Chapter 162 “Nilu”
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Duncan fixed his gaze intently on the doll named “Nilu,” who was carefully positioned inside a display box. She wasn’t just any doll; she was an exquisite creation designed in the “court girl” fashion that had been all the rage in the city-state about a hundred years ago. Her golden, curly locks framed a delicate, ceramic face, which featured the distinct seam structure that was characteristic of vintage dolls. Draped in a dress adorned with intricate lace detailing, Nilu’s arms were attached through an older, spherical joint design, which made them look somewhat more conspicuous compared to the joints of Alice, another doll he was familiar with.
Upon closer inspection, Duncan couldn’t help but marvel at how well-preserved Nilu was, considering she was supposed to be a century-old artifact. While she couldn’t be compared to modern, life-like dolls like Alice, Nilu had her own unique charm that could only be described as beautiful.
It was interesting that Duncan found himself in front of Nilu, who was intended to be a companion doll for “Luni,” another doll that Lucretia had purchased from this very shop a hundred years ago. He hadn’t planned this meeting; it seemed as if it was just destined to happen. The peculiarities of fate never ceased to amaze him.
“The doll is in such pristine condition that it’s hard to believe she’s a hundred years old,” Duncan mused aloud. “She looks like she’s only aged a little.”
“The craftsmanship of elven artisans is known to stand the test of time,” the shopkeeper replied, her chubby cheeks rising in a warm smile. “When we elves create something, we expect it to last for centuries. I’d like to think that my doll-making skills are a cut above the rest. I wouldn’t want my carefully crafted creations to fall apart after just a hundred or two hundred years.”
“I understand that, but in human terms, this doll is a priceless antique,” Duncan said, his eyes widening as the realization hit him that this wasn’t just some mass-produced item. “I doubt I could afford her.”
He had some extra funds from a recent transaction—selling a dagger to Mr. Morris and reporting a group of cultists—but he suspected those earnings wouldn’t even come close to the cost of this immaculately crafted doll.
“Antique? Funny, I hadn’t even considered that angle until you brought it up,” said the shopkeeper, her eyes twinkling. “But she’s not as expensive as you might think. In fact, if you purchase the accompanying wig and matching silver hair accessory, the entire set would only cost you one hundred and forty-two soras.”
Duncan was taken aback, “Why would you offer it for so little?”
“Perhaps it’s fate,” the shopkeeper said, her voice filled with a sense of profound understanding. “Nilu has been here with me for so many years, patiently waiting. I don’t want her to spend the rest of her existence in lonely isolation. Then you walked in, someone who clearly has an appreciation for dolls, a rare trait these days. I’d like to believe that this is the universe guiding us.”
In that moment, Duncan couldn’t help but ponder the mysterious ways in which destiny worked.
“‘Fate,’ you say?” Duncan’s lips twitched at the corner as he heard the word. He often bandied the term around himself in his own antique shop to charm potential buyers, but he’d never thought the day would come when the same word would be used on him. “So, the truth is, you can’t sell it, can you?”
The shopkeeper looked into Duncan’s eyes and repeated softly, “It’s fate.”
Duncan leaned in, “Is it because the doll is somehow linked to the cursed ‘Abnomar’ family? Is that why you can’t sell it?”
The shopkeeper remained steadfast, “It’s really just fate.”
“Does this doll carry any curses? Special traits? Like, would it return to its owner if thrown away? Or perhaps wander into the kitchen at night to grab a knife?” Duncan continued, his tone tinged with irony.
At this point, the elderly shopkeeper’s eyes widened dramatically, her voice hitting a noticeably higher pitch. “I specifically had a priest perform an exorcism to rid it of any evil spirits! I have certificates to prove it!”
Duncan couldn’t help but chuckle. “Ah, so it really is because people suspect the doll might be cursed that it remains unsold. Am I correct?”
The shopkeeper didn’t reply.
“You see, I own an antique shop in the lower city,” Duncan began, exhaling deeply for emphasis. “An antique shop in the lower city. You get what I’m saying, right?”
“That’s precisely why I don’t enjoy transactions with businessmen, especially those of your ilk,” the old woman muttered, her annoyance barely concealed. “Alright, you’ve got me. The doll, Nilu, has been aging in my storage room because I can’t sell her due to those rumors. If you really want her, I’ll forego any profit and sell her to you at cost for seventy-five soras—just enough to cover the fee I paid the priest for the exorcism.”
“Deal,” Duncan agreed immediately, cutting her off before she could finish her sentence.
He was genuinely intrigued by the doll. Even if there was no concrete evidence linking Nilu to Lucretia, the concept of “fate” was enough to convince him to make the purchase.
His impulsivity stemmed from a recent revelation: he’d found out he had children somewhere in this world. Who knew when or where they might appear? Having a twin doll like Nilu might make for a good conversation starter when that day comes. Besides, the world he lived in had its own ways of intertwining the supernatural with the ordinary. Duncan figured it was best not to underestimate such possibilities. And so, believing in the uncanny alignment of circumstances—or, as the shopkeeper would have it, “fate”—he decided to acquire the doll.
“Then ‘Nilu’ is yours,” the old lady declared, slightly taken aback by Duncan’s immediate agreement. She handed over the wooden box that housed the doll as if second-guessing her decision to offer it at such a low price. “You must take good care of her. Although you strike me as someone who truly appreciates dolls, I still want to emphasize that Nilu is not just some cheap trinket.”
“Understood,” Duncan replied, carefully taking the box from her. He then glanced at the wig and silver hair accessories he had selected earlier. “And the total for these two?”
“That would be 425 soras,” the shopkeeper announced, her tone firm.
The price momentarily stunned Duncan. In the lower city where he operated his antique shop, 425 soras was enough to sustain an entire family for two months. But here, in the affluent upper city, it could only fetch you a couple of accessories—luxuries reserved for the rich. As much as he tried to remain composed, the steep price shook him. Before he could succumb to doubt, however, Duncan reminded himself that he had promised these as a gift for Alice. Coupled with the intriguing discovery of Nilu, he justified the price as reasonable.
Taking a deep breath to steel himself, Duncan began to count out the money. Just as he was about to hand it over, a question sprang to his mind. “By the way, why did Lucretia only buy Luni back then? Was she aware that ‘Nilu’ was Luni’s sister doll?”
The shopkeeper’s eyes narrowed, her expression becoming elusive. “Do you truly wish to know? This is yet another secret that touches on the Abnomar family.”
His interest piqued, Duncan edged closer. “Now I’m even more intrigued.”
“First, complete your payment,” she stipulated.
Though a bit surprised by her abrupt condition, Duncan complied, handing over the currency with a bemused smile. “So, will you tell me now?”
The shopkeeper counted the money before casually divulging, “Well, it’s rather simple, really. Lucretia and her brother didn’t have enough funds at the time. She left the store in tears, vowing to come back for Nilu as soon as she could afford her. But as you can see, it appears she forgot.”
Duncan was momentarily speechless, pondering whether the old lady before him was an exception or if all elves in this world were just this… unique.
……
Back aboard the Vanished, the ship gently rocked on the undulating sea waves. Alice, the doll crew member, had just finished transporting the last of their recent acquisitions to the appropriate locations within the vessel.
“Captain!” She cheerfully approached Duncan, who seemed lost in thought. “All the items have been stored! The ingredients and kitchenware are in the kitchen, and I’ve placed everything else in your quarters!”
Snapping back to reality, Duncan gave her a soft smile, “Well done, Alice. You’ve been a great help.”
“Captain, are you alright?” Alice asked, looking up at him with concern. “You looked rather preoccupied earlier. Is everything okay?”
Duncan shook his head dismissively. “It’s nothing to worry about, just a minor issue.”
In truth, his thoughts were clouded with complex feelings about Tyrian and Lucretia’s existence, not to mention the unexpected acquisition of Nilu, the doll with connections to the mysterious Frost Queen. The coincidences were piling up, and as the old saying goes, when there are too many coincidences, it’s no longer mere coincidence.
Sighing deeply, Duncan made an effort to shake off his lingering disquiet. Then, turning his attention to the bird resting on the deck, he summoned it. With a burst of flames, Ai disappeared, off on another errand.
“Ai’s off to ‘make a delivery’ again, isn’t she?” Alice’s eyes followed the spot where the flames had just flickered out.
“Mhmm, just a small package this time,” Duncan confirmed. His eyes met Alice’s as he offered a warm smile, “It’s actually a gift for you.”
Alice’s eyes sparkled with delight. “A gift? For me? Captain, you really—”
Before she could finish her sentence, a swirling vortex of green flame materialized above the deck, interrupting her. Ai had returned, having completed her teleportation journey from the distant land of Pland. This time, she was carrying a wig that immediately captured Alice’s attention. The doll’s eyes widened as they fixed on the wig, her previous words forgotten in the wake of her newfound fascination.
I’ve never heard or seen anyone buying wig as gift lol…. lucky for alice
Thank you for the chapter!