The hamlet deserved to be called such, just a hamlet for good reason. Not only was this settlement's population on the sparse side, there were also a lack of any permanent structures made of real building materials, for most of the people made due in makeshift shacks that were barely held up by scrap wood. Although the idea of such a poor hamlet had been changing for the last decade, with a new trade route running directly through the land the small homestead brought about more in the way of traffic and especially traders who may have sought to offload extra merchandise for a guaranteed profit rather than risking to continue on. On top of that with the recent rise of demon encounters the hamlet eventually became the last bastion of humanity before entering demon infested lands, that is until reaching the next defensive settlement.
As Rena and Noboyuki entered the town square it became clear what affect the considerably new found prosperity had, in a circle around the center were newly build stone buildings, and a few others that were still under the hammer. Another thing to note was the many people out and about, while most of them were not real residents, only merchants and other such travelers, the number of bodies added to a joyous atmosphere. All along the roads leading in, shrewd business men had set up stalls to pedal whatever valuable wares they may have had on hand. Rena decided to take a closer look at one of these stalls, this man was dealing in jewelry, while odd that one would sell luxuries out in a backwater settlement, they certainly looked to be of fine quality, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and uncut gems. The girl was honestly tempted to see about taking something with her, but through self discipline she held back. They didn't have the budget to allow for such purchases, now that didn't stop here from touching and examining the jewels.
They spent half an hour simply exploring, mostly wandering with no real goal, after all they were taking some leisure time, it was a date. Rena at first was still somewhat tense, but as they continued on she gradually relaxed, and before long one could say she really was having fun. She was much more notably loose, not nearly uptight as normal, and perhaps more able to speak often engaging in small take with lot more frequency than before. Rena didn't talk about anything important other than going into detail into court life, what to say, and what not say, ways to remain diplomatic while dealing with higher society. It was not like she was giving instruction, rather it was more like just idle chatter in a friendly manner, even with a few minor jokes thrown in. Here the princess did stop worrying about keeping appearances, maybe forgetting to keep them, maybe sick of trying to lie, whatever the case is Rena, at least in the moment, enjoyed being able to be pleasant for once.
As Rena and Noboyuki entered the town square it became clear what affect the considerably new found prosperity had, in a circle around the center were newly build stone buildings, and a few others that were still under the hammer. Another thing to note was the many people out and about, while most of them were not real residents, only merchants and other such travelers, the number of bodies added to a joyous atmosphere. All along the roads leading in, shrewd business men had set up stalls to pedal whatever valuable wares they may have had on hand. Rena decided to take a closer look at one of these stalls, this man was dealing in jewelry, while odd that one would sell luxuries out in a backwater settlement, they certainly looked to be of fine quality, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and uncut gems. The girl was honestly tempted to see about taking something with her, but through self discipline she held back. They didn't have the budget to allow for such purchases, now that didn't stop here from touching and examining the jewels.
They spent half an hour simply exploring, mostly wandering with no real goal, after all they were taking some leisure time, it was a date. Rena at first was still somewhat tense, but as they continued on she gradually relaxed, and before long one could say she really was having fun. She was much more notably loose, not nearly uptight as normal, and perhaps more able to speak often engaging in small take with lot more frequency than before. Rena didn't talk about anything important other than going into detail into court life, what to say, and what not say, ways to remain diplomatic while dealing with higher society. It was not like she was giving instruction, rather it was more like just idle chatter in a friendly manner, even with a few minor jokes thrown in. Here the princess did stop worrying about keeping appearances, maybe forgetting to keep them, maybe sick of trying to lie, whatever the case is Rena, at least in the moment, enjoyed being able to be pleasant for once.