Near noon, sunlight blanketed the entire market. Hayato arrived at Hayan's stall empty-handed.
"Uncle, hasn't that person come yet?" he asked quietly, his gaze occasionally sweeping toward the end of the street.
Hayan looked up at Hayato, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Hayato, couldn't you find any Hollow Rock at the other stalls? I saw you visiting quite a few shops along this street."
Hayato let out an awkward laugh, his smile tinged with helplessness. "Yeah, no such luck. The other stalls' Hollow Rock had all been reserved by someone else. Looks like Hollow Rock is pretty popular today."
Hayan was surprised to hear that. Since when had this kind of ore become so popular?
Still, he didn't think much of it. He was about to complete a transaction with the person who had placed the order earlier.
Whether Hayato could strike a deal with that person was none of his concern.
So Hayato patiently waited in front of Hayan's stall.
Before long, someone appeared at the end of the street. He wore a pale gray cloak, and his face was wrapped so thoroughly in bandages that only his eyes showed. He hurried along, as if he were in a rush.
He stopped in front of Hayan's stall and asked bluntly, "Boss, where's my stuff?"
The day before, Hayan hadn't brought the Hollow Rock from his caravan to the stall because there wasn't enough room, so he had arranged to deliver it today.
Hayan answered with a broad smile. "Yes, I brought it all." As he spoke, he took a large parcel from the goods behind him and handed it over.
Hayato watched quietly from the side, a flicker of suspicion rising in his mind.
What kind of caravan was this guy with, anyway? Why was he wrapped