"Leaf port" a huge sign hung at the entrance of the port town. The town itself was lively with a lot of activities happening all at once. Fishermen busied themselves with their fishing rod and net, cargo ship off loading shipped goods and onloading goods to ship off the island, and lastly Navy soldiers patrolling the dock port inspecting every ship in the vicinity.
Appy sat on Kael's shoulders as both of them looked around and were taken back by the population. Elbaf was never this lively.
They made their way out of the docks and further into the town. The town wasn't as lively as the docks but had its fair share of activities.
Taking a little walk further they arrived at the center of a four way junction. At their left they miraculously spot a fruit market district. Their stomach grumbled together giving them the order to go forth.
Kael tapped his pocketing and the melodious sound of gold coins clashing amongst themselves filled his soul with joy. He took in a deep breath and matched onwards. He arrived at a fruit stand, dipped his hand into his pouch and forked out some coins
"I'll be taking five apples"
Kael said
"That will cost you five berries sir"
"Here"
Kael hands the man the coins
The man brings out a small basket and neatly placed the five apples for Kael who was already salivating from the edge of his lips
He knabs the basket off the man's hand and they begin to eat like their lives depended on it. Which it did.
In a matter of seconds they were done. Kael looked tapped his pouch again, there was still a considerable amount of coins remaining
"Now let's find somewhere with good food"
Kael and Appy smiled at each other. As they were about to leave the market a cry came from behind them
"Thief! Catch the thief!!"
A person clad on black all through was millimeters away from colliding with Kael. He noticed this and quickly moved to the side. Time slowed down and Kael met eyes with this individual, he was carrying a big brown bag on his shoulder.
The individual whizzed past, then the man came trailing after, it was clear that he will never catch up
"Oh heavens. The Phantom strikes again" the stand owner who had just sold fruits to Kael said bitterly
"The Phantom?"
Kael asked
The man nodded his head then suddenly stopped "What, are you new here?"
"Hmm"
"It is the name given to the thief because its identity has been unknown for a year now. It comes, steals and runs away scot-free"
"Wait a minute. For over a year now?" Kael asked
"Unfortunetly. With the Marine's inability to catch the culprit now we think they must have a hand in the crimes they commit."
"Like splitting the share?"
"Likely"
Kael shook his head. Even if the Marines had a hand in the crime, he didn't see any reason why they would be splitting the share. What benefits will a bag of fruits do to the Marines
Kael didn't dwell much in that thought and went on with his business
***
The door flipped inside triggering the bell hung at the door frame.
The restaurant they decided to eat in was neat, well furnished and almost scanty. The waitresses were all wearing well ironed blue skirts and plain white shirts. At one end of the restaurant was a man on black suite playing a slow music with a little violin
"Wow!! Isn't this place amazing, Appy?" Kael exclaimed. Of all the restaurants they'd passed, only this one stood out , and not to forget it was also less populated.
Kael immediately noticed the piercing gaze coming from the people around, he ignored them and made his way to one of the free tables, picked up their menu and skimmed through it. Appy imitates him like he could understand anything written in it.
"This place got lots of meat. And fish" He said the last part disgusted. Appy makes a squeak in agreement
While going through the Menu, one of the waiteresses walked up to Kael carrying a tray with a glass of water. She wore a smile on her face as she asked
"Welcome fine sir. Have you decided on your meal yet"
"Hmm. Get me this, this and this" Kael points to random numbers on the menu
"Okay sir. I'll be back in a short while with your food" She dropped the glass cup on the table and noticed Appy seated opposite Kael " Sorry for the inconveniences sir but we don't permit pets around" She still retained the smile.
"He's not a pet" Kael sipped the water
She chuckled at Kael, she had received numerous customers like Kael "Sir, I understand your–"
"He's not a pet, he's my friend and his name is Appy" Kael looked straight into her brown eyes.
She admitted defeat with a dry laugh and turned to Appy "What would you like to eat Mr–"
"He's eating whatever I'm eating"
"That means a double course"
"Yes" Kael nods confidently
The young waitress warily scrutinized Kael from head to toe before departing for the kitchen.
Minutes passed and the young waitress accompanied by another waitress gently placed their order on their table, without giving it a second thought they began to devour whatever their hand met on the table.
In an instant they were done with their meal, stomach bloated and they were unable to move
"Damn I'm full. What about you?"
Appy squeaked in response
The waitress approached their table with a long piece of paper in her hand.
"Here's your bill sir" she dropped it on the table, still smiling and moved a few steps to the side.
Kael struggled to reach for the paper. On grabbing the paper he saw the figures written on it. His stomach instantly shrunk and he sat upright, beads of sweat clustered on his forehead and his eyes reddened up.
"Erm what is this" He asked
"Your bill sir" The waitress said with her unwavering smile.
"Four…four thousand–"
"Forty thousand berries sir"
"Oh forty thousand?" Kael now realized why this restaurant was empty. He also noticed that the customers were all neatly dressed in suits and fine gowns. He sighed knowing fully well he made a big mistake
"Forty thousand. That's a lot right?" he chuckled dryly
"It certainly is sir"
"Let me check what I got" Kael dipped his hand into his pocket to bring out his stash but met an empty void in his pocket. The smile on his face disappeared. He reached out to the other pocket and felt the same empty space.
Kael looked the girl in the eyes and all he could do was laugh