Chapter 893 893 - Market place
After Leila took a moment to gather her wits, she crawled out of bed with a groan. Erik watched her dress into the enticing servant outfit and put on some pants himself, before they left the dimension in search of the Enkarian market.
True to her Runebound nature, Leila recovered quickly from the pounding he'd given her. Smiling joyfully, she practically skipped through the palace halls and city streets as she guided Erik forward. He enjoyed watching her with a gentle smile. Who wouldn't enjoy a pretty woman skipping next to them in sexy clothing? Especially knowing what was still dripping out of her…
It was late in the day, but not yet evening. The sun hung low, shining orange light across the stone buildings of Enkare Nkai. The streets were busy with people finishing up their days and preparing for an evening of free time.
Erik and Leila were easily recognisable by now, of course, and the reactions were varied. Though most would just give them a wide berth with a respectful nod, some would actually come up and thank Erik for all he'd done. Of course, a small minority would give the stink eye. You could never make everyone happy, but Erik ignored them.
Though she got some of the spill-over admiration, the people didn't interact with Leila much, seeming mostly a little awkward around her. Yet, when Erik looked over at her, he only saw her smile brighter and look at him with love.
He remembered she used to be the pariah of her family—at least, to the common citizens. 'She's probably been unable to walk the streets openly without getting some nasty looks thrown at her,' he thought to himself with a sigh. 'She's probably thankful I've given that back to her.'
Regardless of the people's reaction to their presence, Erik simply gave an occasional nod in greeting, smiling lightly. He engaged with his people like he was one of them, but without restricting the aura of power wafting off him wherever he went.
According to Elora, this was one of the best ways to get people's loyalty. He should be humble, powerful, and dominant in his presence, as well as often seen. So far, Erik couldn't deny it was working. Between Nora's religion slowly seeping into their society, their gratitude and respect for him, as well as his effort not to be seen as aloof, he was rapidly gaining the loyalty of these people.
Finally, they reached a large, bustling plaza filled with noise and what looked like market stalls. It was a joyful place. Laughter, the clinking of glass, and the smell of food filled the area.
"This is the main market, Daddy!" Leila explained, still smiling brightly. She didn't seem at all bothered by continuing to call him that in public. If anything, Erik's bond told him she was getting a perverse joy out of it. Especially when her words drew people's attention…
She turned to wave at the plaza. "Used to be there would only be a few people at a time here, and they only traded the bare necessities." She shrugged a little. "Not that it was particularly dour or anything… They still had their evening parties and social gatherings and whatnot.'
Her smile returning, she looked at him again. "But it's still much better, now!"
Erik looked at her curiously. Somehow, he felt resentment from her when talking about 'their' parties, yet also a sense of true happiness at the way the city was improving. It looked like she still cared for them, despite having been spurned in the past. Perhaps all her resentment was directed at her parents.
He smiled at her and caressed her head. "Good girl," he simply said.
Leila looked confused for a moment, but soon leaned into his touch. "Thank you, Daddy!" she purred, unsure what the compliment was for, but taking it anyway.
"Come, lead me around," he told her after taking his hand back. "We came here for makeup, but I'd like to see what else is here."
Leila immediately obeyed, and they began to look around. The market was far busier than the streets they'd been on before. Here, even Erik's massive form was quickly lost in the crowd, and they weren't getting recognised as much. Even his much lighter skin colour compared to most others didn't make a difference due to the presence of vampires.
He quickly discovered makeup wasn't the only luxury good they sold here. It looked like the economy he'd helped build was quickly becoming vibrant and active, causing him to smile a little.
He could see books—both pre-awakening and, shockingly, post-awakening—as well as toys, stuffed animals, jewellery, and many other things. He even found one stall selling pre-awakening electronics, repaired and given new life through sigils. Thanks to Elora's teachings and spread of knowledge, sigil crafters were becoming more numerous.
Suddenly, his plans became much more substantial. Rather than simply giving each of his wives makeup, he began finding personalised gifts for everyone. When the vendors recognised him, they'd offer their wares for free—either out of fear or admiration—but Erik paid for everything.
Since Elora had introduced the 'Tickron' stones and the 'Tickits' they stored—which they used as currency—Erik naturally had enough to crash the newly built economy if he wanted to. Paying for these things would cost him nothing, and it would prevent any resentment from building.
Regardless, they did eventually end up in the place where they sold makeup. This was actually not a stall, but rather one of the buildings bordering the market plaza. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived, the proprietor was already closing her doors. It was getting late.
"Wait, wait, you can't close yet!" Leila cried out as she ran up to a stately, middle-aged human woman. Her extravagant clothes and imperious look quickly identified her as belonging to one of the more powerful families in the city.
The woman turned her head and looked over at Leila with a cocked eyebrow. A flash of recognition appeared in her eyes when she saw her… then she continued locking the door with a dismissive snort. "Hmpf, I can and I will. You can come back tomorrow, and you'll be lucky I'm willing to sell anything to his lordship's disappointment of a daughter."
Leila came to a stop some steps away from the shopkeeper and narrowed her eyes. "Oh?" she purred dangerously, maliciousness flashing in her eyes as some of her old self returned. With the older woman's back turned to her, Leila looked over her shoulder with a cute pout and big eyes. "Daddy~ Am I a disappointment to you~~?"
The woman immediately froze in her movement… then snapped around. "Wait! Your father is he—"
Her brown eyes immediately met the displeased amber gaze of a man far more dangerous than the retired king of her youth, and the words died in her throat.