Peter Manser's Arc

Chapter 3 of 5

Peter walked along the edge of town, past the plaza where he'd failed yesterday. The cold bit at his face. He needed to understand this place better, figure out where people gathered and what they actually needed. His empire couldn't grow if he kept guessing wrong. He spotted a low stone building with steam rising from its chimney. The sign read "Market Hall." Inside, vendors sold root vegetables, dried fish, and thick loaves of bread. People moved slowly, touching the food, asking questions. They wanted to see what they were buying. Peter watched an old woman pick up three potatoes, turn them over, then nod. This was where trust happened. If he could get a spot here, even temporary, he could test his new menu and learn what worked. The building felt warm, steady, protected from the wind. His cart would fit near the entrance. He'd come back tomorrow with soup. Peter stepped outside and circled the building, studying the flow of people. They walked close to the walls, avoiding the open wind. A few vendors had hung items above their stalls to catch attention. One used brass pots. Another displayed dried herbs on hooks. Peter stopped and thought about his seafood. He still had scallops and prawns from yesterday. If he strung them on fishing line and hung them like a garland, people would see his best dishes before they even reached his cart. The display would show quality, freshness, something worth stopping for. He could set it up tomorrow morning before the crowd arrived. The Market Hall gave him shelter and traffic. Now he just needed to make them look. He walked back to his truck with a clear plan. The empire needed patience, not speed. He'd learn this town one day at a time, one meal at a time. The Market Hall was his next test. If the soup worked and the garland pulled people in, he'd have his foundation. Everything else would build from there.