The Thunderborn Chronicles: Rise of a Healer

Today was the day of the weekly night market on the city's business street. In this market, small vendors came from various locations to set up stalls on the street. Some individuals also sold household items by setting up small booths. This market was tax-free and required no shop license. The law and order of this small town were generally good, with only occasional disturbances. As a result, the night market had become the most popular in the nearby region. Many unconventional items, unavailable in traditional shops, could be found here. Paramita often ventured into this market to find something of interest.

Paramita had planned to take Ranav to the market today. However, Ranav was sleeping soundly, and she didn't feel like going with the house staff. When she was informed that Ranav had woken up, she hurriedly came downstairs, only to find him enjoying tea with a broad, foolish smile.

"Someone's happy today!" she mocked as she entered the dining room.

"Oh, Paramita, I just woke up. Were you waiting for me?"

"Yes. I wanted to go to the night market with you. I thought you'd like it."

"What's a night market?"

"You wouldn't understand if I just told you. It's better to see it yourself."

"Okay. I'm almost done. Do you think this outfit will be fine?"

"Obviously. Look at me—it's better to underdress for this type of market. If you dress extravagantly, the stall owners will hike up their prices, thinking you can afford it."

"Don't worry. If it's a bargain market, then I'm a pro." He grinned and took the last sip of his tea.

"Then let's go."

"Okay."

They both informed the countess before heading to the gate. There, a guard in plain clothing joined them. From their interactions, Ranav could tell that Paramita had visited this so-called night market with this guard many times before.

They hired a carriage and arrived at the business street. As they reached the area, Ranav's jaw dropped in surprise. Hundreds of people swarmed through the street, shouting and bustling like a beehive. The entire road had transformed into a massive market. On both sides were various stalls of different sizes, with vendors loudly advertising their products. The energy was palpable, and Ranav had never seen such a bustling market anywhere before.

The trio entered the market, observing stalls on both sides. The crowd's flow naturally carried them along. The stalls offered an array of products: homeware, magical equipment, children's toys, handmade dresses, herbs, potions, and more.

As Paramita explained the market's workings to Ranav, she said, "If you see anything you like, you can buy it. I have some money with me and can lend you some if needed."

"No need. I have some money too. It's not like I'll fancy any expensive items in this market."

Suddenly, they heard a commotion ahead. A group of people had gathered around a pale, skinny girl.

"How dare you ask ten silver for this rusty sword? Are you here to swindle people?" shouted a fat boy, around twenty years old.

"Yes! This thing isn't even worth a copper coin, I bet. Our young master is so kind to offer you the money, yet you refuse him!" added another boy with a greasy face.

The fat boy sneered. "All you have to do is spend the night with our young master, and he'll give you ten silver, as promised. Have you even looked at him? Countless women would die to be with him, yet you have the audacity to refuse!"

Ranav and Paramita stood behind the group, quickly understanding the situation.

Another boy snatched the sword from the girl's hands and said, "Just come with us quietly, or we'll make you. No one can save you."

Jessica's voice suddenly echoed in Ranav's mind. "This sword has magic power. It may look old, but I'm certain it's a magical treasure."

Ranav replied to Jessica, "If it's a treasure, then ten silver isn't too high. I can afford it. Should I buy it?"

"Yes. Go ahead."

Meanwhile, the skinny girl was pleading desperately. "This is our family heirloom. My grandfather is in the healing center, and I need ten silver to pay for his treatment. Please, have mercy. If he dies, I'll have no one left. Don't make things harder for me."

She fell to her knees, sobbing. Seeing this, Paramita couldn't hold back. She stepped forward and shouted at the group, "Are you even human? If you know what's good for you, scram!"

The boys, however, didn't recognize her and assumed it was an empty threat. They began teasing her too.

"Ah, a new chick! Are you two sisters?" one boy sneered.

"This one's a real beauty," another chimed in.

"I call dibs on this fiery chick. She's prettier. You can have the other one," said the leader of the group.

Their commotion caught the attention of nearby city guards.

Paramita was a young and cheerful girl, but neither naïve nor arrogant. Her parents, despite being the most powerful family in the county, didn't raise her on a silver platter. Both her father and mother were accomplished mages from strong family backgrounds. They understood the dangers of privilege and knew how easily children from influential families could go astray. Having witnessed several such cases, they were determined to raise Paramita with proper manners and etiquette.

They instilled in her the value of humility and taught her never to abuse her power over those who depended on them, such as maids or guards. Paramita was even allowed to participate in discussions about administration and politics to prepare her for the future. As a result, she grew into a fine young lady, respected and loved by both the house staff and the count's office alike.

When Paramita joined school, her father informed only the principal about her identity, asking him not to disclose it to the teachers. He wanted her to grow up in an environment similar to that of ordinary students. This upbringing helped her learn to control her emotions and stand up for herself when needed. Unbeknownst to Paramita, her father had given her photograph to all the city guards with strict instructions to keep an eye on her from a distance and intervene only if she couldn't handle a situation.

However, Paramita's considerate and gentle nature meant she rarely needed help. The city guards, accustomed to witnessing the unreasonable and arrogant behavior of other nobles' children, grew fond of Paramita for her kindness and humility. She became more popular among them than even her father, who was adored by the entire county.

When the guards realized it was Paramita being harassed, they immediately began moving toward the scene.