Commercial port city of Mínae

For two days after returning from Tabaf, I spent time with Father and Mother.

Correcting Father, who consistently abandoned his work discussions to focus solely on me, was a labor of effort.

Meanwhile, with Mother, I enjoyed a tranquil tea gathering—pretending to discuss embroidery, imported teas, and tasting exotic confections, or debating how to best use rare imported fabrics.

On the fourth day of my stay, I was rocked gently in a carriage beneath a morning sun still soft as a yawn, its light diffused across the grasslands.

Across from me sat Alex Elder.

We were traveling toward Mínae, the trading hub of our domain.

In truth, my elder brother had been unwell until yesterday.

The cause appears to have been the holy water received from the church within our domain. The deacon was said to possess strong fire-based sanctity, and the holy water he created likewise carried that element—its force clashed with my Elder Brother’s water-based sanctity, causing his condition to worsen.

It was only by chance that I noticed the quantity of shimmering particles falling from my Elder Brother’s eyes was greater than usual, and that their hue carried a deeper red than normal. I spoke quietly to Alex Elder Brother about it, and he confirmed the observation.

When he took holy water made by another, his symptoms improved dramatically. The shimmering particles returned to their usual, gentle flow.

Today, we journey toward Mínae together, having just received word that the instrument my Elder Brother had requested has arrived from the neighboring realm.

As we entered the city, the streets were already bustling, even at this early hour.

“Fresh fish, just landed this morning! Today’s catch was a great haul of bluefish! Buy it, buy it—!”

"Even vegetables are harvested fresh in the morning! Nothing like the ordinary kind you find elsewhere!"

"Come, come, my dear! The spice-infused hikagadeskā from the Kingdom of Mijōr!"

"Handwoven lace from the north! This will surely put your ladyship in good spirits!"

The voices calling out varied widely, and I was reminded of the bazaar in Tabaf, but as I had heard it described, the bazaar in Mīnāe was on an entirely different scale.

Tabaf had only a corner of the town dedicated to trade, but Mīnāe was a city in which the entire place felt like a marketplace.

"Elder Brother, will you visit the bazaar?"

I asked, my voice laced with the lingering warmth of yesterday's joy, hoping for a reply that would carry the same lightness.

"I won’t be going to the bazaar," she said, her voice steady, carrying the quiet weight of a plan already set. "I’m scheduled to visit a few trading houses I’ve known for years, then return to the capital. I’ll have breakfast at the restaurant of the first one I visit. The seafood here is fresh—truly delicious. And if it’s your first time, you’ll be surprised, I promise."

I suppressed a quiet disappointment, but my mood lifted at the mention of good food. Meals at the estate were always fresh, often featuring seafood, but what did she mean by “surprised”?

As we spoke, the carriage drew to a halt before the destination. The Minae branch of Orland Trading Company—the foremost general trading house in the northeast region.

It stood just beside the harbor, with a stretch of white sand stretching directly ahead.

The gentle rhythm of waves lapping against the shore echoed softly, soothing and steady.

The scent of the sea at Tabah, usually sharp and pungent, felt gentle here, its rhythm soft and unhurried. It was strange—how differently the same sea could be perceived.

Stepping down from the carriage, a man who introduced himself as the branch manager greeted us. Recognizing Elder Brother, he spoke briefly, then led us without pause to the restaurant housed within the trading house.

The room was on the second floor, a prime spot offering a clear view of the sea. The furnishings were subdued, centered on white and blue, and the cutlery already set bore subtle motifs of shells—enough to convey a sense of refinement. This was no ordinary establishment.

Before us was placed, to our surprise, raw fish and shellfish.

We had expected them to be cooked, but Elder Brother said we were to eat them as they were.

Fish and shellfish are typically cooked before eating. Occasionally, one might consume fish preserved by cold-smoking and salting, but to eat them raw is something we have never experienced before.

Elder Brother looks satisfied, as if he has accomplished something.

“This is a traditional dish from the Eastern Provinces—sashimi. Try it with this black sauce. Don’t use too much, or it will be overpowering. A little is best.”

I nod in response to Elder Brother’s words and, hesitantly, dip a single piece of red fish into the dark sauce. The scent of the fish spreads across my mouth first, then the savory depth of the sauce tingles at the tip of my tongue. The unique texture and flavor of raw fish—something entirely new—fill my senses. It is unlike anything I have tasted before, yet I find it pleasing.

“This is my first time eating raw fish, but I find it delicious.”

Elder Brother speaks, his words a quiet affirmation, as he lifts a piece to his own mouth.

“Indeed, the fare here is truly exceptional. Sashimi must be made from fresh seafood; attempt it elsewhere and one might well fall ill. That is why this place is a luxury—only because the fish is taken straight from the sea just moments before serving.”

The thought of falling ill unsettled me slightly. I will enjoy such delicacies only when with Elder Brother, in a place I trust.

Afterward, we partook of bouillabaisse and risotto, then departed the restaurant.

Both were delicious, yet neither left the same impression as the sashimi.

We then ascended to the fifth floor of the guildhall via an elevator—an ascending machine.

As expected, the room overlooks the sea.

Where the restaurant below had offered a clear view of the sandy shore, here the port came into sight, dotted with several merchant ships moored at dock.

A few measured knocks, slightly heavier than usual, and the branch manager from earlier entered the room. Behind him followed a servant carrying a bundle large enough to require two arms.

“Apologies for the delay, Alex-sama. As requested, the two-stringed instrument from the Eastern lands. Please inspect it.”

Before me lay an instrument: a drum with a rod inserted through its center, strung with two strings like a violin.

Though I had never seen such a thing, Elder Brother appeared delighted, reaching for it eagerly. The servant offered a bow, prompting him to try it at once.

At first, the notes were clumsy and uneven, but soon a graceful melody poured forth.

The depth of sound, as if from only two strings, poured forth—a sorrowful note that seemed to tighten the heart, yet sweet as wind.

I clapped without thinking, drawn to Elder Brother’s playing. “Just a thử at the strings, so I’m rather embarrassed,” he said, cheeks flushed with a shy smile.

Elder Brother seemed pleased with the new instrument and purchased it along with several sheet music scores. I thought our errands had ended, but he said there was still another place to visit.

The next stop was a jeweler tucked just inside the city’s heart. Upon entering, we found a display of colorful gems—some in their raw state, others set into jewelry—encased in glass cases.

We were then led through to a private parlor at the back.

As I sat on the sofa, wondering what my Elder Brother might desire, the gentleman who introduced himself as the商会長 unveiled a small box before me, its contents a white, orb-like gemstone enclosed in glass.

“Today we have heard that your ladyship is to have jewelry crafted from Premium Minae Pearls. Please, do take it in hand and examine it. Here is also the design book.”

I had not heard of this before, and I glanced hurriedly at my Elder Brother, who looked at me with a face as if the surprise had succeeded perfectly. “Mother and I have discussed it. It is time we gave Spica her own estate’s gems, though not yet. Still, she will need them by the time of her Debutante.”

The Debutante is the formal introduction of a noble youth, male or female, into high society—a singular event of great importance, observed by the entire family. I had thought it still far off, yet the jeweler advised that sourcing and crafting the stones requires time, and it would be wise to begin sooner rather than later. Especially our domain’s pearls are said to be exceptional, though as natural creations, aligning their size and luster is exceedingly difficult and demands much time.

Today, we would examine the color, the curl, the gleam, to determine what designs might be possible.

I had always thought of pearls as perfectly round, milky white gems with a shimmer like powdered light.

Yet I learned that even in shape alone, there were irregular forms, pairs fused together, and sizes ranging from no larger than a bead to as large as a plump cherry. The colors varied too—black, white, milky white, and some with vivid iridescent hues. But I also heard that pearls with uneven shapes were nearly worthless in the market and routinely discarded, and that knowledge brought me sorrow. Amidst them, my gaze stopped on a single pearl. Its distorted form reminded me of a feather. Without thinking, I reached out and whispered, “This one will do.”

The design I desire has already taken shape within me. Yet, in the design book, there is no image of the design I envision.

I conveyed through gestures and movements that I desired accessories of this design.

The merchant lord immediately summoned the designer to the room and began drawing my imagination onto paper.

Elder Brother peers over the design sketch.

"My younger sister possesses a talent for design as well," she said. "If this comes to life, it will be truly lovely." When I replied that it was merely the designer’s skill, the artisan exclaimed, "Your ladyship’s design is remarkably original and exquisite! I have worked in jewelry design for many years, yet I have never conceived such an idea!" Though I knew it was merely the imagination of a child, the praise made me blush with modesty.

Though intended for everyday wear, the design incorporates an unusual pearl, which will require more time than usual. For now, I must wait with anticipation. The thought of holding the very first piece of jewelry I helped create fills me with such excitement that I cannot contain it.

Exiting the jeweler’s, I next visited shops selling foreign furnishings, cosmetics, thread wholesalers, and art supply stores.

By the time I realized it, the sun had passed its zenith.

“You’ve been dragged through so many places—I’m sure you’re weary. Let’s rest a moment before returning.”

Following Elder Brother’s lead, I enter a café in the heart of the city.

The air within is thick with a scent unfamiliar in the capital—distinctly from the southeastern lands.

In the Empire, tea time is reserved for steeping black tea, but this shop serves coffee.

Since it is my first time, I decide to order the same as Elder Brother. Yet he hesitates slightly.

“One dark roast coffee, black, and one light roast café au lait. A chocolate recommendation plate, and one fruit tart.”

I pout slightly. “Why not just order the same as you?”

“You’ve never had coffee before, have you? It has a certain bitterness, so adding milk makes it easier to drink at first. And chocolate too—this is a new import, so it’s best to take just a small bite rather than eat too much. Still, it won’t fill you up, so I only added a cake for you.” You reply.

“You’ve become quite accustomed to being escorted… it feels strange, like you’re some stranger elder brother… it’s lonely.”

“I researched all these things just so you’d enjoy them. I studied hard for you—was that unpleasant?” I shake my head.

“It wasn’t unpleasant… it just felt as though you were growing distant, like you were leaving me behind.”

“I’m not going anywhere far. I’m right here beside you. You, on the other hand, don’t go wandering off somewhere, please.”

As we speak, a fragrant aroma brushes against the nostrils.

Before Spica lies a drink darker than milk tea, and a colorful fruit tart. Before Elder Brother rests a plate bearing a black drink and six small, dark brown round blocks.

“I’m rather vexed that Fret and Spica went off together. Today, I meant to delight Spica with many pleasures, but—was it enjoyable for you?”

“Yes, very much so. There were only new discoveries!”

She spoke, sipping the café au lait, its bitterness softened by sugar and milk, leaving behind a delicate, lingering aroma.

The chocolate was sweet, its rich, deep fragrance and smooth depth distinct from coffee, with a subtle tartness woven through it.

I became entirely absorbed in the chocolate, and—embarrassingly—ate four pieces.

Elder Brother had two boxes of chocolate packed as gifts for the family, and we set off home.

In the carriage home, Elder Brother gave me a box of chocolate. That he had noticed my liking for it only made me more embarrassed.

This visit to the Minae market had felt like opening new doors, broadening my perspective. If I must wish for something more, I would have liked to explore the bazaar as well as the merchant halls—but I shall save that for another time.