"Crinoline Town Circle is filled with lawless people. Be careful on your way, alright?" Lady Jyliette reminded Sereughe.
Right in front of the open gates, they stood bidding each other luck. Milliflore stood quiet behind Lady Jyliette, all glammed up for her first ball. Milliflore stepped up front, a smile that did not reach her eyes appeared. Nevertheless, her arms found themselves embracing Sereughe, that type that wishes her well.
"I will catch up later, Milli. Be sure to knock your adversaries, hmm?"
Milliflore rolled her eyes playfully.
"Of course. And you better come back with some good news. I already cannot way to fully have you in the social season."
Sereughe chuckled. Even if by any miracle she finds her father, there is no way she is going to throw herself into a pool of cannibalous daughters.
Sereughe stood beside her horse, Jelly, something pinching her chest as the carriage set off for whoever's house where the ball is hosted. The ambience of the place had a different feel to it, almost suffocating. Sereughe steeled herself and prompted Jelly to already take her to her business. What awaits her is uncertain, but this clue is better than nothing.
Inside Crinoline Town Circle, the night was day and the day was night. Not because they sleep at day and they work at night, but because their nightmares happen under the sunlight, when they confront the challenges of their lives. Unlike in Primrose Square, where the nobles suck down on riches and drown on socialities, people in the town circle belongs to the not-so-pleasant sector of the population.
Never mind the mud puddles, the rocky roads, and the noise, Crinoline Town Circle was still too large to search for a single store. There was not a single street where you can find just a single pattern of goods. A piggery stands beside a tavern and even a black market assassination services could be placed beside an inn!
Sereughe searched with no lead, just wandering about every corner of the town circle. The only clue she had was the face of that woman carved from the sand. She remembers it quite vividly. Thankfully, she had toned down the colors of her clothing, or else she would have attracted unnecessary attention. The least she would want is from burglars.
Not a single place, not even a shady, quack, charlatan of a fortune teller place escaped Sereughe's scrutiny. She searched for Sorafi, asking everyone if they knew her, and criticizing everyone who say they don't. Sereughe could only assume that Sorafi would not easily reveal herself, as her presence outside of Nepherim is enough to suspect that she did something wrong.
Seeing Jelly's legs wobbling like noodles, Sereughe halted on her steps. She tied Jelly to a nearby post and bought something both of them could eat.
"I apologize, Jelly. I have to find her right now," Sereughe talked, as if that horse would answer her.
Sereughe pondered over and over, looking like a lost child with a blank expression on her face.
Could it be that Lady Jyliette made a miscalculation? However, it is still too early to think such things. There are still corners of the town circle that she has just yet to see. The night is still young!
Just as Sereughe had gulp the last bit of her food, a bright place so blinding it captured her attention. It had quite of a luxurious feel to it, considering the financial status of people in this vicinity. Sereughe took steps closer, allowing her to see the variety of girly things displayed through the glass walls. It was a full-blown store of accessories for women— hats, necklaces, parasols, among other things.
It was weird. First of all, why would such a person think of selling such "noble" things in this place? Secondly, why is it still open? Don't girls purchase their things in the morning?
Sereughe, pushed the door open, causing the bell up the door to ring. A woman's voice immediately echoed.
"Welcome to the store! How can I help you, madame?"
The woman appeared from the shelves, flashing her earnest smile at her customer.
"Uhmmm, to be honest, your store caught my attention because it is so bright and girly and... quite looking expensive."
The woman strided towards Sereughe, her smile not even showing signs of fatigue.
"You do not have to worry about that. I do discounts."
As if that reason would convince people to buy.
Sereughe looked around a bit more, her mind suddenly wandering to Milliflore, who is probably doing her best to bag some gentleman and prove her that love is true and that she should not fear marriage.
"I guess I should buy something for my sister. A hat, perhaps? I want something that suits a her optimistic and charming character, one that is perfect for a picnic in the park or something."
The woman pointed her finger up and linked her arms against Sereughe's. They stood in front of the enormous display of hats. A yellow hat caught her delight, its broad, circular brim spreading out like the petals of a yellow bell. Adorned with white feathers and laced with a silk ribbon that resembles the sky, Sereughe immediately knew it was the one.
"I want this one, Miss..." Sereughe trailed as she did not really know how to adress her.
"It's Miss Jones, madame. But the locals call me Sorafi. I instructed them too," she giggled.
A spark of triumph lit across her eyes. She froze for a moment, then redeemed herself from it. A smile crept up on her lips and a breath of relief seeped through her tightly pursed lips. At last, she found her. There was no doubt it was her.
Sorafi carried the hat Sereughe wanted to pack it. Right at the paying station, Sereughe patiently watched her target, paid for her purchase, and thanked her.
"I will be expecting you next time, madame." Sorafi's face brightened, a smile blooming on her lips.
Sereughe replied back with a smile, her expression tensioning as seconds passed. She scoffed three times, an uncomfortable smile settling on her face.
"Uhmm... can I ask you something personal?"
Sorafi's brightness flickered, her forehead creasing over the sudden request.
"Y-Yes. Anything I can do to help you."
"Well..." Sereughe placed her hands on her back and adjusted her posture. "Have you ever been to Nepherim?"
Sorafi's flickering brightness settled into a firm gloom. Her eyes held no generosity, every inch of muscle on her tightening with each ragged breath. Sorafi stilled, the weight of the moment being burdened by the heavy past she had been trying to bury.