The Enchanted Bond: A Howl's Moving Castle Fanfiction ft His Imaginary Son

Chapter 3: The Game Begins

The next day, Ardain wandered through the market square of Porthaven, a place that pulsed with an almost palpable energy. Villagers bustled about, their chatter mingling with the clatter of carts and the occasional shouts from vendors. The air was crisp, carrying the mixed scents of freshly baked bread, ripe fruit, and the sharp, earthy aroma of herbs—the very herbs for which the Rowan family was renowned.

Ardain had passed through this market before, but never with much interest. Today, however, was different. His grandmother, Lady Pendragon, had insisted he visit. "Meet with Galena Rowan and her granddaughter," she had said firmly. "Their herbs are essential, especially now."

Reluctantly, Ardain had agreed. As he meandered through the maze of stalls, he found himself unexpectedly drawn into the vibrant chaos. The market's energy was different from the rigid routines of the estate—raw, lively, and compelling in its own way.

After getting directions from a friendly vendor, he spotted the Rowan stall. Herbs of every kind hung in neat rows, their scents mingling in the cool morning air. Behind the counter, Galena Rowan was busy arranging bundles with precision.

But it wasn't Galena who caught Ardain's eye—it was Eira.

He stopped short, momentarily taken aback. There she was, the same girl who had intrigued and infuriated him in equal measure. The realization that Eira was a Rowan hit him with surprising force.

Galena noticed his approach. "Lord Pendragon, I presume?" Her tone carried an air of expectation.

Ardain offered a graceful bow, his voice smooth and respectful. "Indeed, Mistress Rowan. My mother speaks very highly of you."

"As she should. The herbs we provide are vital to your grandfather's health. It's about time someone from your family showed an interest," she said with a sharp gaze.

Eira glanced up at their exchange, her expression cool but with a flicker of surprise. Ardain noticed and couldn't resist a teasing remark. "I didn't know you were a Rowan, Miss Eira. You seem to have a talent for surprises."

Eira shot him a pointed look, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I thought noblemen like you weren't interested in common herbs. Or common girls, for that matter."

He laughed softly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ah, but who ever said you were common?"

Galena intervened before the conversation could spiral. "Eira, show Lord Pendragon the herbs we've prepared."

With a sigh, Eira motioned for Ardain to follow her further into the stall. As they walked, Ardain leaned in slightly, his voice dropping into a playful murmur. "You have an interesting way of keeping people guessing, Miss Eira. Quite the talent, really."

She cast him a sidelong glance, unimpressed. "And you have a talent for making everything sound like a game, Lord Pendragon. But life isn't as easy as you seem to think."

He paused for a beat, his tone growing more thoughtful. "Perhaps. But sometimes... making things into a game is the only way to deal with what isn't easy."

Eira stopped, turning to face him. Her eyes searched his, and for the first time, he saw something beyond the sharpness in her gaze—curiosity, perhaps. "What would you know about things not being easy? You've never had to fight for anything, have you?"

Ardain met her gaze steadily, a flicker of something deeper crossing his face. "Don't be fooled, Eira. The Pendragon name? It's a bit like wearing a mask at a masquerade. Everyone expects a flawless performance, but no one sees the person beneath, stumbling through the steps."

"And I suppose you think you're quite the dancer?" she challenged, her voice edged with skepticism.

A soft smile tugged at his lips. "A dancer? No. More like a jester, hoping no one notices when I trip."

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the air between them charged with an unspoken understanding. Ardain found himself intrigued by the sharp, independent girl before him, a girl who was so different from anyone he had ever known.

Finally, Ardain broke the silence, lightening the moment with a teasing smile. "You don't seem particularly pleased to see me, Miss Eira."

Eira's hand hovered over a bundle of dried herbs as she looked up, her gaze steady. "It's not about disliking you, Lord Pendragon. It's about not knowing you, and not trusting what you represent."

He tilted his head, his smile softening. "Fair enough. Trust is earned, not given. But if you're willing, perhaps we can start with something simpler. Learning each other, one step at a time."

For a moment, she considered him, her eyes calculating. Finally, she gave a small nod, her lips curling in a faint smile. "Perhaps. But I won't make it easy for you."

Ardain's grin widened, a spark of amusement dancing in his eyes. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

As they stood in the quiet space of the market stall, surrounded by the mingling scents of herbs and earth, Ardain knew this was just the beginning of a game—one that was far more complicated than either of them had anticipated.