Andres noticed her immediately.
Not because she stood out—
But because everything around her seemed to settle.
Her presence was composed. Controlled. Intentional.
Different from the crowd.
"…Not a customer," Andres thought.
She approached the stall calmly, her gaze scanning the remaining setup despite everything already being sold.
"…You sold out quickly," she said.
Her voice was steady.
Observant.
Andres met her eyes.
"Yes."
No elaboration.
No explanation.
A brief silence followed.
Then—
"Consistent quality," she continued. "Unusual for this district."
"…Observation disguised as conversation," Andres noted internally.
"You're perceptive," he replied simply.
A faint smile touched her lips.
"And you're careful."
Another pause.
Measured.
Balanced.
Neither pushing too far.
Neither revealing too much.
Then she reached forward and picked up one of the leftover display fruits.
"…May I?"
Andres nodded.
She examined it closely.
Texture. Weight. Surface.
Then—
"…Interesting."
She placed it back gently.
"Will you be selling again tomorrow?"
Andres held her gaze for a moment.
"…Yes."
"Good."
She turned to leave—
Then stopped.
"…Velmora rewards those who understand value," she said without looking back.
"And it eliminates those who don't."
Then she walked away.
Andres watched her go.
"…She knows something," he thought.
Not everything.
But enough.
And that made her—
Important.