Misfortune 62

Chapter 62

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 But the truth was, the answer was already out there.

All she needed right now was stationery and ink.

Still, it made her feel a little better to know that she could get the supplies to write to Sophie on her own.

Though she'd have to figure out if the atmosphere was right to send a letter.

"Not long ago, the golden................. what was it? Some kind of organization."

"Are you talking about the Golden Wheel?"

"Oh, right, that ship came into port in Blois, and it's been all the rage for a while. Lots of exotic stuff coming in, you'll be spinning your wheels."

"I've heard there's a fair in the capital, too. I've been wanting to go, but had to give up before I got here, so I'm looking forward to seeing what the Golden Wheel has to offer."

Margaret stomped her feet as if she couldn't wait to get out of the house, and Leticia smiled broadly.

As the excitement was building, the carriage came to a stop.

Letitia was the first to open the carriage door, followed by Margaret, who hurriedly jumped out, and finally Delnia.

It wasn't even noon yet, but the plaza was crowded with people. An old man playing a flute beneath the clock tower and the laughter of children running around added to the lively footsteps.

One child in particular caught Delnia's eye, mingling casually with another in tattered clothes and a child whose dress and demeanor exuded aristocratic airs.

Delnia looked around a bit more widely.

A gentleman with an elegant gait cracked jokes with a neighborhood woman, making her laugh, while a shabby shoe shiner leisurely walked through an upscale shopping district.

"It's so different from the capital, so free and unfettered."

Margaret echoed Delnia's sentiments and gave her honest assessment.

It was certainly different compared to the strictly disciplined nobles of the capital, who would frown upon any shop where commoners walked in and out.

"Ah, that's the charm of Blois. Just look at the naval officers."

Leticia's answer was lucid.

Come to think of it, the Navy gave the impression of being open to anyone, unlike the closed ground forces. Perhaps it was the atmosphere of hiring talent regardless of status.

It was an unconventional decision, and there was a lot of talk in the aristocratic circles of the time, but it made sense that this city, the house of the naval headquarters, would be in the background.

"Here, this way."

Leticia led the clueless and curious outsiders who were busy wandering around.

They walked down a street of small houses that clung together like conchs. The colorful clothes hanging on the windows fluttered in the wind like flower pollen welcoming them.

Margaret's steps began to take on a rhythm as the ocean, visible through the cramped streets, grew closer.

"Wow, the ocean!"

Margaret exclaimed as she finally saw the open sea, but her cheer was drowned out by the sound of a series of heavy boats.

The deafening noise made Margaret gasp in surprise and exclaim. Delnia smiled at her, but her gaze was soon drawn back to the sea.

How could the water be such a clear blue?

Delnia was in pure admiration. She'd only seen the ocean once before, in passing, and it was more of a turquoise color, so this was a first for her.

But her admiration didn't last long. The blue color, unadulterated by any impurities, naturally reminded her of someone's eyes.

Delnia gazed at the sea, trying to clear the image that had invaded her mind.

Ships of all different sizes were docked side by side at the harbor, led by a red lighthouse, and workers were busy pushing heavy wooden crates onto carts in front of it.

Despite the hustle and bustle, everyone was full of energy. It was amazing how the atmosphere of this city was reflected in the people.

"We're almost there, just a little further to go!"

Leticia shouted, trying to be heard over the noise.

They followed her down the coastal road and turned into an alleyway, where another vibrant scene unfolded.

Colorful tents lined both sides of the alley, piled high with unidentifiable fish and unusual tropical fruits and vegetables. There were also stalls selling jewelry made from shells.

The sound of the waves intermixed with the hustle and bustle of hawking and bargaining. There was also an unfamiliar, but not unpleasant, fishy odor.

"This is Blois's famous sea market. It literally has everything, and on weekends there's even a night market."

"A night market? Sounds like fun!"

"I'll take you there next time I get a chance. For today, we're just going to walk around to familiarize ourselves with the geography."

Leticia entered the market confidently like a fish in water.

But despite her confident stride, her progress was slow. With every step she took, people around her stopped to talk to her.

"Oh, Leticia. Good morning!"

"Good morning!"

From gray-haired old men to tiny children, no one seemed to pass her by. It was clear she'd lived in Blois her whole life.

"Hello, Leticia."

"Oh, my God, Marie!"

This time, it was a young couple she recognized. The woman's belly was visibly pregnant.

"When did you get this big? Can we meet the baby soon?"

"Well, it's still more than two months away."

"But it's this big? How big and strong do you think it's going to be, huh?"

"Hey, Leticia. I have a favor to ask."

The husband, who had been staring at his wife as if she were a star in his eyes, broke into the conversation.

"I was wondering if you know of any midwives you could refer me to?"

"Oh, already."

His wife protested, embarrassed, but he didn't back down, as if he wanted the answer no matter what. His unwavering, steadfast expression looked grave, as if he were asking for the wish of a lifetime.

"Of course. Leave it to me. I'll get the best midwife in Blois."

Leticia agreed and even set up a specific schedule.

After thanking her one last time, the couple went on their way.

Delnia stared after the couple, whose love for each other was evident in their eyes, and soon followed Leticia's lead.

Their next stop was a shop that sold various sea creatures.

"Let's see, have you ever eaten any of these?"

Leticia asked, gesturing to a pile of seafood in the corner.

Delnia shook her head wordlessly. She'd always been stuck in Belfort, and the sea was a foreign concept to her.

Margaret, a farm girl from the countryside, was no different, shaking her head.

"I've never seen anything like this before in my life. Is this really all there is to eat?"

Leticia and the shopkeeper chuckled, as if the innocent question was cute.

"I think you're going to have to up your game today, Leticia."

"Okay, I'll give you a taste of my secret Blois specialty. You'll curse me for all the years you've lived without this taste."

Ambitiously, Leticia pointed her finger at this and that, and the owner deftly plucked and chopped. The wiggly jiggly seafood that looked questionably edible was quickly sliced into pieces.

Margaret couldn't wait to get her hands on them and busily took in her surroundings.

Delnia, unimpressed by the curiosity and interest in her eyes, followed her, scanning the surroundings.

Then, not too far away, her gaze stopped at a fruit stand.

The stalls were piled high with tropical fruits she didn't recognize. Amidst the colorful display of bright yellow and bright red fruits, Delnia's eye was drawn to the rather unassuming green grapes.

The grape berries, which were light green in color like unripe fruit, look sour and astringent. But Delnia knew from childhood experience that they would be surprisingly sweet when she tasted them.

"What are you looking at so intently? Do you want something to eat?"

Leticia asked, finally finished buying the seafood.

Delnia quickly looked away and shook her head.

"Uh, no. I'm just looking around, there's a lot I've never seen before."

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