Edward walked slowly toward the central square, observing his
surroundings carefully. After a few seconds, a herbal shop caught his
attention.
He approached it and gently pushed the door open.
A small bell hanging above the door chimed lightly.
Behind the counter stood an old man in his sixties—long white beard,
bald head, warm smile.
"Welcome, my dear friend," the shopkeeper said cheerfully.
"What can I get for you today? Perhaps some celandine? Or a bundle of
roots?"
Edward scanned the shelves. The shop was filled with herbs, plants,
roots, crafting tools, brewing ingredients—dozens of items stacked
neatly and tightly packed.
His black cloak—freshly cleaned—dragged slightly behind him as he
approached the desk. The cloak covered most of his body and part of his
head.
He lowered his hood, revealing his white hair and bright jewel-blue
eyes.
"I need some alcohol," Edward said calmly.
"And give me some Han, mandrake, and hellebore. If you have black
blood extract, I'll take that too."
"Of course, sir. Give me a moment," the old man replied.
A short while later, he returned and placed several small packets and
bottles on the counter.
"Here is your order. That will be twenty-eight aethin."
"Twenty-eight aethin? How much is that in coin?" Edward asked.
"One aethin equals one copper coin, sir. Aethin was the original
currency here before the fall of the Radan Kingdom," the shopkeeper
explained.
"Right, whatever. Here—thirty coppers. Keep the change."
Edward packed the items into his bag and left the shop, heading toward
the market.
The markets were always full at this time of year.
Edward stopped at one of the supply stands.
"What do you have for road provisions?" he asked.
"Jerky's the best for travel, mate," the seller replied. "And some dried
meat and bread."
"Alright. How much will fifty copper get me?"
"Hm… let me see… wait a second… there you go."
Edward handed over the coins, took the supplies, and continued walking
through the lively streets.
Colorful stalls lined both sides—goods of all kinds: swords and metal
tools, armor and clothing, horses, artifacts, handmade crafts, and more.
He glanced at the sky and realized the sun was already setting.
The feast would begin soon, so he headed straight for the castle.
The castle's main hall was bursting with life.
Soldiers played drinking games, bards sang lively songs, women danced,
merchants chatted, and at the head of the long diagonal table sat the
Baron—smiling proudly at his people and clearly satisfied with the work
Edward, Jim, and the four soldiers had done.
Commander Ronald stood beside Jim, dressed properly, holding a
wooden cup filled—most likely—with ale.
"Edward! Over here, mate!" Jim shouted.
Edward spotted him and made his way to the corner where Jim stood.
On the way, he picked up a wooden cup and poured himself some ale.
"I see you came in that armor of yours," Jim said teasingly.
"I'm more comfortable in this than in those fancy clothes of yours,"
Edward replied coldly.
He took a few sips before continuing.
"Well, these fancy clothes are how you win a woman's heart," Jim said
with a grin.
"A feast like this is boring without a little fun at the end, don't you
think?"
"I'm not really into things like that," Edward answered flatly.
As he spoke, he noticed Jim staring at a young blonde woman dancing
joyfully in the center of the hall—smiling, carefree, definitely under
twenty.
"Jim… you do realize she's too young, right?" Edward said awkwardly.
"My dear friend," Jim replied without taking his eyes off her, "she's
above sixteen for sure. Girls marry at that age."
Edward glanced at her again.
"Why should I care? Do what you want. Just make sure you're at the
gate by ten. We leave then."
"Fine, fine… Mom, I'll be there," Jim said mockingly and walked
toward the young woman.