The walk to the market was short, just a few minutes from the academy. It wasn’t far at all, especially since many students had their own stalls in the busy market. As they strolled, Katherine looked around, noticing how lively the city felt. Stalls were filled with bright fabrics, shiny trinkets, and the sweet sll of fresh-baked goods.
Katherine had briefly seen parts of this market on her first day when she and Princess Laura had taken a quick tour around Athens. But she hadn’t really gotten a chance to explore. There had been so many things to look at, and she hadn’t had the ti to fully enjoy it.
"My lord," Katherine asked, glancing at the list in her hand, "I wanted to get so milk, eggs, butter, and a few other things..."
Lord Adolfo thought for a mont. "We’ll head toward the shops near the lake," he said, pointing toward a quieter path that led away from the main street. "The stalls here near the academy mostly sell clothes, accessories, and things for nobles. The shops you’re looking for are further back."
Katherine raised an eyebrow. "The things I need are at the back?"
Lord Adolfo smiled. "Exactly. Things that a noble lady wouldn’t usually be buying."
Katherine forced a laugh, trying not to feel awkward. "I’m sorry for not being a typical noble lady." She added a quick smile but couldn’t help feeling a little self-conscious.
She tried to shake off the thought, but it lingered. Why is he being so helpful today?
Then, a sudden thought hit her: Wait, is this a date?
Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly looked away, trying to hide her blush. No, no, it’s just shopping. Nothing more.
Before she could think about it too much, Lord Adolfo spoke again.
"Lady Katherine," he said, snapping her out of her thoughts. "We’ve arrived."
Katherine looked up, realizing they had reached the quieter part of the market. This area was less flashy, with the earthy scent of fresh produce filling the air. It felt calm and peaceful here.
Lord Adolfo seed at ease in the market. He greeted several vendors with friendly smiles, and Katherine noticed how different he was here compared to how he acted with nobles. There was no sharp wit or teasing today—just genuine warmth as he spoke with the shopkeepers.
Katherine watched him curiously. There was sothing comforting about seeing him this way. He’s so different here, so relaxed.
They stopped at one stall, and the elderly woman behind the counter imdiately noticed Lord Adolfo.
"Ah, Lord Adolfo! It’s been a while!" she greeted warmly, adjusting her apron.
He chuckled. "Forgive , Mada Lyria. The academy’s work has kept busy."
"Of course, I understand." Mada Lyria’s eyes twinkled as she eyed him. "I don’t suppose you’re here for so of my best butter, are you? You look like you could use so."
Lord Adolfo grinned. "You know too well, Mada Lyria. But I ca here with Lady Katherine," he said, directing her attention to Katherine. "She could use so of your expertise."
Mada Lyria turned to Katherine with a surprised expression, but it quickly softened into a warm smile—one that seed as if she had just figured sothing out. "Why, hello, my lady. A pleasure to et you," she greeted warmly.
"Pleasure to et you too, dear mada," Katherine replied.
"What can I help you with, Lady Katherine?"
Katherine smiled and handed over the list. "I’m looking for milk, eggs, butter, corn, and a few other ingredients."
Mada Lyria glanced over the list, her smile lingering. "Oh, I see..." Her expression shifted slightly, and a curious gleam appeared in her eye as she looked at Katherine. "You’re like him, aren’t you?"
Katherine blinked. "Like him?"
Mada Lyria’s smile grew. "No worries, dear. I’ve got what you need."
Before Katherine could ask anything else, Mada Lyria turned to her husband and began speaking with him in hushed tones. They disappeared into the back of the stall to gather the ingredients.
Katherine’s mind raced. Like him? What did she an? Was Mada Lyria referring to Adolfo? Or was it sothing else?
She glanced over at Adolfo, who was standing nearby, watching with a satisfied look on his face. He clearly knew this place well.
"Are you sure you picked the right stall?" Katherine asked lightly, trying to distract herself from her swirling thoughts. "This place seems... perfect."
Lord Adolfo smiled. "Trust , Mada Lyria knows her stuff. She’s been running this stall for years, and she makes the best butter in the market. She also has everything in her stock at the best prices."
But Katherine couldn’t stop thinking about Mada Lyria’s words. Did she know I’m from another world? Or does she know sothing about my brother?
She glanced up at Lord Adolfo again, his easy smile making her feel suddenly calm. For so reason, he always had this effect on her, making her forget about her questions and feel comfortable.
As they stood waiting, Mada Lyria returned with everything Katherine needed, though Katherine couldn’t help but feel that the amount seed a bit too much.
"I’ve finished gathering everything, my dear," Mada Lyria said as she placed the items on the counter. "Fresh and just right. We’ll have it packed and delivered to your place at the academy." She glanced at the ingredients on the table, ready to be packed.
"Thank you, Mada Lyria," Katherine said, feeling grateful for her kindness. "But I think this is too much for the amount I need."
Mada Lyria smiled warmly. "No trouble at all, dear. Just treat it as a little gift for your first ti here. Co back anyti if you need anything else."
Katherine smiled and handed over the paynt, feeling a little awkward but thankful.
As they walked away, Lord Adolfo glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. "How was that? Did I guide you well?"
Katherine smiled, though her heart fluttered a little. "You did well. But now I’m curious... what did Mada Lyria an by ’like him’?"
Lord Adolfo chuckled, enjoying the curiosity he’d sparked. "She probably just ant you have good taste in ingredients."
Katherine wasn’t entirely convinced, but she let it go for now. She looked at him, and his warm smile sent a flutter through her chest.
Curse him and that smile.
***
As they strolled further into the market, Adolfo cast a sidelong glance at Katherine. "So, do you have anything else in mind to buy?" His tone was casual, but his eyes held a glimr of curiosity, as if he were bracing himself for yet another unexpected request.
Katherine humd, glancing at the list in her hand. "That’s all for now," she said, tucking it away. "But I wouldn’t mind looking around a bit more." Then, with a smile that was both polite and slightly mischievous, she added, "If you have other matters to attend to, you can go ahead first. I wouldn’t want to keep you."
Adolfo raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with her attempt to dismiss him. "Leave a lady alone in a crowded market?" he echoed, eyes glinting. "What kind of villain do you take for?"
Katherine let out a soft laugh. "Well, you did lend your map," she pointed out, grinning. "I can navigate just fine on my own, and by the way, it’s really helpful. Genius, actually. So, can I borrow it a little longer? I promise to return it... eventually."
Adolfo chuckled, crossing his arms. "You can borrow it as long as you like," he said, then smirked. "But why do you need a map when you have ? I’m a far better guide—no folding and refolding required."
Katherine rolled her eyes. "Oh? And here I thought you might actually take my suggestion and leave to my own devices."
Adolfo tilted his head slightly, his smirk widening. "Why would I actually leave you alone, like you suggested?" His voice dropped into an exaggeratedly dramatic whisper. "A fair lady, all alone in this treacherous market? What if you trip? What if you get sward by aggressive salesn? What if a rogue chicken steals your coin purse?"
Katherine gasped, playing along. "The horror!"
"Exactly," he said, nodding solemnly. "I simply must remain by your side. It’s my duty as a gentleman."
She laughed, shaking her head at his antics. "Alright, then, Mr. Tour Guide. Show where a proper noble lady is supposed to shop. I’m curious to see what kind of stores you’d pick."
Adolfo’s eyes glead with amusent. "Oh, Lady Katherine, you wound . You doubt my taste?" He placed a hand on his chest as if personally offended. "Very well, allow to prove myself."
With a dramatic flourish, he gestured for her to follow, leading her through the market’s bustling main street. The stalls selling everyday goods faded behind them, and soon, the surroundings beca noticeably more refined. Elegant storefronts lined the street, their displays filled with shimring fabrics, intricately designed jewelry, and exotic perfus. The air was rich with the scent of fine oils and delicate floral fragrances, and the chatter of rchants had a more polished, persuasive lilt.
Katherine’s gaze swept over the luxurious displays, her fingers brushing against the soft embroidery of a delicate scarf. The craftsmanship was breathtaking, and though she had seen extravagance in this world before, sothing about wandering through it like this made it feel a little surreal.
Adolfo, who had been watching her with quiet amusent, leaned slightly closer. "See anything you like?" he asked, his tone gentler now.
"It’s all so beautiful," she murmured, still admiring the fine details of the fabric. "I don’t even know where to start."
He chuckled. "Take your ti. A true lady must browse at her leisure. It adds to the experience."
She shot him a playful look. "And here I thought you were just showing around the market. But it seems you really know where all the best shops are."
Adolfo grinned and gave a small, exaggerated bow. "Naturally. I pride myself on providing only the best experiences, Lady Katherine."
She couldn’t help but laugh. The whole interaction felt so effortless, so amusingly ridiculous in the best way. Despite the unfamiliar world, the uncertainty of her situation, and all the things she still had to figure out, monts like these made everything feel a little lighter.
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