Chapter Three
The Queen's DragonThe fish market is still in the harbor but to the right side. It’s towards the same direction; the floating market also is located at. On his way down to the merchants, Jiyong meets a couple of familiar faces. They aren’t as many of them left as when he first started out to work as a fisher. It comes only to a little shock as there isn’t enough work, but it’s still a bit unsettling. However, most of the people he likes - which aren’t that many- stayed, or at least work close by. To which he is grateful for. He crosses path with a view less busy Dockworkers and others enjoying their brunch break while waiting for the currents to settle. Munching on dry bread with cheese and sardines, nodding as he passes by, a greeting he returns. Furthermore, Jiyong waves a topless ripped men, who is dressing a large stem of a white oak. He is a shipwright who knows the best tells and presents them like no other can; especially when he is merry. He is absolute no lightweight and after some rounds does hilarious impersonations, especially of a certain Dock Master. But what Jiyong likes the most about him is that he knows his handwork. Not as normal as it should be and definitively not easy to find in this city. Also Noteworthy is the fact that his prices are fair. Jiyong knows this first hand as at the beginning of his nonexistent career; he had required his work more often then he would like to admit. Drifting canal upwards with just the currents to pull him has turned out to be a lot trickier then he has expected it to be. He got the hang now and as much as he likes this guy he hopes it stays by distanced acknowledgments like this for a while.
As hoped, he gets rid of his catch fairly quickly. Despite his struggles and late coming. He isn’t as new to selling anymore and has made quite a view connections - most of which women. A simple, genuine smile at the right time can do magic. It also helps to have some manners and be able to speak in full polite sentences. His voice isn’t hoarse from all the yelling. This isn’t usual for a man of the sea. Out there no one has the time to sugarcoat their words or call each other nicely. Commands need to be given quick and blatant and are often followed by curses due to high pressure and stress. Turning maneuvers are always nerve-wracking. It’s just the way the sea shapes people. Now his size might be another bonus, but it once brought him a lot of hardships, insecurities, and complexes in his youth. Compared to most of his bulky and tall comrades his frame is slender and lean. He is compact and tough and has a sharp expression. Maybe a bit too androgynous for his own liking but it only adds to his appeal. If he actually cares to groom himself neatly, he is a rather attractive young man and can if he wants to be quite charming. Especially the prettier is weak to his demeanor, and he never faces great difficulties to sell his goods. His past struggles have become his advance now, and the things he used to dislike and ponder are now his pride. Granted he might be a little bit narcissistic mainly because he has eyes and owns a mirror.
A sigh escapes his lips as he looks at the coins he has made. As expected they aren’t too many. The first thing he does is saving two for the Dockmaster. The last thing he wants to witness is not being able to pay that smug bastard. Before heading back, he makes a brief detour to his favorite bakery. It’s only a short side trip. Basically, it just adds two extra turns more to his route. It’s worth it; alone for the mouthwatering smell of freshly baked bread. Forgotten are today’s miseries, and his steps get lighter as he walks down the lane. He can only read the little yellow sign with the purple letters once he is up-close. It reads: “boutique l'éclair.” It’s the side entrance he takes, as the main entrance, of course, faces the canal hence the sign is a little less eye-catching. He barely manages to push the door open as an animate meow greets him. The well feed Russian Blue cat jumps down its look-out by the showcase and hurries to him to rub around his legs purring. The cat, as well as the shop, belonging to the tall, affable young man with the kind smile. There are traces of white in his auburn bob, as well as on his cheeks and part of his clothing. Stubborn residues from flour he somehow always manages to cover himself with. It probably shows that he is experimental or just passionate about his work, as the pastries never look like they're done by an amateur and taste delicious. Chansung wears a lemon apron with lilac ornaments, such as the tiny paw prints on the corner. “Good morning, Mr. Vip,” the backer chuckles and his amusement flickers in his eyes. His voice is docile and welcoming just like the whole store. He doesn’t need to ask for Jiyong’s order as it’s the same as every day. Instead, he picks up a previous prepared ivory paper bag and hands it with a warm smile plastered on his face. Regardless of his height, he is everything but intimidating. A gentle giant, Jiyong muses and passes him the same kind of paper bag back. Only now Jeonggam - the tomcat - losses interest on him. He turns and rushes around the counter where Jiyong can hear him plead for the smelly content. The original purpose of the furry mascot has been hunting and keep mice and rats away from the flour. Chansung has been one of his first customer and a very special one, as he never pays. The two of them just have this mutual agreement to exchange their goods. As Chansung starts to prepare the fish, Jeonggam jumps up on his shoulder and sits there watching Chansung’s every move. It impresses Jiyong
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