Nanami soared over the bustling town, the wind rustling through her hair as she took in the beautiful sight below. Unlike the quiet village she had visited before, this place was lively—streets filled with vendors calling out their wares, musicians playing cheerful tunes, and townsfolk going about their day. The town's buildings were painted in warm colors, with flower boxes decorating every window.
After finding a cozy inn to stay in, she set out to explore, flying leisurely on her broomstick above the marketplace. The townspeople, however, were not used to witches. As she glided overhead, people pointed and whispered, their eyes filled with curiosity and surprise. Some even stopped in their tracks to watch her.
Nanami, unfazed by the attention, simply continued her flight, admiring the town's charm. But just as she was passing over a street lined with various shops, a voice called out from below.
"Miss Witch! Up there!"
Nanami glanced down and saw a woman standing in front of a clothing store, waving at her urgently. She was dressed in a fine yet practical dress, her sleeves rolled up as if she had been working all day.
Curious, Nanami descended and landed gracefully in front of the store. "You called me?" she asked.
The woman nodded. "Yes, I need your help! I run this clothing shop, and I have an urgent delivery to make. A noblewoman ordered a special cloth, and it must reach her before nightfall. But I can't leave the shop, and my usual delivery boy fell ill. If you help me, I'll pay you for your trouble!"
Nanami considered the request. It wasn't exactly magical work, but she didn't mind helping if it meant earning some extra money for her travels.
"Alright," she agreed. "Where does it need to go?"
The woman's face lit up with relief. "Thank you! The noblewoman lives in a mansion at the northern end of town, near the hills. It's a bit far, but with your broomstick, you can get there quickly."
Nanami took the carefully wrapped cloth from the woman and secured it safely. "I'll have it delivered before nightfall," she promised.
Nanami flew swiftly through the skies, the wind rushing past her as she headed towards the northern part of the town. The cloth was secured tightly beneath her on her broomstick, and her thoughts were focused on the task at hand. She had never been one to back away from a challenge, and though the errand was simple, the sense of urgency kept her on her toes.
As she neared the mansion, a grand structure nestled at the foot of a hill, she couldn't help but admire its towering spires and the delicate gardens that surrounded it. The mansion looked imposing from a distance, yet inviting, as though it belonged to someone who appreciated beauty and grace.
She landed in the large courtyard with ease, her broomstick gently touching the cobblestone ground. A servant came running out, bowing as she approached.
"Are you the witch who has brought the cloth?" the servant asked, her eyes wide at Nanami's sudden arrival.
"Yes," Nanami replied, handing her the parcel. "I was told it needed to be delivered before nightfall."
The servant took the cloth, her face brightening as she examined it. "Perfect, exactly on time! Please, follow me. I will take you to my lady."
Nanami followed the servant through the elegant hallways, taking in the luxurious decor—rich tapestries hung on the walls, and delicate porcelain figurines lined the shelves. The mansion felt like a world of its own, far removed from the busy town outside.
They reached a large sitting room where the noblewoman waited. She was dressed in an extravagant gown, her dark hair carefully styled. As she saw Nanami, she stood and smiled warmly.
"You must be the one who delivered the cloth. Thank you for coming so quickly!"
Nanami nodded, handing over the carefully wrapped fabric. "It was no trouble at all."
The noblewoman took the cloth, her fingers running over it with a touch of appreciation. "This is the finest fabric I've ever ordered. It's just as I imagined."
Nanami couldn't help but smile at the woman's enthusiasm. "I'm glad I could help."
"You've done more than that," the noblewoman said with a glint in her eye. "I have been looking for someone like you, someone with magic in their veins. I've heard rumors of witches who can help with things that normal people can't. If you ever find yourself in need of work, I could offer you a position. My household is always in need of unique talents."
Nanami raised an eyebrow, surprised by the offer. "I appreciate the gesture, but I prefer to keep moving. There's so much more of the world I want to see."
The noblewoman chuckled softly. "I understand. But if you ever change your mind, don't hesitate to return. I'm sure we could find something that suits your talents."
As Nanami prepared to leave, the servant handed her a small pouch of coins. "This is your payment," she said, bowing low.
Nanami smiled and accepted it graciously. "Thank you."
With that, she turned and made her way back to the courtyard, mounting her broomstick once again. As she soared into the sky, she felt a sense of satisfaction. It wasn't a grand adventure, but it was another task completed, another person helped.
The town below seemed even more beautiful as the setting sun painted the buildings with golden light. She had a feeling that this town would hold many more opportunities for her.