Chapter 16 Preparation Part 3

Ar and Clau walked along the cobbled streets filled with the bustling inhabitants of the district, shopping, trading, arguing over prices. The smell of spices mingled with the aroma of salted fish hanging from various stalls, while the shouts of merchants answered each other, offering their wares as if their time would run out as soon as the sun set.

Ar adjusted his pace, letting the hustle and bustle sink in. There was a strange comfort in the crowd, a place where everyone was too busy with their own business to care who he was.

They stopped at a small tent at the end of a row of booths. The simple wooden table was filled with the results of their hunt, such as fish, rabbits, small birds, neatly arranged, though faint blood stains were still visible on the surface.

Behind the table, a middle-aged man with a thin beard and kind eyes wiped his dusty hands. When he saw Ar, his smile broadened.

"A fat squirrel, Uncle Theo," Ar greeted, holding up his catch.

Uncle Theo chuckled, his laughter mixing with the din of the market. "Ah, you finally showed up! The demand for squirrel meat has skyrocketed lately, but you... disappeared without a word."

Ar shrugged, a small smile appearing at the corner of his lips. "I'm at the orphanage, helping Mother," he answered easily. His eyes glanced at the other pile of meat on the table before returning to the old man. "So how much are you offering? This one's fatter than usual."

Uncle Theo hummed softly, picked up the squirrels and examined them closely, squeezing their bellies, looking at their fur, and weighing them in his hand. When he was satisfied, he nodded and reached into the leather pouch at his waist. The metal coins jingled as he pulled them out.

"Six bronze coins and five gold," he said, looking at Ar. "Deal?"

Ar thought for a moment, the price was fair enough, then nodded. "Deal."

Clau, who had been standing next to him, smiled slightly as Uncle Theo put the bag with the coins into Ar's hands.

"Thank you, Uncle Theo," he said politely.

Uncle Theo stared at him for a moment, then laughed softly. "Ah, you must be Clau. Your brother talks about you a lot." He patted Clau's head lightly, his warm gaze never fading. "You're such a sweet girl." Clau blushed and looked at Ar briefly. Ar just chuckled and let the moment pass.

Ar handed the coin bag to Clau, who immediately put it into the shabby cloth bag he had brought with him. Safer in Clau's hands, always neat, always careful.

Meanwhile, Ar, with his often wandering mind, could be careless.

But before they went home, Ar turned his steps to the corner of the market. Rows of cloth tents swayed lightly in the afternoon breeze, and the aromas of spices, toast, and smoked fish mingled. At the end of the street, a small wooden-walled shop stood quietly, its boards beginning to fade.

At the door, Aunt Martha, an old woman with completely white hair, stared at their arrival. The lines on her face deepened as she smiled.

"Aunt Martha," Ar greeted, her voice warmer than usual. "Big bottles of milk, as usual."

"Oh, you guys!" Aunt Martha exclaimed, taking a bottle from the wooden shelf behind her. The milk inside was pale, tantalizing in the cool afternoon air. "It's been a long time since I saw you at the market. Usually it's your sister or the children from the orphanage. Where have you been? Don't tell me you're sick?"

Ar took the bottle, feeling the cold penetrate his palm. "No, Auntie. I'm fine," he replied, trying to sound casual. "I've been busy helping Mother at the orphanage lately."

That short explanation was enough... or at least Ar hoped so. He didn't want to explain further about his absence, which had made people wonder.

Aunt Martha scowled, but finally just sighed. "Then don't push yourself too hard. Young people should keep their energy up."

Ar placed two bronze coins on the table and nodded politely. "Thank you, Aunt Martha." He waved before leaving the small shop.

Once outside, the bustling market seemed to welcome him back. Ar took a sip of the afternoon air, filled with the sweet smell of a nearby cake stall, then his eyes caught two familiar figures nearby.

Thomas and Elize.

They were standing near the cake shop, seemingly waiting.

Thomas, the curly haired boy, greeted first with a small nod, while Elize, the shoulder length haired girl with a sharp gaze, crossed her arms, her expression serious.

"Thomas, Elize," Ar greeted and approached. Clau followed, a shopping bag slung over her shoulder. "How is it going? Any news?"

Thomas turned his head quickly, as if he couldn't wait to report. "Brother, we saw someone in the shop near the district gate," he said in a half-whisper. "A big thug... with a beard. I'm sure he's one of Baron Bartemus' men."

The name made Ar's forehead crinkle. Memories of Baron Bartemus, the great Kaelith of boundless greed, immediately came to mind.

"A bearded thug?" he asked, making sure. "He's tall and big?"

Elize nodded quickly. "Yes. He was talking to some other people, about five to seven people. They looked... suspicious."

Thomas looked at Ar, his eyes filled with hope and a little fear. "What should we do, brother?"

Knowing that one of Baron Bartemus' thugs had returned to the Floressia District, Ar realized that greater danger might be lurking. If they were back, there had to be a reason, and it was rarely something good. He thought for a moment, his mind racing for the best course of action. Then he said in a calm voice, "You go home first and bring this bottle of milk with you. Mother Laila left it with me. We'll meet in two hours."

Thomas and Elize exchanged glances, then nodded obediently. Without saying much, they turned and walked back to the orphanage.

Meanwhile, Ar and Clau continued their steps through the streets of the Floressia district, which were still filled with afternoon activity. The voices of merchants, the sound of footsteps, and the laughter of small children mingled. Even though he was busy, Ar kept an eye on Clau, who was walking a few steps ahead of him.

His twin sister never complained of being tired. But Ar knew better. That soft smile often hid something.

"Clau," he called softly.

Clau turned her head, her clear eyes radiating calm. "I'm fine, brother," she answered in a light tone. "I'm even quite full after you took me to eat at the shop earlier."

Ar stared at her for a moment before finally smiling slightly. Clau was like that, as if unaffected by the terrible events in the forest they had just experienced. His little sister looked fine, even eating heartily.

His footsteps led him to a small house in the middle of a flower garden. Flowers bloomed in bright colors, as if the chaotic world outside had no effect on this place.

Outside the house, several residents of the Floressia district had gathered. Speaking in low whispers, they stood in a small circle, their expressions reflecting anxiety.

The scent of wet earth and fresh flowers mingled with the evening air, which was beginning to cool.

Ar paused for a moment and surveyed the scene before him.

"It looks like everyone is here," he murmured quietly.

As Ar approached the entrance of the District Chief's house, a tall, thin man came out to greet him. Thick round glasses perched on his face, almost hiding his tired but relieved features.

Uncle Clemente.

"Thank God you came," he said in a soft voice, but with a tone of relief and sincerity.

Ar responded with a friendly smile. "Thank you, Uncle Clemente."

Uncle Clemente stared at him for a moment, as if admiring the boy's composure despite the difficult situation. Then he gestured inward with his chin.

"Come in. They're all waiting."