To Saphy, the port-side market was alive in its full glory. A sprawling sea of temporary and semi-permanent wooden stalls filled the square, each decorated with bright cloths that fluttered in the salty breeze. Vendors shouted loudly, attempting to outdo each other, hawking their wares to the throngs of people jostling through the square. Farmers, artisans, traveling merchants, and townsfolk all mingled, voices overlapping in a constant roar of bargaining and chatter. Every imaginable good was on display: bolts of colorful cloth glinting in the sun, sparkling jewelry, sturdy iron tools, sacks of grain, and pottery vessels. Traveling merchants offered exotic spices, furs, and luxury fabrics, while farmers proudly displayed livestock and freshly harvested produce. The market's energy was intoxicating, a chaotic symphony of commerce and life.
Saphy's sapphire eyes sparkled as she scanned the crowded market, darting left and right in pure excitement. Her entourage, especially the knights, exchanged amused glances. For once, they were seeing the childlike side of their Little Miss — a rare glimpse of innocent wonder behind the mature composure she usually displayed. They would surely brag about this to their comrades.
As they moved, people instinctively stepped aside. From the crowd's perspective, a female knight carried a small child in her arms, a maid in an expensive dress followed closely, and the group was flanked by four knights with several soldiers in formation behind. The insignias on their armor left no doubt: these were servants of House Astley. The child, wide-eyed and curious, commanded the attention of every bystander. Merchants, hoping to attract her notice, raised their voices even higher, waving wares and calling out.
Saphy took a deep breath to steady herself. As a seasoned transmigrator in a fantasy setting, she knew the first rule of visiting a market: eat skewers. It was an unspoken template of adventure, and templates were never wrong. She scanned the stalls until she spotted a vendor grilling skewers over glowing charcoal.
"Sister Rista, go over there," she commanded, pointing with a small but determined hand.
Rista, following her gaze, saw the vendor and frowned. "Miss, those aren't healthy. You shouldn't eat them."
Saphy pouted. "But other people are eating them."
"You might get sick."
"I'll heal myself," Saphy replied, eyes gleaming with stubborn confidence.
Rista sighed, resigned. (-_-) "Very well, Miss."
As they approached, the vendor stiffened, intimidated by the entourage surrounding him. The stall was small, yet now it seemed like a fortress of knights and soldiers. With a trembling voice, he greeted, "Welcome to my humble shop, my noble guests."
The female knight holding Saphy did not respond. Instead, the child's sweet voice rang out, drawing attention immediately. "Excuse me, uncle! What are you selling?"
The vendor visibly relaxed. "Skewers of horned boar, my lady. Juicy and tender. Would you like to try one?"
"Yes, please give me one."
He selected the best-looking skewer and was about to hand it to Saphy when Rista intervened. She carefully handed it to a nearby soldier, who tested the skewer first. After a brief nod, he passed it to Saphy, ensuring her safety without offending her.
Saphy's small lips pursed in mock disapproval — one piece of meat was missing — but she accepted it with visible excitement. Blowing on the skewer, she took a bite. Immediately, the flavors exploded in her mouth: perfectly charred outside, juicy and tender inside, lightly salted, with a subtle smokiness that enhanced the natural flavor of the boar. She winced slightly at the strong gaminess but did not spit it out, calmly finishing the skewer while Maya wiped her mouth.
"First of all," Saphy said, nodding appreciatively, "your cooking technique was excellent. The meat wasn't burned or undercooked. The balance of smoke and salt was almost perfect."
The vendor's face lit up with pride. But Saphy continued, her tone calm yet firm. "But the overall taste was off. The gaminess overpowered the good technique, and the butcher didn't prepare the meat properly. Bloodletting was inadequate."
The vendor paled, but before panic could set in, Saphy asked, "How much is this?"
The vendor stammered, too shocked to reply. Saphy leaned slightly to a soldier, who handed a gold coin over. "Keep it," she said, satisfied. And just like that, they moved on.
As they wandered through Edelgard, sampling a few more foods but leaving disappointed, Saphy's eyes caught a peculiar sight: small, rounded objects displayed on a vendor's mat that resembled mud balls. Her curiosity sparked immediately.
"Mister, what is it that you are selling?"
The vendor's face turned pale, sweat forming at his hairline. "T… those are earth fruits, my lady."
"Can I take a closer look?"
"Ah… okay."
"Miss, don't touch, it's dirty," Rista warned.
"It's fine." With a quick gesture, Saphy used water magic to clean the produce. Sure enough, they were potatoes. Her eyes gleamed like stars. Potatoes were versatile, perfect for experimentation, and an essential tool for her culinary adventures.
"Mister, how much for these?"
"Miss… these are for commoners. Not much flavor, really."
"That's okay. I know how to make them taste good. How much for a kilo?"
"Ten copper for one kilo, my lady."
"I'll take twenty kilos."
The vendor quickly measured and packed the potatoes into fiber bags. After providing the delivery address, Saphy flicked a gold coin toward him. "Keep the change. And call them potatoes — earth fruits is too long."
The vendor barely had time to process what had happened before Saphy's entourage moved on. Her luck was in — she had potatoes, ginger, and cumin seeds, a small harvest of ingredients that made her heart leap.
It was nearly noon when they decided to head back. But as they walked toward the carriage, Saphy's sharp ears caught a loud, distressed cry.
"Can you hear that? A baby crying! Let's go see," she said, eyes narrowing in concern.
"Miss, it's too late. We should head back," Rista warned.
"Just a short detour. I want to see what's happening. Maybe I can help."
Her entourage exchanged glances, remembering the morning's miracle — the young lady's magic, her compassion, her decisiveness. Without another word, they followed her to the source of the cries.
A crowd had gathered. Soldiers cleared a path at the knights' instructions. When Saphy finally saw the scene, her small hands clenched in fury. A twelve-year-old boy held a one-year-old child, both covered in blood, injuries apparent. The public had been merely spectators.
Mana surged instinctively around Saphy, a subtle pressure that made even the knights' hearts race. She inhaled deeply, forcing herself to calm down. Anger alone wouldn't solve this.
In a voice imbued with authority and mana, she demanded, "Tell me what happened! And it would be in your best interest to answer quickly and truthfully. If I must ask again… the consequences will not be pleasant."
The crowd stammered, nearly tripping over their own words. Saphy's voice cut through the chaos. "Stop! You there — explain!"
"Yes, my lady," one man said, bowing quickly. "A merchant's carriage lost control in the crowded streets. These children were selling trinkets at the roadside. They were hit, badly injured, but they survived."
"And the merchant?"
"They… left. They did not care for the children's lives."
Saphy's expression hardened. She ignored the finer details; the children's lives were paramount.
"Rista, set me down."
"What would you like to do, Miss?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to heal them."
"Miss, a soldier can take them to a healer. There's no need to waste your magic."
"Waste my magic? Explain, Rista." Her tone carried a thin edge of anger.
"I'm terribly sorry, Miss," Rista said quietly.
Sighing, Saphy asked calmly, "Rista, tell me honestly — why do you think I'm skilled at magic?"
"The heavens have bestowed this gift upon you, Miss," Rista replied immediately.
"Exactly. Heaven's gifts are meant to be shared."
Rista nodded. "Yes, my lady. I have no excuse."
Satisfied, Saphy allowed herself to be set down. She approached the children, raising her hands. Brilliant light cascaded from her palms, enveloping the boy and the infant. Time seemed to rewind. Broken bones knit together, wounds closed, and blood vanished. The crowd watched in stunned silence, many dropping to their knees in awe.
Within minutes, the children were fully healed. Saphy followed with a gentle cleansing of water magic, washing away dirt and blood. The boy, grateful beyond words, knelt, head bowed.
"Thank you, Lady. Truly… thank you for saving my sister."
Saphy smiled faintly, satisfaction warming her chest. She began to understand the power of light magic even more. Maya came forward, lifting her gently.
"Someone bring them food and clothes. I'll pay."
The crowd slowly regained composure, though awe still lingered in their eyes. Saphy's calm face belied the immense energy she had released. Perhaps… she had overdone it.
When the soldier returned with the provisions, Saphy initially wanted to give them ten gold coins, but Maya intervened.
"Miss, they are orphans. Too much treasure could cause them trouble."
"Ah… okay."
Instead, she handed them ten silver coins. As they prepared to leave, the boy called out once more.
"Lady, may I know your name? If I grow strong enough someday, I want to repay your kindness."
Saphy smiled gently. "No need. My name is… Sapphire Rosabelle Astley."