The carriage eased to a stop near the edge of the market district. As the door swung open, sunlight flooded the interior. First, the maids hopped out, their skirts whispering against the cobblestones. Fiona followed, and then Edward last, keeping his cloak pulled tight to keep a plain look. To anyone watching, he looked like a quiet noble child tagging along, nothing more.
Before them sprawled the capital's market, a massive, vibrant scene. Stalls stretched out in neat rows, some built with rough wood, others from colorful cloth strung on ropes. People flowed in every direction. Merchants yelled out their prices, trying to get people to buy. Customers argued, laughed, and complained. The sounds of a hammer hitting hot metal rang out from somewhere nearby.
"Okay," said the oldest looking maid, turning to face the group. "We start with food supplies, and the others follows suit."
"Yes," the other maids answered.
Edward didn't say anything. He just stayed a few steps behind them, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his eyes taking everything in calmly.
They stopped at a grain stall. Big sacks were stacked high, each marked with chalk.
"This is cheaper than last week," one of the maids said, bending down to check the seal.
The merchant nodded quickly. "Good harvest this year. The grain's still good quality."
"Let's get two sacks," the older maid said. "The madam won't complain about saving a few coins."
Coins clinked as she paid. Edward watched quietly. He let his eyes drift across the crowd, taking in faces, how people stood, and small habits. Nothing looked dangerous; Just people going about their lives.
Next up were the vegetable stands. Green leaves, roots, and bunches of herbs were arranged in neat piles.
"These are fresh," Fiona said, picking up a bunch of greens and looking closely at the stems.
"Picked this morning," the vendor said. "Still crisp to the touch."
Another maid leaned in close. "Smell this one. It's nice."
They picked out their vegetables slowly, talking about how to store them and how much they'd need. Edward stayed quiet, standing close enough to be part of the group but not sticking out.
The fruit stalls were the loudest. Bright apples, pears, berries, and oranges filled wooden crates.
"Oh, those look sweet," one maid said, already reaching for some.
"Careful," the seller laughed. "You taste it, you buy it."
She took a bite anyway and smiled. "Okay, you got me."
They bought baskets of fruit, laughing a little as the seller joked with them. The noise felt normal to Edward, almost comforting.
They went on to the bread and dried goods. Loaves were stacked high, still warm, with a little steam rising when they were cut.
"Smells amazing," Fiona said quietly.
The baker grinned. "Fresh out of the oven. Best in this part of town."
The maids looked at each other and nodded. "We'll take a few."
As they kept going, one of the maids pointed to a tea stall. "We need to restock the herbal tea."
"Yes," Fiona agreed. "The manor likes the leaves from the coast best."
Edward's eyes stayed on the tea jars as they were opened. The smell was familiar: clean and calming.
"Careful with that one," the seller warned. "It can be strong if you brew it too long."
"Then we'll brew it right," Fiona said, smiling a little.
They put their things onto a cart one of the sellers gave them. They moved slowly and calmly. No one hurried them, and no one asked who Edward was.
At a spice stall, the air changed, filled with the sharp smells of cinnamon, pepper, and dried flowers.
"Just a little," one maid said, pinching a sample. "Lady Sara doesn't like too much seasoning."
"Got it," the seller answered, already preparing a small amount.
When they were done buying food, the maids stopped near a fountain to fix their clothes and take a breath.
"Alright," said the older maid, checking the time. "Next, we need to get the jewelry. Then we can head back."
Fiona nodded, glanced back at Edward for a second, and then looked away.
They walked towards a quieter part of the market, where the stalls were cleaner and further apart. The jewelry was shown off nicely with velvet cloths, glass cases, and guards standing nearby, not to protect things, but just to look good.
At the goldsmith's stall, a thin man with careful eyes stood up straight when he saw the maids coming.
"For Lady Sara," he said right away, bowing. "I have everything ready."
He opened a case and showed necklaces, rings, and earrings that shone without being too flashy.
"This one," Fiona said, pointing to a necklace. "The chain looks strong."
"Yes," another maid added. "And the clasp won't get caught on anything."
The goldsmith nodded. "Tested it twice."
They leaned in, looking closely at each piece, "These earrings match the pendant," one maid said.
"And they won't be too much with the dress," Fiona answered.
"Great," the goldsmith said, looking happy. "Would you like to see the bracelet, too?"
They checked everything slowly, talking about the colors, how it all looked together, and how it would look once it was presented. Edward said nothing, just letting the moment go by without getting involved.
When they were happy, the older maid nodded. "We'll take the whole set."
The goldsmith smiled as he was paid.
With the shopping finished, the group began to leave the stall, but Edward remained behind. He quietly told Fiona to go on without him, assuring her that he would follow after a few minutes. There was something he needed to take care of first.
Edward turned his attention toward the nearby forge. He needed to speak with the blacksmith. He wanted to place an order for a sword. The weapons the man forged were not especially famous or rare, but Edward had always been fond of his craftsmanship. The balance, the care in the work, and the quiet pride behind each blade were things Edward respected.