surreptitiously distributing drinks marked with subtle symbols to households Veer wanted to surveil. Lastly, yet equally crucial, one operative was dispatched on supposed "deliveries," but instead, he planted forged letters and spread orchestrated rumors in carefully selected locales, I spilling secrets while diverting attention away from their true mastermind.
Meanwhile, within the opulent walls of the palace, Princess Devi paced anxiously, her thoughts buzzing with anticipation. She yearned for a taste of the miraculous water that had garnered so much talk and, more importantly, for a chance to meet the boy who had captured the interest of both the court and her heart. In just a few short months, Veer had risen to a level of renown that even the ministers could be heard discussing him in hushed whispers within the royal court.
Princess Devi was particularly intrigued by the boy's ingenious marketing plan, which involved distributing samples of his magical drink to noble families, ensuring his name was on everyone's lips, including those of the royal family. Yet her excitement was dampened by caution. Due to recent threats against the king's life, she felt the pressing need to remain by her father's side, tangled in the web of war tensions brewing in the kingdom.
"Your Highness," a maid entered the princess's chamber, bowing respectfully. "If I dare ask, what has captured your thoughts so deeply?" The princess hesitated, biting her lip, before admitting, "It's nothing of great significance. I am mostly thinking about Father and..."
"And what else, Your Highness?" the maid pressed gently, sensing the undercurrent of urgency in the room.
Princess Devi straightened her posture, a spark of excitement lighting her eyes. "It's about that boy—the one who created the miraculous drink. It… it relaxes my body and mind, refreshing my spirit unlike anything I've experienced before."
A sudden thought struck her like lightning. "What if we brought that drink to Father? It could help him find calm amidst these turbulent times, assisting him in making sound judgments for the kingdom!"
"Yes, my princess! That would be an incredible course of action!" the maid exclaimed.
With a newfound resolve, the princess declared, "I'll mention this to Father at court. Thus, not only he can enjoy it, but others may benefit as well."
As dawn broke the next day, Veer rose with the sun, maintaining his disciplined routine. He proceeded with his morning workouts, an action that brought him a sense of vigor and purpose, before checking in on the mysterious woman—whose recovery remained a curious variable in his life that prompted lots of contemplation. Satisfied with her progress, he now felt the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him even more.
He ventured to the local water source, where he knew he could capture the precious liquid in tranquility, as early morning hours brought fewer patrons, most of whom were women with whom he often exchanged playful banter, further enhancing the reputation of his shop. After fetching the water, he washed up, taking a bath followed by a quick brush of his teeth with a daatoon—the tiny branch he had grown accustomed to while living among these people. Freshened up and dressed smartly, he made his way to the nearby temple, eager to offer a prayer to Lord Vishnu and, perhaps, catch a glimpse of Princess Devi.
To his surprise, as he approached the temple, he spotted her standing there, gazing directly at him as if she had been expecting his arrival. "Good morning, Your Highness," Veer greeted warmly, bowing his head in respect.
"Good morning! You're late today," she replied with a hint of teasing in her voice.