You’re probably wondering why the hell would I hire another apprentice when I only wield a single spell. What could I teach? The answer to that is simple. Business. Do you honestly think Nia would eagerly forge me a special cauldron after telling her stepson to fuck off? Okay, that’s only a tiny part of the reason. If I’m going to bring this town back from inflation and push it into prosperity, then not only will I need to think outside the box but introduce an unexpected element to the mix. What can a half dwarf bring to the table? Well, I’d be finding out or sending him back. I voiced my strictness.

“This isn’t going to be an easy ride,” I said. Nia looked at me, grinning. In fact, she basically spoke my next sentence.

“If you turn out to be lousy at this, I’ll kick you to the curve and send you home.”

My mouth fell open a bit. Milia laughed and I couldn’t help but join her. Lucas flushed with embarrassment, but the fire of determination that appeared into his eyes after nodding was exactly what I wanted from him.

“Harmony will also be addressed as Head Apprentice,” I continued, then held up my hand to keep from being interrupted. “If I’m away or is too busy with other matters, such as meetings or paying…land taxes, you can look to her for help or your next task.”

I almost said something like, “she’s almost my little sister” but even I felt embarrassed about those words.

I turned to Mandi, who entered half an hour ago, right in time for our dinner. Her eyes were starry but having gotten used to the known fact that I was basically a married man, she stopped getting too close. At least four times did she get yanked backward by a vine that grew out of nowhere. Milia’s jealousy was an amusing gem to watch.

“What now?” I said, annoyed. “You’re getting married. I’m pretty sure your husband will not be too happy with his wife working in what he’ll most certainly dub, a backwater town.”

“Ah come on, if you’ve accepted him as an apprentice, then there should be no problems with me,” she said, her voice close to whiny.

Thankfully, Howie came along with her this time and the tired look he gave her, made the redhead deflate.

“I understand where you’re coming from, Mistress,” Howie said.

“M…Mistress?” Lucas and Nia both said, eyes wide. Rather than swelling up with pride, the girl further deflated.

“Making friends among the nobility isn’t as fulfilling,” Howie continued. “But you must grasp your responsibilities and own them. It is always the duties of those born with future tasks that will change the lives of the people they govern.”

“By the way, Lucas, how old are you? Fifteen, sixteen years?” I asked, while the butler continued to lecture the redhead. That was more entertaining than it should’ve been.

“I’m of seventeen years,” the half dwarf replied.

Close enough. Still, he was very tall for a dwarf, perhaps even for a half-bred, at least from what I read about them. Roughly five feet, five inches tall. Until I traveled or one came here, this was as close as I was going to get to meeting a real dwarf.

After letting Howie lecture her a bit, I threw the redhead a lifeline.

“It’s not like this will be the last time we’ll see each other, right?” I said. “I’m sure we’ll travel to your city from time to time. Just because we’re building now doesn’t mean we’ll be cooped up in this one spot forever without going out to see the world.”

That seemed to do the trick, brightening her eyes.

“You’re right,” Mandi said. “Nothing’s stopping me from visiting when off duty.”

“Except your future husband,” Howie added bluntly.

“And future kids,” Harmony added, grinning, which earned herself a glare and a pout from the redhead.

I laughed. To give her a little credit, this past week wasn’t an idle fest. She took my little challenge a bit too seriously, working to improve her relationship with the townspeople. Even volunteered for things, despite being very bad at almost everything. But Milia and I couldn’t help but respect this. The dryad thought the teen was adorable, especially after she apologized to Wolverine for her earlier behavior. She wore her emotions and intentions on her face and through her body language like an open book for all to read. Her future husband would certainly tease the young woman endlessly. Especially with her eyes opened to commoner reality. But…with nobles, there also brought a concern. Thankfully Howie would make sure nothing happened to our new troublesome friend.

**

Mandi did not want to go home. Sure, she got along with two of her older siblings, but that didn’t dismiss the lack of warmness in her own bloody household. The lack of…hearts, just icy coldness and calculation, all rivals to denounce the other and take as much power and inheritance for themselves as possible. Well Mandi didn’t want any of it! She…she really did want friends and people that cared about her, scolded her when she’s being unreasonable, and not agree with everything she said just because she was a Wingston.

In just days, being around Nate and the others showed her a different light. This made her disgusted with so-called higher social classes believing themselves to be superior to everyone else. Nobles were terrified of magicians too, so they certainly weren’t different than common people. In fact, they were nothing without the people.

Now Mandi did in fact understood the duties of the ruling class. Someone had to keep the cities orderly. Someone had to keep trade between neighbors going and fair. Someone had to protect the people from becoming slaves to hostile lands and command armies to slay demonic monsters. This was a pact between the ruling class and the people. Hence the importance of the rulers never treating their people unfairly.

But…even a city lord’s daughter wanted to go out, meet new people, make friends. Real friends. The lonely life of being an untouchable noble looking down on others or scheming for further power was never meant for Mandi. She looked at Harmony, a mayor’s daughter, who surely knew how she felt. At first, the redhead was envious of her, and especially of Milia, but as they talked and worked, she learned more about the blue-haired girl. That led to discovering a shocking truth. That she too allowed just a moment of a silly schoolgirl fantasy to slip through her. Harmony’s marriage would likely be arranged too, and suitors had already tried.

Mandi sighed, deciding it was rude to tune out Howie’s long lecture, that which she heard many, many times.

He was like a second father to her or perhaps a favorite grandfather or uncle. She often wished that news would breakout revealing that the entire time, Howie was her grandfather. Maybe he’d be given his own robes, servants, but even so, she knew he still wouldn’t leave her.

Mandi focused just a bit on Nate and like Harmony, couldn’t help but respect his accomplishments. From building his own house and not dealing with the local piggy landlord nobles, to the garden, the formation of the potion shop and its fair, perhaps too cheap prices, and the potions so amazing that when the news eventually spread, would attract many buyers. Of course the biggest thing she was grateful for was the fact that he saved her life.

Sure, making them pay for it seemed rude, but he still did it, put his life and secret on the line just because he didn’t want to see anyone die. It was likely her fault he charged them, but Mandi would use that debt as an excuse to visit.

Harmony may have given up and to an extent, so did Mandi, but that didn’t mean she had to stop liking him. She’d hope for an overwhelming success of the shop he built, and that Milia kept away any spiders.

**

I headed outside to check on Wolverine, Cheetara, and Beakwing. Cheetara adorably chased after a lizard. Wolverine and Beakwing were just outside of the griffin’s housing, watching the kitten and looked like old friends chatting. The scene warmed my heart, doubling down my resolve to keep building this place, thriving for something better than ever, something that will make my children’s children proud.

The spirit beasts hopped to their feet upon noticing me. I spoiled them for a while with head pats, belly rubs, and the works. I even laid against Beakwing and accidentally took a nap. Milia ended up waking me an hour later.

“I…honestly wanted to lie there with you,” she said, blushing slightly. “Now come, our guests assumed you walked into town and wondered when you’d return.”

“You know, since we’ve got all of these extra hands now, let’s proceed with the farming idea,” I said as I stood. We walked hand and hand into the house.

“Then you’d bake me the blueberry pie you once said you missed from your homeland?” Milia said.

“You still remember that?” I said with a laugh.

“Of course,” Milia said, her eyes seeming to glimmer with hunger. “You were very insistent on it being one of the best desserts created by mankind.”

“I most certainly stand by that,” I said.

That night after everyone left, Mandi and Harmony almost getting kicked out, Milia and I did a little face kissing after the bath. Part of the reason why I decided against in-house apprenticeship was for our damn privacy. Also, in the case of wanting to surprise anyone with a handmade gift, I’d be a lot easier if I didn’t have any of the brats bugging me.

Milia and I decided to set the wedding in the spring, although after some debating. She even considered the next day, mostly as a joke, even hopped in my bed. Cheetara seemingly scolded her with a few meows as if saying, “you shouldn’t tease him like that.”

The kitten ended up falling asleep in my bed and when I woke up, realizing I did so too, Milia was gone. But the spot she occupied the prior night was still warm.

Today would be the day I started the icebox project or at the very least, gathered the materials. After a quick visit to our private outhouse, then the washroom for the morning, I fed the spirit beasts. Wolverine had meat and Milia’s veggie mix. I fed Beakwing the same. Cheetara had fish.

Nia and Lucas returned from the inn, and as promised, Milia and I gave them a ride back to the village.

I’d return to pick up Lucas later. My first order, a cauldron capable of supporting supernatural materials, would take some time. I offered to get them, but Nia insisted on contacting a friend. Lucas shuddered, knowing that friend, but didn’t give me many details.

“It’d be best if you didn’t know,” Lucas said. “She’s kind of a forest hermit anyway.”

I gave him a skeptical look. “A forest hermit? Does she live very far? I certainly don’t—”

“Travel is no problem for her,” Lucas said. “She’s the only one we know who specializes in magical cauldrons.”

“Ah, so a magician woman,” I said.

“Yes kind of…a strange one,” Lucas confessed. “A really strange one. Nia used to joke about arranging a marriage between us. Almost gave me a heart attack.”

I laughed. “I sure hope my apprentice isn’t following the path of the shallow.”

“Well…she’s very pretty, but just being near her gives me chills,” Lucas said. “It’s weird, something I can’t really explain. It’s like being afraid of the dark as a child.”

“I’m sure people will say that about you too when I train your powers,” I said, which made Lucas sigh.

“I hope not,” Lucas said, but his expression brightened when he picked up my joke. So Nia’s friend lived alone in the forest and scared people around her with probably aura alone. Why does that sound familiar. What kind of magical person we’re talking about?

I ended up dropping the topic and Milia and I boarded Beakwing.

“Please return in two weeks for the cauldron,” Nia said.

“Thanks!” I said. “Lucas, be packed by the evening. Be ready to start at sunrise.”

We took off, waving at them and the villagers who were happy to see our return. I guess stomping out a bandit infestation left quite the impression.

At the shop, Harmony set up the cauldrons, while Milia prepared the ingredients. She stole four kisses when the blue-haired girl turned her back. Harmony grew suspicious as Milia made no effort to keep the smile off her face.

I sighed. “I’m adding the light and a speed potion to the menu later.”

“A speed potion, huh?” Harmony said. “Isn’t that something adventurers mostly buy?”

“Probably, but the same could be said about health, and energy,” I retorted. “Any suggestions for our menu?”

“Snacks,” Harmony and Milia said simultaneously, almost as if they planned that response. They both smiled innocently as I glared at them.

“I think the general store would not appreciate us stealing customers,” I said. “Also, a potion shop wouldn’t be the first place people—”

“Not just any snacks,” Harmony continued. “You could make candy.”

“Until we bring down the prices, we’ll lose money just acquiring the ingredients,” I said. “Especially sugar.” She deflated, but I continued. “But, that’s a really good idea. We could sell a few pieces in tiny little bags.”

“And people will always buy them, kind of like an afterthought,” Harmony said.

Milia nodded in agreement. “We should try for other products too, like cleaning agents and mouth oil. Perhaps a paste.”

“Not bad, not bad, but we will have to create an outside station for those,” I said. “Oh and today, I’m gathering the material for the cold storage. The only difficult part is creating a potion that stays cold.”

“You could always open an S-ranked chest,” Milia suggested. “If you’re unable to make it yourself.”

“Checking a dungeon isn’t a bad idea,” I told her. “But that depends. Do you think it’s possible to stumble upon another S-ranked chest in an E-ranked dungeon?”

“You’d have to be impossibly lucky,” Milia answered honestly.

“Which leaves us with…”

“The S-ranked dungeon,” Milia finished for me. “You’ll find A-ranked and S-ranked chests, perhaps greater things.”

“But the danger is too much,” Harmony added.

“Hello,” Mandi said cheerfully before entering the shop. She narrowed her eyes, searching for something. “Where’s the new boy?” She pounded a fist against her hand. “He needs to learn your rules.”

I stared at her with a crooked grin. Mandi laughed.

“So what’s with the doom and gloom?” Mandi asked.

“We’re trying to find a solution for storage that always stays cold,” Harmony replied. “Any ideas?”

“An ice crystal,” Mandi said. “But.”

“Yeah, we know, virtually impossible to get,” I told her. Milia had long since suggested that, but the moment she revealed the price tag, I told her never to bring it up again.

“Anything less obvious?” I asked.

“Not less obvious,” Mandi said as she sat in one of the chairs. “I could ask my brother, but he’d get suspicious right away. Only a magician would ask about magical ice.”

I sighed. “Damn. Even if I attempt the S-ranked dungeon, there isn’t a guarantee I’d get what I’m looking for. But it’s the only way.”

“Are you sure?” Milia asked. “I will admit, I do not believe I am ready to enter the dungeon just yet.”

“S-ranked dungeon?” Mandi said, eyes widened. “Aren’t those a myth? There are stories of some of the best adventurers struggling with just A-ranked dungeons. I think…perhaps the hero and his party or the Astral Adventurers could. Wait...” She paused, reading the room. “You’re being serious. You really have found an S-ranked dungeon.”

“We did,” I confirmed. “But we’re just not stupid enough to go inside, at least yet.” I stood.

“What are you planning, love,” Milia asked.

“Like you, I’m going to prepare for this,” I said. “I’d love to solve our cold storage problem with my own power, you know, potions, but without a mystical recipe to make it happen, we have no choice. So as much as I don’t want to be forced into fighting, I’m going to train some, also load up on potions.”

Mandi frowned. “There has to be another way.”

I looked at her.

“That dungeon should serve as just your personal high-end ingredient farm,” Mandi continued. “But going in under stress...” Her voice trailed off.

“I wouldn’t call it stress,” I said. “We’re using a river as a temporary fridge system for now. I’ve been stuck on this problem for weeks, failing to come up with any ideas.”

“Wait! I’ll ask Howie,” Mandi said. “He’ll know! Maybe we could make an ice crystal.”

As Mandi hurried toward the door, a horse-pulled cart suddenly stopped in front of the shop, its direction clearly from the town. Two red-haired people stepped out, while the maid driver remained in place. One was a strong-looking man who looked to be in his mid to late twenties. The woman beside him was either Mandi’s mother or older sister. The man offered Mandi a huge smile. She ran into his arms, hugging him.

“Hector, you’re here!”

“If she wasn’t getting married to some guy name Gaston, I’d be giving you a look right now, Harmony, with questions to ask,” I said.

Harmony laughed. “Oh stop it. That kind of thing is outlawed.”

“Here,” Milia said, grinning. “It is legal in the Astral Empire, especially for certain noble households.”

“A little irony there, with her marrying someone of Astral bloodline,” I said. “Come on, let’s go meet her favorites.”

Mandi was hugging the woman too. “Big sister Rose.”

I almost walked backward and closed the door when Rose looked at me and licked her lips as if I was a fucking snack. Then she laughed at my expression.

“Don’t eat him, I’ve heard he’s getting married,” Hector said, giving me the save. “Besides, we cannot disrespect the man who saved our precious little sister.”

He held up a hand before I could try to bullshit the credit to Howie. “I used one of the most expensive time crystals I had on my person to peek into Howie’s past two weeks. And you have no worries, Sir Potion Maker. I am in your debt.”

Mandi turned around to look at us. “Big brother, big sister, let me formally introduce you to Nate, Milia, and the mayor’s daughter, Harmony.”

Hector bowed. “If only we weren’t in a hurry. I’d love to sit down and chat with everyone.”

“Especially you, Sir Potion Maker,” Rose said then grinned devilishly. “You have the most beautiful wife after all.”

Milia laughed.