In Anastasia’s carriage, the atmosphere was quiet. Anastasia did not actively speak to Elizabeth, nor was Elizabeth in the mood for conversation. Isabel tried to bring up common topics, but the two sisters seed to have made an unspoken agreent not to talk to each other. Each topic ended as soon as she brought it up.
Anastasia lifted the curtain to look outside at the noisy streets. Other carriages rolled by, and a few people walked along the road.
This was her first ti visiting the royal city market. Even though Duchess Anita had treated her like a maid in the past, she had never once sent her to the market.
"I know a textile shop where we can get the best material," Isabel said, noticing that they had entered the shopping district.
"Alright, let’s go take a look," Anastasia replied. She simply wanted to have this experience; after all, once she beca the crown princess, she might never have such an opportunity again.
Hearing this answer, Isabel imdiately instructed the footn, who in turn relayed the ssage to the coachman.
Looking at the bright smile on Anastasia’s face as she admired the street, Elizabeth grew even more annoyed. She was just about to scold her for embarrassing them when the carriage ca to a stop. This part of the market was relatively quiet, as only nobles ca to shop here.
Rosa and the rest of the servants imdiately stepped down from their carriage to assist their ladies. Since Isabel was leading the way, she was the first to step out after carefully adjusting her veil.
Anastasia and Elizabeth did the sa. When the shopkeeper saw three noble ladies entering his shop, he eagerly welcod them. He then led them inside and began introducing the various textiles available.
Anastasia glanced at the different patterns, not particularly interested in any of them. anwhile, Isabel found one to her liking, and the shopkeeper imdiately brought it down for her to examine.
As the two talked about the fabric, Anastasia’s attention was drawn to another piece. Curious, she turned to the shopkeeper and asked about it.
The shopkeeper, noticing Anastasia’s interest, stepped forward with a practiced smile and carefully lifted the fabric from its place.
"My lady, you have an excellent eye," he said, unfolding the material to reveal its full richness. "This is fine velvet, dyed in a deep indigo shade. The dye is costly, requiring many careful treatnts to achieve such depth of color, and the fabric itself is woven with a technique that ensures both softness and durability. Only a handful of noble households would consider such a piece, as it is not easily co by." He ran his fingers lightly over the material, the candlelight catching the luxurious sheen of the weave. "It would make for a striking gown, one that is elegant yet refined."
Anastasia reached out, letting her gloved fingertips graze the surface. The velvet was sumptuously smooth, its texture finer than anything she had ever worn. She could imagine the way it would drape; soft yet regal, understated yet undeniably elegant.
Isabel let out a delighted hum. "Oh, that is exquisite. Such deep color, so rich." She turned to the shopkeeper. "I imagine a full gown of this would cost quite a sum."
The man bowed his head slightly. "Indeed, my lady. It is a fabric ant for those with discerning taste. Few would consider it an everyday indulgence."
Elizabeth, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "I want it," she declared. She could already see that Anastasia had taken a liking of it, so she decided to buy it.
The shopkeeper was surprised. Although Anastasia had not said anything about wanting to buy it but it was clear that she was interested in it. It did not matter normally if more than one custor were interested in the sa piece but the problem was that this particular piece only had this one.
Anastasia raised her head and look at Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked smuggly back. She just wanted to remind Anastasia of her place.
"How much of this material do you have?" Isabel asked. She knew that her cousin was out to cause trouble.
"Just enough for one dress," the shopkeeper said. He did not expect to encounter such a situation. After all these three ladies had ca down from sa carriage. He thought they were sister or friends.
Isabel looked at Anastasia and Elizabeth not knowing how to slove the problem, "shopkeeper, why are you not telling the price? Are you unwilling to sell?" Seeing the shopkeeper trouble look Elizabeth asked in annoyance.
"This... " The shopkeeper was about to explain when Anastasia cut in.
"I only asked about the it, I have not said I wanted to it. Since my sister likes it so much, she can have it," Anastasia said. She had a smile playing on her lips. Although her father had giving her money to shop but hearing the piece she chose was expensive, she was planning to let it be but Elizabeth made it easier for her.
Elizabeth was surprised, she was sure that Anastasia had taken a liking of the clothes. She did not expect her to easily let it go.
Seeing Anastasia so generous, the shopkeeper imdiately had a good impression on her. He then turned to a shop assistant and have him wrapped the clothes and settled the paynt with Agnes.
"How about I introduce other piece to you?" The shopkeeper suggested. Anastasia nods and allowed the man introduce a few more, but each ti she heard the word rare or expensive she would imdiately lose interest. Finally her gaze fell on a piece.
She stepped closer, running her fingers over the fabric. It was light, smooth, and airy; a stark contrast to the heavy, regal textures surrounding it. It did not shimr like brocade nor command attention like velvet, yet sothing about its simplicity drew her in.
The shopkeeper, noticing her interest, hesitated before speaking. "Ah, my lady, this is a fine linen weave. It lacks the grandeur of silk or the richness of velvet, but it has its own quiet elegance. It is comfortable to wear and drapes beautifully, though few noblewon choose it for formal occasions."
Isabel tilted her head. "It is lovely, but rather plain. Such fabric does not suit everyone."
"Indeed," the shopkeeper agreed. "It does not carry the sa weight as brocade or the dramatic effect of deep colors. But in the right hands—and on the right person; it can be just as striking."
Anastasia traced the fabric thoughtfully. She could see why few chose it. It was unassuming, demanding no attention, yet for those with a certain grace, it could enhance rather than overshadow.
Elizabeth let out a quiet scoff even if she made up her mind to take anything Anastasia was interested in, she had no plans on wasting money for such a piece. Besides she suspected that Anastasia did not really like it and was trying to trick her into buying it.
"I will take this one ," Anastasia decided to buy it. She could already tell from the shopkeeper’s tone that it was not expensive. Anyway she was never one to seek attention.
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