Page 304 of The War God’s Favorite

It wasn’t an old tradition. The Dragon Empire was one that had risen from the ashes of the past and turned each defeat into a lesson. Not so long ago, slavery and poverty had filled those streets. Now, what once was a cold and frightening slave market had been replaced by a joyful large market. A larger one where anyone could buy flowers, potions, fresh products, and wonders from further east. The children running between the stalls had no idea the clatter of chains once filled this place instead of laughter.

The years had passed, and life had gone on. A new Empress had taken the golden throne, bringing a new Era and a lot of changes with her. Those who hadn’t complied had regretted it, and those who did follow her lead had found themselves in a lucky sight.

The young girl wandered in the streets, hopping from one stall to another, checking their merchandise, and buying some snacks to eat on her way. After a couple of streets, she had two chicken skewers in her hand, and one little bag full of jujubes.

She kept walking and humming, her long ponytail of brown curls swinging behind her. The bystanders sometimes stared at her, confused by her strange attire and appearance. She had honey skin, and big emerald eyes, and a slender but toned body. Her clothes were a bit strange. She had a mix of purple and green fabrics, with simple embroideries, and her only jewelry was the little anklet that tinkled at each of her steps. Not only was her outfit very strange and completely oblivious of the usual rankings, that girl even daringly wore the Imperial purple!

People were totally confused. Was she supposed to be treated like an Imperial Family member? She was going around barefoot! She only had one piece of jewelry and some wildflowers in her hair... That girl was truly too strange.

“She’s there! Catch her!”

As soon as she heard that, the girl ran and hid under one of the stalls, right after turning a corner. However, to her surprise, she wasn’t the one the children were chasing after. Another girl, about her age, ran past her, looking panicked. The young girl with honey skin grabbed her and pulled her into her little hiding spot.

“Who are…”

“Hush!”

The girl, dressed in brown, frowned but nodded. They both stayed hidden, listening to the little crowd running past them, confused. The children yelled and began spreading in the nearby streets.

“I think they are gone…”

“Who are you? And why did you hide too?” Asked the dark-haired girl, frowning.

“My name is Kiera. I thought I was the one being chased after! I ran from home. And you?”

“I’m Lorey, and… they think I stole something…”

“Did you?”

“Of course not!”

The girl with the food chuckled and handed her one of her chicken skewers.

“Here. You look hungry.”

“Oh… Thanks…”

The two girls chuckled and ate their chicken, hiding there for a while. That little snack was indeed enough to start a friendship, at least if one had an empty stomach. They whispered to talk but were smiling too.

“Are they your siblings?” Asked Kiera.

“No… I mean, sort off. They are other children working in the same house as me…”

“Oh. For me, it’s always my siblings who are chasing me around.”

“Do you have a lot of siblings?” Asked Lorey, curious.

“So many! I have three sisters and three brothers. And my mom is pregnant again!”

“Wow…”

“I know right? My dad is crazy about our mom. Our house is so crowded with everyone! That’s why I ran, it’s funnier to play here!”

Lorey nodded. Most families with a lot of children had to live together in tiny houses, it could easily feel cramped. Kiera probably had to share everything with her siblings, too...

“So? What do you want to do?” Asked Kiera, raising her thin eyebrows.

Lorey was about to say anything, but just then, her stomach growled loudly. Kiera laughed.

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