Run: 2026-02-22-01KJ38AMSJTFPW5DWT66HJVB0R

The market square buzzed with the murmur of a hundred voices. Elena navigated through the throng, her satchel secured against her chest. She was aware that the merchant would not tolerate tardiness—he was notoriously impatient, especially when it came to residents of the outer ring. "You're delayed," Gregor muttered without raising his gaze from his ledger. He slid his finger down a column of figures, his brow furrowing. Positioning the parcel on the counter, Elena explained, "The bridge was impassable. I was forced to take an alternative route." "Not my concern." He unwrapped the fabric, revealing the crystal, which danced in the sunlight, casting miniature rainbows across the stall's canvas roof. His frown intensified. "This isn't the item I requested." This was anticipated. The elderly gentleman always contrived a reason to complain, regardless of the quality of the merchandise. She crossed her arms, standing firm. "It's precisely what you ordered," she asserted. "Unpolished blue quartz, freshly extracted from the northern mines. I witnessed its extraction firsthand." Gregor rotated the crystal deliberately, scrutinising each angle. He inspected it closely, then extended his arm to study it from a distance. Elena observed him, likening him to a jeweller evaluating a diamond, though Gregor's trade involved far more peculiar items than mere jewellery. He placed the crystal down and sighed. "Acceptable, but next time, ensure better packaging. Its edges are exposed." He reached beneath the counter, retrieving a diminutive leather pouch. The coins within jingled as he slid it in her direction. Elena collected the pouch, its weight light in her palm. She loosened the drawstring and counted: a meagre eight silver crowns. Their initial agreement had been for ten. "Ten was the agreed amount," she stated coolly. "The bridge fee increased since then." Gregor flashed a tight, insincere smile, its corners never touching his eyes. "Your choice." She accepted it, as she always did. The outer ring offered scant options, a reality Gregor understood all too well. Elena departed the market, entering the cramped lanes beyond. The setting sun cast elongated shadows across the cobblestones, while the rooftops basked in its remaining glow. She slipped the pouch into her satchel and hastened her stride. With luck, she would reach the bridge before nightfall.