Ranula (Full History of Wounds)
Baloko Village Market

Zoya whines when Aunt Nor is about to head off that morning. He really doesn't want to be left alone at home. Especially in a forest like this. Zoya was really scared and grim. What if pirates who like to capture and kidnap the village girl come back again. Really, Zoya could not imagine how her fate would be. Prince Erlangga is gone, and who will help him later ???

And finally, aunt Nor is forced to allow Zoya to come along. How happy Zoya is. Finally after more than a week he will come out and see his other human being. Even the smile continued to expand on her beautiful face that was covered with a red scarf from Aunt Nor. Yes, aunt Nor asked Zoya to cover her pretty face. Because aunt Nor doesn't want Zoya's beauty to attract the attention of people in the market. Especially if it is seen by the nobility and upper caste.

Along the way Zoya occasionally talks to aunt Nor. It was fortunate that Aunt Nor was so kind as to answer all her questions. In her hand Zoya carries half a small sack of ground yam while Aunt Nor carries a banana and other vegetables.

"Is it still a long way aunty?" ask Zoya

"No, after this little road we'll get to the market" Aunt Nor replied.

"I feel like I can't wait to see how the market and people form here" Zoya muttered unknowingly.

Aunt Nor chuckled at that. Not once twice Zoya always said something strange. Even Aunt Nor was used to hearing her.

"You're weird, Ana. What kind of market is that in your mind?" ask aunt Nor.

And now replace Zoya who laughs. Sometimes his mouth cannot be conditioned.

Ah, Zoya never imagined if it would be and adventurous in this age. He really misses his time. His parents and his best friend. Hopefully Zoya can find a way to get back to her house later.

And not long after, after almost an hour of walking they finally reached the market of Baloko village. Zoya thought her market would be crowded with hustle and bustle like people in her general market. But in fact, there are only a few sellers who line up neatly. People also look shabby and dirty. This is what people call the lowest caste.

Zoya looked at the people around, they sat down on the grass to sell. There are also those who wear saung like huts. There is also a small restaurant. But very simple.

"Is this the market?" ask Zoya.

"Yes, every three days I come here to sell my garden produce" Aunt Nor replied. They walked towards where Aunt Nor used to sell.

"I think it will be very crowded" said Zoya while watching aunt Nor who put her luggage on top of her place. Fortunately, it did not slip on the grass. And they're still shaded by thatched roof.

"No, it's just a small market of Baloko people. If you want to see a lot of people. You can see it at the village hall later. There are very crowded, from clothes, jewelry, and all the complete material materials sold. This is for daily food only. It's also only low caste people who come" said aunt Nor while tidying up her merchandise. Zoya also helps Aunt Nor as her eyes occasionally look at the people who start to arrive.

"Is there an upper caste village?" ask Zoya.

"of course. There all blend into one. If you go there, you will only see upper castes, middle castes and nobles. Royal soldiers and palace ladies also often shop there for the needs of the palace" said aunt Nor.

"Well, I want to go there aunty quickly" said Zoya.

"Tomorrow we'll be there. I've missed my son" Aunt Nor replied.

Zoya nodded and smiled

"Auntie" call Zoya again

"What's wrong?" ask aunt Nor.

"I still do not understand what distinguishes the people of the lower, middle, and upper castes. What is their appearance??" ask Zoya

"Yes, you can see it later. We the lowest caste people wear clothes from bark, or from low material fabrics. The middle caste wears clothes of a better type of fabric while the upper caste and nobility wear clothes of silk" Aunt Nor replied.

Zoya nodded her head again. It turns out that social differences have existed since the time of this kingdom. It is fitting that in modern times the difference is so obvious.

"Auntie, who are you taking?" ask a young man but he looks so cute.

"My daughter" Aunt Nor replied

"Tumben once you bring your daughter. Why is his face covered. I couldn't see what it looked like" said the man. It looks so rancid. I'd love Zoya to hit her nose. Does he not know if his age Zoya really does not like with striped men.

"I'm so ugly uncle. That's why I covered my face with a cloth" Zoya replied.

"Well, you called me uncle. I am young, not even married" the man said.

"Oh so. I thought you were 40 years old" Zoya said. But the man laughed. Fucking weird.

"Let's get acquainted" the man asked while thrusting his hand, but aunt Nor immediately brushed her off firmly.

"Don't try to tease my daughter. You're so weird" aunt Nor grumbled.

"Better uncle just buy my mother's merchandise. Than being here and not being useful" Zoya said.

The man laughed and looked closely at Zoya. Although it is covered, but still. Zoya's beauty can still be seen. Her eyes are beautiful and pliable, it is a special attraction.

"What if I buy it you'll return my acquaintance" the man asked.

"Basic of your arrogance. Even for a dime of silver you don't have. Go there" drive aunt Nor away again

"Ah aunt... I still have other stuff I can exchange" the man replied.

"I don't need your stuff. Go away" drive aunt Nor away again.

The man clucked in annoyance and looked back at Zoya.

"If I have a lot of gold pieces, I will come to you" he said so sure.

Zoya immediately shuddered to hear her.

"Not to be heard. She was a little crazy" Aunt Nor said.

"Well, he's crazy. But about money, does it really wear gold chips?" ask Zoya who is back to curious.

"Yes, but that's just for the caste to swoop up. For a lowly caste like us, it's just silver, and it's rare that anyone has" Aunt Nor replied.

"So what if you want to shop aunty?" ask Zoya.

"You can trade Ana's things. For example, these vegetables and fruits can be exchanged for a bag of rice or meat" replied aunt Nor.

Zoya frowned confused. Is that like barter???

"So if you want to buy silk cloth or jewelry how?" ask zoya.

Aunt Nor laughed at that.

"Where could Ana. That is what distinguishes the lower caste like us from the upper caste. We can't buy luxury goods like them. Getting the gold piece was the hardest thing" Aunt Nor replied.

Zoya immediately grimaced hearing that. Geez...why did he become a poor man in this life??? Why not just become a noble princess????

For over a week, they ate only sweet potatoes and fish caught from the river. Zoya even forgot what kind of rice it was. How shiny.