Page 94 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"—but my cousin works at the estate and says she's changed—"

"Look at those creatures!"

"Is that a Dreamweaver cub?"

"And a shadow wolf! How does she—"

"—must be a witch—"

"—charmed them with dark magic—"

Carol's eyes widened. "Did someone just call me a witch?"

"Ignore it," Bea murmured. "Let your actions speak for themselves."

They reached the first row of shops, and Carol's attention was immediately caught by a display of beautifully carved wooden items—boxes, figurines, decorative pieces.

"Oh, these are lovely," Carol said, stopping to examine a small carved bird.

The merchant—a middle-aged woman with clever hands and wary eyes—curtsied quickly. "Your Grace. I... that is, thank you, Your Grace."

"Did you make these yourself?" Carol asked.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"They're beautiful. The detail is extraordinary." Carol picked up a small carved wolf. "Shadow, look. It's you."

The shadow wolf puppy sniffed the carving with interest.

The merchant's wariness began to soften slightly. "Would... would Your Grace like to purchase it?"

"Yes, please. And this bird. And—" Carol spotted a carved dragon. "Oh, definitely this one."

She glanced at Caspian, who was watching her with an unreadable expression.

"Is this acceptable?" Carol asked. "I'm not spending too much?"

"You've spent approximately three silver crowns," Caspian said. "I think the ducal treasury can manage."

The merchant's eyes had gone wide. "You're... you're buying three pieces, Your Grace?"

"They're beautiful," Carol said simply. "Why wouldn't I?"

After paying and having one of the guards carefully wrap the carvings, they continued through the market.

Carol stopped at nearly every stall that caught her interest.

A fabric merchant with gorgeous silks. A spice vendor with exotic blends. A jeweler displaying delicate silver pieces. A leatherworker with bags and belts.

Each time, Carol engaged the merchants in genuine conversation, complimented their work, and made purchases without haggling.

And each time, she glanced at Caspian to gauge his reaction.

He never said a word. Just stood beside her, occasionally nodding at merchants, letting her buy whatever she wanted.

"You're not going to comment on my spending?" Carol asked as they left the fifth shop.

"Should I?" Caspian replied.