Chapter 4 : New Stool

Casia glanced between the flowers she was braiding and her younger sibling, her dark eyes laced with concern.

" Harlow, you can't....Please stop choking the teddy bear so loudly."

" I can't choke Father so I'll choke this. Deal with it."

Her angry grumbles did lower in volume despite the normally concerning remark. But this was Father they were talking about, so it was rather understandable. The older sibling sighed, not exactly the kind of sounds she'd wish to listen to so soon after breakfast. There was a knock on the door, a familiar rhythm that immediately brought their attention.

" Girls, go get dressed. We're heading to town."

Amary announced in a bored manner.

" When? Now?"

" Now."

A ridiculous question, if Amary says 'now' she really means now. Moving quickly, the two younger sisters threw on their dresses, neatly of course, and helped each other with their hair. Casia grabbed her basket full of flower crowns and homemade bookmarks, double checking the contents and quality of the products she wanted to sell for the day.

" Why are we going out?"

Harlow asks innocently, eyes clearly hoping for something. A look every older sibling recognizes.

" For groceries."

The youngest deflated, hiding her disappointment with a smile.

" Alright, we drop off Casia at her flower selling corner and head to the market."

" Thanks, Amary."

Casia says cheerfully as they walked to the gates of the estate. The old guard they hired waved politely as they stepped out of the gates.

" Be back before sundown, ladies. Especially you, Harlow. Ms Jones will have my head if you're not home by then."

" It'll be fine, Gray."

Amary insisted calmly as she adjusted her dress a little.

" Of course, Lady Amary."

He tips his cap at her respectfully. The once mercenary took the job as a guard at the estate just as Amary was born. She's spent plenty of time at the guard house listening to his stories of his mercenary days. Most people wouldn't dare to take even a step into their small estate for several reasons. Other than the crippling manor looking like it would collapse any day now, there was the old guard Gray. Plenty people passing by would mistake the old guard as a ghost.

He grinned at the girls fondly, the action stretching the long scars over his right cheek in a twisted manner. Olive green eyes scanned the area, carefully watching with seemingly lazy eyes as he guarded them from afar. Once he was sure they reached the market, he slinks back into his guard house. He leans into his old chair, cap pulled over his sharp eyes as he settles himself comfortably in the space.

" We'll be back in three hours. Here's some allowance from Mother in case you need a snack."

Casia cups her hands eagerly as her sister handed her a few coins, she smiles wide and stuffs them into her pocket immediately. She gives her brows a little wiggle at her younger sister, the little thing stuck out a tongue at her.

" Do I get pocket money?"

" What are you going to buy?"

" Well..."

The little girl trailed off, flashing a cat-like grin as she rocked on her heels. Amary ignored it and walked ahead, leaving the youngest sister to chase after her while Casia snickered.

" We'll buy the spices first, then we can go to the carpenter for a new stool."

Harlow's eyes went wide, mouth open in a silent gasp. Amary spared her a small smile as the little girl grinned happily.

" Consider it this month's pay."

Her cold dark eyes glanced down at the girl, narrowing slightly at her empty hands. Soft and smooth, hands that never do work in the house.

" Carry this."

Amary shoves the empty basket into her hands with a silent scowl. The elder sibling despises soft hands the most, a testimony to how hard a person worked, and they all knew the youngest rarely does work in the house. Scratch that, never.

She glances back at the third daughter, already selling one of her flower crowns to a small child. Her pretty smile and playful attitude with children had been one of the many reasons they sold so well. There were cuts and scratches around her slender fingers, most were due to her own craft. Smiling with approval, the elder sister left her to her own devices for the day.

Her grocery shopping was quick, not that she ever felt the need to spend so much at just one stall. No, her siblings had long learned that time is of the essence and spending hours simply browsing was a clear waste of time. She buys the necessary items and hands it all to Harlow for the girl to carry in her basket.

" I get to choose anything?"

Harlow's eyes lit up, the previous fatigue she had displayed while carrying the load in her arms disappearing without a trace. Rocking on her heels again, Harlow was smiling wide as she looked around the carpenter's store.

" Yes. I have some coins to spare for you."

Amary says in her usually neutral voice. Her eyes catching the stare of the store keeper there as she flashed him a quick flutter of her eyelashes, the small gesture was enough to make him stammer. Oh, her little sister will most definitely be able to choose whatever she liked here.