Encountering Indigo (2)

Chalice was happily hugging the bolt of fabric in her hands. Luke held in the laugh threatening to erupt from his throat. The way she held the bolt as if it was going to be stolen from her was too adorable. Though, honestly, he couldn't see what made the fabric special for her to put significant attention to it. Even paying twice the usual price of textile. Its color unusual, but that was pretty much it.

She must have felt his question because she looked up at him blinking innocently, the light in her eyes almost blinding him silly. Luke chastised himself. He needed to hold out and resist her cuteness. No matter how difficult it was. Despite the closeness of their relationship, Luke was still, in the end, her mere servant.

"You know, curiosity may have killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back. Ask whatever it is your thinking about. I'll answer it right away."

Chalice said with a smirk. Luke had the urge to erase that alluring smirk from her pretty mouth with a searing kiss. Nevertheless, his poker face didn't leak a bit of this impudent desire of his. He instead focused on the cloth being carried in her fair arms.

"What's the deal with that fabric, my lady? You seem to hold it in high regards."

He asked tentatively. Chalice gave him a patronizing look before she answered.

"I hold it in high regards because it is only right to do so. This isn't any ordinary fabric, Luke. This indigo cloth which was dyed with the color extracted from Persicaria tinctoria is not only pretty. It can also serve as a protection from infections and prevent wound inflammations. It is quite beneficial for knights during battles, wouldn't that be right? I dare say, the medicine field will also benefit much from using this cloth. Aside from that, this fabric is flame-retardant, Luke. Now sum all of that up and tell me that this is merely a piece of pretty cloth."

Chalice almost ran out of breath with her explanation. Joy was obvious in her face. Luke nodded in immediate agreement. She was right. The fabric really was precious. It has a lot of economic potential. Chalice's forethought never failed to surprise him. And on her profiteering tendencies were always on point.

Luke realized as well that Chalice would almost always grab any fortuitous encounters that involved money-making. He was mystified at this developing obsession of hers. It's not as if she lacked money.

"My lady, why does it seem like you're trying so hard with these money-making schemes? You're already rich."

He asked. Well, she did say that she will answer his questions. Chalice pouted at him and harrumped.

"Luke, my dearest, that money isn't mine. It's my parents. Also these so called money-making schemes won't only benefit me. It is also for the people of the territory. I'm creating chances for them to better their lives. The benefits I gain through it are just bonuses. My real aim is to have them learn how to be self-sufficient. It's like this, it's better for me to teach them how to fish rather than give them fish to eat everyday."

Luke was tongue-tied at her logic. His heart soared at how amazing of a woman she was. This prodigious woman was his beloved, albeit a one-side secret love that it was. He internally mocked those who used to belittle and ridicule her, especially that particular pompous prince. If they could see her now, for sure they couldn't help but prostrate in her greatness.

"It looks like Eldoris City will be quite well-known in the future, my lady."

Chalice replied with a bright, confident smile.

"En. You bet it will."

....

Chalice's party did not stay for too long at Eldoris City. They merely made a stop to replenish supplies and have the horses rested and fed.

They took to the roads again just before the sun set and camped out near a river 50 miles pass Eldoris.

Chalice took this time to ask Luke about the features of their next stop: The Guthrie Plains.

"Guthrie Plains, my lady in a word could be described as windy."

She made a face at Luke's perfunctory answer. Seriously, was a definite and verbose description too much to ask? Fortunately, Chalice's inquisitiveness was sated by Levi.

"It is not merely windy, Luke. It is very windy. Guthrie plains is a wide stretch of savannah. Though there are also scattered clutter of trees. It is home to a lot of herds, as well. The rare and coveted breed of Thunder Horses could be found there."

Chalice eyes twinkled.

Herds? That means a group of wild horses?

Chalice was ecstatic. Maybe, she'd take some time and tame one or two. It would be a good gift for her father. Hmm. Maybe she'll also get one for her mother. Who knows? Her luck might grant her an encounter with those famed Thunder horses. It's been another lifetime as well, since she was able to do some bareback bronc riding*.

Unbeknownst to Chalice, the four men caught that particular twinkle in her eyes. They collectively decided to keep an even closer eye to the princess. They toughened their hearts for the incoming shenanigan she was about wreak.