Chapter 222: The New Worker.
Marketplace.
Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.
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Conan dropped his miss off and left for knight camp right after dropping a confidently passionate kiss on her cheek and leaving her blushing, the bungalow they had intended to go back to has been postponed because of the attack, now they’ve decided united they were stronger.
Helena unlocked the door to her pillow shop just as the first light of dawn crept over the rooftops. The small bell above the door jingled softly, a sound that once filled her with joy but now seemed to mock the empty hours that stretched ahead. It had been almost a week since she’d seen a steady flow of customers, and her agitation had grown with each passing day.
Stepping inside, Helena took a deep breath, the familiar scent of lavender and fresh cotton greeting her. After finding out she was the vitamin, water and refreshment that the cottons planted in the lord’s mansion, she realized it must be the seed she’d planted years ago with a boy knight, when she’d still been on the run with her mother. Who could that boy be? And should she continue running?
The shop, a cozy haven of color and comfort, was Helena’s pride and joy. Plush pillows of every size and hue were artfully arranged on shelves and display tables. Embroidered cushions with intricate patterns sat next to soft, solid-colored ones, and a corner nook showcased luxurious silk and velvet options.
She moved behind the counter and set down her bag, her mind racing with worry. Bills were piling up, and if things didn’t turn around soon, she would be in serious trouble. Helena couldn’t afford another day of minimal sales. She needed a plan, something to draw people in and remind them why they loved her shop.
Determined to make a change, she set to work rearranging the shop. She meticulously reorganized the displays, placing her most luxurious and eye-catching pillows at the front. Richly colored velvet pillows were stacked in appealing arrangements, and the ones with intricate embroidery were given prominent spots where they could catch the light. Helena stepped back to admire her work, hoping the new layout would entice passersby to come inside.
Still, as the hours ticked by and the shop remained empty, Helena grew more agitated. She glanced out the window and noticed the beggar woman sitting across the street, her worn shawl pulled tightly around her against the morning chill. The woman had become a fixture in the neighborhood, her presence as constant as the cobblestones beneath her.
An idea sparked in Helena’s mind, and she quickly acted on it. She grabbed her shawl and stepped outside, crossing the street to where the beggar woman sat. The woman looked up, her eyes wary but curious.