12:30 P.M.

Half an hour after leaving the estate, the duo arrived at Saint-Lusan. As a beautiful coastal town with a modest population, the streets were alive with the locals who live there and the tourists who come for an oceanside escape.

With the noon Sun basking them in its warmth, Alys and Roy made their way through the bustling streets and to the seaside, where the lively markets were located. A large array of stalls were to be had, selling goods both domestic and from abroad.

Alys found the stall she was looking for.

“Oye, welcome back Alys! It feels like it was only yesterday that you visited my humble shop.” The rotund and jolly shopkeeper greeted Alys.

“Boris, I was here yesterday, you oaf,” Alys greeted back.

“Bwahaha! Of course you were!” Boris gave a hearty laugh, and Alys smiled in return. “Making dinner for the family again I assume?”

“I come to your stall nearly every day to buy ingredients. What could possibly lead you to that conclusion?”

The two bantered back and forth like this for a bit longer, like old friends who’ve known each other for a long time. Roy could only stand there, both confused and amazed that an android and a human could have such a conversation.

“Regardless, I would like to purchase these items if you have them,” said Alys. She pulled a piece of parchment from her purse and handed it over.

Boris looked it over, promptly gave it right back, then dug around in the wooden boxes behind him for a bit. Soon, he turned back around and offered Alys a sizable box, who then motioned to Roy to carry it.

Roy looked inside and saw a colorful assortment of what looked to be vegetables and fruit, as well as some plastic wrapped fish. None of them were familiar to Roy, so they must have been quite expensive.

“Thank you again, Boris,” Alys said as she handed the shopkeep some cash.

“Aye, my pleasure, Alys. I presume you’ll be back again tomorrow?”

“Assuming you are still in business.”

Boris gave a hearty laugh as Alys and Roy began walking back to the estate.