《True Nobility》Chapter 9 – Crows’ Market
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The white buggy drove along the streets of town.
As usual, the many citizens would stop what they were doing to get a glimpse of the Everwishs' buggy.
Gregor, Atlas's bodyguard, accompanied the coachman outside to drive the buggy. Meanwhile, Jimmy, Atlas, and Helen the maid rode within the comfortable buggy.
"Little Master, where're we headed today?! The market? I've been wanting to put my salary to use. I haven't had the time to spend my money yet!"
Atlas nodded.
"Mhm! Father sent me out this time to do the shopping!"
Do the shopping? Weren't the castle's necessities usually delivered? It would be too much of a hassle to go out every week to get everything. There were at least a hundred servants living in the castle. There was no way the little buggy would be able to carry everything.
Jimmy was quick to figure out the real reason for Atlas's outing. His father probably wanted Atlas to get a feel for middle class life. Things such as buying groceries and bargaining were completely foreign to nobles.
"Alright then, little master, let's go get us a good haul today! Helen, which market are we headed?"
"The Crows' market, Mr. Jimmy. It isn't as flashy as the other markets, but the prices are good."
Jimmy's face grew embarrassed. He still wasn't used to being addressed formally.
"Helen, there's no need to add the 'Mr.', after all, I don't call you 'Miss'!"
The middle aged woman smiled at Jimmy's response.
"The young master got himself a good servant." she thought.
The grand buggy continued to move through the town as if it were gliding. Soon enough, Atlas would get another chance to see the markets of town.
The Crows' market was farther than the Burwicks' market. It was forty minutes from the Everwish castle, and it was deep within the middle class area.
The buildings were not colorful and flashy like the rich part of town that Atlas was familiar with. When compared with the rich districts, these buildings were dull. These buildings were built only for their intended purposes. Nothing more. Nothing less.
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After the long ride, the Crows' market came into view. There were multiple stalls lining the streets. Large tents also sprouted from the ground. None of the vendors decorated their stalls, nor did they call out jokes or poems. They just packed as many items as they could into the display in hopes of catching the crowd's attention with their wares.
This was Atlas's fourth trip outside with the servants, but he still wasn't used to the scenes he would see of the commoners.
The coachman Harrison dropped Atlas and the other servants off before finding himself a spot to park and wait for their return.
The group of four - Atlas, Helen, Jimmy, and Gregor - made their way through the market's entrance.
As they walked, Atlas would curiously look at his surroundings. He wanted to get familiar with the lives of the commoners. If he could do that, then he would be able to help more people like Jimmy. Atlas swore he would no longer be the ignorant child he was two months ago.
"Helen, what are we getting first?"
"We'll be getting the vegetables first, Master Atlas. We've gotten here later than expected, so we need to hurry if we want the best vegetables! Let's hurry, young master!"
The round maid then grabbed Atlas's hand and dragged him through the crowd.
The group of four made their rounds through the market, buying from one stall then finding their way to another. After three hours of shopping, the group were lugging around quite a few bags.
The entire time, the young master Atlas and his servants were quite the sight for the other customers and vendors.
Leading the small shopping team was a fat, middle aged maid. She moved with a purpose, and she would be able to find the best products for the best prices. Whenever there was a chance, she would somehow bargain goods down to half their original price. This plump, cheery maid couldn't be underestimated by the local vendors. Even the vendors who were 'seasoned warriors' were no match for Helen's skills.
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Following closely to the maid was a small lad who looked about seven or eight. He was well dressed, and made a surprised face at everything he saw. It was obvious to everyone that this boy was from the richer district of town, and that he would normally be a perfect target to scam were it not for his maid.
The next two servants were stark opposites of each other.
An orange haired, preteen boy walked leisurely. It was clear that he was just a servant, but for some reason, he was acting so informally in the presence of the young master. The boy's steps were large and carefree. He only had a single coin pouch in his hands. He seemed to be enjoying the attention he was getting from the crowd.
The other servant was a large, muscular man. He made quick, precise steps. It was as if nothing could mess up the rhythm of his feet. The man carried what should have been a crushing amount of bags. Four bags were griped by each of his hands, and another four were slung on each of his shoulders. The man did not seem bothered by the weight, and had an unchanging, serious look in his eyes. What shocked the onlookers even more than his strength was his vigilance. The man was somehow able to catch each of their gazes. It was like nothing could escape his eyes.
It was about noon when the four finished their shopping. Jimmy, Atlas, and Helen sat at a table, eating their lunch from a nearby stall. Meanwhile, Gregor stood to the side, silently watching the passing crowd.
Jimmy was munching on a large sandwich as he called out to Gregor.
"Oi, bodyguard sir, why don't you eat too? Don't you get hungry?"
Gregor remained silent and continued to survey the area.
Seeing that the bodyguard had no intention of replying, Jimmy turned his attention to Helen and Atlas.
"What are we doing next? We're done with the shopping, but I don't wanna go back to the castle yet! It's still early, and if we go back now, Stephen'll work me to death! Let's do something exciting for once!"
Helen's body wobbled as she laughed.
"I guess we don't need to be back right away. Little master, what do you think? Is there anything in particular you want to do while we're still here? Is there anything you want to learn about from commoners' life?"
The young noble pondered as he took another spoonful of soup into his mouth.
"Umm, I guess we can see what they do for fun around here. On this trip and the last one, I only saw what they do to buy their groceries. We haven't seen what they like doing to pass the time."
Although Atlas was happy to go out and see the commoners, he still had no clue about their actual lives. He only knew that they went to stalls and would argue with the vendors for a better price. He still didn't know what they enjoyed doing.
If Atlas was going to be a good noble like his father- a noble who could help the commoners- he needed to find out what the commoners liked.
"Something fun? Finally! Enough with this boring shopping!"
Jimmy's mood brightened after hearing Atlas's desire to do something fun.
"Leave it to me, little master, I'll show you what fun things you nobles miss out on!"
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