Wind Petals

Chapter 3

Shelves, stacked haphazardly, reached up to the low ceiling; dust lingered in the beams of soft light that filtered through the narrow windows. The scent of ink and old parchment filled the air, the shopkeeper, the man stood in pride bearing a book.

Seri, her voice calm yet edged with frustration. "How could this be possible?" She inquired. "How could the price rise within a night? This book was valued at four coins yesterday. How come it values ten coins today?"

The shopkeeper shrugged without a hint of remorse. "Young lady, that is how I was able to get this kind of book for you. The value is indeed changing."

"You agreed to sell this book for four coins. I did not bring many conis other than that. Please allow me to have this book for four coins."

"How could I?" he replied with a dismissive shake of his head. "There are few who are willing to purchase this book with more coins than twenty. I kept it because young lady was regular here. If you have no intention to purchase, I would sell it for another."

Seri's expression faltered. The futility prevented her further arguing. After pause, she sighed softly. "I will purchase the book," she stated, her voice quieter now, "however, I do not have many coins on me. I will return with the rest tomorrow."

The shopkeeper narrowed his eyes, the slightest smirk curling his lips. "I do not deal on promises. How do I know you will return and pay the dubt?"

Yumi, beside Seri, her patience finally snapping, "How dare you?" she burst out, voice sharp with indignation. "How dare you address our young lady with such a manner? Do you awear who she is?" She inquired, frowning on her eyes.

Immediately, Seri gazed at her. "Yumi-ah," she hushed her. Yumi compiled, got her step back as her glare remained on the shopkeeper, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Seri stood her ground, though her voice softened as she spoke again. "Indeed, I will return with the money. You have my word."

The shopkeeper folded his arms, shaking his head. "Your word is not enough, young lady. No coin, no book," he affirmed.

"Would a dozen coins be enough?"

Before Seri could reply, a voice called out from behind her. "I will purchase the book for a dozen coins."

She turned, startled, to see two tall young men approaching, Shi Min following Yeon. Shi Min strode toward them, his gaze briefly flicking to Seri before settling on the shopkeeper. "Sell it to me. I would give you a dozen coins at once." he declared.

Quickly Seri stepped forward, her brow furrowed. "Forgive me, Young Master; I was about to purchase this book. Please leave it."

Shi Min's gazed at her, his tone polite yet firm. "Young lady, you are Min Seri. Am I correct?" He inquired.

Seri's eyes widened, a flicker of astoundment crossing her face. "Do you know me? Who are you?" she inquired, voice laced with curiosity. "Do we have met before?"

Shi Min smiled, "Allow me to introduce. However, allow me to purchase this book before." He stated as he shifted to the shopkeeper.

Seri's eyes narrowed, suspicion in her gaze. "Forgive me; however, I could not allow you to do so. I was desperate to buy this book."

"Young lady, believe me, I was not interested in this book for a bit, but you. This man would not allow you to have this book with four coins. I would buy it, and I would give it to you."

Suspicion lingered on Seri's face as she hesitated. "It was unnecessary; I could buy this book by myself. Please leave-"

Before she could finish, the loud troat clearing of the shopkeeper's resounded, the sound grating in the silence. His wrinkled face lit up with a gleam as he glazing at Shi Min, clearly interested in the young man's offer.