HPDBC Chapter 358: Interesting Merchant
Chapter 358: Interesting Merchant
Chapter 358: Interesting Merchant
The tanned woman gave Kalia and I a small smile as we entered her store, those stormy grey eyes alternating between us as she gave us her serviced smile, waiting for an answer.
"Ah, just browsing~! Just going where my heart tells me to, y'know?"
She nodded, her smile as stock as could be as she replied "Very well then. Pura Emporium is an... everything store. We have a wide variety of items available, though according to our more common customers, our Emporium carries the perfect items for the occult and those who dabble in rituals and the like, be they solely social in nature or magical in nature."
That made me raise my brow at her, though she couldn't see it because of the veil, so I asked "Rituals? Are those things people do often inside Birchan? I'm not from the city, so... this is all new to me."
Kalia listened on as she began to browse around, looking down at the various tables and exploring the shelves as she curiously listened as well, wondering what this woman was talking about.
"Yes, they are a rather common activity amongst our people. Rituals have a myriad of meanings behind them, and most are not nefarious or evil in nature. For instance, many hold yearly rituals to honor the passing of their parents or grandparents. Another example are the rituals for the planting and harvesting of crops. Rituals are used as ways to pray to the Goddesses above and appease them, as well as ask for assistance, if they deem you worthy. Think of them as higher variations of prayers."
"Oh, interesting. Thank you for that, Miss. It's always nice to learn new things about the place that I now live~!"
She nodded, watching as I began to browse alongside Kalia and hum to myself as I perused everything that was available, seeing if anything caught my eye.
Picking it all up and moving it over to the counter, I shook my head and replied "No, we'll be more than alright with it all! We aren't that far away from home, so... How much for all of this?"
"Two boxes of chalk, black candles, red candles, white candles, and some scented twine... that all comes to 14 Silvers and 75 Coppers."
Opening my coin purse, I plucked out the coins and placed them on the counter, counting them out and ensuring everything was there before taking my newly purchased ritual gear and making my way out of the store after saying goodbye, unaware that the merchant I thought was rather interesting was... well, really, really interesting.
After I left, the previously empty and quiet room was occupied by a few more people then expected, and all of them were watching the door, before turning towards the shopkeeper, who removed the collar from her neck.
"Well... That wasn't expected. That wasn't expected whatsoever..."
Rubbing at her neck, the shopkeeper let out a low sigh before looking towards the scarred, black skinned woman that lounged on the counter, a sharp grin splitting her otherwise dark, terrifying face.
"No, no it was not... who'd have thought such a bounty would have landed in our laps, waiting to be plucked? That fragrance around her... she's Divine Touched. And unlike those damn Princesses who are protected by... her... this one is ripe for the taking~! Why, it's slowly becoming worthwhile keeping you alive, you damn freak!"
Leaning over, the black skinned woman smirked as she tapped the shopkeepers neck, before pressing harder against her jaw, her lips curling up in disgust as she watched the flesh separate and reveal the cerulean flames beneath.