Chapter 75: Buying a Gift (2)
He disappeared into the back of the shop, a dim area filled with shelves lined with dusty weapons, and returned carrying a long box covered in blue velvet.
He opened it carefully. Inside was a small spear. Elegant.
The shaft was made of polished black wood, with golden veins that shimmered under the light. Silver details ran along its length in delicate spirals. The spearhead, though not excessively sharp and safe enough for a child, was made of refined steel, shining like a mirror.
Balanced. Light.
"A noble initiation spear," the armorer explained, lifting the weapon carefully.
"Functional enough for training. Yet refined enough to be presented as a gift."
Lukas stepped closer. He ran his fingers along the shaft.
The wood was smooth, cool beneath his skin. The weight was good, not too heavy for a five-year-old child, but substantial enough to feel like a real weapon.
’The Harks value their military traditions greatly,’ he thought.
’A spear is the perfect gift.’
"She’ll probably begin her training soon," Clavor commented, examining the spear with experienced eyes.
"Just like every military household."
"We’ll take this one," Aurora decided.
The armorer carefully wrapped the spear in dark blue cloth, securing everything with silver ribbons. The velvet case was placed inside a leather bag to protect it during transport.
After leaving the shop, they continued exploring the city.
Judite insisted on looking for something else.
"A little girl likes more things than just spears!" she complained, skipping beside her mother.
"Weapons are cool, but they’re not everything!"
Aurora eventually gave in.
They found a small jewelry shop in the Central Market, a store made of light-colored wood with display windows full of sparkling items. Inside, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and silver and gold brooches gleamed beneath the lamplight.
Judite ran straight to the display case and pointed.
"That one!" she exclaimed.
A delicate flower-shaped hairpin. Tiny pink gemstones were embedded in its petals.
"It’s pretty," Judite said, her eyes shining.
"Lady Elara will like it."
Aurora examined the piece carefully.
The silver was of good quality, polished until it gleamed. The pink stones were small but well-cut, reflecting the light in tiny sparkling points.
"It’ll be a complementary gift," Aurora decided, paying for both items.
Lukas observed everything.
The way merchants treated nobles, with respect but also a hint of commercial interest. The different products, each with its own story and purpose. The people in the streets, peasants, merchants, adventurers, and children.
As they walked through the central plaza, musicians played string instruments.
There were three men and one woman, dressed in colorful clothing, blue, red, and yellow. A violin, a flute, a small drum, and an instrument Lukas didn’t recognize, something like a harp but smaller, with fewer strings.
The music was cheerful and lively, making people clap their hands or sway their heads to the rhythm.
Children ran among the adults, laughing and chasing one another with wooden sticks they pretended were swords.
Vendors offered candied fruit, meat skewers, and fresh juices. The scent of burnt sugar mixed with the aroma of roasted meat.
A festive atmosphere spread throughout the city.
It was impossible to ignore.
"Is it always like this?" Lukas asked, watching a blond-haired child run past holding a giant lollipop.
"Not always," Aurora replied.
"But Count Hark is highly respected."
"And quite influential," Clavor added.
"When he organizes something, a lot of people show up."
Lukas fell silent for a moment.
’In my previous life, I never attended important parties.’
’I was never invited to celebrations.’
’Now...’
He would be participating in a noble celebration. As a member of a respected family.
The idea felt strange. But also exciting.
Throughout the afternoon, they made the final preparations.
Aurora bought new ribbons for Judite’s hair, blue and silver, with tiny sparkling details. She also purchased a new comb made of dark wood to untangle her daughter’s braids.
Clavor acquired a small bottle of oil for maintaining his sword, a special oil imported from the capital that kept the metal shining and protected against rust.
Lukas, at a crafts stall in the central plaza, bought a leather bookmark.
It was simple, a thin strip of brown leather with a small wolf engraved at the end. The wolf had tiny blue stone eyes, small but skillfully crafted.
’To mark my books,’ he thought.
’The ones I bought. The ones I’ll buy.’
By the time they finally returned to the inn, the sun had begun to sink below the horizon.
The sky was painted in shades of orange and purple, and the first stars had already begun to appear.
There was still much work to do. The Dmond family’s carriage needed to be presentable.
Aurora immediately took charge of the operation.
"Clavor, clean the wheels."
"Judite, stop playing with the cloth."
"Lukas, come help me."
The carriage was already in good condition; the coachman cleaned it regularly. But Aurora seemed determined to make it perfect.
She cleaned every wooden detail with a damp cloth, removing every trace of dust. Then she polished the metal ornaments, the handles, the hinges, and the crest on the door until they reflected the golden light of the setting sun.
She tied small dark blue ribbons near the Dmond family crest.
Nothing excessive. Just an elegant touch.
The horses also received special attention.
Their manes were brushed. The saddles were inspected. The harnesses were adjusted. One of the horses, the youngest, let out a soft neigh when Lukas approached but did not pull away.
When they finished, the carriage looked renewed.
Aurora placed her hands on her hips.
"Good enough."
Clavor observed the result.
"It looks beautiful."
"It was already beautiful," Aurora corrected.
"Now it’s impeccable."
Judite spun around the carriage, her eyes wide.
"It looks like an important carriage!"
"Because we are important," Clavor said with a smile.
"But without arrogance."
"Without arrogance," Judite repeated, making a face.
"Without arrogance," Aurora added.
When they returned to the inn room, the preparations continued. The clothes were carefully arranged on the beds.
Aurora would wear a dark blue dress with subtle silver details. The fabric was heavy and elegant, with tiny sparkles that caught the light. The collar was high and closed, while the sleeves were long and fitted to the wrists.
Clavor set aside a formal black tunic accompanied by a blue cloak bearing the Dmond family crest embroidered across the chest, the Three-Tailed Wolf, woven with silver threads.
Their outfits matched perfectly.
Judite would wear a light blue dress with small floral embroidery along the hem and cuffs. Silver ribbons would adorn her hair, tied into small braids.
Lukas received a deep blue tunic, more refined than his previous ones.
Discrete. Noble.
Silver details ran along the sleeves and collar, forming patterns resembling waves or stylized flames. The hem reached his knees, and the sleeves covered his wrists.
Like Judite’s, his clothes harmonized with the family’s attire.
Aurora smiled as she observed everything laid out on the beds.
"Perfect."
Lukas stepped closer to his own clothes. He carefully touched the fabric. His heart quickened.
’Tomorrow.’
’I’ll meet other nobles. I’ll witness a true aristocratic celebration.’
’Perhaps I’ll learn more about this world.’
He was excited.
That night, after dinner, everyone went to bed earlier than usual.
Judite quickly fell asleep, hugging her pillow and mumbling something about sweets and tournaments before her eyes closed completely.
Clavor extinguished the remaining candles one by one, and the room gradually darkened.
Aurora wished her children good night, kissing each of them on the forehead.
Lukas lay down in silence.
The soft moonlight filtered through the curtains, painting the room in bluish-silver hues.
Their clothes were folded neatly on the nearby chair.
Lady Elara’s gift remained carefully wrapped inside its blue velvet case.
He closed his eyes. But sleep did not come easily.
His mind imagined luxurious halls. Crystal chandeliers. Musicians playing harps. Unfamiliar crests hanging from the walls. Noble children laughing and running about. Adults conversing quietly, negotiating alliances, and exchanging favors.
It would be his first party in this world. And Lukas wanted to absorb everything.
To learn more about that place. About its people. About the nobility. About the future that had now become part of his life.
With that final thought, a small smile appeared on his lips. Then, at last, sleep claimed him.
