After returning home. . .
I immediately checked that nothing was touched nor robbed. Fortunately, Karga was extremely dilligent when tasked to guard my home on the outside.
As for the restaurant, Sipfra made sure everything stayed on course and keep the money coming. I gave her and the teams that stayed a bonus for the help and for being honest people.
I then went to check on the new homes and complex.
'How is everything going, sir?' I asked getting closer to Warden.
'Hmm?' Warden turned to see me and his eyes widen. 'M-Mrs. Baker?!' He jumped in surprise. 'Y-You are here earlier than expected. . .' He checked some papers. 'Way, earlier than expected.'
'Yeah, the food turned out so good, we almost ran out of it. We literally had to survive through beef jerky, bread and late oatmeal cookies just to make sure we could check out the rest of the festival in Barrenvale.' I explained a bit embarrassed.
'Ah~. . . Yeah, that makes sense. The first time I went here with my family, due to my daughter's suggestion (and the leftovers she brought home for us), I wanted go eat more. . . But my wallet only allowed so much.' Warden sighed heavily. 'Anyway, let me show you around with what we have been able to do so far.' He proposed.
'Sure thing! My children are at home resting.' I let him know walking with him.
At home. . .
The twins were sleeping heavily, cuddling with their stuffed bears. Liam was cuddling his stuffed moth and hand-puppet. And the babies were sleeping with their new blankees, clinging on to their new rattles.
Back with Warden. . .
'They are not going to wake up ANY time soon.' I laughed a bit.
'Haha! They are probably dead to the world, might as well make the most of it.' Warden nodded along.
Warden then went on to tell me that all the houses were ready to use for planting. The medium sized house was almost ready, while the medium and small cottage were ready to inhabit. As for the workers, they were working very hard under the sun, but were clearly happy for getting a very generous pay .
'Well, that is wonderful to hear.' I exhaled feeling more relaxed. 'Let me know when you all finish and you'll all get your payments.' I patted his shoulder and went back home.
'Yes, my lady.' Warden nodded and went back to work with the others.
As I returned home, I felt my eyes getting heavier, to the point where I was barely able to change into my nightgown and laid down on my bed next to Liam, who was indeed dead to the world, and as soon as I hit my head with the pillow, I was dead to the world too.
The next day. . .
'Mom. . . Mom~.' Charlie woke me up nodding me with one hand while holding a tray of breakfast in the other. 'Wake up, it is morning.' He told me.
I opened my eyes exhausted. 'Good Morning to you too.' I yawned as I sat up. 'Did you do breakfast?' I asked him.
'Yes, I did as such while Lottie went to take care of the animals and took note of the restaurant's inventory.' Charlie let me know putting the tray no my lap. 'She already put the papers in your office, so don't worry.' He kissed me on the cheek.
'Aw, thank you two.' I told Charlie.
'I helped! I helped!' Liam jumped calling our attention form the other side of the bed. 'I woke up first and then woke up the others!' He told me. 'While you eat breakfast, Char and I will take care of Aurory and Indigo.' He let me know.
'He is right.' Charlie confirmed while helping me take my braid off. 'Keep resting dear mother.' He touched my shoulder briefly and then went to the baby girls and took both of them in his arms. 'Lottie is also checking the money of the stand that is ours, preparing the other half of the money for the houses and sent letter to Minerva's mother so she could come and breast feed. By the way, how far are the houses from being done?' Charlie asked.
'Well, two out of three houses are done. The biggest is still yet to finish, but is almost done, so it will probably take them a few more days.' I responded yawning.
'Understood.' Charlie nodded and he decided to take his siblings outside of the room while I took breakfast and rested a bit more.
. . .
A few hours later. . .
I was reading the organization that my children and was very please with it. A few minor mistakes here and there, but they did their best.
Now that was done, we were able to start sorting through our money and merchandise exchange. We were able to keep things like eggs, cheese and bread for road food, while alcohol, flour, oatmeal, firewood and more (like salt and honey) were given to the restaurant along with other things that could be used as food.
After that, we decided to see how much money and what merchandise did we got.
Charlie got:
1. Two thousand copper, one hundred and twenty-five bronces, and fifty silvers.
2. A bronce oil lamp.
3. Fifty simple candles.
4. A handkerchief.
5. Wool scarf (simple and white)
6. Twenty-one beeswax candles.
7. Eight sheets of parchtment.
8. Four combs of both wood and bone.
9. Three bracelets of bronce
10. Five silver rings.
11. Five silver brooches (all simple without incrustated gems or glass).
12. Five partchment sketchbook.
13. Small hand mirror of iron
14. A waist bag (fannypack)
15. Three new pairs of boots (leather, wool and leather again).
16. The iron knife with marble handle.
17. An ivory comb.
18. A black cloak with light yellow embroidery.
19. A wood-string puppet.
Lottie got:
1. Five hundred copper, a hundred bronces, 10 silver coins.
2. Three different shawls (one with bells)
3. Twenty simples candles.
4. Ten beewax candles.
5. Two sheets of parthcment.
6. Two partchment sketchbooks.
7. A rainbow diamond (a rare type of diamond in this world that is often used for its magical properties)
8. An enchanted charcoal that can light fire with a whisper.
9. Five silver rings.
10. Three silver neckclace (one with a ruby pendant and other zafire pendant).
11. Three silver brooches with incrustated gems.
12. A simple silver forehead crown (small crown from a noble).
13. Three silver hairpins (one with pearls).
14. Silver headband.
15. A silk handkerchief with silver embroidery in the edges.
16. Two hair combs (one made of silver, and another one made of bone).
17. A small sack of pixie dust.
18. A moon stone that lights up in the dark (I personally consider it much safer than fire).
19. An necklace with an hourglass that can help stop time around her for a few minutes (I for base her to use it on exams, against her family an another few things).
20. A cloak made of "the giant crystal spiders".
21. A small living pixie. Injured. And Caged.
I was shocked to find my daughter feeding and taking care of a tiny pixie. Turns out the pixies look like actual fairies from modern world. That checks. I nodded to myself. 'Lottie, dear. I just hope you make sure that the pixie, does not leave her cage. While she's well behaved now, we don't what she will do if she is released.' I warned.
'I know.' Lottie nodded understanding. 'That is why I'm feeding her from the distance and keeping our names a secret. I'll move her to the attic soon, I just want to ask her a few questions about what she knows of fairy, pixie, and elf culture.' She told me.
Elf? Oh! Elf! I turned around to see my daughters cuddling in their crib. 'Right. . . Well, make sure her cage is sound-proof, I do not want to find out what she can do if she were to hear us call each other or someone else by our full names.' I told her.
'Understood.' Lottie made my military sign and went back to feeding the cinnamon bread. 'By the way, can I have some honey? Fae folk like it.' She asked me.
'Sure! But let her know that you are already making her a favor in keeping her alive and helping her heal. That way she won't think of the honey as you promising her something.' I told her as I walked downstairs.
'Already ahead of it!' Lottie told me from where she was.
I went and put some honey in a tini tiny jar of the size of my palm. Since the pixie is as small as a pinkie finger, this will definetely be more than enough. I smiled to myself as I went back and gave her the honey and some toothpicks. 'Use the toothpicks as feeding spoons or something. We don't want the honey to run out quickly.' I advised her and then left.
'Okay!' Lottie nodded as she took the honey and started feeding the pixie with the toothpick. 'You should feel youself lucky.' She told the pixie who was living the golden honey. 'If you had not fallen under my care, you would have most probably ended up in a trafficking circus, or something similar.'
*Shriek!!* The pixie jumped out in fear.
'Don't worry don't worry! I will not do that.' Lottie promised. 'Which is why you should be grateful. Also, don't think I want you here for anything more than a few days. . . Few weeks at most.' She told the pixie. 'In this household having pure fae is a bad omen.' She let the pixie know. 'The only reason as to why I saved you is because I want to satisfy my curiosity.' Lottie clarified to the pixie.
The pixie nodded swiftly understanding.
I smiled and then I really left her with the pixie.
As for Liam, he was playing with the stuffed animals and toys that he collected with the money he got through the tips helping the food stand.
Then, I went to check on my baby girls. Aurora was hugging her stuffed bunny made with actual bunny skin and fur, while Indigo was cuddling her stuffed wolf with actual wolf's skin and fur.
I smiled to myself as I went to check the mail, in which came the new payment of the books that I've gotten. Oh boy, these books are making a huge bit. I smiled to myself as I sense a small trace of worry. If it keeps going, I might have to do a new book for my bibliography from my past life. I bit my lip. Wait. . . That is it!!
I started to rewrite the whole romance story that I was writing, making the next part of the novel. There! Now. . . To make a more child friendly love story so Lottie and Charlie can read them. I smiled a bit worried for myself as I kept checking the mail. Oh. . . Right. I remembred something as I read the new letter from the Bismuth principal. I forget. I exhaled sitting up and going to get Charlie and Lottie.
. . .
20 minutes later. . .
'SKIP A GRADE!? The twins questioned overwhelmed.
'Y-Yeah, the Bismuth principal recognized that you have surpassed the expectations and asked if I was willing to let you both skin a grade.' I explained this. 'I admit I had forgotten about it until now. I apologize.' I lowered my head.
'Nonononono!!' The twins shook their heads
'It is not your fault, mother dearest!' Lottie assured me.
'Y-Yeah, with everything that went on, it is only normal that you've had forgotten all about it til now.' Charlie gave a logical explanation. 'And to be honest. . . I do not think I like that idea.' He admitted.
Lottie nodded in return.
'Really?' I asked.
'It is not like that offer isn't greatly honorific, but, neither for us feel prepared to skip such thing.' Lottie explained looking at her feet.
I smiled. 'That is understandable.' I let them know and patted their heads. 'Do not worry. I completely support you. I just wanted to know your thoughts to be able to send a letter to the principal as soon as possible.' I told them.
They nodded understanding. 'Does that mean, we are not going to skin a grade?' Lottie asked for clarification.
'If you two do not want to do so, then no.' I clarified.
'Yahooo! / Woooohoooo!' The two of them jumped on me and hugged me.
I laughed as I hugged them back. It was a wholesome moment.
. . .
A few minutes later. . .
I have written the letter for the principal, informing him that the family is not ready to do such a big step, that we will consider it next year or the year after, but for now, we do not believe we are ready to skin a grade.
Once I put the letter in the mail, I went back into the restaurant and started to make posters for the house, they need to be filled out as soon as possible.
. . .
A few days later. . .
'Wow! The big house looks amazing!!' I told Warden smiling.
'We are most certainly proud of the design. Both inside and out.' Warden assured me. 'Unfortunately, since it is late August, do not think you'll be getting a lot of crops until next spring.' He warned me.
'Oh that is okay.' I assured him. 'Potatoes, lettuce and peas can still be planted between August and October, it should be no problem.'
Warden nodded in agreement .
'Any way.' I pulled up the huge bag of money and set it up in front of me. 'PAYMENT DAY!!'
Warden lined up immediately taking his pouch open, and being followed by the others.
'I still would like a final inspection before sitting them up for rent.' I asked pouring the money onto Warden's pouch.
'Oh! Of course.' Warden nodded enthusiastically.
'Here you go!' I told him stopping the money from pouring. 'Next!'
Warden left the line and the next man came up.
And this went on until every single men was payed.
Thank goodness I saved up A LOT to be able to pay generously. I smiled for myself.
The three houses were surrounded by wood fences with pointy edge on top that surrounded the houses all the way to an entrance made by a door and an iron lock. On the front fence each big house there was enough land to plant things that needed more sunlight, while in the backyard, they could plant things that needed more shadow. The three houses also had an attic each with diferente sizes depending on the house or cottage.
The "big" (medium) house, it had two floors and a basement that could be used as a warehouse. The top floors had one master bedroom for the couple (a big enough to add a crib if needed), three bedrooms big enough for two children to share each room, a small room for a nursery, and a small free space that could be used for anything. Downstairs, it had a kitchen with firewood, a chimney on the other side for the living room, and it had enough living space for a table and seats.
The medium house was more of a big cottage, with two floors and a basement, but clearly for more newly wed couples than a couple with children already. The floor on top had a master bedroom, and with enough space for not just one but two rooms (just in case), a small free space room, and downstairs was almost the same as the big house, but in smaller size and therefore, less space, and basement below.
The small house was a small cottage, with two rooms on the top floor (one bigger than the other), a free space room, and enough space downstairs for one person or two. It also had a basement that could be used as a warehouse, and I would prefer to accept someone like a single mother, a single father, or a senior person who wanted a peaceful yet fullfilling life.
The three houses also had from one to two bathrooms outside (depending on the size of the bad rooms), and a stable close to each house in case they have brought animals with them.
Once I finished paying everyone, I gave them each of them three posters for them to show off. 'Here! One last favor, since you guys have made the houses, I hope you can spread the word for me so the houses can fill up soon.' I asked them.
'Oh! Of course! My brother is coming and bringing his wife, this might call his attention! My in-laws would like it! My sister is searching for own place! Thank you my lady!' The group of men exclaimed as they accepted the posters with care.
We bid each other goodbye and parted ways.
I could only hope the fae problem had not obscured my deals so bad.
The next day. . .
We received the letters about what the children would need for this new school year. Which reminded me, we needed to buy them a whole new wardrobe.
Which we went to get. Since the profits have been going better since the summer festivals, I was actually capable of going to both make and female boutiques to buy things for the twins.
They finally got to decide which color would be the best for them. Charlie has made himself an orange person, while Lottie has decided to make herself a light grey person (she actually wanted to be an Indigo blue person, buuuuut. . . That is reserved for nobles and rich people, which means there's no economy for THAT type of blue, yet).
When we returned home, they asked for some posters for the complex, and for the mini farm and cottages so they could go and show off about how their mom was making a profit for herself and them. And I did, as long as they promised not to open their mouth so much.
They did, and quickly packed everything else.
'Can I be green?' Liam asked. 'Or Brown?' He wondered. 'I-I also want to be a color person.' He told me.
I laughed. 'Well, my dear Liam, since you and your little sisters are still small, you can have more time in deciding what color do you want to be.' I told him as I picked him up in my arms. 'Also, mind you, there are colors which, despite truly representing us, we can't afford it due to our status as commoners. Which, in return, you must adjust that color to one that we can afford.'
Liam thought about what I just said for a few minutes as I sat him down in my lap while I sat in my chair. 'Hmm. . . Are green and brown commoner colors?' He asked.
'Well, yes. But you can't ask for a especial green like, emerald green, for it is too expensive for me. Maybe a light green, olive green, dark brown, those types of colors.' I told him.
Liam nodded understanding. 'What about the money my uncle gave to you?' He asked.
'Oh! Em. . . That, type of money is going straight into either your education or whatever it is you want to do win it once you get older.' I told him patting his head. 'Either that or, when, for example, you fall down and break your leg! And I have to get a good doctor to fix you! With the money your uncle gave me, I can afford you the right doctor so you can heal properly.' I have an example.
'Oooohhh! I-Is like, a "savings chest" just for me?' He asked.
I nodded. 'Yeah. Yeah, something like that.' I agreed. 'But! Until you are older, I won't let you touch a single cent of it. First I would like you to understand the value of money, and how you can spend it responsably, which, I am afraid, it is far from soon, so you are just go a have to wait, Liam.' I explained things to the elf toddler.
Liam pouted. 'I have been waiting.' He murmured.
I chuckled. 'I have it too, but, patience is a virtue that is preferred among both elves and humans, so it is best if you start practicing your patience.' I told him smiling.
Liam cuddled onto me, still pouring and with his arms crosses. I laughed at his "angry" demeanor. 'Oh Liam, you are so cute!' I kissed his forehead.
. . . .
A week before September. . .
The carriage for the Bismuth Academy came, and has already picked up everyone else but my twins. It was already waiting for them, so we had to quickly pack things up.
'Goodbye you two!' I waved goodbye while holding my baby girls.
'Bye bye!' Liam waved goodbye.
Aurora waved imitating me.
'Bye! Bye mom! See you hopefully on winter break!' The twins left with both the things they needed plus some of their merchandise collection to show off at school, and a small pouch of bread goodies, to share on the road with their friends. The carriage left with the twins still waving goodbye and exclaiming they will miss me.
I felt a tear in my eye, but I quickly cleaned it up. The twins helped me prepared for the up coming months of fall and winter, and I hope that, thanks to these houses, and the new books I am creating, my profit goes sky high.