Starting with mischievous jokes, the two of them earnestly began preparing for the business.

Darun felt a bit overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of the store, but on the other hand, he was greatly relieved by the fact that Princess Stella would no longer have to stand anxiously at the street stall.

What reassured Darun even more was the presence of Cuckus.

His mere presence was threatening enough to others. It also meant that they wouldn’t have to go through the same incidents in the market as last time.

“Younger brother! From now on, call me ‘hyung’ (brother). I’ve already explained everything to the market folks, so calling me that will be more convenient in various ways.”

“Yes, thank you, Hyungnim.”

While Darun respectfully called him ‘Hyungnim,’ Cuckus, as if finding it cute, tousled his hair playfully and laughed heartily.

Even though Darun was much taller than Cuckus, requiring Cuckus to bend his waist when reaching out, Cuckus, pleased with Darun’s considerate behavior, took care of various things despite his appearance.

Seeing the two getting along so well, Stella felt secretly proud. Meeting Cuckus again was a stroke of luck for her, and bringing Darun to the market was considered an even greater stroke of luck.

“Now, we can do business even in bad weather.”

Stella looked around the modest but perfectly roofed and walled store, expressing her happiness with a content smile.
It wasn’t a fancy store, and the small-scale shop lacked even a proper entrance. However, Princess Stella was as delighted with it as if she had acquired a grand mansion.

The genuine joy she felt for something humble, contrary to her noble status, was well known among the residents of Verdura Castle.

However, when Darun saw it with his own eyes, he felt strangely mixed emotions. It seemed good, and at the same time, it felt regrettable.

One thing was for sure: as they spent more time together, Darun genuinely hoped that Princess Stella would become even better than she is now.

“But the road through the forest is tough. It’s better not to come out on rainy or stormy days.”

Darun still had a concerned expression.

“Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Stella, knowing that Darun was sincerely worried about her, didn’t insist any further.

Since they didn’t bring much, arranging the spinach on the sales counter was quickly done.

Cuckus brought a suitable amount of twine to tie the spinach bundles, and Darun diligently created neatly tied bundles. His skill in tying them evenly was quite impressive.

However, soon such effort became unnecessary.

Before they could finish tying, the spinach was rapidly selling out. People who had enjoyed the delicious carrots last time heard the news and came to the shop. After tasting the spinach, they bought it in bundles.
Most of them were people who operated restaurants nearby. Anticipating that the price of spinach would rise tomorrow, they made efforts to buy as much as possible.

“Sell a little more.”

“Oh, don’t be greedy. We need to buy some too.”

“We only bought a little.”

“That’s enough; there’s not much left now.”

Seeing people eager to buy the spinach they grew, Stella felt incredibly happy, as if she had become the richest person in the world. It wasn’t because of the clinking sound of coins entering her pocket.

The voice calling her affectionately, compliments on the delicious spinach, laughter bursting out in the midst of jokes going back and forth.

There wasn’t anything she disliked.

“Why is the pretty lady wearing such clothes? We have clothes our daughter doesn’t wear; should I bring them over?”

Among the customers who came to buy spinach, there was someone who, seeing Stella wearing Darun’s clothes, suddenly offered to bring clothes for her daughter.

Amidst the busy crowd, Stella’s morning passed with joyful screams.

Ian appeared when the business was almost finished.

“Oh, all sold out already.”

Ian was neatly dressed, unlike the first day he appeared in front of the two. He didn’t look like someone who came to buy vegetables at the market. He seemed like a man who would be suitable for a splendid mansion rather than the humble market floor.

“Closing down such an excellent store.”
After Ian spoke to Darun, he smiled and took off the hat he was wearing inside the store, greeting Stella. Unlike the previous time, Stella’s eyes narrowed a bit at the more formal greeting.

“Did you come to buy spinach by any chance?”

Darun recalled the incident when he bought a large amount of carrots last time and asked. Darun had good memories of dealing with Ian. Selling a large quantity at once was good, and he also appreciated that Ian bought things at a much better price than others.

“But you’re a bit late.”

When Ian’s eyes showed disappointment, Darun grabbed his hand, shaking it.

“I’ll bring more tomorrow. Will you buy them then?”

“Can I make a reservation?”

Instead of answering Ian’s question, Darun turned his head towards Stella inside. Stella, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, approached and answered slowly.