Rewriting Eternity

ESTELLA GLENDEWOOD
It's a cool Saturday morning, and the air on Celestial Island feels fresh and inviting. Outside my window, students are bustling about, preparing for their outings to the city outside the academy. It's a weekly tradition for most, and for once, I decide to join in. The Celestial Market is famous for its diversity of goods, and I have an extensive list of alchemical ingredients I need to gather.

"Estella, are you sure that you'll be okay?" Fiona asks, worry etched across her face as she stands by the door of my room.

"Don't worry, Fiona," I reply with a smile, trying to reassure her.

She crosses her arms but doesn't press further. "Alright, just be careful. And don't get lost!"

I laugh softly. "I'll be fine. It's just a market, not a labyrinth."

After waving her goodbye, I make my way to the academy gates. I can't hide my excitement as I step out into the city. The Celestial Market has always intrigued me-this is my first real chance to explore it.

But as I walk, my stomach growls, reminding me of something crucial-I haven't had breakfast. My eyes catch sight of a quaint little pastry shop, its sign swinging gently in the breeze. Perfect.

The door chimes softly as I step inside, the aroma of freshly baked bread and sugar wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

"Welcome! Are you here to dine in?" A cheerful waiter greets me.

"Yes, please," I reply.

He leads me to a cozy table near the window, and I glance at the menu. The variety of cakes is overwhelming, but one name stands out.

"I'll have a strawberry shortcake, please," I say.

The waiter nods and heads off, leaving me to enjoy the peaceful ambiance. As I wait, I glance out the window, watching the lively streets beyond. I make a mental note to pick up some pastries for Fiona later-and maybe Carsien, though I'm not sure he'd appreciate the gesture.

"Here's your strawberry shortcake," the waiter announces, placing the plate before me.

"Thank you," I say, my mouth already watering.

The first bite is divine. The cream is light and fluffy, the strawberries perfectly sweet with a hint of tartness. For a moment, I forget everything else, savoring the simple pleasure of good food.

Once I finish, I pay at the counter and step back onto the bustling streets. The market isn't far now.

After a few minutes of walking, I arrive at my destination, and it's every bit as vibrant as I imagined. Stalls line the streets, vendors shouting to advertise their wares, and shoppers haggling over prices. Pulling up the hood of my cloak to avoid being recognized, I begin my search for sunflower seed extract.

A small alchemy shop tucked between two larger stalls catches my eye. I step inside, greeted by the familiar scent of herbs and potions.

"Hello, do you sell sunflower seed extract?" I ask the shopkeeper, a sharp-eyed man standing behind the counter.

"Yes, we do. It's 50 ducats for one vial," he replies.

I wince internally. Right, I forgot-I had increased the price of all alchemical ingredients when I was designing the game. It seemed logical back then, making the game more challenging for players. Now, though, I'm paying the price for my own decision.

"Alright, I'll take 100," I say, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Hun... hundred?" The shopkeeper stares at me, wide-eyed. "Oh, okay, that'll be 5,000 ducats."