"You could have waited for me inside the carriage; the sun is scorching hot."
"I prefer to wait here for you, and besides, I am used to getting exposed to the sun."
Aizen opens the carriage door and assists Serlina in getting inside.
As they travel to Count Bruce's manor, Serlina is busy checking the designs of the furniture that Xavier handed. She's oblivious that Aizen is still staring at her.
The carriage suddenly stops at the market plaza. Serlina is unaware of what's happening since she knows they are travelling to Count Bruce's manor.
"Uhmm.. What is happening? I thought we were going to Count Bruce's manor?"
"Yes, we will after we go shopping."
"I don't understand; you told me a while ago when I talked to Xavier that I must make haste."
With a smile on his face, he says.
"Sorry, I lied, but I don't want you to be alone with him for too long."
A sigh of irritation is her reply to his ridiculous reason.
With annoyance on her face, she says.
"Alright, for sure, your dishonesty should have a significant reason."
"Of course, let's go outside, and I'll show you."
As they walk together at the Plaza, Serlina is still confused as to why they're there in the first place.
"You have to tell me why we're here; we've been walking for a bit too long now."
"Since your patience is running out, I'll tell you. Since we're here at the Plaza, I want you to observe how the merchants and vendors sell."
Serlina does what he said.
"Sir, you look like you need these new shoes that came from France. It's a fine leather that they used, and for you, I'll give them at a fair price."
The Vendor demonstrates how durable his shoes are, and people gather around him.
She also observes the other shops.
"My Lady, you could try these new desserts that are popular among the nobles. It's a New flavor of ice cream; for sure it will be sold out later, so you must try it now while it's still available!"
She observed the way people there sell, which is a huge difference in the modern world, where advertising can be easily used to sell. Since she's new there, it fascinates and inspires her to think of ways to market.
Now, she understands why Aizen brought her there, to suit her eyes.
'In the Modern World, one click and everyone will see what you sell, since most people use social media, but here, there's no phone or social media; the only way to sell here is to encourage people through words and connection.'
"I get why you brought me here; it's for me to learn how to market our furniture."
"Thank you, I see it now."
Serlina smiles at him because she's grateful to learn a strategic way to sell.
He simply looked away to hide his expression and said,
"You're welcome."
"But we're not done; we have to go somewhere."
She didn't question his intentions, so she just followed him.
They arrived at their competitor's shop,
Serlina was in awe of the shop's interior design, and the staff were presentable, polite, and didn't need to be told.
"Welcome to our shop, my lady. My name is Kassandra. Is there any particular furniture you're looking for?"
"Nothing in particular, I'm just looking around to see what I might like."
"Alright then, I'll leave you and your husband be. If you have any questions, just approach me over there."
She's flustered and about to correct her, but Aizen interrupts her.
"He's not m——"
"Thank you, Kassandra."
As Kassandra leaves, Serlina questions him.
"Why did you not correct her?"
"We're undercover for now since we need to investigate our competitor."
'Ohh.. He's right; if we introduced ourselves, the treatment from their staff may not be the same.'
"I'll allow it for now since I'm here to observe their service and the quality of their furniture."
She takes note of what could have been added to their shop, as she observed and checked the quality of the furniture.
While she's busy, Aizen is looking at her with admiration.
"If you want something, don't hesitate to tell me."
"Seriously? Anything? Their one chair is already expensive."
"Yes, Anything."
"If I want it all, you'll buy it for me?"
"Yes, if that's what you want."
He's about to call Kassandra, but Serlina stops him by covering his mouth.
"What are you doing?! I'm just asking!"
"To show you, I'm serious, and I'm not bluffing. I'll just do it."
'Seriously? Is he going this far to impress my brother?'
"You know what, since I'm already done, let's just go to the Count's manor."
As they went outside.
A sudden rain poured down, and the people started to run to find shelter.
Aizen removed his coat to cover Serlina and held her hand to run as they avoided the rain. They found a place to seek temporary refuge.
With a concerned look on Aizen's face, he asked.
"Are you alright?"
Even though he's the one who's completely drenched.
Serlina removes the coat covering her head to see him clearly, and she begins to worry that he might catch a cold.
"How can you ask me if I'm fine? You're the one who's completely soaked."
"I'm fine, as long as you're fine. But this won't do; you still must change your dress."
"Change? No, I don't have to. Only the bottom of my dress got wet. It'll dry out in a few moments."
She suddenly notices that they're at the dress shop.
'Why do I feel like this is not a coincidence?'
"I insist, you still must change."
'This guy.. He can't take no for an answer.'
He called the manager to assist Serlina.
"I'll only agree if you also change."
"Fine, I'll change as well. Our tailor shop is near here, so I won't take long."
He gave his badge to her.
"What is this?"
"Take it. If you need anything, I mean everything. Just show this badge, and they'll give it to you, no questions asked."
'Like a black credit card?!'
She gave it back to him.
"I can't accept this; it's too much."
He handed it to her again gently, but this time he was holding her hand so she could not resist.
"Nothing is too much for you; you deserve everything you desire."
Serlina was too stunned to reply.
"I'll be back right away."