The Dragon King's Heart

But what would she sell? Looking around at the stalls in the market, Laina observed. Food stalls drew in crowds with their aromatic fragrance and appeal. 

"It would be nice if I can cook," Laina sighed as she continued walking. 

It was at this moment, that she realized there was a lack of drink stalls. Only a select number of them were selling drinks and the options were limited. 

Laina clicked her fingers, "Now that's an opportunity."

Now that she had an idea, all she needed to do was to find a stall to rent and gather resources. Uncertain of where to go to request, Laina approached one of the stall owners.

"Greetings," she said with a smile to the stall owner of a fruit stall. 

"Is there something I can help you with, miss?" the stall owner asked. 

"Ah yes, I would like to know whom I should speak to if I want to rent a stall."

"Rent a stall? Outsiders aren't allowed to rent a stall in the Market Hall," a voice responded from behind. 

Laina turned to see a young man walking up to her. He had two lackeys following closely behind. 

"That's not true, what are you talking about, Jerome?" the fruit stall owner called him out.                                         

From the way he portrayed himself, Laina did not like him one bit. But since she was new to the town, she did not want to cause any trouble. 

Jerome brushed past Laina and messed up the fruit stall. All the fruits fell to the ground. The commotion caused a crowd to gather around them. 

"What do you think you're doing?!" Laina yelled at him in anger. 

She curled her hands into fists in anger. The stall owner was surprised by Laina's outburst. Everyone knew who Jerome was. He was not someone you wanted to mess with. 

"Miss, it's alright. It's not worth it."

"Listen to him, lady, be smart," Jerome teased. 

Laina folded her arms, "How much is it to rent a stall here?"

Jerome laughed and so that his lackeys.  He looked at Laina, circling her like a  predator. From her clothes, it was clear she was not from the town. Since Laina hardly wore any jewelry pieces, she looked like a normal young woman. 

There was no clear indication of the wealth she had. Furthermore, she was alone. 

"Where do you live? I don't think I've seen you around. I highly doubt you can afford to rent a stall here," he spat. 

"I live in the forest-"

Jerome and his lackeys burst out in laughter again. This time, some members of the crowd joined in too. Laina clenched her jaw. She wanted to defend herself but she could not find the opportunity to do so. 

"You live in the forest? In a tent or a hut?" Jerome came up close to Laina, "I  don't think you'll be able to afford the rent."

Laina glared at him. The fire in her eyes sent a shiver down Jerome's spine. It felt as if there was a murderous aura surrounding her. But he was undeterred.

Triggered by her defiance, Jerome provoked her even further, "Don't keep staring like that, lady. Who knows what might happen to your pretty little eyes."

He shifted his coat to reveal a hidden dagger hilt. It reflected the sun's rays, bringing attention to it. Laina's expression did not soften. A simple threat meant nothing to her. If she wanted, she could have reduced the entire place to dust. 

The best way to deal with a bully was to ignore them. Make them fluster. 

"How much is it?" she asked calmly, careful not to give anything away through the tone of her voice. 

She watched Jerome carefully. As she predicted, he was noticeably flustered by her question. It was not the reaction he was expecting. Now, she had the upper hand. 

"What?" 

"Did you not hear what I asked? How much does it cost to rent a stall here?"

"We don't-"

Laina did not wait for him to finish his sentence, "Perhaps three hundred gold? Maybe five?"

The crowd gasped in shock. The numbers Laina spoke of were astronomical. With that amount of gold, you could live well off for years. You could even buy a house with acres of land attached. Jerome gritted his teeth. 

He attempted to call her bluff, "If it is, are you sure you have the money?"

"What if I do?" 

"What is going on here!" a voice boomed from afar. 

The crowd made way for the owner of the voice as he made his way towards Jerome and Laina. The man bore resemblance to Jerome, but he was much older. He looked wiser too. 

Laina clenched her jaw. It was not her intention to cause a commotion, especially one that would draw attention to herself. But with the way things were escalating, it seemed almost impossible to avoid. 

"Father, this woman-" the man stopped Jerome from speaking with a wave of his hand. 

He turned to Laina instead, "Miss based on your attire, I assume you're not from Luzernia?" 

She nodded. 

"Well then, I hope you can understand that we have strict rules for our Market Hall. Only citizens, born and raised here, can obtain a permit to run a stall in here," he explained sternly. 

"No amount of money is going to change that," he added sharply. 

Laina understood what the man meant. She respected it. 

"I understand. Thank you for the clarification. How may I address you, kind sir?" Laina asked in return. 

Jerome stepped in, "You don't know who he is? He's the Mayor of Luzernia! Lord  Verka."

"Mayor? I..." Laina held her tongue. 

When she purchased the house in the forest, she had of the mayor. However, it was not Lord Verka. Pointing it out now would only bring her more trouble. So Laina decided not to mention any of it. 

"If it's not too much trouble, Lord Verka, if I wish to start a business here in Luzernia, where can I do so?" Laina asked, hoping to get some guidance. 

"Don't bother my fa- I mean the mayor with such matters," Jerome snapped at her. 

He quickly turned to his father and said, "Father, let me handle this. Do not worry yourself with this matter."

Lord Verka took one last look at Laina. He did not say a word, simply giving Jerome a nod before leaving. The crowd dispersed soon after.  Laina was about to turn away too. She knew full well Jerome was not going to help her. There was no point in conversing with him any further. 

"Hey! Where do you think you're going? Didn't you want to know where to go?" 

Laina stopped in her tracks. She did not turn back around to face him.