"Thank you." Isabelle smiled at the Chief's daughter-in-law, who put a cup of tea in front of her and the old man. The young woman nodded and walked into the house to do whatever she had been doing before Isabelle arrived at the Chief's house.
The two sat at the porch took a sip on their respective cups and let silence settle between them for a moment before the old man opened his mouth.
"Don't be so hard on them." He reasoned.
Isabelle scoffed and looked away, at the house's gate entrance where no one approached. "Bunch of indecisive men." She mutinously muttered, realizing none of the brothers were going to appear. Darvo Ryon wryly chuckled and sighed.
The Edris brothers really had to get themselves the most assertive and independent woman out there. On one hand, it was good for them as they were indeed a bit like pushovers in some matters. On the other hand, they might feel pressured to follow her steps; and when if they were unable to catch up, then she would become an unreachable pursue.
If Isabelle had the appropriate documentation to buy the land, he would have definitely sold it to her without even blinking. Unfortunately, she carried nothing to prove her identity. Edris sir, back then, had presented his family identification that included his Wife, that was why it was not hard for them to immediately settle in the village despite the Chief and the village's distrust.
Isabelle's situation was different.
She had no family identification on her when she was found, and the only way for her to become a true villager was to marry the brothers. After that, she would not even need her Husbands' permission to buy land; she could do it on her own as long as she had the money and the family identification.
"Am I really too harsh on them?" Isabelle suddenly questioned, softly, her gaze on the faraway trees. Pensive on her past actions.
Darvo hummed and looked into his empty cup. "Disagreements are normal. You just need to think more from their point of view. Sometimes, what is easy and simple for you, it's not for them." Isabelle turned to look at him with a frown. "But don't be too soft either. They do need some wake-up call from time to time." He smiled and gestured at the entrance where a fidgeting Joseph stood.
From where he sat, Darvo had been able to see the young man stop after his rush. Despite being a reckless guy in his teens, Joseph still lacked the courage for more formal matters, Darvo perceived.
The Chief and Isabelle stared at the third brother, who tried his best to hold their gazes. Isabelle hid her smile behind her cup as she noticed her lover's awkward posture. Darvo Ryon openly smirked at the young man and beckoned him forward.
Joseph hesitated for a second before entering the yard. "Uh… well, I think ye forgot this." He stuttered as he extended a piece of paper towards Isabelle.
The young woman did not try to take it, guessing what it was. Thinking back to what the Chief told her, she decided to step back from the process and just give the money. She could not go and change the way the brothers did things just because she said so. But she could give the younger brothers the power to be proactive and not depend too much on their eldest brother.
Let this be a lesson for them.
Like that, the stand-off between Joseph and Isabelle prolonged until the Chief actually took the piece of paper and put it in his pocket.
"So, shall we go see it?" The old man breezily commented, getting on his feet. "Come along, youngsters." He gestured, making his way out. "I remember you were very interested in that piece of land before, Joseph." He continued, trying to make small talk as the couple followed him.
"Yeah, it's a nice one." Joseph replied, a wistful smile on his face. Isabelle glanced at his expression and wondered what was so charming about the land. It was just trees and weeds. Right?
Not long later, they reached the land they wanted to buy.
From afar, Isabelle could see Felix looking out to the road from behind the fence. The teen perked up seeing the three, yet she ignored him and followed the Chief into the land, the old man waving at the youngest Edris. Joseph nodded to his brother to let him know they were going to buy the land. Felix sighed and nodded back. He was dejected that Isabelle ignored him, but there was nothing he could do.
"As I said, the land is one acre. It's full of shrubbery and trees. Some are good to make fences, others are good for furniture, and there are lots of dry branches that might be used for firewood. A good cleaning needs to be done before it could be optimally used." The old man explained as he gestured at this tree or that shrub.
Joseph attentively listened to the Chief, quickly cataloguing the trees that could be turned into furniture or any other item they needed at the house. Isabelle, on the other hand, had no idea what trees he referred to as good for furniture or to make fences. What she did know was that the acre of land was quite big; bigger than the patch and the land where the house was.
It was worth the 60 coins!
As the Chief walked them around, both Joseph and Isabelle could picture what they could do in it.
Joseph envisioned the vegetables he could grow, plus having a grazing area for the chickens and rabbits. He could even build a shed to keep a cow and start getting milk, and make their own cheese! (Though they would have to learn how to make cheese.) Maybe even have their own pigs so Lucas would not go hunting anymore…
"Isabelle." Joseph's voice suddenly spoke up, getting her attention. "Buy the land," he implored.
Isabelle looked at him, at his serene yet firm eyes. She sighed and shook her head. "You buy it. I was too presumptuous in telling you to do things my way when I am still an outsider. Here is the money." Taking his hand, and preventing him from pulling away with her puny strength, she put the pouch on his palm.
Joseph frowned. "If it's gonna be like this, why not wait for Ethan?"
Because I am also teaching you to be independent!
Her thought and aggravation did not make it out of her mouth. She just grabbed his face and planted a kiss on his lips. "I believe you will do a good job!" She smiled at him. Joseph also knew how to read and write, so she believed that he would not mess up the process. After waving at the Chief in farewell, she headed back to the house.
The Chief just plaintively waved back at her, though his eyes were sparkling with mischief. Oh, how I'm going to enjoy drilling everything about land acquisition to Joseph's hard head! He evilly thought as he patted the young man's shoulder and steered him back towards his house.
Thus, one of Joseph's hardest times in his life began.
"Land acquisition involves identifying suitable land, assessing its viability, negotiating with owners, and securing legal approvals. This process is governed by laws and regulations to ensure fairness and protect landowners' rights. There are some key aspects for land acquisition, but right now you'd be more interested to know the method." The Chief educated the third brother, who looked as if his head was about to blow up from the barrage of information.
"You're outright purchasing the piece of land; not from someone but from the country itself. That's why, although I have the deeds and can collect the money, you have to come with me to Basin Town to finish the transfer procedure through the Register and Tax Offices. Only then, the land will officially become yours, or your family's. This is the right procedure according to the Legal Framework. If I ever try to charge you more than it is worth, then I'm embezzling money as I would keep part of it."
Joseph's gaping expression vanished as he somehow began to understand what was being said, though his eyes were still swirling with confusion.
"This is the legal land deed. You can go ahead and read it over." The Chief said, sliding the piece of paper across the table towards Joseph. The young man read over the deed with a troubled expression, half listening to what the older one was speaking. "It contains the measurements and slight description, as well as the decided price set by the Town offices after performing what we call Assessment; thing those from Silver City will be doing soon. This price changes due to different factors; among them, population, the purpose and war."
Joseph looked up at the Chief at that last sentence. Seeing the other's interest, Darvo expanded upon that. "For example, this same piece of land would cost double, almost triple of the price, at Two Stone Village because there are more people there. More population means more prosperity, that's why the price of land there is more expensive."
There were no words to describe the satisfaction Joseph felt to know those uppity people from Two Stone Village, especially that brat who often bothered him and Lucas whenever they tried to sell lemons and oranges there, would pay more for a piece of land that he could easily buy. With Isabelle's help of course.
"As for the purpose, that has more to do with the Governing Offices than civilian ones. Purpose can be divided into some categories; first, we have Public Infrastructure, with which Mayors from big cities, or even those from the capital give the order to build national projects, like a school or barracks. Then, there is Resource Management. This is land owned by cities and towns that is manned by several families to produce resources, like food, wood, stone, among other things. Third, there is Community Development. It's a more bureaucratic procedure as only those from the Capital can give the go ahead to provide land for villages, town planning or other type of house-planning projects."
Darvo moistened his throat with the newly poured tea from his daughter-in-law after his long explanation.
Joseph's expression, instead of turning lighter with understanding, became graver from confusion. Well, it was a complicated field that had those working in it pulling their hair in frustration from the many setbacks and orders. He could only explain in simple terms so Joseph would not be muddled-headed when those from the Register and Tax Offices explain things to him.
After the short break, the Chief finished his explanation. "Lastly, war-torn or disaster-stricken land is the cheapest of all. That's because the time, effort and cost to bring it back to what it was, fertile and habitable, is bigger than just wild land like the one you want to buy. When we go to the offices at town, you'll be asked the purpose of your land and if you're going to profit from it or not. This is to setup the correct taxes."
Joseph nodded, understanding that last part. Their land of sandy soil was appointed as 'Farming Land' and the one with the house was tagged as 'Housing'. The new land would most likely also be under the Farming Land category. Actually, thinking about it, there was no need for him to receive the great lecture he got from the Chief. Though, he could not stay that to the old man.
"I get it…um, can I leave the deed in yer hands?" Joseph slid the deed back to the Chief, who easily put it beside him.
"I'll take it with me tomorrow." The Chief accepted the responsibility.
Joseph nodded, grateful, then fidgeted in his seat at the sudden silence. "…you've got nothing else to say?" Joseph carefully asked, not wanting to sit on an even longer lecture.
Darvo's eyes flashed in amusement. "Just that. Any other information will be given at the offices; and any question you may have, you can ask me on the way there." Joseph nodded and hurried out of the Chief's house, afraid that the old man would stop him and lecture him some more. "Oh, and Joseph…"
The young man stopped in his tracks and turned around with a pleading look. Darvo pursed his lips to stop the laugh that threatened to spill after seeing his expression.
"Isabelle; she's the type of woman that needs a reliable partner; proactive and assertive. Avoid hesitating too much." He advised.
Joseph blinked at the Chief and nodded, then he ran out of the older man's yard. Seeing his fleeing figure, Darvo chuckled and finished his tea. His daughter-in-law tinkered inside the house and the breeze brought the smell of wet soil.
Joseph was completely relieved when he finally got home. The yard was silent as his two brothers dejectedly sat at the table and looked at the house's door from time to time like kicked puppies. Isabelle was nowhere in sight, so that meant she was inside. Though, he could not understand why they waited outside, hemming and hawing.
"What yer doin' here?" The third brother asked as he approached the house.
"When Belle returned, she just went into the house and hasn't come out. We don't know if she's still angry or not…" Felix replied while twiddling his thumbs. Joseph guessed the Chief's words made complete sense now.
Lucas and Felix were too passive, too reactive to what Isabelle did or did not do. Joseph tended to be more proactive in relationships; in hindsight, it was because all the women he had been involved with were timid (with Milly being the glaring exception). Isabelle was the opposite of those women, with a strong presence and personality that sometimes made the straightforward Joseph take a step back.
He supposed that could last no longer. Not if they expected their relationship to last as long as possible. Till death.
"Right. Lemme go check, then. Ye better start with dinner." Joseph shooed his brothers away and entered the house.
He found Isabelle leaning over the bed, cutting some of the fabric she bought. The white color told Joseph that it was for her dress. His chest sweetly tightened and it made his feet move towards her, enveloping her in his arms. He wanted to say something beautiful to her, something endearing that would express how he felt.
Instead, what came out of his mouth was: "Don't make me do this kind of stuff again."
Isabelle pressed her lips to avoid exploding in laughter at his whining. She could imagine how miserable he must have been hearing and reading all there was to hear and read about the land-buying process and what he must do from then on. For all intents and purposes, this sole process was a class for him.
But he did it! And she was proud of him for it.
"Did you successfully buy the land?" She inquired.
"Still hafta go to the Register and Tax Offices in town to validate the purchase and owning of the land." He replied, burying his face in her neck. Hearing him use sophisticated words meant the Chief taught him well.
"You can do it!" She patted his arm, encouraging him.
"I want ye ta come with me." He pleaded, placing soft kisses on the skin in front of him.
Isabelle sighed at the sensation, but her focus remained on the conversation. "You can take Lucas or Felix, or both. You all know how to read and write now; I am sure you will do well."
"Why don't ye want to go? Ye still mad at us?" He asked, stopping his ministrations.
Shaking her head, she wiggled in his arms for him to loosen his hold, allowing her to turn around. "I have work to do, Joseph. I want my wedding dress to be perfect." She said, brushing his hair back. It was getting longer and messier.
"You'll look perfect even without a weddin' dress." Joseph grabbed one of her hands and kissed the soft palm. Isabelle's eyebrows rose. Joseph could also say very sweet things from time to time! Or, maybe, he meant something else.
Not wanting to overthink his words, she just beamed and pressed a kiss on his lips before remarking: "I know." Joseph smirked and leaned down to capture her lips.
The kiss was slow and full of feelings. Joseph ascertained that he was there, that she could rely on him; while Isabelle soothed any hard feelings that might have lingered between them from their previous argument.
Sighs escaped their mouths as they separated. "Ye should reassure the other two. They think you're angry." He voiced out after pressing some fluttering kisses on her cheeks.
"Hm. I will do so." Isabelle promised. Even if their attitude sometimes maddened her, there were always solutions for their arguments. She needed to tone down a bit, and they needed to up their game. It was a matter of finding each other on level ground.
Later, that night, as the full moon brightly illuminated the dirt path, Ethan quickly made his way home. He was quite late. The personnel had stayed longer because they had been short on two people, one was sick and the other had at accident at home and could not work. Waiters on the ground floor had to make do without those two.
His meal time was cut short to be able to attend guests as fast as possible. Many of the other waiters complained, but since they were going to be paid extra, their complaints were casual. Ethan, obviously, said nothing. His job as a waiter was easy compared to his previous ones: long working hours, short resting time and poor meals.
The restaurant, on the contrary, even let him choose a dish from the menu to eat. From the cheapest dishes, of course. Still, even the cheapest dish was better than whatever he had the chance to buy in the market. Except for Monthe's soup. Ethan ate at the other's stall whenever he had saved enough for a bowl. It was a treat for him.
Crickets and the sound of his steps were his only companions as he walked. The houses in Yellow Leaf Village were completely dark, their inhabitants probably already dreaming. Or doing other things. Nights were very silent in villages. Any noise coming from inside was clearly heard. Proof of it was the telltale and enthusiastic sounds of sex coming from a house by the main road.
Glancing at the house, Ethan let his mind wander to not think about who the authors of the moaning and grunting were. Mr. and Mrs. Raymi already had grandchildren, yet they were still enjoying their married life. And with how loud they were, probably those kids were woken up.
That made Ethan wonder about Isabelle; if she was already asleep or if she was partaking in more intimate acts. It was Lucas' day though. Being intimate was an on and off thing with him. Lucas liked to pamper her while bathing: washing her hair or massaging her tired body. Ethan admired his second brother's self-control.
In Ethan's case, unless she explicitly said she was not going to partake in the pleasures of the flesh, then he always took advantage of their bath time to touch and do things with her. Not that she ever complained; but he guessed he should show some restraint from time to time.
As he walked away from the loud grunts of Mr. Raymi that signaled his job as over while Mrs. Raymi had still been urging him to keep going, he knew the old couple would fight after that. It was common in villages for women to end up unsatisfied from their husbands' performance. That was how some women ended up looking for Joseph for a good tussle that would leave them limping yet satiated.
Ethan remembered it all began after a young lady, who had quite the reputation of trying men out (yes, Ethan was also in her list of tried-out men), loudly commented to other women in and out of the village about her wild and fulfilling experience with Joseph.
It was funny because Joseph recounted how he had had trouble keeping it hard as her moans had been very off-putting. The long process of him searching his own orgasm, that poorly and barely came, had been the best sex she had ever had. Ethan, on the other hand, did not even try. The moment she had her orgasm, he put it away and left.
The rest was history when it came to Joseph. As for Ethan, he had more bad experiences than good. With Isabelle, though, Ethan thought it would be impossible to live a cold and unsatisfied married life. In fact, just teasing each other was more enjoyable and pleasurable than many of his past sexual encounters. If they went all the way…
A shiver ran down his spine.
Until that happened, he was fine with stabilizing their relationship; setting expectancies, boundaries and getting to know each other. More than ever, he sought to do things correctly with a partner, with Isabelle. It could be his last chance.
His thoughts halted when he saw light coming from the house. Then, he noticed the two who were still outside, sitting at the table. Entering the yard, and with the help of the moonlight, he saw it was Lucas with Isabelle on his lap. Their whispered conversation stopped with his arrival.
"What's wrong? Why're you not inside?" Ethan softly asked, not wanting to break the mood the two had set up.
"Joseph and Felix are studying inside. We did not want to interrupt them after our bath, so we stayed here." Isabelle replied from the comfortable safety of Lucas' embrace.
"They're studyin' so late at night?" Ethan frowned. As far as he knew, the lessons with Isabelle were after dinner and before her bath.
"They're going to town tomorrow." Lucas said.
"What for?" One thing Ethan really disliked about working all day was that he was unaware of things happening at home. He could only catch up as soon as he returned; and barely at that.
"People from Silver City will come to measure the land in the village. The Chief suggested we buy the land next to us –the one we were already thinking of buying – as soon as possible. We did so in the afternoon. Joseph just needs to go register the purchase in town." Isabelle explained, skipping all about the argument they had.
Ethan's frown deepened. "We had decided it was a gift." He accusingly looked at Lucas.
Isabelle was ready to jump and defend the tallest brother but was stopped by the latter, who squeezed her body. Lucas stared back at his upset brother. Yes, they had decided it was a gift; however, he also thought that what Isabelle said before made sense.
They had had a deep conversation while bathing, and she carefully explained her reasoning for being hasty in the purchase. He had apologized for being stubborn, to which Isabelle responded with her own apology for her own stubbornness. Their apologies devolved into a kissing and cuddling session until the water turned cold.
All in all, they were good once again. So, he wanted for things to remain good.
"We had the money. The chance was there. Why not?" Lucas' slow, clear and full-of-meaning voice punched the air and anger out of Ethan.
The eldest brother knew what it meant for people to come measure the land. Not only the price of land rose, taxes also rose. Taxes depended on the amount of land owned and not on the number of people living in it. That was the reason why many villagers only had their patch and the land where they lived. The whole family, even the added one, lived in the same house to avoid paying more taxes.
Monthly taxes for each piece of land were of the 3% of the amount they bought the land for. Meaning, if they bought the patch for 60 coins right now, then they would only pay 1 coin and 8 dimes as taxes. Together with the taxes of the house land and the other patch, then they were going to pay 2 coins and 7 dimes in total.
If taxes rose after the measurement, then Ethan was not sure how much the fee would end up. Either way, it was best to be taxed based on 60 coins rather than 100 coins, for example.
Besides, the words Joseph once told him still rang in his mind. He was not their father. He had no reason to stop them from deciding things on their own. It was a rather urgent decision at that. One that was best to act first and ask later. So, no, he was not going to scold them for doing what they did.
If it was before, maybe he could have. But with Isabelle present, he was not going to diminish his brothers' confidence, responsibility, authority and independence. He no longer could.
Ethan sighed as he took a seat. "So, what're you planning to do with the new land?" Both Lucas and Isabelle were a bit surprised at the ease with which Ethan accepted their decision. They kind of expected him to argue back. However, it seemed the oldest of them was more mature than they gave him credit for.
"Cleanin'. Decide which trees we've to cut down." Lucas listed out after Isabelle elbowed him to reply. She had no idea what had to be done after land was bought, so she left all that work to the brothers.
"Joseph has no plan?" Ethan inquired.
Lucas shook his head. "I don't know."
"Right. Well, we can decide that before we go to town tomorrow." As part of the family, Ethan definitely did not want to be left out in this new endeavor.