章節 10: A Deal at the Market
The sun was already hanging lower in the sky when Adélard and Leon finally left the park. Their brief moment of joy on the makeshift football field had given them a sense of lightness they hadn't felt in a long time. But as they moved toward the marketplace, the weight of reality settled back onto their shoulders. There was work to be done.
The docks eventually gave way to the bustling streets of the market district. Stalls were crammed tightly together, each one overflowing with goods of all kinds—fresh produce, bolts of brightly colored cloth, glistening fish packed on beds of ice, and all manner of trinkets and tools. The shouts of vendors hawking their wares mingled with the chatter of customers haggling over prices, creating a constant hum of noise that filled the air.
Adélard guided Leon through the narrow paths between stalls, his gaze darting around warily. This part of town was familiar, but it was also dangerous. There were always thieves looking for easy marks, and boys like them were easy to overlook—or target. Leon kept close, his small hand gripping his brother's sleeve.
After weaving through the crowded lanes, they arrived at a modest stall near the end of the market. It was a simple setup, a small wooden cart piled high with fresh fruits and vegetables, a few sacks of grain stacked neatly to one side. Behind it stood a broad-shouldered man with a graying beard and a stern expression. He was busy weighing a bunch of carrots for a customer, his rough hands moving with practiced efficiency.
"Wait here," Adélard murmured to Leon before stepping forward.
The man looked up as Adélard approached, his frown deepening slightly. "Well, if it isn't my disappearing worker," he grunted, crossing his arms. "I was starting to think you'd given up on honest work, boy."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Thorne," Adélard said quickly, bowing his head slightly in respect. "I know I was supposed to help yesterday, and today too, but—"
Thorne snorted, cutting him off. "Busy with other things, eh? You kids are always full of excuses."
Adélard winced but didn't back down. "It won't happen again. I… I've been dealing with some family stuff." He glanced back at Leon, who was peering up at Thorne with wide eyes. "But I'm not asking for payment today, sir. Just some food. My little brother's been helping me out too, and we're… we're running low."
Thorne's gaze shifted to Leon, his expression softening slightly. He let out a low grunt, shaking his head. "Is that so? Well, at least you're honest about it. Most kids would have tried to weasel out some coin."
Adélard straightened up, meeting Thorne's gaze. "I'm not like most kids. I just want to make sure he's fed."
There was a moment of silence as Thorne studied him. Then, with a sigh, he turned and reached under the stall, pulling out a small sack. "All right, fine. You put in good work when you're here. I'll give you a bit to tide you over." He opened the sack and began filling it with a few apples, a loaf of bread, and some hard cheese. He glanced at Leon again, his gruff expression softening further. "And a little extra for the kid."
"Thank you, sir," Adélard said quietly, relief flooding his voice.
Thorne shrugged, tying up the sack and handing it over. "Don't mention it. But don't think this means you can skip out whenever you like. I need reliable hands, not part-timers."
"I understand," Adélard murmured, bowing his head again. He turned to Leon, offering a small smile as he handed him the sack. "Here, hold this. It's for us."
Leon's face lit up as he took the sack, clutching it to his chest. "Thank you, sir!" he said earnestly, looking up at Thorne.
"Just keep out of trouble," Thorne muttered, turning back to his stall as another customer approached. "And make sure you're here tomorrow, Adélard. No more running off."
"I will," Adélard promised, nodding firmly. With one last glance at Thorne, he gently tugged Leon's sleeve. "Come on, let's go."
They slipped away from the stall, moving back into the flow of people. Leon kept glancing up at the sack of food, his eyes wide with excitement. "There's so much!" he whispered. "And he didn't even make you pay!"
Adélard chuckled softly, ruffling Leon's hair. "He's a good man, even if he likes to act tough. I just hope this lasts us a few days."
"We'll make it last," Leon said determinedly, clutching the sack tighter. "I won't waste anything, I promise."
"I know you won't," Adélard replied gently. They continued walking, winding their way through the market district. The streets were beginning to clear out as the day drew to a close, the vendors packing up their stalls and carts.
As they turned a corner, Adélard slowed, his gaze shifting thoughtfully. "Leon, wait here for a second."
Leon blinked, looking up at him curiously. "What? Why?"
"There's someone I need to talk to," Adélard said quietly, glancing around. "Just stay where I can see you, okay? I won't be long."
Leon frowned but nodded reluctantly. "Okay… but be careful."
"I will," Adélard promised, giving him a reassuring smile. He stepped away, weaving through the thinning crowd until he reached a narrow alleyway between two buildings. He paused at the entrance, glancing back to make sure Leon was still in sight. Then he slipped into the shadows, disappearing from view.
Leon shifted nervously, clutching the sack of food. He craned his neck, trying to see where his brother had gone, but the alley was dark and empty. He bit his lip, glancing around anxiously. The market was starting to close down, and the sky was growing darker by the minute.
Just as he was about to move closer, Adélard reappeared, striding quickly out of the alley. His expression was tense, his eyes narrowed.
"Adélard?" Leon asked hesitantly. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Adélard said quickly, forcing a smile. "Come on, let's get home."
But as they left the marketplace behind, the vibrant chatter of merchants and the fading smell of fresh bread drifting away, Leon noticed something shift in his brother's posture—a tautness in his frame, a glance that lingered just a second too long on each shadow they passed. Whatever exchange Adélard had just stepped into, it hadn't ended cleanly. And Leon, staring up at his brother's stiff silhouette, realized that the sack of food in his arms wasn't the only thing Adélard was carrying tonight.
For now, he'd keep his questions locked behind his teeth. But one way or another, he'd figure it out.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票