Bab 2: The town fair

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The olive oil used for soap in these factories came from the southern colonies and was transported by ships. Therefore, only vampires could afford it, while humans would make their soap with animal grease.

"I don't think you need to marry to buy this soap. We can also earn money and then buy it ourselves." Eliana didn't like that Georgina saw herself so lowly.

"We must be realistic. I am not as smart as you, so I must depend on my youthful beauty and get married into a rich family. Or you will have to take care of me, haha!"

"Haha, you are so silly. Of course, I will take care of you! But you still have the ability to be more than a factory worker or housewife. Besides, it is not certain I can become a doctor. The circumstances are not ideal since I will have to study and work simultaneously, and women are not welcome at the faculty."

Since Eliana was little, she dreamed of becoming a doctor. She had learned everything she could have at the infirmary at the orphanage. Although, it would be difficult to achieve this goal as a woman and a fake human in a vampire kingdom.

"Screw those bastards, Eli! You prove them wrong, and I will support you by working and helping you get through it. But we need to figure out a plan soon. As you know, our one-year period has already started…"

The rule in the orphanage was that the children turning 18 had one year to figure out their lives, and considering that Georgina and Eliana had just turned 18, they already entered that period.

They both had good relations with the managers of the soap factory, so they didn't have to be worried about getting a permanent job there. The problem was that they didn't want it.

"Yes, I spoke to Laura the other day, and she said there might be an opening in Bob's bakery soon. One of us should take on that role as it pays more. The other stays here until we find a better spot somewhere else. What do you think?"

"Uff waking up at five every morning to bake some bread. I am not sure that is my destiny, Eli. I will give you the honor to try that out, and I will keep working here. Also, did you check when the entry exams for the medical school are?"

"They are scheduled for the summer period, giving me half a year to study for them. So, I will let the headmistress know I will change my work and have the morning shifts. Then I can study in the afternoons for the exams, and after I get accepted, we will figure out the rest."

"Alright, and you are sure you don't want to search for your family?"

"Yes, I am sure. The note clearly said I shouldn't look for them and intend to respect their wishes." Eliana knew nothing about her family except for the note left behind with her in the basket. It was different for Georgina, who knew that her parents had died and that her aunt had given her to the orphanage because she wasn't able to raise her due to financial issues. She never understood how Eliana could live with this kind of uncertainty but had to respect her wishes.

Not wanting to think further about this topic, Eliana brought up something else. "By the way, Gio, what are we doing about tonight? Sophie will for sure keep an eye on us."

"Ah, that girl is the definition of annoying. Luckily, I still have some of that sleeping potion left, so do not fret. We will go to the town fair tonight." Georgina giggled and winked at her friend.

Their conversation went on all afternoon, so the day quickly passed. Once the night came and it became dark outside, Eliana and Georgina prepared to go out for the town fair again.

As planned, Georgina ensured Sophie would sleep with the little potion she had bought some time ago. There was no way for Sophie to rat them out again.

Eliana fixed her black wavy hair in a messy bun, and Georgina tied her brown hair into a ponytail. They both wore some blush and looked stunning. They climbed out of their window after wearing their warm boots and winter capes over their dresses.

The outer façade of the building was built with bricks so that the two girls could hold on to the gaps between each brick not to fall. They had done this so many times that they would have been able to do it in their sleep. After a couple of minutes, they were on their way to the town fair.

The half an hour walk passed quickly as they talked about how eager Georgina was to meet the blue-eyed stranger again and how Eliana was looking forward to eating the food from the stands.

The town fair was a bustling and lively affair. In the center of their town, merchants and entertainers had set up their stalls and tents. Even though it was cold, the streets were filled with locals and travelers alike, eager to experience the sights.

The variety of goods ranged from clothes and jewelry to food and drinks. Music could be heard from different corners where musicians played traditional tunes. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, laughter, and joy. The mood differed so much from the usual dull spirit in town that it was almost unrecognizable.

The two girls were walking arm in arm, grinning from ear to ear, while Georgina was looking out for her stranger, and Eliana was trying to choose her dinner. They weren't paying attention to where they were going when they abruptly felt some hard material against their faces. Staggering back one step, both looked up to only see the most handsome men they had ever seen, leaving both girls flabbergasted.

Especially Eliana was immediately captivated by the forest-green eyes looking at her. The man in front of her was one head taller than her and had a classic oval-shaped face with a strong jawline and long, curly, voluminous, light-brown hair. His high cheekbones and prominent nose gave him very manly features. His lips were full and inviting while his warm, golden-toned skin radiated. Her eyes followed his form down to his broad shoulders covered by a luxurious black cape. The similarity of the two men hints toward them being brothers.

Time seemed to have stopped for the two girls until a low, rough, melodious voice apologized for bumping into them. "We are sorry if you hurt yourselves. You should look where you are going the next time. Or if you want to get our attention, find more creative tactics."

Eliana was still baffled by his good looks and didn't receive his words. Unfortunately, Georgina picked up his underlying meaning and immediately narrowed her eyes at him for his remark. As always, she had to revert such rudeness saying, "Yes, we are alright, thank you, dear sir. Since you are so tall, I suppose you don't get enough oxygen up there. Why on earth would we want to get the attention of a brute like you?"

Eliana pushed her elbow slightly into Georgina's right side so that she would stop talking, which made Georgina look at her questioningly. It was useless, Eliana thought to herself, so she could only smile helplessly at the two males standing in front of them.

The man on the right was about to lose his patience which his brother on the left became aware of. He had been quietly watching the exchange until now and smiling charmingly to calm the situation. "Please forgive my brother's harsh attitude. He is not used to being in the presence of such lovely ladies such as yourselves." His brother scuffed at his exaggerated words.

Eliana quickly reacted before Georgina could say anything more, "That is alright. We didn't get hurt and will be on our way now." She bowed her head slightly with a smile and pulled Georgina with her to walk around them and keep going with their search for food and the blue-eyed stranger.

The two men watched the girls disappear in the crowd. "Why are you always so coarse, Damien? It isn't as if they walked into us on purpose…" asked the younger brother.

"You would be surprised how manipulative these female humans can be. Let's finish our business and get out of this awful place."

Simon sighed - 'Your annoyance is not because they were human but rather Paxon citizens,' he thought while following his brother in the direction of the tent showcasing caged werewolves.

"You should have let me tell them my piece of mind, Eli. I can't believe how rude that guy was!"

"Haha, Gio, you are overreacting. He is used to women throwing themselves at him, so he also expected us to be like that. Let's search for your stranger."