107 Shopping In The Capital (1/2)

With Hazel as their guide, the group made their way out of the castle and onto the streets of the city. It was a lot more crowded and bustling than any other place they had been to before.

While the streets were wider, there were still more people on them, hence it was common for people to bump into one another. Something about this felt familiar to Vy, but she paid it no mind. Her focus was on getting a suitable dress.

It did not take long before they arrived at the first shop, but before they could even enter, the staff member stationed at the door turned them away.

”My sincerest apologies, but our shop is swarmed with customers at the moment,” the staff member said as she bowed.

True to her words, the shop was packed with people taking measurements and selecting dresses. Hazel did not panic, she remained calm and simply directed them to the next shop. But Lady Luck was not on their side for all the shops they had visited turned them away.

While Vy was certain some of the shops still had space for them, she roughly knew why they were turned away. The difference in the clothes they were wearing and that of those work by the nobles were vastly different.

Vy's outfits were not shabby or torn, but they were well travelled. She was not wearing the long flowing dresses that were trending on the high streets of the Capital. She did not wear expensive jewellery and some might say, her dragon necklace looked a little tribal.

Hazel never once said anything, she did not see any issue with the way they were dressed. But as they were being turned away by more and more shops, it became painfully clear why they were turned away.

Even Lycster could feel it. As they walked down yet another street, Lycster tugged on Vy's sleeve.

”Maybe we shouldn't go,” he said.

Vy looked down at the young boy. He had been so excited to attend his first Ball. But the fruitless search was dampening his spirits.

Vy stopped in her tracks and gave Lycster a smile, ”We should and we must. Atleast I want to go. It would be fun and it would be a lot less fun if you and Elette weren't there.”

Knowing that there was no point in walking around endlessly, Vy asked Hazel, ”Hazel, must our outfits come from the appointed list of shops?”

”No, Miss Vyrena. It's just that the appointed list is recommended. And the bill payment is made from the Royal Funds,” Hazel replied.

Vy nodded, ”In that case, we have nothing to worry about, any shop that has what we need will do.”

Looking up at the sky, it was clear that it was almost dinner time.

”Hazel, do you have any recommendations?” Vy asked.

”Recommendations?”

”Yes, for any tailor or seamstress who would be able to make us some outfits. They don't have to be on the list.”

Hazel looked a little flustered, there was something she wanted to say or ask but she held herself back. Was it rude to ask if they could afford it? Hazel was not one to judge, but Vy and her siblings did not look like they came from wealth.

Vy seemingly sensed Hazel's discomfort. But she did not want to come across as rude either. Looking around at the shops around them, Vy noticed a shop that was serving a customer who looked strikingly familiar.