Aniphrae absentmindedly played with the food on her plate. The buzz of the locals drowned out by her racing mind. It went directly to that magic box.

This was the first time she' ever come upon something that she couldn't price. The years she spent studying under her mother now felt completely useless. The worst part was that she failed in front of the man she was trying to impress.

"Could this get any worse?" She fumed desperately.

"Yes, you could be a worthless vagabond on the streets." Lei replied coldly.

"Thank you for the perspective." Aniphrae growled at her maid's smirk.

"Is the food not to your liking?" They turned to see the barmaid standing next to their table. Concern filled her eyes as she looked at the barely disturbed plate.

Aniphrae smiled politely. "No, the food's lovely. I simply have no appetite is all."

"Then let me finish that for you ma'am." Lei yanked the plate closer and drove her fork into the food.

"That's your third helping." She snapped.

"Why should I let good food go to waste?"

Sierra's laughter broke up their spat. "I'm glad you enjoy our cooking. Would you like another plate?"

"Do you have anything lighter?" Aniphrae sighed, eyeing her former food.

"And sweet?" Lei piped up.

"We have sweet cakes and cream. Will that suffice?"

"Yes." They both said.

Sierra quickly disappeared into the kitchen as a group of men entered. Their loud, boisterous laughs filled the small hall with footsteps that shook the floorboards. They each grabbed a chair, their wooden feet shrieking loudly as it dragged against the floor as they were pulled it closer to the fire. She recognized one of the men as the headman amongst them.

"So, gentlemen, have we determined which seeds to plant this next year?" Barin's chair creaked angrily as he sat down. Oden came around with a tray full of frothy mugs.

"Why are you even asking? We're planting the same thing we planted this year."

"That's not going to work." Barin sighed. "We have more mouths to feed, so we need to expand the farm."

"Damn fairies." The men grumbled.

"Don't speak about them like that." Oden snapped. "Especially when one of those fairies fixed your bum leg." The man growled into his cup.

"Oden's right. The elves are staying so we'll need to start including them into these meetings." Barin glared at them.

"How are we going to expand the plots, Barin? We don't have the coin or the manpower."

Sierra stepped out of the kitchen, carrying two plates. "Why not use that new plough?" She called out. "The one Nathaniel made for the garden."

"We could give it a try." The farmers nodded in thought.

"Excuse me." Aniphrae said, slowly approaching. "Why don't you each have your own plot of land?"

"Why would we?" The men chuckled. "We barely make enough coin on the crops we do sell."

"Lumber is our main export, madam Quarmaine." Barin replied.

"You may wish to rethink that." She smiled politely. "There are many influential people that have their eyes on your small village. Come spring, I expect you'll see more people visiting and trying to move here."

"We don't need anymore outsiders." The farmers sneered.

"We'll have to get used to it." Barin said sternly. "Our lord is a hero, and that means people will seek his attention."

"You're a merchant. Do you have any suggestions, madam Quarmane?" Sierra asked nervously.

Suddenly, all eyes fell on Aniphrae. "If it's about expanding, then I recommend each of you build your own farms."

"And how are we supposed to buy the land!"

"You make a contract with the local lord." She replied calmly. "Lords lease the land out to farmers for a set number of years in exchange for ownership." She took a deep breath, looking at each farmer in the eye. "If you don't take advantage of this, then someone else will."

"But we don't have the people to work it." Barin said in thought.

"Having control of the land is important thing." Aniphrae replied. "You each can work the land however you want afterwards."

"It might be something we should consider." Barin looked at each of the farmers.

"If you do decide to do that, then one of you focus on animals." Oden chuckled. "I could use some more milk and eggs."

"That'd be nice." The farmers laughed along. "Perhaps we'll talk with Nathaniel about that tomorrow."

The conversation quickly turned away from business, so Aniphrae returned to her table. Two empty plates sat to the side of the table while Lei wiped the crumbs off her blouse.

"You ate both of them?" Aniphrae glared at her. "One was for me."

"I didn't want it to go to waste ma'am."

"I'll bring you another." Sierra gently tapped on her shoulder with a smile.

"Thank you, I'll take it at the bar please." Aniphrae said, following the young woman. "You had some excellent ideas. It's strange to see a Barmaid be so forward thinking."

"Truthfully, my class is Consular not Barmaid."

Aniphrae stared blankly at her. "You have the Consular class? What are you doing here then?"

"My father needs me. He can't run this place on his own."

Aniphrae took the woman in. Sierra was shorter than her by a head with a petite frame that made her look younger than she was. Still, it was a waste of her class to spend the rest of her days as a tavern wench.

"Why not ask Nathaniel to take you on as an advisor?"

"He already has Seneschal, and Bella." Sierra tried hiding her red face behind her hair. "Why would he need me?"

Aniphrae's nails clacked against the wooden the bar. "It's important for a noble to have multiple advisors. You shouldn't sell yourself short." Sierra shifted uncomfortably. "Can I ask you something?" Aniphrae said with a tired smile. "I'm trying to show Nathaniel my worth by helping expand the village's economy, but several villagers have refused my offer to open their own shops. Do you have any ideas on how I should proceed?"

Sierra turned towards the floor, tapping her chin. Her green eyes shifted rapidly at something she could only see. Slowly, she raised her head with a bright smile.

"Why don't you open the shops?" She said, "If you know what the village needs to expand, then why wait on them."

"I've thought about that, but I didn't want to alienate the other villagers." Aniphrae chuckled. "Animosity is bad for business."

Sierra scrunched her nose in thought. "What about some sort of contract?" She said, "Something that lets them have partial ownership while you run everything."

"Interesting idea." Aniphrae returned the smile as she fished out a gold coin. "Thank you for your help."

"But… I can't accept this."

"First rule of business is never to offer your services for free." Aniphrae chuckled. "Your advice was easily worth a gold coin." She quickly headed towards the door. "I'll have to pass on that cake." Lei'lorai fell in behind her.

The village streets were oddly alive despite the cold winds blowing. It wasn't the busy bustling like in the capital. She was used to people pushing past, desperate to complete their tasks, but here, everyone went at a slower pace with genuine smiles. It was slightly disconcerting. Aniphrae stepped into the soothing warmth of Nathaniel's house and was greeted by the beautiful dark elf.

"Welcome back, madam." Bella smiled politely. "The bath is free whenever you're ready."

"Thank you, but I wish to speak with Nathaniel first. Where is he?"

"In his study. He's finishing up some paperwork before bed."

"Thank you." Aniphrae said. She glided down the hall to the single door at the end. "Nathaniel, may I speak with you?" She asked after knocking.

"Of course."

She stepped inside and saw Nathaniel hunched over his desk scribbling on some parchments. In the lamplight, he looked older thanks to the wrinkles around his eyes, not like how he was back in the dungeon.

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"I don't think this suits you." Aniphrae sighed, sitting across from him. "You should appoint a chamberlain to perform these tasks for you."

"It would be irresponsible for me to pass this work to someone else." Nathaniel chuckled. "What would you like to talk about?"

"I would like to purchase more land, preferably land around the square."

"Why?"

"Since I couldn't convince the other villagers to open shops, I would like to open them instead." She replied simply. "But to make sure that the villagers also benefit, I'll offer them a chance to help fund them for a portion of the profits."

"So you're asking for investments." Nathaniel smiled brightly. "That's an excellent idea."

"Pardon?" Aniphrae's mind went blank. "You're aware of this?"

"It's common practice back in my old world. I thought it was the same here since you have banks and money lenders."

"There are times where nobles sponsor merchants but those come with severe stipulations." She sighed deeply. "The idea of commoners paying for partial ownership isn't common. Will you still sell me the land?"

"Yes," He replied with a smile. "Honestly, I like this idea better, so I'll try to convince the villagers to participate."

"Thank you. I'll need to return to Rumand to acquire the funds, so I'll leave the investments with you." Aniphrae smirked at him. "Also, I'd like to take Sierra with me. Could you convince Oden to let her leave?"

The sounds of Rumand filled the air, and Sierra watched the people go by from Aniphrae's carriage. The carriage moved through the streets effortlessly, not like the village wagon her father used. She shifted nervously in her cushioned seat. It didn't feel right riding in the Quarmane's carriage or for her to accompany the young merchant.

"Would you like to stop by the manor, madam?" The driver called out to them.

"Let's stop by the trading house first." Aniphrae replied.

Sierra glanced shyly at her. "Are you sure you want me here?"

"Of course." Aniphrae smiled, taking her arm. "I need your assistance with stocking the Treante warehouse along with hiring employees for the shops."

"Wouldn't Barin be better?"

"The Headsman already has enough responsibilities. Besides, you're a Consular. I have no doubt you have the village's best interest at heart." Aniphrae leaned in and whispered into her ear. "Think of this as training. Trust me, you'll need it."

Sierra opened her mouth, but the carriage's sudden stop stole her voice. The carriage doors swung wide, and Aniphrae gracefully stepped out. A gaggle of uniformly dressed employees swarmed forward, ready to serve.

"Welcome back madam. How may we be of service?" an elderly employee beamed at her.

"I'd like to start setting aside inventory for the Treante warehouse." Aniphrae returned the smile while locking arms with Sierra. "Please show us to the agricultural supplies."

"Of course, madam." The elderly employee led the way with the others following closely behind them.

Sierra went taut as they moved through the building. Employees stopped and bowed to them as they passed, offering cheerful greetings. She caught a few silently judging her with their eyes. Her simple blouse had fraying seams, and the miscolored patches on her skirt stuck out. It contrasted with Aniphrae's rich dress.

"Would you like any refreshments madam?" An employee stepped closer.

"Wine, please." Aniphrae gave him a pleasant smile.

"And you miss?"

"Water… please." Sierra's tongue twisted in her mouth. The employee disappeared into the crowd as they stepped into another room.

Multiple shelves lined the room with large wooden boxes sitting on each shelf. Uniformed employees moved quickly through each row, some pulling stock while others replaced it. A few barrels filled with various farming instruments sat at the ends of the rows and organized by how blunted they were.

"I'd like to start with the seeds." Aniphrae said, turning to Sierra. "What crops do you normally grow?"

"We mainly grow leaf and root vegetables." Sierra replied. "However, we have gotten berry bushes to grow too, but they were destroyed in the raid." The elderly employee led them to a row with boxes labeled for each vegetable.

"What about wheat seeds?" The Employee gestured to the largest box. "Your Miller can't make flour without wheat."

"We don't have a Miller." Sierra replied, "We buy flour in bulk when making deliveries to Rumand. Besides from my family, most of the villagers live off bread they make at home."

"I was planning on a bakery being one of the new shops." Aniphrae said thoughtfully. "Do you think it's worth it?"

Sierra swallowed nervously as the employees turned their intense gazes to her. "Not right now." She said, "I remember Barin saying the village goes through three sacks of flour every month."

"One sack is twenty-five coppers, meaning the village spends eleven silver a year on flour." Aniphrae muttered, "Agreed, that's not enough to justify opening a bakery."

"Eleven silver!" Sierra said dumbfounded. She could count the number of silver coins she'd seen on one hand. "No wonder Barin complains about the price. If only we could make it in the village?"

"Sweet Sierra, eleven silver isn't much when operating in the city." Aniphrae patted her shoulder. "But I do agree, we should find a way to lower the village's spending. Add the wheat seeds. I'll talk with Nathaniel about bringing in a Miller." Her eyes fell on a bundle of sacks sitting next to them. "What are those?"

"Saplings madam." The Employee replied, "A baron north of Rumand is preparing to plant an orchard."

"Keilliane mentioned that some of the dark elves have classes meant to tending trees." Sierra commented, "It wouldn't be a terrible idea to stock some."

"No, it wouldn't, considering Treante primarily sells lumber. Add a few saplings to the list along with a small crate of each seed." The employees immediately dispersed. "Is the tailor in?" Aniphrae turned to the elderly employee.

"She is, yes."

"Excellent. Come Sierra, we're getting your measurements taken."

"Why?" Sierra stuttered as she was pulled towards the door.

"You're my friend, and I want to take care of you." Aniphrae smiled sweetly. "Now come, our tailor is the best in the city!"

Pain echoed through Sierra's head as she stepped out into the cold evening. The Quarmane manor shined brightly in the pale light with servants busily taking in their things. Her body ached from the hours she spent getting measured, and the stern hand from the tailor. She hung her head but the light touch on her arm made her stand straight.

"I'm sorry!" She screamed, waiting for the stern slap.

"I should be the one apologizing." Aniphrae gently held her hand. "Those who were once employed by nobility are trained to be tough on their stewards. I thought it best to give you a glimpse of what it would be like."

"I don't understand."

"I'll explain once we've had a soothing bath." Aniphrae smiled as she turned to the army of maids. "Is everything ready?"

"Yes, madam."

Sierra mindlessly allowed Aniphrae to lead her into the manor. Her eyes felt heavy, and the faces of the many servants blurred together. Tiredness even kept her from gawking at the immense wealth on display in the manor's foyer. Yet, the sweet, soothing scent of incense helped ease her ragged mind as she was taken to the bath. Many hands grabbed her from all sides, startling her back to wakefulness.

"What are you doing?" Sierra stammered as the maids stripped her.

"Don't worry miss. We'll take good care of your clothing."

"See to it that they're cleaned and mended please." Aniphrae called out as a swarm of maids unclothed her. Sierra stared awkwardly at the young woman's soft, thin figure. Her icy pale skin shined in the lantern light. "Has something caught your attention?" she chuckled, taking a towel.

"I'm sorry." Sierra replied, "You have such beautiful skin. Not like mine."

"Nonsense, you're lovely as well."

"No, I'm not. I'm short and…" Sierra's eyes lingered on the merchant's chest, and her face started burning. "You're tall and look like a woman."

"Then let's fix that." Aniphrae pulled her into the steaming room.

Two glistening copper tubs sat in the room with wafts of steam rising from them. Foam formed mesmerizing patterns on the water's surface but parted as soon as her foot hit the water. Sierra's muscles immediately relaxed, and a deep breath escaped her lips.

A maid took her hand. "Pardon me, miss." She said bringing a thin bladed tool close. Sierra stared in horror as it neared her fingers.

"Gently please. She's not used to this." She turned to see another maid using the same tool on Aniphrae.

"There's nothing to worry about miss." The maid chuckled. "I'm going to clean and file your nails." The tool ran along the edge of her nails with a soft rasping.

"Do you do this every day?" Sierra eyed the maid nervously.

"Not every day." Aniphrae replied lazily, "But it isn't uncommon for the wealthy and nobility to be serviced like this. I suggest you get used to this if you plan on marrying Nathaniel." She gave Sierra a knowing smirk.

"How…"

Aniphrae sighed contently as a maid rubbed her feet. "I saw how you were eyeing my fiancée. So, what was it that made you fall for him?"

Sierra sank into the water. "It's hard to say." She said softly, "He saved me when I was attacked, and I grew liking him as I got to know him. He's kind of reminded me of the heroes from my Uncle's stories."

"It must have been a shock to find out he was a hero?"

"It was." Sierra chuckled sadly. "I was a fool to think I could marry him."

"The foolish thing is believing that."

Sierra's chest tightened. "Why do you care?" She shouted, "We barely know each other, and yet you say we're friends. What could you possibly want from me?"

"A friend." Aniphrae said, leaning her head back. "If there's anything I learned from my family, it's that it's better for me to be friends than enemies with Nathaniel's other wives." She sighed, her smile fading from her face. "I'm not only competing with the non-humans, but also the three other women vying for his attention."

"Three?" Fear made Sierra's voice crack.

Aniphrae nodded. "Marquess Gabriella VuRant, the Oracle Ophelia DeMare, and lastly, the Archmage Shizuka Tobishi." She said, "I may come from a wealthy merchant family, Sierra, but I'm still a commoner, and I need this marriage to work."

"Why do you need this to work?"

Aniphrae's eyes slightly opened, and they trained onto the maids. "Leave us." She commanded. The maids slowly rose from their stools and left single file. The door clicked shut, and after a few moments, she turned to Sierra with a serious stare. "Do you have a dream, Sierra?"

"Yes." Sierra replied, facing her.

"So do I." Aniphrae stated sternly. "I wanted to open a shop, and prove to my father that I'm a worthy heir. Unfortunately, I have six siblings older than I with the oldest having over ten years of experience. I'm unlikely to inherit his business, so the next best thing is to open and expand my own branch." She sighed deeply. "However, my eldest brother doesn't want that. He wants to marry me off to a family that would make me a housewife." Aniphrae's eyes shined.

"Why me then? I'm nothing more than a Basic ranked commoner." Sierra whispered.

"You're a Consular. Your class is solely dedicated to advising people into the right decisions. If I'm to outsmart my brother, then that's someone I need at my side, and that's someone Nathaniel needs too." She said with a small smirk. "By the way, I'm Basic ranked too. So you have no reason not to pursue him."

"But… I have no idea how to advise anyone."

"You advised the farmers, and you gave me advice during the trading house." Aniphrae smiled warmly. "Help me and I'll help you win Nathaniel over." She held out her hand. "Please."

Sierra slowly took her hand. "Alright… friend." A smile slowly formed on her face to match Aniphrae's.

Nathaniel sat at his desk finishing up the last of his paperwork. Things have quieted down since Aniphrae and Sierra left for Rumand. A knock sounded at his door, drawing his attention.

"Enter."

Barin stepped inside with a small pouch in hand. "I went around as you asked." He said, setting the pouch on his desk. "This is what the villagers came up with for the investment. Sixty-nine coppers in all."

"Excellent, I'll pass this onto Seneschal for safekeeping." Nathaniel replied.

"What if these shops don't work?"

"I'll guarantee the investment with interest." Nathaniel replied with a smile. "If any villager wants to pull out then let me know. I'll see to it that they're reimbursed."

"Alright."

Rapid pounding sounded from the door, and an armored man stormed into the room with Bella close behind. Sweat and dirt covered his face, and he walked with a stiff gait.

"Pardon the intrusion Lord Inventor." He bowed.

Bella fumed, stepping in between them. "I'm sorry master, but I couldn't stop him. He stormed into the house and demanded to see you."

"I bear an important letter from Duchess Sigmund." He panted, holding out a crumpled note. Nathaniel pulled away the wax seal, and his eyes scanned the contents inside. "She requests your immediate aid." The knight continued seriously. "The Duke's been severely injured."

Nathaniel pulled out a piece of parchment, scribbling a quick note. "I'll gladly help the Duchess, but she'll need to get the Duke here." He said, folding and sealing the letter. "I need you to drop this off at the Quarmane manor in Rumand. I need this to get to Mistress Aniphrae. If it doesn't, then I can't help the Duke. Understand?"

"Yes sir." The knight took a firm grip on the letter and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Inventor."

Barin watched the knight leave with concern. "What happened?"

"Duke Sigmund was attacked by orcs while hunting bandits." Nathaniel sighed, rubbing his eyes. "He's paralyzed from the waist down, and the King won't allow Maria to tend to him."

"What do they expect you to do?"

"Is everything alright master?" They turned to see Ralia and Hope enter. "We just saw someone rush out of the house."

Nathaniel's eyes lingered on Hope's metal limbs. "I need to get to the dungeon." He stood up. "Bella, bring Eladregn and Gheldrielle. Barin, fetch Elias, Rose, and Oden. We need to prepare for the Duke immediately."

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