Chapter 6: “THE BAZAR”

Chapter 6: "THE BAZAR"

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'Grr'

The engine hums softly as I look at the winding road, the rhythmic purr of tyres on asphalt creating a comforting melody.

The gentle breeze slips through.

I glance out the window, the passing scenery a blur of vibrant greens and blues. Trees stand tall, their leaves swaying in a synchronised dance with the wind.

I love this peace and serenity so much but looking down at my wrists and the curvy stitch-like pattern.

'Sigh'

'A near-death experience, well close to one, the pain was real and immense… and here I am enjoying a calm ride loving the swaying of the trees and wind is weird but oddly soothing…'

"La~La, La~LALAa",

"La~la…"

I could hear the soft humming of Layla and Ari trying to imitate her, their action bringing a smile to my face.

'Hehe… My sister is way too cute… let's not dwell on yesterday's experience and think about what colour I should go with…'

I could feel the stress from yesterday's spar lessening.

'Huu'

"Look look brother we reached the place, Yay! Shopping "

Ari's excitement broke me out of my thoughts as we approached. The surroundings changed, from trees to mountains surrounding a skyscraper standing tall in between.

A skyscraper piercing the clouds, THE BAZAR.

The Mountains and the land near it were extensively made into farmlands and nearly 70% of the agriculture industry was here.

Aunt Nora had told me it was due to the spirit residing in THE BAZAR.

It was a sight of the mountain having steps as terrace farming was called. Well, it was beautiful to also look at the land surrounding THE BAZAR.

As we drove past the farmlands, Seeing people tending to work was refreshing.

What was even more fun and soothing was when they realised whom the car belonged to, their expression changing rapidly as everyone huddled together kids and adults alike excitement and administration were visible to the naked eye.

Reaching the gates of THE BAZAR, Surrounding the vicinity of the Bazar were local farmers selling fresh harvests from vegetables to exotic fruits.

Ari and Layla were way too excited for shopping if not for the locked door and their anti-social qualities, I'm sure they would have bolted by now.

Aunt Nora and Uncle Sebastian both seemingly ignored their excitement.

I roll down the window a bit more, inviting the lively sounds of the market to fill the car.

As we drove through the bustling market, I noticed a shift in the atmosphere.

The distant chatter of people, the rhythmic clatter of shopping carts, and the occasional laughter meld into a lively background melody. Vendors continue calling out their specials, their voices becoming part of the vibrant tapestry of market life.

"Fresh out of organic farms!"

" Get your melons!... Nice and big!!"

"Juiciest Peaches!!,taste now "

As people recognized our insignia, a ripple of awareness spread through the crowd. Whispers start to circulate, and heads turn in unison, eyes widening with recognition.

It's as if a wave of excitement washes over the market, and more and more people begin to notice us.

I can feel the change in energy as workers leave their stalls and shoppers abandon their carts.

'Hmm… Well it is good to see their enthusiasm and feel their admiration'

The market comes to a gentle pause as people, with expressions of awe and curiosity, gather to catch a glimpse of the royal presence passing through. Some were even waving enthusiastically, their excitement palpable.

Despite the growing crowd, everyone remained respectful, making way for our car to continue its path towards the towering bazaar.

The excitement is visible in their faces, but they maintain a peaceful demeanour, understanding the importance of allowing us to pass unhindered.

'Well that's what I love, unlike other nations people are at least mindful and we can move around without having a full contingent of guards…yeah this is good'

Amidst the murmurs and excitement, snippets of random conversations reach my ears.

"...they're from the royal family! are there royal inside.."

"Look, there's the insignia – it's really them!"

"Wow, I never thought I'd see royalty here!"

"Wait is that Prince Alexis!...' kya',"

"Quick, get a picture! This is going on social media for sure!"

I could feel my eye twitch,

'Just when I praised you guys… at least we got rid of annoying paparazzis … the fame is very annoying…'

But the genuine enthusiasm of the crowd is heartwarming.

'Weird, why am I feeling this .. sensation .. '

'Huu'

I took a deep breath and calmed the lingering emotions.

I take in the sights, the energy of the market is indeed contagious.

'The emotions...no not that precise but a collective wave of moods of people when an emotion is high... I guess yeah … probably has to do with the spar'

'I could already feel changes in my EXIRA and more so when my decision to break away from not using EXIRA as a substitute for flashy spells predominantly.'

'Huuf'

'It sure is annoying though '

As we stepped out of the car what greeted me was attention, a little too much to my liking.

Although People were keeping a respectful distance it didn't change the fact that we now have hundreds of eyes and the emotions I was receiving…

'Uggh'

'Huu'

As I channelled a small amount of EXIRA through me, I could feel the intense emotions lessening and mind calming.

"Welcome to The Bazar, your excellencies…"

A firm voice sounded.

"It's an honour to see the royal family, The White Saintess, and The Harbinger all in a single lifetime"

As I turned, The Manager of THE BAZAR, a distinguished figure with a welcoming smile, even though his scared face appeared menacing, he had an air of hospitality and gentlemanly vibes around him.

Standing around 6ft 3In tall, a well-built hunk of a man dressed in a white 3-piece suit inlaid with gold in simple yet elegant patterns.

"And Your Reputation Precedes You, The Manager, glad to see you haven't lost your touch Loid."

Stepping forward Aunt Nora returned the greetings, she practically glowed. That was how much her EXIRA was blasting around dying everything in soothing pale light.

The effect on the crowd,

"Wah"

"So pretty"

"I admire Her Excellency "

full marks…

I scoffed mentally,

'Huf… she really loves to show off, unlike mom… well she would have given the cold stare… yea it's better to show off good PR'

'Cough'

Uncle Sebastian cleared his throat to gain attention as he stepped into the limelight.

"Maybe we should enter and get the task of getting our shopping done first."

As Sebastian spoke he took control of the conversation and the situation.

'Yea Uncle Sebastian, let's go in … too many people are looking and I don't want to give another speech…please please..'

I prayed silently,

"As we should Lord Harbinger, I will not hold you all any longer"

Loid, The Manager spoke as turned towards me and Ari.

"Your Highness, it is an honour to have you visit our humble bazaar,"

The Manager says, bowing as a gesture of respect.

I return the gesture with a slight bow of my head.

"Thank you for having us. It's always a pleasure to connect with the heart of the community."

'Ugh… So many pleasantries but appearances must be kept..'

The manager extends a hand, and I shake it firmly, the exchange marking the beginning of our visit.

"We are thrilled to have you here. The bazaar is at your service and.."

The Manager gestured as two people stepped forward.

'Twins.. Yea, definitely twins... Cute but Ari is cuter.'

"These are my grandchildren, Misha and Justin they will be your guide, please don't hesitate to let them know if anything is required"

Both had light purple eyes with more cyany hair and petite figures possibly in their younger teens.

The two children no more than 15 stood indistinguishable if not for the hair difference between them making it obvious the one with longer hair was Misha or was it?... damn

"We greet your excellencies, we will take care of you while in THE BAZAR."

Their youthful and cute voices sounded.

' Hmm let's see… Aunt Nora and Uncle Sebastian taught me to appraise the profession… '

As I channelled my EXIRA and looked

' no calluses, obvious wounds or markings... Muscle mass is not that defined… less strenuous activities … mages probably but considering the locations crafter archetype would be better suited '

I recently learned a lot about exira after the spar, its properties and its strength.

But important that out of all the base-type energies that I have experienced from 'mana for mages use', 'ki or qi or chi that martial artists use, 'aura that Knights use' and 'divine which clerics use'

All these were energies but their usage on different spectrums of mana was more like external manifestations of energy likewise Qi was an internal manifestation.

While Aura lies in between them they are the same, just processed differently at its base.

Among these Divine was a vastly different power as Aunt Nora dubbed it 'Borrowed power'.

EXIRA worked on different bases like Victor's family origin art, they are mages but rely on power of intents to manifest and change reality to use their spells.

EXIRA was different, even though I have reached maybe novice mastery over it still at Tier 0 but even then, Someone like The Manager, a powerhouse in his own right was unaware of the happenings as I silently prodded the kids he may only be able to tell if I intrude in his defences.

EXIRA that's what makes it so scary and anyone not with proper mental defences is dead meat. Though I'm not sure what will happen at Tier I but in Aunt Nora's words, "It's a game changer"

Though Aunt Nora and Sebastian did notice my shenanigans but remained silent.

'Hmm, As the more I learn about exira, the more possibilities and paths open..emotions, probing, healing…'

'Huu'

Sighing, I stopped my mind from pondering any more and going sage mode.

As The Manager left Misha and Justin took the lead.

We entered the elevator, and Misha spoke "I'll take Her Excellencies to Amber Boutique"

Following Justin spoke "And I'll take His Excellency to Kingsmen fine clothing".

'Well shopping … that's nice'