Chapter 47 - Solidarity

Wandering down the paved alley, deep in the village, Maïko and I are captivated by the bustle of the nearby market. Suddenly, a ragged figure in their forties hails us.

_ Peasant: “ Hey kids, I’ve never seen you around here. “

Then, he carefully notices our armband.

_ Peasant: " Oh, I understand better now. How did you end up here? "

_ Ayden: "It's a long story. More importantly, could you guide us? We're staying here for a while; we'd like to get to know the village better. "

Not wanting any further information, the villager bends down to us to waist level.

_ Peasant: “ No problem, follow me! “

In this festive atmosphere, the forty-year-old indicates a direction.

_ Peasant: " This is the 'Lower Sector' where the peasants reside. We have huts to sleep in, but we don't have water. For that, we have to fetch water directly from a dedicated fountain. "

_ Maïko: " And how do you take a shower? "

_ Peasant: " We grab some buckets, then we draw water from the same fountain. After that, there are more secluded areas to change and shower, for privacy, you understand. "

_ Maïko: " Wow, what a nightmare… "

A forced smile appeared on the adult's face.

_ Peasant: " Indeed, we are not as well-off as the 'Upper Sector'. "

_ Ayden: " That sector is occupied by the bourgeoisie, is that right? "

A head turning motion appears before me, with a look of surprise.

_ Peasant: “ That’s right! How did you guess?? ”

_ Ayden: " According to the sign pasted on the wall opposite, we are just a few meters from the sector change. Plus, there have been more bourgeoisie since we started walking in this direction. "

_ Peasant: " Well, you are observant, young man! "

_ Ayden: " … "

_ Peasant: " But that still doesn't explain how you can guarantee they are indeed burghers. "

_ Ayden: " It's simple: they wear white tunics and hats, unlike you. "

A burst of laughter suddenly stands out.

_ Ayden: “ Why are you laughing? ”

_ Peasant: “ It’s rare to see perceptive kids your age, I am thrilled! ”

_ Ayden: “ It’s nothing much. ”

Upon arriving in front of the sign in question, a curiosity piqued me.

_ Ayden: " So, you're not authorized to go into this sector? "

_ Peasant: " I am, but we own nothing here. We can only purchase goods or supplies. Though, as you can guess, it's totally overpriced, haha! "

_ Maïko: " I think it's ugly. The access is open but you can only gaze at an object that is impossible to take. "

_ Peasant: " Hmm, one can see it that way. "

_ Ayden: " Yet, this situation doesn't seem to affect you. "

He stood at roughly 1m80 and gazed up at the sky, his face devoid of any animosity.

_ Peasant: " Times are tough, I'll grant you that, but the strength of this village is the solidarity between every peasant. The market you just walked through is the proof of it. Our labour in agriculture, done by the sweat of our brows, is the contribution to this market. Even if it remains a business, it's still a point of pride for each of us to be able to sell our products and share values. "

_ Ayden: " Solidarity... It's exactly like our village. "

_ Peasant: " Exactly! I hope I've helped you young people a little bit! "

A bow is executed simultaneously.

_ Ayden & Maïko: " Thank you. "

With Maïko, we slipped into the crowd, guided by the desire to find our companions. Shortly after, we spotted Kona and Hazel leaving a food stall.

_ Maïko: “You're finally here!"

_ Kona: " What do you mean 'finally'? May I remind you that you're the one who left us behind. "

With studied casualness, Maïko evades the accusing gaze and continues her tirade.

_ Maïko: " Hey, I wasn't the only one who left. "

_ Ayden: " Don't include me in your scheme. "

_ Maïko: " Traitor. " she said, her gaze fixed and disappointed, her face firm

A sudden movement of my head diverts my attention towards the mirror they are holding, a welcome pretext to cut short this discussion.

_ Ayden: " I didn't know they sold ice cream at this market. "

_ Hazel: " We wanted to grab one for you too, but we couldn't. "

_ Ayden: " How did you pay for them, anyway? "

_ Kona: " An adult bought them for us. "

An eyebrow raises.

_ Maïko: " Like... just like that? Out of the blue? "

_ Kona: " Yeah. We chatted with him a bit and he wanted to give us a welcome gift. "

_ Maïko: " Lucky you… "

Kona took a few steps, walking nonchalantly between Maïko and me, then turned around, a slight smile on his lips, his eyes narrowed.

_ Kona: " Perhaps if you had stayed with us quietly, you might have gotten an ice cream. "

Quite surprised, Maïko's eyes widened, watching Kona continue on his way, closely followed by Hazel.

_ Maïko: " I wasn't expecting such an arrogant attitude from him. "

Then, he shrugs, looking casual.

_ Maïko: “ Well, she’s not Kaya’s twin for nothing. ”

_ Ayden: “ You deserve it. Come on, let’s follow them. ”

I, in turn, leave my position, leaving the person concerned alone for a brief moment.

_ Maïko: " Oh my god, no one in this group is funny. " she said, in a low voice.

_ Ayden: " I heard that. "

_ Maïko: " Tss. "