Chapter 74: Buying a Gift
The following morning began more peacefully.
No visits to the guild, no negotiations or urgent commitments. Only the gentle sound of birds outside, the smell of fresh bread coming from the inn’s common hall, and the golden sunlight filtering through the gaps in the curtains.
It was one of those rare days when there was no rush, only the calm before an important event.
Even so, there was a different kind of anticipation hanging in the air.
Count Hark’s party would take place the following evening.
It was the talk of every corner of Great Rock City. Through the streets, Lukas heard fragments of conversations, merchants commenting on the preparations, guards discussing security arrangements, travelers asking about the castle atop the great rock.
"They say the Count ordered a three-tiered cake."
"The musicians arrived from the capital yesterday."
"Several noble families are already in the city."
The air vibrated with festive energy.
Aurora was the first to wake up.
She went down to the hall before everyone else, spoke with the inn’s cook, and organized the breakfast table. By the time Lukas arrived, warm bread, assorted cheeses, fresh fruit, and a pitcher of Lirium juice were already waiting for him.
"We need to find a suitable gift," she said as she arranged the breakfast table. Her voice was calm, but there was determination in her violet eyes.
"We can’t show up empty-handed," Clavor agreed, taking a seat at the table.
Judite immediately raised her head, her brown eyes shining.
"Do sweets count as a gift?"
"No," Aurora replied.
"Depends on the quantity," Clavor commented.
Aurora shot him a look.
"Clavor."
"I’m joking."
Lukas listened to the conversation in silence while spreading butter over a piece of warm bread. The butter melted slowly over the crispy surface, dripping through the holes in the dough.
’A gift.’
’For a five-year-old girl. But also for a count’s daughter.’
He knew that, among the nobility, gifts were never just gifts. They represented respect. Recognition. Prestige.
A gift that was too simple could be interpreted as disdain. A gift that was too extravagant could be seen as arrogance. There was a delicate balance, a thin line between enough and excessive.
"What do you suggest?" Lukas asked, taking a bite of bread.
"Something a five-year-old girl would appreciate," Aurora replied.
"But also something that pleases the Count. Something that shows we value the culture and traditions of House Hark."
"The Harks are known for their military tradition," Clavor added.
"The Count is a fighter of the royal army. He values weapons, training, and discipline."
Lukas thought for a moment.
"A weapon."
"But not a real weapon. A symbolic weapon. An initiation gift."
After breakfast, they went out together through the streets of Great Rock City.
Lukas quickly noticed that something was different.
The city seemed more alive. More crowded. More elegant.
Colorful banners hung from the balconies of some buildings, not only the city’s official banners but also the standards of noble families who had arrived for the celebration. Blue, green, red, yellow. Each bearing its own symbols, eagles, wolves, lions, trees, and swords.
Additional guards patrolled certain areas. They wore armor shinier than usual, with blue capes and Count Hark’s symbol embroidered on their chests, a mountain with an eagle perched at its peak.
Merchants advertised their goods with even greater enthusiasm, raising their voices to attract the attention of visiting nobles. Candied fruits, fine fabrics, jewelry, perfumes, decorative weapons.
"There are more people today," Lukas observed, his eyes scanning the crowd.
Clavor nodded.
"The Count’s daughter’s birthday attracts important families. Not only from this region, but from throughout the kingdom. Some have traveled for weeks to be here."
"Especially those who wish to strengthen relationships," Aurora added.
"Count Hark is a powerful man. Having his favor can open many doors."
As they walked, the sound of wheels caught Lukas’s attention.
A luxurious carriage crossed the main street.
It was much larger than ordinary ones, almost twice the size. Its golden details reflected the sunlight, shining like tiny suns. The doors were made of polished dark wood, with elaborate carvings depicting scenes of battles and hunts.
Four black horses, with long manes and silver-shod hooves, pulled the vehicle.
A crest featuring three mountains pierced by an arrow was displayed on the doors.
"Nobles?" Lukas asked.
"Yes," Aurora replied.
"Most likely House Verdan. They’re known for their skill with bows and arrows. The mountains represent their territory in the northern part of the kingdom."
Shortly afterward, another carriage appeared.
This one was white, with dark blue details.
Its crest displayed an owl with outstretched wings.
"House Falk," Clavor said with a tone of respect.
"One of the oldest families in the kingdom. They’ve served as the king’s advisors for generations."
Then another arrived. And another.
Carriages of every color and size filled the streets. Some were small and simple, others enormous and extravagant. All bore their crests, their guards, their horses.
The city was welcoming visitors.
Lukas observed each one with growing curiosity.
Every crest. Every guard. Every style of clothing. It was like opening one of the history books he had bought. Except alive.
"Are there many noble families?" he asked.
"Many," Clavor replied.
"From powerful dukes who control entire regions to minor barons like us, who govern only a few villages."
"And not all of them get along."
Aurora sighed.
"Try not to get involved in unnecessary discussions today."
Lukas raised an eyebrow.
"I never do that."
Judite raised her hand.
"Do I?"
Clavor smiled, that rare smile.
"Sometimes."
...
Their first stop was the Armorer’s District.
The metallic sound of hammers echoed through the streets, a symphony of blacksmiths working at their anvils. Sparks leaped from the forges, shining like tiny stars before fading into the air. The smell of burning coal mixed with the aroma of freshly worked leather and metal oil.
Aurora led the family to one of the finest shops in the district.
The facade was built of gray stone, with large windows displaying the merchandise. Ornamental spears decorated the walls. Some were simple, made of light wood with iron tips. Others were so elaborate they resembled works of art, with gold engravings, embedded gemstones, and magical symbols carved into their shafts.
The owner was a tall man with a carefully trimmed gray beard.
He wore a leather apron stained with soot, and his thick, muscular arms were marked with old burn scars.
"Lord Dmond," he greeted upon recognizing Clavor, inclining his head respectfully.
"It’s been a while. What are you looking for?"
"A spear," Aurora replied.
"For Lady Elara."
The man immediately understood. His eyes lit up.
"I have exactly what you need."
