The House of Heavenly Observations
The three of them resumed their walk through the market.
After the painter's mural, Tara surprisingly managed to stay beside Malini and Satyadhara for nearly five whole minutes.
Malini couldn't help but smile.
Malini: "I'm impressed, Devi Tara."
Tara: "See? I told both of you I'd stay focused."
Satyadhara: "Perhaps we judged you too harshly."
Tara proudly folded her arms.
Tara: "Exactly."
"I'm a minister of the empire."
"I have responsibilities."
"I can't possibly stop every time I see something interesting."
Malini nodded with satisfaction.
"That's wonderful."
"Let's continue before—"
Tara suddenly froze.
Her eyes slowly drifted toward a small shop tucked between two larger buildings.
The wooden sign hanging above its entrance read,
『Nakshatra Bhavan』
House of Heavenly Observations
Outside the shop stood several strange brass instruments unlike anything Tara had ever seen. Delicate rings rotated around one another, polished metal discs reflected the afternoon sunlight, and bundles of rolled palm-leaf manuscripts rested neatly inside wooden racks.
Tara stared at them.
"..."
Malini noticed immediately.
"...No."
Tara didn't answer.
Her feet had already begun moving.
"...Five minutes."
She quietly wandered into the shop.
Malini pinched the bridge of her nose.
Malini: "...Devi Tara."
Satyadhara: "Three minutes."
Inside, the shop felt surprisingly quiet.
Unlike the noisy streets outside, only the soft scratching of a reed pen against palm leaves could be heard.
An elderly scholar looked up from his desk.
His long white beard reached nearly to his waist, while countless star charts covered the walls behind him.
Instead of greeting them like customers...
He simply smiled.
Scholar: "Curiosity is what brings people here."
"Rarely shopping."
Tara blinked.
"You guessed that just by looking at me?"
The old man chuckled.
"No."
He pointed toward the strange bronze instrument she had been staring at since entering.
"You've been looking at that for nearly a minute."
"Someone who already knows astronomy doesn't stare."
"They walk straight to what they need."
Tara scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"...That's fair."
She stepped closer to the instrument.
Several bronze rings surrounded a tiny sphere at its center.
The rings could rotate independently.
It almost looked like a beautifully crafted toy.
Tara: "What is it?"
The scholar carefully lifted it with both hands.
"This is an armillary sphere."
"It helps students understand how the heavens appear to move."
He slowly rotated one of the rings.
"Most people look at the night sky and think the stars wander without reason."
He gently spun another ring.
"But every star follows a path."
"Once you understand those paths..."
"...the heavens become a map rather than a mystery."
Tara watched the rings turn with fascination.
"So..."
"You can actually predict where stars will appear?"
The old man smiled.
"Not I."
"Our scholars."
"They've spent generations observing the sky."
"Each generation leaving better records for the next."
He walked toward a nearby shelf and unrolled a palm-leaf manuscript.
Tiny dots covered the surface, connected by careful lines.
Tara leaned closer.
"...It looks like a map."
The scholar nodded.
"It is."
"Just not one drawn upon the earth."
He pointed toward one cluster of stars.
"Merchants use these."
"So do monks."
"So do pilgrims."
"So do soldiers."
Satyadhara finally stepped forward.
"Soldiers?"
The scholar nodded again.
"When mountains hide landmarks..."
"When forests conceal roads..."
"When snow erases every trail..."
He looked upward, as though he could see through the roof itself.
"...the stars remain."
"They have guided travellers long before kings built roads."
Satyadhara folded his arms thoughtfully.
"That could prove useful during our expedition."
The scholar smiled knowingly.
"So..."
"You are travelling far."
Malini answered politely.
"To the northern mountains."
"I see."
Without another word, the scholar selected one carefully wrapped bundle from the shelf.
"This star chart marks the constellations visible throughout the northern routes."
"It is simple enough that even beginners can learn from it."
He placed it gently into Satyadhara's hands.
"Treat it well."
"One clear night may repay its cost many times over."
Satyadhara looked toward Tara.
She was already nodding enthusiastically.
"We're buying it."
Malini sighed with a helpless smile.
"For once..."
"I actually agree with you."
The old scholar chuckled softly as he wrapped the manuscript in a strip of cloth.
"The sky has guided countless journeys."
He handed the bundle to Satyadhara.
"Perhaps..."
"It will guide yours as well."
As the three stepped back into the bustling market, Tara couldn't resist looking up.
The afternoon sky was bright and empty.
No stars could be seen.
Yet somehow...
She found herself wondering what stories they were waiting to tell once night arrived.
Shopping Montage
Leaving the astronomy shop behind, the three once again stepped into the steadily growing crowd.
Compared to the peaceful entrance of the market, this part of the capital was far more lively.
Merchants enthusiastically called out to passing customers.
Children chased one another between stalls.
The aroma of roasted sesame cakes, freshly baked flatbread and sweet jaggery drifted through the air.
It truly felt like the heart of the capital.
Satyadhara carefully adjusted the newly purchased star chart beneath his arm.
Satyadhara:
"I believe we should purchase the remaining supplies before the crowd becomes any larger."
Malini nodded.
"We still have tents, preserved food, climbing ropes and several medicinal herbs left on our list."
Tara confidently placed both hands on her waist.
Tara:
"Don't worry."
"I've already proven I can stay focused."
"I won't disappear again."
Malini smiled.
"I sincerely hope so."
The next half hour passed surprisingly smoothly.
The three visited one merchant after another.
A leather craftsman demonstrated sturdy travelling boots suitable for rocky mountain paths.
A rope maker proudly showed thick braided hemp ropes capable of supporting several people at once.
An elderly herbalist patiently explained which mountain herbs could ease altitude sickness and which leaves helped prevent frostbite.
Although Tara occasionally asked curious questions...
She surprisingly stayed beside the group.
Even Malini began lowering her guard.
Perhaps...
She had finally matured.
Far behind them...
Another group quietly followed.
Chandraveer walked calmly through the crowd, pretending to inspect ordinary market life.
Nayan remained close behind him.
His hands were empty.
For now.
Mira looked around with innocent curiosity.
Mira:
"I'm only looking."
Nayan narrowed his eyes.
"...Those words concern me."
Mira smiled sweetly.
"You worry too much."
Ten minutes later...
Nayan's arms were full.
One parcel.
Two cloth bags.
Three small wooden boxes.
Four decorative fans.
A bundle of colourful ribbons.
Two bottles of perfume.
And somehow...
A painted clay bird.
Nayan stared at the growing mountain of purchases.
Nayan:
"...Devi Mira."
"I thought you said you were only looking."
Mira continued browsing another stall without even turning around.
"I looked."
"And then I liked what I saw."
"So naturally..."
"I bought it."
Nayan slowly looked toward Chandraveer.
"Your Majesty..."
"My spine respectfully requests mercy."
Without looking back, Chandraveer replied,
"I don't recall ordering you to buy everything she touches."
Nayan sighed.
"...Neither do I."
Meanwhile...
Tara's group had stopped before a fabric merchant displaying thick woollen cloaks imported from the northern mountains.
Malini carefully examined the stitching.
"This should survive the cold."
Satyadhara agreed.
"The soldiers will appreciate these."
While the two discussed prices...
Tara quietly wandered three steps away.
She noticed a young craftsman carving tiny wooden birds.
With incredible precision...
Each bird actually flapped its wings when a small hidden lever was pressed.
Tara's eyes sparkled.
"...That's amazing."
The craftsman smiled proudly.
"My father taught me."
"And his father taught him."
"It's been our family's work for nearly eighty years."
Tara picked up one of the tiny birds.
She gently pressed the lever.
The little wings fluttered.
"...Cute."
Behind her...
Malini didn't even bother turning around.
Malini:
"Devi Tara."
Without looking...
She extended one hand behind her.
"...Please come back."
Tara froze.
"...How did you know?"
Satyadhara answered calmly,
"You become completely silent whenever something catches your attention."
Tara slowly placed the bird back onto the table.
"...I feel understood."
Across the same street...
Mira had become fascinated by another stall.
Hair ornaments.
Each decorated with tiny silver flowers.
She happily compared one after another in front of a polished bronze mirror.
Chandraveer rubbed his forehead.
"We've been here..."
"...fifteen minutes."
Mira continued admiring herself.
"And?"
"We're inspecting."
"I am inspecting the craftsmanship."
Nayan adjusted the enormous pile of parcels threatening to fall from his arms.
"...Very thoroughly."
As both groups continued deeper into the market...
Neither realized...
They were slowly walking toward the very same street.
Where...
A frightened little child sat crying alone inside a narrow alley.
The Lost Child
The market had grown considerably more crowded.
Voices echoed from every direction as merchants enthusiastically advertised their goods. The once spacious streets had become narrow pathways packed with travelers, noble families, wandering monks, foreign merchants and playful children weaving effortlessly through the sea of people.
Tara looked around with amazement.
"So this is where everyone disappeared to..."
Malini smiled while carefully folding away the shopping list.
"We've purchased almost everything."
"Only a few items remain."
Satyadhara adjusted the growing collection of supplies hanging from his shoulders.
"...And my shoulders would appreciate finishing before sunset."
Tara couldn't help but laugh.
"You'll survive."
"I believe in you."
Before Satyadhara could answer...
A faint sound reached Tara's ears.
"...Hm?"
She stopped walking.
Malini and Satyadhara took another few steps before realizing Tara was no longer beside them.
They slowly turned around.
Tara wasn't looking at another shop this time.
Instead...
She was staring toward a narrow alley between two buildings.
"...Do you hear that?"
Malini listened carefully.
At first...
Only the noise of the market.
Then...
A quiet sob.
Another.
Then the unmistakable sound of a small child crying.
Without another word...
Tara immediately walked into the alley.
Hidden from the lively streets...
A little boy sat curled against a wall.
His tiny hands rubbed desperately at his tear-filled eyes.
His clothes were dusty.
His cheeks were soaked.
Every few seconds...
He looked toward the entrance of the alley with frightened hope...
Only to lower his head again.
"...Mama..."
"...Mama..."
Tara's expression softened instantly.
She slowly crouched several steps away, making herself smaller so she wouldn't appear frightening.
She smiled gently.
"Hey..."
The little boy looked up.
For one brief moment...
Hope appeared on his face.
Then he noticed two more adults entering behind Tara.
His face crumpled.
"WAAAHHHH!!"
He cried even louder than before.
Tara immediately flinched.
"...That... wasn't supposed to happen."
Malini sighed.
"I think three strangers surrounding him isn't helping."
Satyadhara awkwardly took one step backward.
"...Should I leave?"
The child continued crying.
Even louder.
Tara rubbed the back of her neck.
"Wonderful."
"I've somehow made the situation worse."
Malini looked helplessly toward Tara.
"So..."
"What do we do now?"
Tara thought for a moment.
Then snapped her fingers.
"Simple."
She pointed toward a nearby toy stall outside the alley.
"We bribe him."
Malini blinked.
"...Pardon?"
"A toy."
"And maybe something sweet."
"Children like toys."
"They also like sweets."
Malini stared at her for a few seconds.
"...I hate how reasonable that sounds."
She sighed before reaching for her coin pouch.
"Fine."
"But this counts as today's unexpected expense."
Tara grinned triumphantly.
"I'll remember your sacrifice."
"You'd better."
Malini walked briskly back toward the nearby stalls.
Meanwhile...
Tara remained crouched before the little boy.
She rested both elbows on her knees.
"So..."
"Finished crying?"
The answer came immediately.
"Nooooo!"
The alley echoed once again.
Tara scratched her cheek.
"...Worth asking."
She glanced around before lowering her voice dramatically.
"You know..."
"When I was little..."
"I cried once too."
The child sniffled.
"...Really?"
Tara nodded with complete seriousness.
"Oh yes."
"I cried so much..."
"The neighborhood cats filed a complaint against me."
The boy blinked.
"...Cats?"
"They couldn't sleep."
"They held an emergency meeting."
"They all agreed..."
"'Someone make that child stop crying.'"
The little boy stared at her for several seconds.
Then...
A tiny giggle escaped him.
Tara smiled.
"There we go."
"Much better."
Just then...
Malini returned carrying a small wooden toy horse in one hand...
And a piece of jaggery candy in the other.
She carefully knelt beside Tara.
The little boy immediately stopped crying.
His eyes sparkled.
"Oh..."
Malini held them out.
"For you."
The child looked between the toy...
The candy...
Then happily accepted both without hesitation.
Malini blinked.
"...That worked surprisingly well."
"I thought he was supposed to refuse because we're strangers."
Tara shrugged.
"Never underestimate sweets."
The boy happily hugged the little wooden horse against his chest.
For the first time since they had found him...
He smiled.
A real smile.
Tara couldn't help smiling back.
Then...
Without warning...
The little boy reached forward...
And tightly grabbed Tara's hand.
As if it were the safest place in the world.
For a moment...
Tara simply looked at the tiny fingers wrapped around hers.
Her expression softened.
She gently squeezed his hand back.
"Alright then."
She stood up with renewed determination.
"Mission accepted."
"We're going to find your mother."
The little boy raised his wooden horse triumphantly.
"Yeah!"
Both of them stood there...
Full of confidence.
Then...
Almost simultaneously...
Their smiles slowly disappeared.
"..."
"..."
Tara looked around the enormous market.
"...How exactly are we supposed to do that?"
The little boy's shoulders drooped.
"...I don't know..."
Satyadhara let out a quiet cough.
"...Ordinarily..."
"We should report a lost child to the Nagaraka's office."
Tara turned toward him hopefully.
"Oh."
"Perfect."
"Where is it?"
Satyadhara pointed behind them.
"...Back in the administrative district."
"...Exactly where we came from."
Tara stared at him.
"...You're joking."
"I wish I were."
She let out the longest sigh of the day.
"If we walk all the way back..."
"...there goes today's shopping."
Malini looked thoughtfully at the child.
"Wait..."
"If he became lost here..."
"Then doesn't that mean his mother is probably searching somewhere in this market?"
Satyadhara paused.
"...That..."
"...is actually possible."
Tara immediately brightened.
"Perfect!"
"We'll keep shopping..."
"And at the same time..."
"We'll help him search for his mother."
Satyadhara hesitated.
"Officially..."
"That isn't the proper procedure."
He looked at the frightened little boy.
Then toward the endless crowd.
"...But practically..."
"It may be the fastest solution."
Tara smiled confidently.
"See?"
"Sometimes breaking the boring procedure makes more sense."
Satyadhara sighed.
"...Please don't let the Nagaraka hear you say that."
The little boy tightened his grip around Tara's hand.
Together...
The four of them stepped back into the lively streets of the Imperial Market...
Completely unaware...
That from the opposite side of the road...
Three familiar figures had been secretly watching the entire exchange...
With absolutely no idea what they had just witnessed.