14 13th Dawn - A Heart-wrenching News

Pricing is said to be a very significant component of every business.

Ruben showed me an elaborated chart of Ellicht's monetary values before teaching me the steps to set a price. In Ellicht, one copper amounts to 10, thus ten coppers give a 100 and turn into bronze. Ten bronze coins sum up to 1000, which then becomes a silver bill. Ten silver bills make one gold bill which is equivalent to 10,000.

Though it's not really necessary for me to know what's beyond ten copper coins as I'm only selling hair ties, the additional information is much appreciated. Since the process of making scrunchies isn't that difficult and everything else I use, except for the fabric and threads, can only be found from the corners of my room, I just settle for five coppers each.

On my next day-off, I begin working on them and have Madeline advertise them for free. Apparently, she lends me a hand in exchange for the scrunchie. It also turns out to be a huge help since she has a lot of connections with people, considering that her job mostly revolves around receiving and assisting clients. I, on the other hand, eventually find making and selling as a fun and productive endeavour. Everyone welcomes my creation, and I don't have to be a laughingstock this time since they openly accept it for the way it is.

Then, soon enough, scrunchies became startlingly trendy. First is in our neighbourhood, then next is the market. Women of all ages buy for it since it's very affordable and has a few good uses. For one, it's the type of accessory that brings colors to their dull everyday clothing. Another one is that it can be used repeatedly, unlike rubber bands that easily wore off and went loose especially when they're used several times.

Therefore, as a result, I'm able to sell a ton and earn a week-worth of salary within three days.

"I never thought it'd boom like this," I mused incredulously, still a little afraid that the money I've been counting up until now would suddenly vanish.

I'm eating breakfast in Ruben's restaurant right now. Today's a day-off so I'm taking my time relishing the concrete proof of my hard work for the past week. I then realized that I can focus more on my search for an apprenticeship now that I've earned this much. I can also finally buy new clothes to add to my wardrobe, and now that I think about it, I can ask Felicity to come with me to the market this time. She did tell me that she'll tour me around.

"How you're doing, Lily? Congrats on your success, by the way," Ruben greeted from behind the bar counter.

"It's all thanks to you and Maddie! With this, I'm more than secured with my finances for a while."

"That's good to hear. You also found what you wanted to do now?"

Though a bit taken back by how sudden it is, I find myself smiling at the question. My eyes then soften for a bit, glistening with profound glee and relief, as I mull over the recent happenings this week.

"Actually, I found myself enjoying everyone's happy faces when they buy them, perhaps, even more than the profit I gain from it. There's this feeling of satisfaction when my work is appreciated for what it is, and not for what people think it should be. To sum it up, I'm just really glad it works out fine."

At this, Ruben only gives me the look of someone reading a riddle or poetry. He's probably thinking that I really hadn't answered his question. I then burst into laughter and just wave my hand at him dismissively, confusing him even more. I think I might have to express these feelings to someone who'd surely understand them.

"Anyways, I'll be going to the plaza now. Good luck at work, Ruben!"

Waving him goodbye, I proceed to take my leave while Ruben only gives me two thumbs up in reply.

"I can't wait to tell these to Sol and Felicity…"

With a zestful, big grin splattered on my face, I make my way to my friends' workshop in a cheerful note. But then, that didn't go without causing a scene or two as I begin another sprint and stir attention from passerbys.

I couldn't really help it since I'm this overjoyed by my current accomplishment, though it should probably be a common scenario by now.

"Huh?! You again?!"

"Hey, watch where you're going!"

"Learn to step on your brakes!"

"Goodness! You gave me a heart attack!"

"Be careful with that skirt, young lady!"

Even when an old man scolded me for moving so rashly while in a skirt, or when I've been called hoydenish by my neighbors for the thousandth time, I only went with the flow and made a dash for it.

As soon as I arrived at the bank, I find the business thriving as per usual. It may not be as crowded as the eatery but those large pouches and lavish suitcases make up for the number.

Merchants and retainers are scattered around the place. Overwhelmed by their exquisiteness once again, I then found myself acting more ladylike than when I was outside.

I can be pretentious depending on the setting, it seems.

I suddenly perk up upon catching sight of Sol from a distance. My spirits already started bouncing in joy just by looking at his upliftingly lavish smile, and the mysterious luster of his starry eyes.

I can't even keep myself from blushing and fidgeting a little as I wait for the gap between us to close. It's as if my reaction towards him is already out of reflex at this point.

"Sol, wait up!"

I was about to call for Sol when Felicity showed up from behind him.

Then, that's when I stiffen.

She suddenly encircles her arms around his and walk with him while still in that position. Her face can lit up a thousand lights in the city with how wide and bright her grin is.

He returns the gesture with a soft smile of his own, a small dimple showing which I never knew of until now.

Then, for what seems like an eternity, they stay in their own little world before they finally notice my presence.

"Lillian, you're here!" Felicity enthused before unlocking her arms from Sol's and approaching me.

I try my best to muster a smile and mirror her enthusiasm, thinking that's it's just probably a friendly display of affection. However, what happened next failed to piece together the slowly crumbling resolve for my romantic pursuits.

"Listen, Lillian, Sol and I just got engaged yesterday. We're fiancé and fiancée now."

"You sure are happy about our family's arrangement, Fel."

"Of course, Sol! You're more than enough of a partner."

"I'm glad you think so."

It's as if I'm forgotten as immediately as I'm noticed. While I watch them talk, I can feel my heart shattering into pieces.

Everything around me stills. An empty void fills me all of the sudden, leaving me no room to escape from this hollowing storm of emotions.

"I see, that's great news, guys! I'm happy for both of you."

And for some reason, those are the only words I could spout out at that moment.

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