"And when you're ready," Mei added, "talk to the town engineer about shield upgrades.Yours is basic—does the job, but there are better systems.Stronger walls, longer-lasting bulbs, self-repairing enchantments."
"How much?"Wren asked.
"Depends on what you want.Basic reinforcement?Fifty gold.Full upgrade with self-repair?Two hundred, maybe more."
Wren's stomach dropped.Fifty gold?She'd just made three silver.How much was—
"Fifty gold is five hundred silver," Jin said, reading her expression.
Five hundred silver.She'd just earned three.
"That's...a lot."
"It's worth saving for," Mei said."Especially on that property.The cursed land puts extra strain on shields.You'll want the best you can afford eventually."
Something to work toward then.A long-term goal.
The metalwork was packed into a crate, since it was too large for her purse, unfortunately.Kenji offered to help her carry it.
As they headed for the door, Jin spoke quietly."There's someone who wants to meet you."
Wren's stomach tightened."Who?"
"Viktor.The landowner I mentioned.He's...expressed interest."
Of course he had.
"Do I have to?"
"Not today.But eventually, yes.He's influential.Better to meet on good terms."
Wren nodded reluctantly.
Outside, her wooden horse waited patiently.The morning sun had risen higher, and the market was in full swing.People still stared, but less openly now.Curious rather than shocked.
She loaded the crate onto the horse, who helpfully secured it with branches.It balanced perfectly, like the horse understood what she needed.
"Thank you," she said to Jin and Kenji."For everything."
“It was nothing,” Kenji said dismissively.
“My pleasure,” Jin said.
Wren looked back at the town, at the bustling market she'd barely seen.She'd come all this way, and the morning was still young."Is there a seamstress in town?"she asked Kenji."Someone who might want silk?"
Kenji's face lit up."Madame Lin.Best seamstress in three territories."He pointed up the street."Two blocks that way, blue awning."
"And...is there somewhere I could get something to eat?Something I didn't grow myself?"
"Pastry shop right across from Madame Lin's," Kenji said."Fair warning—once you try Hana's honey cakes, you'll never be satisfied with regular bread again."
Jin had been silent, but now he spoke."I'll accompany you.The lieutenant needs to return to his duties."
Kenji looked between them, grinned, and gave a casual salute."Marshall.Wren.Enjoy the honey cakes."
He headed back toward the gate, leaving Wren suddenly alone with Jin.Well, notalone.She was in the middle of a crowded marketplace with a wooden horse.Even so, she felt a little awkward."You don't have to—" she started.
"I’m happy to show you around," Jin said simply.
