The Villainess Enjoys Her Seventh Life as a Free-Spirited Bride (hostage) in a Former Enemy Country

Yes, it’s said that you can tell a lot about a city by looking at the market. Not only does it provide a simple picture of the economy, but it’s also a mirror of the security of the surroundings.”

“Is that so?”

“For example, there are no overt guards or exaggerated vigilant knights in this market. It means you don’t have to be so nervous in terms of security, which is a testament to the security of the market!”

“…”

“In such cities, travelers feel more at ease and are more likely to stay for longer periods of time and spend money… Market tours are… important, or rather…”

“Hmm.”

She contrived some excuses that didn’t seem to mend much. It was time to apologize honestly.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but be so happy that I went overboard.”

“…”

Arnold took out his pocket watch from his pocket in front of Rishe burying her head.

“Sorry to take up your time, but we’ll have to be on our way. Please do not hesitate to tell me so I can fulfill your orders…Okay?”

After checking the time, Arnold tucked the watch in his pocket and began to walk.

Rishe was surprised to find that the direction of travel was towards the market.

“It can’t be…”

“Since you’ve said so much, we can’t just ignore it, can we?”

Her eyes widened at the sudden remark.

“Are you sure?!”

“There’s still plenty of time to spare.”

“…!”

She was so happy, her eyes lit up.

“Thank you!”

Thus, Rishe set foot into the marketplace of the Imperial City.

As they plunged into the crowd, her heart became increasingly exhilarated.

Under the blue sky, the sight of rows of brightly colored cloth roofs was so beautiful in itself.

“How about some fresh berries! Have one, isn’t it beautiful?”

“Look here, freshly caught and smoked salmon!　Perfect for a sandwich, I’ll give you a discount!”

“They’re only available today, and no longer on sale tomorrow; specialty from the Koyor Kingdom! It arrived in Siutena a week ago, fresh off the boat. If you miss this one, who knows when the next one will be!”

“Whoa…”

Feeling emotions that could no longer be spoken in words, Rishe bit down her joy.

The merchants were lively, and shoppers were chatting and choosing their goods.

Being in a space brimming with vitality alone made one energized.

“Look. Over there, look–”

“What’s up?”

Arnold looked suspiciously at Rishe, who froze unnaturally in the middle of the conversation.

However, the problem that Rishe was currently facing was indiscernible.

“No, nothing.”

“…? Whatever it is, don’t just stop and get lost. Worst case scenario, I’ll strap you in.”

“Haha, that was a joke, but it sounds like you mean it.”

“…”

“You’re kidding!”

Feeling chilly, she regained her composure and pulled Arnold’s sleeve.

“More than that, that fruit vendor. She looks like she’s from the snowy kingdom of Koyor. Can I go look around for a moment?”

“I don’t mind, but is there something you want?”

“Please wait over here and I’ll be right out.”

She stopped at a stall a few meters away and visually selected the best of the piles of fruit.

When paying, she asked if she could cut it up for her, to which the well-dressed female shopkeeper happily nodded in agreement.

The fruit was large and oval-shaped, and was covered with a hard outer skin.

When she peeled it off with a knife, the soft, ripe flesh inside was exposed.

She took the flesh stuck in wooden skewers and returned to Arnold.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“…Wait. What is that red, disturbing object?”

“This one?”

His gaze lingered on the fruit that Rishe was holding.

Rishe chuckled and pointed the skewered fruit at Arnold.

“It’s a Koyor fruit. It looks bright red and slushy, but it’s nourishing, nutritious and very good for the body.”

While explaining, she brought the fruit to Arnold’s mouth.

“Here you go, take a bite.”

“Stop right there. It doesn’t look like it no matter how I think about it.”

“It’s healthy, you know?

To emphasize, his well-outlined brows couldn’t be distorted any further.

“…”

His instincts probably were acting up, not to mention the taste.

But when Rishe stared at him, Arnold eventually reluctantly opened his mouth.

It was but a small opening, but it was unexpectedly unguarded.

Arnold moved his jaw awkwardly while frowning. She observed and waited for him to finish chewing before she asked, “What do you think? It’s nutritious, and I think it’s sweeter than it looks.”

“It tastes nourishing.”

“Ahem, you look bitter.”

Nevertheless, Rishe was satisfied. Arnold was overworked by all accounts, so sometimes it was good to eat these things.

Speaking of which.

She remembered the face of a certain person.

That man often ate this fruit in my life as a pharmacist.

The prince, who had been sickly since his childhood, was forced to take all sorts of things that were considered medicines.

He was a serious man to begin with. That was why he didn’t hesitate to take whatever medicine he would have rejected with all his might if he were a normal person.

I can’t believe he diligently took that nasty tasting medicine that I concocted with my master… Thanks for enduring that for a year and a half, he was completely cured of his illness.