CHAPTER 52: ENJOYING PEACEFUL LIFE (1)

By the time the sun had shifted slightly in the sky, the feast had ended. Elara rubbed her belly with both hands, eyes half-closed in satisfaction.

"Brother James... Can we go explore the city now?"

James wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Of course."

But before leaving, he suddenly remembered something and turned to the receptionist downstairs. "I’d like to book your best suite."

The receptionist froze for a moment, then bowed deeply. "It will be prepared immediately, Young Master Steelheart."

"We’ll be back later." James nodded his head and left with the others.

The moment they stepped out of the Azure Crest Pavilion, the bustling sounds of Valentis City washed over them like a vibrant tide.

The streets leading toward the Grand Mana Bazaar were already crowded despite it being early afternoon. Magicians, knights, merchants, and even tourists from other cities walked in and out with bags full of enchanted items.

Elara clung to James’ arm, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Brother James, is this the bazaar Mom talked about?"

"Yes," James replied, patting her head lightly. "One of the largest enchantment markets in the entire kingdom. You’ll see things you’ve never seen before."

Ignis walked beside them, her red eyes scanning the surroundings calmly. Even she seemed slightly intrigued by the lively atmosphere, though she didn’t show much on her face.

As soon as they stepped inside, a wave of mana brushed against their skin.

Floating lamps drifted overhead like luminescent jellyfish, each glowing with soft, colorful light. Stalls lined the streets in neat rows, their owners displaying enchanted items with pride.

There were swords with runes carved along their hilts, cloaks that shimmered faintly, shoes that made tiny sparks whenever someone walked, potions swirling with multicolored mist, and even toys infused with low-level magic.

Elara’s jaw dropped slightly. "Wow..."

It wasn’t the shocked awe of someone who had never seen luxury since she grew up in the Grand Ducal House of Steelheart. But still, this was different, as it was lively and filled with strange items that intrigued James even though he had been to a similar market before.

Her eyes twinkled as she tugged James’ sleeve. "Brother James! Look! That thing is dancing!"

James shifted his gaze. A wooden puppet the size of a cat was doing clumsy flips on a stall, its limbs moving around as if controlled by strings of mana.

"Oh, this?" The stall owner smiled proudly as he explained it to Elara. "This is the Timber Dancer, infused with simple animation magic. Perfect for such a cute young lady like you!"

Elara nodded repeatedly. "Elara wants this!"

James chuckled and purchased it without hesitation. The puppet bowed politely the moment he picked it up.

As they continued walking, Elara kept gasping every few steps.

She pointed at a glass sphere containing a tiny water sprite swirling inside like a miniature tornado.

She pointed again at a set of floating lanterns shaped like lotus petals, drifting gently in the air.

She pointed a third time at a toy that created tiny illusionary fireworks.

"Brother James, can I buy this? And this one...? And that one too?" She looked at James cutely, as if she would cry if James didn’t buy her these.

"You want the entire bazaar?" James sneered.

Elara puffed her cheeks. "No, just all the cute things!"

Ignis let out a small laugh, covering her mouth elegantly. "Our Little Princess, if you buy all of these, you might need another spatial ring just for toys."

"Elara doesn’t mind!" she replied proudly.

James shook his head helplessly and bought several items, satisfying his little sister.

But the highlight came when Elara suddenly froze in place.

"What’s wrong?" James asked, following her gaze.

In one of the stalls, resting inside a small bubble-like orb, floated a tiny creature shaped like a smooth gelatin droplet. Its body shimmered with pale blue light, and its round eyes blinked slowly.

It was adorable.

Elara whispered, her eyes sparkling brightly. "Brother James, what is that?"

The stall owner smiled. "Ah! That is a Bubble Familiar—a low-tier water spirit. It can follow you everywhere, keep you refreshed, and even glow in the dark."

The tiny creature floated to the edge of its orb, staring at Elara.

Then, as if sensing her excitement, it wiggled happily.

Elara looked at James excitedly. "Brother James!! Elara wants it!"

James didn’t even think twice. "Wrap it."

The stall owner placed the bubble familiar into a special mana orb that would follow Elara around. The moment she received it, the orb floated beside her like a loyal pet.

"Elara will name you... Little Bubble!"

The familiar spun around excitedly, creating a tiny ripple of water mana.

Ignis watched with a faint smile. "She seems happier than when we left home."

"That’s because she’s buying toys," James replied as he shook his head helplessly.

After walking around the bazaar a bit more and buying more items than James expected, the group headed toward their next destination.

The gates of Seabourne’s Wavebreak Garden opened to reveal a breathtaking view.

Floating water orbs drifted like shimmering planets above the pathways. Mana-waterfalls cascaded in gentle sheets that didn’t splash, instead turning into musical notes that played soft melodies. Mist bridges arched above koi ponds where fish with glowing blue and gold scales swam lazily.

Elara’s soft gasp melted into awe. "It’s... beautiful"

Ignis exhaled softly, raising an eyebrow. Even she couldn’t deny the serenity of this place.

Nyxrael stood quietly behind them, his presence was calm but alert to the surroundings even in this situation.

James placed a hand on Elara’s back. "Go explore. I’ll be right behind you."

She ran toward the nearest mist bridge with Bubbles floating next to her, the bubble familiar leaving a faint trail of blue light behind.

Ignis followed slowly, touching one of the floating orbs as it bobbed toward her.

"It’s peaceful," she murmured.

James nodded. "Indeed it is."

They spent nearly half an hour walking through the garden. Elara fed the enchanted koi, who eagerly leaped up and created glowing ripples. Bubbles mimicked them adorably, making Elara laugh nonstop.

When they reached the highest platform overlooking the garden, Elara stretched her arms wide. "Elara wants to come here again!"

James smiled faintly as she patted her head. "Alright, we will come again in the future."

"Pinky promise?" Elara extended her pinky finger toward James cutely.

James responded as he intertwined his pinky finger and smiled. "Pinky promise!"

"Hehe... Brother James is the best!" Elara immediately hugged him happily.