"Yup," Leonard nodded slowly.

"In this work," he said, "you won't have to suffer under the hands of anyone. You'll work freely, without someone shouting at you for every mistake."

Maren blinked, still processing his words.

"However," he continued, "the business is still far from being fully established. That's why I'm looking for someone trustworthy to help me get started."

"S-so… what do you need me to do, sir?" Her brows furrowed slightly

"For now," Leonard said, "I want you to look for cheap fruits and grains around the area. Nothing too complicated. Just find the best ones you can get at a fair price."

Maren's lips parted a little in disbelief.

"That simple?" she asked, almost cautiously. Then, after a pause, she frowned faintly. "But… what about the pay?"

Leonard smiled at that. "Ten silver coins every day."

Maren froze. "T-ten?" she repeated, her voice rising slightly. Her eyes widened in shock. "But… that's more than double what I earn here!"

He nodded once, unbothered. He could easily afford that much.

"Once the business grows, it'll go higher. That much, I can promise you."

For a second, Maren just stood there, completely speechless. Her eyes sparkled faintly under the lantern light as she finally managed to nod.

"I… I'll do it, sir! I'll take it!" she said eagerly, her voice trembling from excitement.

Leonard couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction.

"Good. Then come to our store tomorrow morning so we can discuss it further." He took a small step back, glancing at the darkening street. "I'm afraid it's getting too late now."

"You'll find us at Eternal Happiness, Alder Street." He gave her a polite nod.

Maren's face brightened instantly, her earlier exhaustion replaced by relief and joy.

"Yes, sir! I'll go tomorrow! I promise!"

Leonard smiled faintly at that, hands in his pockets. "We'll be waiting then."

"Thank you, Sir!" Maren muttered out loud.

Leonard chuckled and waved his hands before turning around. Anika quickly followed her too. The two of them started to walk, not glancing back anymore.

Anika glanced at Leonard from the side, shaking her head with an amused sigh.

"So what are you really planning to do with the fruits and grains?" She puffed her cheeks and asked. She had been accompanying him the whole day, but she still didn't have any idea.

"We'll make alcoholic drinks," he said simply, before letting out a small hum.

Anika stopped mid-step, her eyes widening.

"Wait… what?" She stared at him, half in disbelief. "You know how to make that?"

Leonard only laughed softly, "Of course," he said, the corners of his mouth curving into a confident grin. "Just wait. We'll make the best ones in town."

Anika blinked; her expression was between amusement and doubt. "You sound way too sure of yourself," she muttered, crossing her arms. But when she saw how confident he looked, she could only sigh in defeat.

"Alright then," she said, smiling faintly. "Whatever you say."

Leonard chuckled again, before pointing out at the side.

"Come on. Let's grab a carriage. It's getting late."

"Alright."

The two of them walked side by side, their steps making a soft sound on the stone pavement. After a few steps, they reached the carriage stop, where a few drivers were waiting for passengers in the night.

They climbed in and told their location. As the carriage started moving, Anika leaned against the side. She turned her head and stole a glance at Leonard.

Leonard was looking at the window. He was in deep thought.

Anika's gaze stayed on him quietly. He looked calm… too calm.

Her fingers curled lightly against her lap. A faint ache tugged in her chest. He had gone out of his way to notice another woman tonight. It was not in a romantic way, she knew that, but still, she couldn't help but feel uneases.

She hated the way he'd smiled, the way his voice had softened when talking to her.

Anika bit her lip and turned her gaze toward the other window, watching the street instead.

'You're overthinking again,' she scolded herself silently. 'He's just helping someone. That's all he ever does. He won't leave me.'

She let out a quiet breath, forcing her shoulders to relax.

'Yes, Anika,' she whispered under her breath, 'You need to stop thinking like that. Leonard won't do that to me.'

The carriage rocked gently as it turned down the next street. Leonard still hadn't moved from his spot, lost somewhere in his thoughts. For a moment, Anika just simply watched him again.

—

By the next day, the town was already alive again.

At the gambling den, laughter and shouts echoed as dice rolled and coins clinked against the tables. The familiar noise filled the air once again. It was crowded as always. The den was full of faces, both familiar and new.

It was the same on Alder Street. Because of the people visiting Leonard's den, the street has gotten busier.

Among the crowd, a young woman walked under the light with careful steps. She looked amazed as she looked around.

It was Maren.

She didn't look as bad as she had the previous night. Today, she looked entirely different. Her hair was neatly tied with a ribbon, and her cheeks now had a faint color in them.

She wore a simple dress. Though it was not extravagant, it was freshly washed and tidy.

She didn't expect that Alder Street was long enough. Every shop that she passes by, she will stop once in a while to check the signs on it. Her gaze darted left and right, searching for something familiar.

"Eternal Happiness… Eternal Happiness…" she murmured softly, the name rolling uncertainly off her tongue.

Several passersby gave her polite glances, and one elderly man pointed down the middle road when she asked. Maren bowed quickly in thanks and continued her way.

Just as Maren walked further, a sudden burst of laughter and shouting filled the air. The sound echoed down the busy street, loud enough for her to hear.

She blinked, startled.

"What's going on…?" she murmured. The voices grew clearer as she walked for more until she stopped by the shop where the sound was coming from.

Then, suddenly, her eyes widened in disbelief. Right in front of her stood the very place she had been searching for, Eternal Happiness.

Maren froze in place, her mouth parting slightly.

"This… is the shop?"

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