<span>Yes, it’s said that you can tell a lot about a city by looking at the market. Not only does it provide a simple picture of the economy, but it’s also a mirror of the security of the surroundings.”


    <span>“Is that so?”


    <span>“For example, there are no overt guards or exaggerated vignt knights in this market. It means you don’t have to be so nervous in terms of security, which is a testament to the security of the market!”


    <span>“…”


    <span>“In such cities, travelers feel more at ease and are more likely to stay for longer periods of time and spend money… Market tours are… important, or rather…”


    <span>“Hmm.”


    <span>She contrived some excuses that didn’t seem to mend much. It was time to apologize honestly.


    <span>“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but be so happy that I went overboard.”


    <span>“…”


    <span>Arnold took out his pocket watch from his pocket in front of Rishe burying her head.


    <span>“Sorry to take up your time, but we’ll have to be on our way. Please do not hesitate to tell me so I can fulfill your orders…Okay?”


    <span>After checking the time, Arnold tucked the watch in his pocket and began to walk.


    <span>Rishe was surprised to find that the direction of travel was towards the market.


    <span>“It can’t be…”


    <span>“Since you’ve said so much, we can’t just ignore it, can we?”


    <span>Her eyes widened at the sudden remark.


    <span>“Are you sure?!”


    <span>“There’s still plenty of time to spare.”


    <span>“…!”


    <span>She was so happy, her eyes lit up.


    <span>“Thank you!”


    <span>Thus, Rishe set foot into the marketce of the Imperial City.


    <span>As they plunged into the crowd, her heart became increasingly exhrated.


    <span>Under the blue sky, the sight of rows of brightly colored cloth roofs was so beautiful in itself.


    <span>“How about some fresh berries! Have one, isn’t it beautiful?”


    <span>“Look here, freshly caught and smoked salmon!　Perfect for a sandwich, I’ll give you a discount!”


    <span>“They’re only avable today, and no longer on sale tomorrow; specialty from the Koyor Kingdom! It arrived in Siutena a week ago, fresh off the boat. If you miss this one, who knows when the next one will be!”


    <span>“Whoa…”


    <span>Feeling emotions that could no longer be spoken in words, Rishe bit down her joy.


    <span>The merchants were lively, and shoppers were chatting and choosing their goods.


    <span>Being in a space brimming with vitality alone made one energized.


    <span>“Look. Over there, look–”


    <span>“What’s up?”


    <span>Arnold looked suspiciously at Rishe, who froze unnaturally in the middle of the conversation.


    <span>However, the problem that Rishe was currently facing was indiscernible.


    <span>“No, nothing.”


    <span>“…? Whatever it is, don’t just stop and get lost. Worst case scenario, I’ll strap you in.”


    <span>“Haha, that was a joke, but it sounds like you mean it.”


    <span>“…”


    <span>“You’re kidding!”<span>


    <span>Feeling chilly, she regained herposure and pulled Arnold’s sleeve.


    <span>“More than that, that fruit vendor. She looks like she’s from the snowy kingdom of Koyor. Can I go look around for a moment?”<span>


    <span>“I don’t mind, but is there something you want?”


    <span>“Please wait over here and I’ll be right out.”


    <span>She stopped at a stall a few meters away and visually selected the best of the piles of fruit.


    <span>When paying, she asked if she could cut it up for her, to which the well-dressed female shopkeeper happily nodded in agreement.


    <span>The fruit wasrge and oval-shaped, and was covered with a hard outer skin.


    <span>When she peeled it off with a knife, the soft, ripe flesh inside was exposed.


    <span>She took the flesh stuck in wooden skewers and returned to Arnold.


    <span>“Sorry to keep you waiting.”


    <span>“…Wait. What is that red, disturbing object?”


    <span>“This one?”


    <span>His gaze lingered on the fruit that Rishe was holding.


    <span>Rishe chuckled and pointed the skewered fruit at Arnold.


    <span>“It’s a Koyor fruit. It looks bright red and slushy, but it’s nourishing, nutritious and very good for the body.”


    <span>While exining, she brought the fruit to Arnold’s mouth.


    <span>“Here you go, take a bite.”


    <span>“Stop right there. It doesn’t look like it no matter how I think about it.”


    <span>“It’s healthy, you know?


    <span>To emphasize, his well-outlined brows couldn’t be distorted any further.


    <span>“…”


    <span>His instincts probably were acting up, not to mention the taste.


    <span>But when Rishe stared at him, Arnold eventually reluctantly opened his mouth.


    <span>It was but a small opening, but it was unexpectedly unguarded.


    <span>Arnold moved his jaw awkwardly while frowning. She observed and waited for him to finish chewing before she asked, “What do you think? It’s nutritious, and I think it’s sweeter than it looks.”


    <span>“It tastes nourishing.”<span>


    <span>“Ahem, you look bitter.”


    <span>Nevertheless, Rishe was satisfied. Arnold was overworked by all ounts, so sometimes it was good to eat these things.


    <i><span>Speaking of which.</i>


    <span>She remembered the face of a certain person.


    <i><span>That man often ate this fruit in my life as a pharmacist.</i>


    <span>The prince, who had been sickly since his childhood, was forced to take all sorts of things that were considered medicines.


    <span>He was a serious man to begin with. That was why he didn’t hesitate to take whatever medicine he would have rejected with all his might if he were a normal person.


    <i><span>I can’t believe he diligently took that nasty tasting medicine that I concocted with my master… Thanks for enduring that for a year and a half, he waspletely cured of his illness.</i>


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