Chapter 712 161.1 - Market

Chapter 712 161.1 - Market

The train screeched to a halt, the brakes whining as the cabin jolted gently. Irina stirred, her hazel eyes fluttering open. She blinked, momentarily disoriented by the soft warmth against her cheek. Realizing she was still leaning against Astron, she jerked upright with a faint blush, quickly smoothing her hair.

"We've arrived," Astron said, his tone as calm as ever. He rose from his seat, brushing off his cloak with practiced precision. He glanced down at her, his sharp gray eyes (thankfully back to their usual disguise) unreadable as always. "You ready?"

Irina straightened her posture, her earlier embarrassment quickly replaced by her usual poise. "Of course," she replied, her voice firm as she grabbed her bag. She moved to the window, peering out at the platform below.

The station was modest but clean, with polished stone floors and simple arches supporting the roof. Beyond the station's edges, the city spread out in orderly grids of buildings-sharp, modern structures that contrasted sharply with the historical charm of other cities she'd visited. Yet there was something oddly incomplete about it as if the city had been freshly constructed but was still waiting to be fully brought to life. "This is Stellamare," Astron said, his voice low as he joined her by the window.

Irina nodded, her gaze sweeping over the scene. The streets were alive with activity despite the sparse population. Vendors lined the sidewalks, their stalls brimming with goods that reflected a blend of modern and traditional craftsmanship. Bazaar canopies of colorful fabric swayed gently in the breeze, and the hum of quiet conversation filled the air as shoppers browsed.

"It's... different," she murmured, her tone laced with curiosity. "It doesn't feel settled yet."

Astron offered a faint shrug, "Most likely that's because it isn't."

"Indeed. Just a recently constructed city, isn't it?"

"You were the one who brought me here. Don't you know more?" "Cough....."

Irina glanced at him, noting the way his sharp gaze seemed to catalog every detail of the bustling scene below. "Ehm," she said with a small smile, "let's see what this place has to offer."

The two stepped off the train and onto the platform, their boots clicking softly against the polished stone. Irina adjusted her coat, the faint chill of the evening air brushing against her skin. Astron carried his bag slung casually over one shoulder, his posture relaxed as they made their way toward the station's exit.

As they emerged into the open air, the city unfolded before them. Rows of sleek

buildings with smooth, reflective facades lined the main avenues, interspersed with pockets of greenery-small parks and planters brimming with carefully arranged flowers. The streets were lit by soft, glowing orbs of mana, their gentle light giving the city an almost ethereal quality.

Irina's attention was immediately drawn to the bazaar ahead, its vibrant stalls a stark contrast to the clean lines of the surrounding architecture. Vendors called out to passersby, their voices mingling with the sounds of bartering and laughter. The air was thick with the scents of roasted spices, sweet confections, and freshly baked bread.

"Over there," Irina said, nodding toward the bazaar. "We should take a look."

Astron raised an eyebrow. "I thought the museum was the main reason we came here!" "It is," she said with a small smirk, "but I don't see why we can't explore a little first. We're already here, aren't we?"

Astron didn't argue, simply giving a faint nod as he followed her lead.

The bazaar was kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Brightly patterned awnings shaded the stalls, their edges embroidered with intricate designs. Irina paused at a stall displaying delicate jewelry, her hazel eyes drawn to a pair of earrings shaped like tiny crescent moons.

"These are lovely," she murmured, reaching out to examine them.

"Handmade with mana-infused silver," the vendor said, his tone eager. "The enchantment ensures they'll never tarnish."

Irina smiled politely but set the earrings back down, moving on to the next stall. Astron lingered a few steps behind her, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd with practiced caution.

As they wandered deeper into the bazaar, Irina's attention was caught by a vendor selling what appeared to be small glass orbs filled with swirling colors. She picked one up, watching as the hues shifted and danced within the orb.

"What's this?" she asked the vendor.

"A memory sphere," the vendor explained with a proud smile. "Infused with captured mana flows. Each one is unique-a small piece of someone's memories, preserved for

"Nothing," he said, his tone neutral. "You handled well, considering."

"Considering what?" she demanded, narrowing her eyes at him. "Considering you're used to paying ten times that price for similar items," Astron

replied calmly, his gaze flicking to the sphere. "But it's fine. You seemed happy enough

with the deal."

Irina's frown deepened as she studied Astron's calm expression, her hazel eyes narrowing. He wasn't outright mocking her, not with his words anyway-but she knew that tone. That ever-so-slightly amused, maddeningly indifferent tone that said, You tried, but it wasn't good enough.

Her jaw clenched, the sphere still cradled in her palm. "This bastard,' she thought, her cheeks warming in frustration. 'He's doing it on purpose. He didn't even say I did poorly, but I know that look. That "I could do better without trying" look.

Her grip tightened on the sphere as she replayed his words in her head. You handled it

well, considering.

'Considering what, exactly? That I'm not as good as him at haggling? That I've been ripped off before? Oh no, I'm not letting him get away with this.'

She turned on her heel, her hazel eyes blazing with a sudden, fiery determination. "Fine," she said, her voice sharp.

Astron's gray eyes flicked to her, one brow arching slightly in question. "Fine?" he repeated, his tone as calm as ever.

"I want to compete," she declared, thrusting a finger toward his chest. "If you're so

confident that you could get a better deal, why don't we settle it right now?"

His brow furrowed ever so slightly, the only indication of his mild surprise.

"Compete?"

"Yes!" Irina said, stepping closer, her voice rising with her indignation. "You pick something, anything, from this market, and we'll see who can get the best deal for it. If you're going to stand there acting like you're so much better at this, prove it!" Astron regarded her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he let out a soft sigh, his gaze flicking briefly to the bustling stalls around them. "I wasn't implying-" "Oh, please," Irina cut him off, her hands on her hips. "You absolutely were. Don't even

try to deny it."

I'm not letting him weasel his way out of this,' she thought fiercely, her hazel eyes boring into him. 'He's always so smug, so annoyingly composed. Well, let's see how he does when he's put on the spot.'

Astron's lips twitched into a faint smirk, the kind that only fueled her competitive fire. "Alright," he said simply. "If that's what you want."

Irina blinked, momentarily thrown off by how easily he agreed. 'Wait, that's it? No argument? No condescending remark? No, focus, Irina. You started this, and you're

going to win.'

"Good," she said, her tone firm. "You pick the item. I'll show you exactly how wrong you are."

Astron nodded once, his gaze scanning the nearby stalls. After a few moments, he motioned toward a vendor selling intricately carved mana crystals. The crystals were set into decorative bases, their soft glow illuminating the intricate designs etched into

their surfaces. "That one," he said, his voice calm. "We'll both try to buy the same piece." Irina followed his gaze, her competitive spirit flaring anew. "Perfect," she said, brushing past him toward the stall. I'll make him eat his words. Let's see how smug he is when I out-negotiate him."