saiki

84

Ch. 84.1 - Heavenly Spirit Tree's Ascension Day (3)
The market in Skyflower Haven was not much different from a market in a human city. There were slight differences in the items being sold, but for the most part, it was more or less the same.

However, while a typical market would have alleyways spreading out like cobwebs in all directions, Skyflower Haven had thin stems extending vertically and horizontally.

As one entered the market, there were rows of elf weavers selling handmade blankets and clothes, and on the opposite side, there was a food alley selling snacks like rice cakes and fish cakes.

Grace Steele, the deputy commander of Division 13, didn't particularly enjoy this market scene.

"Ugh, it's hot and humid. Commander, can we just leave?"

"..."

"Why are you so fascinated by the fish market? What's so interesting?"

Her complaints shot through the roof as if piercing the sky, but whether she said it or not, Commander Kaen just quietly watched the fish swimming.

"Ugh..."

Helpless, Grace raised her hands to her waist and looked around. If the commander got absorbed in something, it would take a while to snap him out of it.

"This neighborhood is so annoying, seriously."

She disliked elves.

More precisely, she disliked all the pointy-eared fairy folk.

So, this moment of taking a breath here was both agonizing and disgusting to her, but she had no choice when it came to her duty.

"Why did Manwol Tower send me here when it's not even certain that Professor Maizen is here?"

The mission she received this time was to monitor Maizen Tyren, who was suspected of being corrupted by the dark magic, as he was staying in Skyflower Haven, where first-year students were conducting field experiences.

However, Professor Maizen had suspended all activities and was currently in a state of seclusion, following orders received from Stella.

External activities must have been blocked, so how did Maizen Tyren manage to come all the way here?

"I just can't understand it."

Leaving Kaen, who was absentmindedly observing the fish behind, Grace walked through the market streets alone.

There was nothing to see or buy, but she was bored.

"Huh? That child is..."

While leisurely strolling through the streets, she unexpectedly came across a familiar face.

It was the student from Stella who had appeared as a co-author when they presented the Delta Augmented Formula a few days ago.

"Hmm, was his name Baek Yu-Seol?" It wasn't that she remembered him because of the formula; she just found him cute and memorable.

If he were an ordinary student from Stella, she would have come to Skyflower Haven to tour around or visit the high-end tourist section, but Baek Yu-Seol was wandering around the market in an unusual manner.

"Oh my, student. Look at this once and go."

As he was thinking, an old woman wearing worn-out clothes grabbed the hem of Baek Yu-Seol’s coat.

She was a poor woman who sold vegetables and greens on a mat laid out on the ground, without even a proper stall.

There was a little girl next to the old woman, with a noticeably gaunt face, as if she had been starving for a long time.