55: 2.25 City Istar

2.25 City Istar

Jeffrey went to chase after Selina in fear that she would be a threat to humans in her current state and just like that, Gilith once again separated from Lu Yizhou's group and they arrived at Istar at noon the next day. 2

Theodore almost glued his face to the window, amazed by the boisterous city, the busy marketplace and the sound of waves that drifted into his ears, accompanied by the scent of salt that was both unfamiliar yet wonderful at the same time. His eyes sparkled the most as the carriage went past the sea. "It's... It's so beautiful!" He turned to Raphael, flabbergasted.

The scenery was a breathtaking sight to behold. Light sprinkled down on the clear blue water, reflecting the glitters that spread toward the horizon. The honeyed color sand looked soft to the touch. Far in the distance, a few large ships were docked in the harbour. He could also see a few children chasing each other, building sand castles and digging for shells. Laughter and faint conversation entered his ears and everything was so peaceful, so wonderful that he already fell in love with the city at first sight. It's no wonder that his parents seldom came home. If he were them, he also wanted to stay as long as possible here!

"Yes it is." Lu Yizhou muttered. "Beautiful indeed." He couldn't remember the last time he had felt this relaxed. How many years had it been since he last took a little break just to admire the scenery? Lu Yizhou couldn't recall it.

The carriage entered Valmor Residence—smaller than the one back at home but still comfortable nonetheless. Moreover, he would be together with Raphael all day long. Just the two of them in the house! Just thinking of it was enough to make Theodore giddy.

He thought that he would be able to spend the rest of the day lounging with Raphael but Callen's merchant subordinate thought otherwise. "Young Master, we have to get to work right away."

Theodore was stunned. "...Right away?"

"Yes." The leader, Argas, gave a smile that didn't reach his eyes. He was a buff man with a face covered in beard, his skin tanned from running around under the sun all year long. "We have to ensure that our goods remain as fresh as possible when they arrive in customer's hands. And moreover, Master Valmor has given me full authority to make a decision regarding the trading. If Young Master has any complaints, you can stay here and get as much rest as you want."

"Who said I am complaining?!" Theodore stood up and straightened his shirt. "Let's go—" Realization dawned on him in the next second and he told Argas to wait for a while as he pulled Lu Yizhou into a nearby empty room.

"Is there a problem, Young Master?"

"You…" Theodore's lips opened and closed, pondering how to word the sentence. "You're coming with me?"

"Of course." Lu Yizhou answered with barely any hesitation. "Wherever Young Master goes, this servant will follow. Does Young Master want to leave me behind this time?"

Theodore clicked his tongue, the tips of his ears reddened. "It's not what I mean. It's… It's daytime, you know. And I have to run around everywhere. You…" He inhaled deeply and forced the sentence out through one breath. "If you can't endure it, then just stay here and wait for me to come home." After saying that, he bit his lips, flush spreading across his cheeks. W—What are you so shy about, Theodore?! There was nothing wrong with that sentence but...saying that out loud, it just felt like they were newlyweds…

Lu Yizhou blinked and the corner of his lips curled into a faint smile. "Are you worrying about me now?"

Theodore huffed out a glare. "Can't I?!"

Lu Yizhou reached out to pat his head. "Thank you for your concern, Theo. But I will be fine. I told you, I won't die easily."

"Hmph." The teenager grabbed his hand and brought it to his lips. "You'd better not. If you dare to die without my permission, I—I won't forgive you, okay?"

Lu Yizhou couldn't resist chuckling and gave Theodore a nod. "Alright."

***

The Valmors were merchants that helped farmers in the rural areas to sell their corps in the city where it was most needed. The example in this case was Istar, the city that's widely known for its trading port and harbour. Merchants came sailing on ships, carrying goods and high quality materials from all over the place. Regardless of how famous the city was, Istar couldn't produce its own dairy and their agriculture was severely lacking due to the dry weather all year around.

Theodore listened to Argas' explanation along the journey with an unexpectedly serious face, making the merchant raise a brow in interest. Didn't they say that Young Master Valmor was arrogant, bad tempered and violent? It seemed like the rumors couldn't quite be trusted.

"Do you understand, Young Master?" Argas asked in which Theodore responded with a nod. "One more thing, if you want to be a merchant, you have to discard your young master's identity." He smiled and pointed at Theodore's chest. "You're only a merchant whose goal is to protect the goods and make sure that the customers are satisfied with it. Nothing more. This is just advice from a more experienced person, you should discard your pride and learn how to analyze and read people's expressions."

Theodore frowned. "What's the use of analyzing people?"

"You'll see." Argas said mysteriously. "From now on, forget that you're a Valmor. You will only be called Theodore and similarly, you can also call me Argas."

Theodore didn't understand why Argas ought to be so long winded. Weren't they just selling things and counting money? Nevertheless, he still nodded albeit a little begrudgingly.

Their carriage halted in front of a small, cozy wooden house with a chimney billowing out smoke. There were only three people in their group; Theodore, Argas and Lu Yizhou accompanied by a few guards who led the goods carriage. The other merchants had their own share of tasks and the guards were ordered to take a rest.

Argas got off and beckoned for him. "Come on. This will be your first visit."

Theodore nodded and his feet had just touched the ground when he turned to Lu Yizhou. "Stay here. The weather is scorching." After muttering that one sentence, he stepped out and closed the carriage door, not even giving Lu Yizhou time to react.

"Your servant isn't coming?" Argas asked strangely. From the past week, he knew how inseparable Theodore was from his personal servant. They were literally joined at the hips like a pair of Siamese twins. It was weird to see Theodore shaking his head.

"Why should he come? I am the one who will be learning from you."

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