Chapter 31
Süleyman and I decided to leave the palace in an inconspicuous, shabby-looking carriage.
The gate we used was the one where supply carts carrying food ingredients came and went.
Since it was just the time when goods were being delivered, no one paid us any attention.
“It’s an old carriage, so it might rattle a bit.”
“I don’t get motion sickness. And who cares if it’s a bit old? As long as it rolls, that’s enough.”
I was so excited about going out after such a long time.
Even this rickety old carriage looked as splendid as if it were gilded in gold.
“Let’s go.”
When Süleyman signaled to the coachman, the carriage began to move slowly.
The palace gate opened, and at last, another world spread out before me.
“Wow…!”
So this is the capital, Iştin.
It was completely different from the narrow view I’d seen through the eyes of a cat.
The dense buildings and rich greenery filling the city were truly breathtaking.
From the high vantage point of the palace, the whole scene could be seen at a glance.
It’s so beautiful…
Exotic palm trees lined both sides of the road where the carriage rolled, and mosques occasionally came into view.
It was a wondrous sight, like something out of Arabian Nights or Aladdin.
“Wh-what’s that? Don’t tell me that’s the sea?”
I pointed toward the faint blue stretch visible at the edge of the city.
“That’s right. Iştin is divided into two continents by that strait.”
“Then you can cross over to the other side too? How long would it take?”
“By ship, less than an hour. It’s not far. The opposite continent is the gateway to the western regions, so the atmosphere there is very different.”
Whoa, what kind of crazy scale is this city on?
For the first time, I truly realized how remarkable a figure Süleyman must be, to be in charge of such a city.
…Being outside after so long, my chest feels wide open.
Whew.
When I opened the window and took a deep breath, the breeze carrying the salty scent of the sea filled my lungs.
“You seem to be enjoying yourself.”
“Of course. Honestly, I’ve felt a little stifled. Studying, trying to adapt to palace life—it’s been hard.”
At my words, Süleyman’s face darkened.
“I should have asked you sooner. Sorry for not paying more attention.”
“No, it’s fine. You’re busy with state affairs. Just the fact that you brought me out today makes me happy.”
“…Come to think of it, I don’t really know much about you. Even though we’re together every day.”
He looked at me with serious eyes.
It was true—our chances to talk had been scarce.
During the day Süleyman was constantly occupied with work, and at night I turned into a cat who couldn’t speak.
“Well, we can just get to know each other little by little. We still have plenty of time, right?”
I shrugged casually.
To keep my promise with Hürrem, I had to stay in the palace for about two more years anyway.
Süleyman, who had no idea, looked faintly moved.
“You’re very understanding. You must have been disappointed many times because I couldn’t take proper care of you.”
“Well, as long as you realize that. Oh—looks like we’re arriving.”
With a creak, the carriage stopped, and I stepped out, my heart fluttering.
We had arrived at the city’s central market.
Also called the Bazaar, it was a bustling open-air market surrounding a domed building— a place very familiar to me.
“Oh, this is…”
“What? Have you been here before?”
I gave an awkward smile behind my veil.
This was the very place I’d wandered around avoiding people when I was a stray cat.
Just a few weeks ago, I’d been a scruffy alley cat, and now here I was on a secret outing with a prince.
Life—or rather, mew-life—really was unpredictable.
When I explained vaguely, he smiled with curiosity.
“I’ve never been a cat myself, but I imagine coming to the same place in another form must feel strange indeed.”
The thought of Süleyman turning into a kitten popped into my mind, and I burst out laughing.
“I think you’d look good as a cat. If you asked Aziz, maybe he could let you experience it?”
“Don’t talk nonsense. Let’s go.”
He turned away sternly, and I clicked my tongue in disappointment before following him.
Soon, we stepped through the grand entrance of the market.
Both sides of the crowded passage were lined endlessly with shops, their owners shouting to attract customers.
“You there, customer! What are you looking for? We have everything!”
“Cheap, high-quality goods! Come take a look!”
Everywhere I looked was something fascinating.
Unknown fruits, strangely baked bread, ornate lamps covered in colorful glass mosaics…
It was a completely different world from the dirty ground I’d seen as a stray cat.
“Can I look around for a bit?”
“Of course. Take your time.”
Careful not to stray too far from Süleyman, I scanned the stalls.
One shop selling curious handicrafts caught my eye.
What’s this?
A blue glass object that looked like an eyeball—I had never seen such a thing before.
As I peered at it, the shopkeeper approached and explained.
“This is called a Nazar Boncuğu. It’s popular because it’s said to ward off misfortune and calamity.”
Hehh.
So they had things like charms here too.
It seemed it could be worn as jewelry—bracelets, necklaces, and the like.
Oh, right. I need to buy something for Arin as a gift…
I held up a neatly knotted bracelet and asked,
“Would this make a good gift?”
“Who are you buying it for?”
“My younger sisters. They’re in their mid to late teens. I’m not sure if they’d like something like this.”
“Our shop’s items are decorated in a cute style, so young ladies love them. Nazar charms are popular with everyone—it’s an excellent choice.”
After carefully picking one, I bargained a little and then cautiously took out my wallet.
Finally, my first purchase in this world…!!
Aziz had taught me about the kingdom’s currency, but I still wasn’t confident, so even simple calculations took me ages.
Süleyman chuckled at my fumbling and handled the payment himself.
“If you take that long in the market, you’ll be an easy target for swindlers, young lady.”
“Hey, I wanted to do it myself! You only really learn by practicing.”
I pouted, stomping my foot, but he just took the item from the merchant.
“This is heavy, so I’ll carry it for you.”
…Heavy?
The bracelet in his hand weighed no more than my wallet.
I only shrugged and followed him without a word.
Süleyman strolled leisurely, chatting with merchants.
He mostly asked about the prices and distribution trends of essential goods used by commoners.
I had expected some grand secret mission, but realizing there was no need for that made me more at ease.
Now fully absorbed in browsing, I began hopping from stall to stall, buying things.
My small bundle of goods gradually grew, but Süleyman never once showed displeasure.
Even when I insisted on carrying them myself, he firmly refused.
Well, if someone wants to be that kind, who was I to stop them?
It’s been so long since I’ve gone shopping. This is fun.
Humming a little tune, I sped up without realizing it.
Then, as I turned into a busy alley, a large man bumped hard into me.
Thud!
“Kyaa!”
We hadn’t seen each other coming around the corner, and being smaller, I staggered backward.
Just then, Süleyman grabbed me firmly in his arms.
“Are you all right, Ishtar?”
“Y-yes, I’m fine.”
“From here on, the traffic gets heavy. Be careful not to get lost.”
Sure enough, the streets soon grew crowded with people.
Ugh, where did all these people come from?!
The alley was crammed with burly men who looked like wholesalers—there were hardly any women, aside from me.
They were all so tall that even though I wasn’t short, I felt tiny among them.
Finding it hard to breathe, I struggled to keep walking until Süleyman wrapped his cloak around me.
“Don’t stay too far away. Stay close.”
No, wait, my heart feels in way more danger like this!!
This is basically like being embraced the whole time.
My face burned red at the sudden closeness.
I worried he might even hear my quickened heartbeat.
But apparently I wasn’t the only one embarrassed.
Even the usually stoic Süleyman’s cheeks were faintly flushed.
“Must be a trading day. There are more people than usual. Let’s get out of here quickly.”
Without another word, he led me through the throng.
Once we escaped into a quieter area, I could finally breathe again.
“Phew, I can finally breathe.”
As I sighed in relief, I noticed something strange.
We were holding hands—tightly, like lovers.
“Eek!”
Startled, I quickly let go. Süleyman glanced at his empty hand and coughed awkwardly.
“I was just worried about losing you, so don’t get the wrong idea.”
With that, he strode away even faster, as if running from me.
His hand… it’s still warm.
The lingering sweet, tingling heat on my palm made my head spin.
Praying desperately that my beet-red face was hidden under the veil, I hurried after him.
