“So you’re saying,” he began with amusement, taking in the bustle of Theremore, “that this is a normal amount of business for your town?”

“Essentially, yes,” Merrium answer, being careful to direct them with the flow of traffic. “Lately it’s been busier than usual, but with this town being a sort of halfway point between the port and the previous capital, we would get a steady flow of travelers looking to rest for a night.”

“I can see this place growing quite big,” he said, impressed. “Especially now, everyone will want to position themselves closest to the king.”

“That may be true…”

He cast her a curious look. “You don’t sound very pleased by that prospect.”

“Please, you don’t need to concern yourself with my feelings,” she began, but he stopped walking and gave her an amused but stern look.

“Merrium.”

She blushed. “R-right, speak freely…” He looked pleased again. “I...I like my quiet. This town has good business, but it’s also very calm, usually. Travelers never stay more than a night, because there is more traveling to be done for their true destination. It’s what gives this place it’s namesake: Theremore.”

“Wouldn’t it be Theresmore?” he pondered, and she allowed herself a giggle, to which he smiled again.

“Proper grammar is not very common in small communities,” she said. “And there are more places to be that are better than here.”

They stopped into the bakery where they first met, only this time the owner was present. Ophelia was kneading a large lump of dough at the counter as she greeted them, and then lit up as she took in her guests.

Merrium ordered them some of her famous apple pie and drinks (to which Ophelia also tried to give on the house as well) and sat down at a small wooden table next to the window. Arstel ate politely, once again pleasantly surprised by what was presented to him.

“It’s not bad,” he commented. “This is made from apples? Fascinating.”

“Do you have pastries in your country?” she asked.

“We do, they’re a little different though. Our bakers have a special way they create meals, it makes it have a different taste.”

“How is it cooked? Perhaps I can train our staff to-” Arstel started to laugh before she finished her sentence.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid there would be no possible way for anyone here to replicate the process.”

“We can be a lot more capable than you think,” she defended.

“I’m sure, but unfortunately you don’t have…” he seemed to search for the right words, “...let’s say, the right equipment, to execute their techniques. I’m not very good at baking myself, so it wouldn’t be something I could teach or explain.”

Merrium felt just a little crestfallen. “I’d love to try your county’s food sometime.”

“I’ll bring some next time we visit,” he smiled.

She returned their dishes and continued their walk around town as the sun was starting to set.

“How long will you be staying this time?”

“My father estimates a week, depending on how his meetings go. I hope we’re not intruding, I know it’s your appointed duty, but still.”

“It’s no trouble, I am well prepared,” she said with a slight air of pride. It was strange, how much more relaxed she felt now, like her worries from earlier were trivial matters. “Shall we retire for the day? You must have had a long day, you should get some rest.”

“That would be lovely, thank you.”