Sara’s Shop #2
"That's what people are calling you," Mei-Lin said cheerfully.
"Better than 'cursed farm girl,' right? Now you're the pun farm girl with the magic plants. It didn’t hurt that you brought fun things to the festival. It’s hard to think someone is cursed when they feed you tasty treats. It’s good public relations. "
The wheel spun again. Three—Legged Race
More pairs were drawn. Then: Lantern Riddles
"Chen Lian and... Viktor Andersen."
Wren watched as a pretty young woman in an elegant pink dress stepped forward. She was lovely, with delicate features, perfect posture, clearly well-bred. This was the woman Jin's mother wanted him to marry.
And her partner was Viktor.
Viktor caught Wren's eye across the crowd and smiled. Then he said something to Lian that made her blush and laugh.
"He's so smooth," Mei-Lin muttered. "Makes my skin crawl."
"You don't like him?"
She made a face. "He's charming and successful and everyone loves him.
But he collects people like my father collects trade goods, only if they're useful.
" Mei-Lin watched him solve riddles with Lian, both of them laughing.
"Lyra spent two years thinking she was special.
Then you showed up with land and suddenly she's disposable. "
"I didn't ask for any of this."
"I know. That's why I like you." Mei-Lin squeezed her arm. "You're genuine. Half these people are performing all the time."
The games continued. The wheel landed on Balance Challenge—partners had to carry water buckets across narrow beams without spilling.
"Kenji Tanaka and... Wren!"
Mei-Lin pushed her forward, grinning. "Go! Kenji's fun!"
Kenji appeared, bowing elaborately. "My lady of the pun farm. Shall we show them how it's done?"
They didn't win—Wren's bucket sloshed badly on the third beam—but they laughed the entire time, and Kenji made jokes about the underwear tree incident that had her gasping with laughter.
When they finished, soaking wet and grinning, someone handed Wren an elephant ear pastry. "Here! Try one of yours, they're incredible! Best thing at the festival!"
She bit into it. Yum, magic pastry! It was still warm, still perfect. Around her, people were eating them, sharing them, praising them.
"The pun farm girl really delivered," someone said.
"Did you see those paper tigers she brought? Gorgeous!"
"I heard her silk is even better. Madame Lin can't keep it in stock."
The reputation was shifting. She could feel it. Not the cursed farm girl anymore. The pun farm girl. The one with magic plants and generous contributions and good trade goods.
It felt... good. Instead of being defined by the land, the land was defined by her. Actions beat circumstances every time.
The wheel spun again. Partner Dance
"Oh no," Wren said.
"Oh yes!" Mei-Lin laughed. "This is the best one!"
The announcer drew names. "Viktor Andersen and... Wren!"
The crowd murmured with interest.
Wren's stomach dropped.
Viktor crossed the space between them, smooth and confident, that charming smile in place. He offered his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
Wren hesitated, very aware of the crowd watching. Aware of Jin at the edge, his expression unreadable. Aware of Lyra somewhere in the crowd, probably seething. Refusing would cause a scene, and she had no real reason. She took Viktor's hand.
He led her to the cleared space where other pairs were gathering. The musicians shifted to a waltz—elegant, traditional, the kind of dance wealthy families taught their children.
"Do you know how?" Viktor asked quietly, one hand at her waist, the other holding hers.
"Basic steps. Childhood lessons." She was a little nervous.
"Then follow my lead. I'll make you look good."
He was an excellent dancer, smooth, confident, leading so clearly that she didn't have to think. They swept across the space with the other pairs, and Wren found herself relaxing slightly despite everything.
"You're doing well," Viktor said. "Settling in. Making connections."
"I'm trying."
"You're succeeding." He spun her gently. "The town likes you. That's not easy to achieve, especially for an outsider on cursed land."
"The pun farm," she corrected, and he laughed.
"The pun farm. Much better branding." His expression turned more serious. "I meant what I said before, Wren. If you need anything—business advice, connections, resources—I'm here to help."
"That's kind of you."
"It's practical. We're neighbors. Your success benefits the whole area." He paused. "And I enjoy your company. You're refreshing. Genuine."
She didn't know what to say to that.
"Viktor still has the best footwork," someone commented from the crowd. "But the pun girl's keeping up!"
At the edge of the dancing area, Wren caught sight of Jin. He was watching, his expression carefully neutral. But something in his posture was tense.
And beside him, his mother was watching too. Disapproving, clearly. Her gaze flicked from Viktor to Wren to her son, calculating.
The music swelled, and Viktor spun Wren one final time as the dance ended. The crowd applauded.
"Thank you," Viktor said, bowing slightly. "You dance beautifully."
"Thank you for leading. You kept me from falling over." It was an honest observation, but he seemed pleased.
He held her gaze a moment longer than necessary, then stepped back as the next game was announced.
Mei-Lin appeared immediately, linking arms with Wren. "Well, that was something! Viktor's laying it on thick."
"He was just being polite." She was getting slightly tired of the constant warnings.
"Wren. Honey. No." Mei-Lin steered her toward the food stalls. "That man doesn't do anything without a reason. Come on, let's get something to drink. I need to tell you about—"
"Mei-Lin."
They turned. Jin's mother stood there, perfectly composed in an expensive silk dress. Up close, she was elegant and intimidating.
"Mother," Mei-Lin said, her cheerful tone not quite masking wariness. "Having fun?"
"I wanted to meet your new friend." The woman's gaze settled on Wren. "You're the girl from the cursed farm. The one with the plant magic."
"The pun farm," Mei-Lin corrected. "And yes, this is Wren. Wren, this is my mother, Zhao Lin."
"It's nice to meet you, ma'am."
"Is it?" Zhao Lin's expression was cool. "I've heard quite a bit about you. Living alone on dangerous land. Drawing the attention of men like Viktor Andersen." Her tone made it clear she didn't approve of either.
Wren’s brows shot up.
"Mother—" Mei-Lin started.
"I'm simply stating facts. That land has killed everyone who tried to work it. You've been there, what, two weeks? It's early to be celebrating success."
"I'm being careful," Wren said calmly. Jin’s mother wasn’t making a good impression, but she was clearly in mother dragon mode. Her next words confirmed it.
"Are you? Because from what I hear, you're spending quite a bit of time with my son. Jin has responsibilities. A reputation to maintain. He doesn't need complications."
"Mother, that's enough," Mei-Lin said sharply.
"I'm protecting my family."
"You're being rude to a guest at a community festival."
Zhao Lin's expression tightened, but before she could respond, a commotion erupted near the fountain. Raised voices. Someone shouting.
Jin was moving before Wren even registered what was happening, pushing through the crowd with Kenji right behind him.
"What now?" Mei-Lin muttered.
They followed, along with half the festival crowd.
At the fountain, Lyra stood facing a young merchant, wind whipping around her unnaturally. Her hands were clenched, her expression furious.
"—told you the price!" the merchant was saying, backing away. "I can't go lower!"
"You're cheating me! Everyone knows it!"
"Miss, please—"
The wind intensified. One of the nearby lanterns tore free, smashing against the ground. A small fire sprang up and was quickly doused.
"Lyra." Jin's voice cut through the chaos. Calm. Authoritative. "Control yourself."
"Stay out of this, Marshall!"
"You're using aggressive magic in a public space. That makes it my business." He moved closer, hands visible and non-threatening but his posture ready. "Stand down."
"He's robbing me!"
"He's charging market rate. I've seen his books." Jin's tone was patient but firm. "You're angry about something else. Don't take it out on merchants doing their jobs."
Lyra's gaze swept the crowd and landed on Wren. Her expression twisted. "Of course you're here. Enjoying this, are you?"
"I'm not—"
"Save it." Lyra's hands clenched tighter. The wind picked up. "Everyone's so impressed with the pun farm girl. So generous. So talented. Did she tell you she's already got Viktor sniffing around? Probably sleeping her way to—"
"Enough!" Jin's voice was steel now. "One more word and you're banned from town events for a year."
Lyra stared at him, breathing hard. Then at Wren. Then at the crowd watching with avid interest.
She lowered her hands. The wind died.
"Fine. Enjoy your festival." She turned and stalked away, leaving awkward silence in her wake.
The merchant was shaking. Jin spoke to him quietly, checking he was alright, while Kenji ushered people back to the festivities.
"Well," Mei-Lin said quietly beside Wren. "That was dramatic even for Lyra."
Wren's hands were trembling. "She hates me."
"She hates that you exist and have what she wants. That's different." Mei-Lin squeezed her arm. "Come on. Let's get that drink. You need it."
As they walked away, Wren glanced back.
Jin was watching her, something unreadable in his expression.
And across the square, Viktor was also watching. Thoughtful. Calculating.
She'd wanted to become part of the community.
She just hadn't realized how complicated that would be.
Mei-Lin steered Wren to a quiet drink stall, away from the dispersing crowd. She ordered two cups of spiced cider and handed one to Wren. "Drink. Trust me, you need it after dealing with both my mother and Lyra in one evening."