During the afternoon there was little traffic in the village. Most of the residents stayed at home.

It’s winter after all, so going outside is not wise. However, in order to get bread, one can’t just laze all day.

Knowing so, most people go when it’s the hottest, around noon. This is the time to strike.

“Say Minorta, do you think anyone is going to purchase from us?” Ellien asks her friend.

“You know, that depends on their generosity.” Minorta answers.

“Yet, supposed we are successful and gather people around the bakery.” Ellien explains. “What would that mean for the millman?”

“I presume he will be fine.” Minorta assures. “Besides it’s not like our marketing practices carry ill will.”

“It would be disastrous if at least one person gets the wrong idea however.” Ellien deliberates. “Not only the villagers would be mad but from where we would get our bread then?”

“Don’t worry, we have some here.” Minorta giggles.

“Minorta, those slices are for customers.” Ellien sighs.

The two friends, who decided to pick up work in the village, are trying to sell bread.

However, they don’t have much luck with customers and find it hard to attract a single soul.

Their attire shouldn’t be the problem, since they are wearing an apron they borrowed from the baker,

over their school uniform, which are the most formal clothes they can find in their wardrobe.

They are also polite and try to give out free samples, but there is no bite. The two girls are simply unlucky.

Needless to say, the bakery they are working for didn’t get popular to begin with.

Was it that the product was bad, or it was too expensive, or that people preferred the market bread,

the owner doesn’t know. However, that doesn’t change the fact that people need to eat,

and the bakery is the only one bread provider that gets fresh delivery each week.

Therefore, tactically it is only a matter of time before the millman runs out of supply.

“How about some bread mister?” Minorta asks a passer-by.

“Here, it’s a sample free of charge.” Ellien presents her slice of bread.

“Will you help a poor in need?” Minorta says while rubbing her gloved hands against each other.

“I believe begging it too much, Minorta.” Ellien informs her.

“If I get back with nothing I will be in a poor state.” Minorta smirks while shivering.

“Perhaps it’s better to go? I can handle it on my own and I don’t want you to catch a cold.” Ellien confronts her friend, trying to envelop her.

“Even with all those layers.” Minorta sneezes. “Don’t worry so much about me. We just have been standing here for a while, of course it’s cold.”

“Do you suggest we traverse roads, go around houses?” Ellien bends her head.

“Sounds alright.” Minorta nods. “Though I doubt residents would appreciate it, let alone buy anything from us in that situation.”

“Even so, at the same time it would be a waste to stand idle and keep freezing in the middle of the market.” Ellien says.

“I am in favour of warming up, so you have a point.” Minorta lets out a small sneeze.

The two girls, dressed in layers of clothes, have been standing in the market for a long time.

It was expected that they would get cold, in spite of their preparations, and lose interest.

However, the plan Ellien came up with is sound, and might work with good execution.

That is what the two girls decided to verify by walking from house to house, which is not an easy task.

Some of the residents, much like Ellien and Minorta, don’t live right next to the road.

Hence, the journey takes more time, especially in the snow and the wind that hinders their efforts.

“Does it look like we need bread?” One person answers them when they knock on the door.

“Do you have any matches instead?” Another lady asks.

“You are doing good work, but I can only offer you tea in return.” An old man says.

“It’s from the bakery? This looks a bit mouldy.” Someone tells the girls.

“You better go home.” Another tells them.

“I would buy them from you Minorta but my mother would be mad.” A little girl says.

The result of the door-to-door tactic isn’t great, but at least people opened after they knocked,

most of the time. With mild success the girls returned to the bakery with few pennies.

Since they didn’t gather much, as a reward they received half of a loaf each for four hours of work.

It’s nothing strange, since it was their first day, thus it was expected that they won’t perform greatly.

Additionally the bakery lady wanted to know why people avoid buying the bread from her.

“When you asked for the taste, what did people reply?” The lady asks them.

“They would say it’s not bad, or it’s okay.” Ellien says.

“People were not critical about the quality, frankly.” Minorta adds.

“Did they look with interest? Or was there something amiss?” The lady inquires.

“I do not think there is such an issue.” Ellien tells her.

“Rather, they were occupied with their errands instead, I think.” Minorta states.

“Tell me misses, would a spread attract more favour perhaps?” The lady suggests.

“If nothing else works, I presume it’s okay if we try.” Ellien tilts her head.

“Then rude people would say we cover up the mould.” Minorta jokes.

Despite being only a half joking, Minorta wanted to point out that whatever they do, the reputation won’t improve in a day.

Hence, if they were going to make money by working as a sales helpers they would need to think of a marketing campaign.

That is too much however, for just the two girls who still go to school.

And furthermore, because they can’t be hired with a wage of an adult,

it would be detrimental for them to attempt something as grand as that.

Nevertheless, for the two girls a loaf of bread is enough of a reward for their work.

But they are not quite sure if tomorrow, or the day after, they will get paid again.

There are little effects to their work and only because of the public opinion.

And that is why the girls started to think about other ventures they might find in the village.

As they were passing by the market, they noticed a familiar face that was shopping.

It was the maid that worked in their friend’s house. They knew her by the name, Emmi.

“Good afternoon Emmi.” Minorta waves at her.

“Hey! It’s nice seeing you here Emmi.” Ellien says.

“I pardon?” The maid stops and turns around.

“You remember me? I’m Pyria’s friend.” Minorta explains.

“Is that so? Then I pardon. I must have had my head in the clouds.” The maid bows.

The three ladies exchange their greetings as they get into distance with each other.

It appears that Emmi, as always, will be carrying a heavy load back home.

“Do you always buy this much?” Minorta looks worried.

“I suppose no, but most are supplies for madam.” Emmi explains.

“I figured, since Pyrie is away after all.” Minorta says.

“Young madam is indeed enjoying her winter break.” The maid nods.

“Hence I was wondering.” Minorta looks curiously. “Have there been any news?”

“As far as I know, the letter hasn't been delivered yet.” Emmi mentions.

“I do understand. I go through the same stress due to my brother.” Ellien adds.

“Anything at all? I’m just anxious.” Minorta further says.

“As far I saw her last, she was in good hands.” Emmi states.

The two little girls want to help the maid, but she is rather keen on carrying everything home alone.

Furthermore, it appears that the conversation between the three changed subject a little.

“So what was it like in the mansion?” Minorta asks.

“Nothing unusual. I used to work in a large house like that before.” Emmi mentions.

“What is this what you are carrying now though?” Ellien asks .“It looks heavy.”

“Those are logs.” Emmi says. “But soon we will have coal delivered here, or so the rumour I have heard says.”

“Coal? I only heard about it from my brother.” Ellien says.

“It is true that most larger households use coal.” The maid mentions. “It produces more effective heat and lasts for longer. Of course, if I were forced to choose between the two, coal is lighter to carry home.”

“Pardon me Emmi, my brother can deliver you firewood if you like.” Minorta says.

“I am thankful, but my madam wouldn’t allow it.” Emmi explains. “It would be a waste if you asked your brother.”

“Right, what about the coal delivery you mentioned?” Ellien tilts her head.

The coal supply the maid mentioned is rumoured to arrive soon.

Emmi explains that it is something that her madam is involved in.

She made a deal with the supplier and decided that she would help him sell it here.

This is to say, nothing like costs or the date is set in stone yet, but there is gossip here and there.

There is certainly interest however, since most people are eager to trail the coal to see if it is really that better than wood.

That is to say, whenever this plan will succeed depends on the public.

If it doesn’t sell well, like the bread from the bakery, then the coal would be transported and sold somewhere else.

But for now, this is not something the two girls are worrying about.

“Hey Emmi, tell Pyria we would like to see her.” Minorta says.

“And that she is welcome to visit anytime.” Ellien adds.

“I will make sure to mention that to the young madam.” The maid bows and leaves the two girls alone.

It’s getting late. The two girls decided that after a day of work they will return home.

Dinner is waiting for them and it’s only proper that they don’t keep others waiting.

However, before they are separated, a small path still awaits. They trek through the snow, talking.

“Coal is something that rich people use, right?” Minorta voices out loud.

“I presume if it’s affordable, anyone would.” Ellien says.

“Then what about my brother? He would rather freeze than use something other than wood.” Minorta jokes.

“Your brother is sceptical and your house is pretty far way, isn’t it?” Ellien states.

“And he doesn’t want to depend on others.” Minorta adds. “He chops down the trees alone too. I can’t really help him with that.”

“You would if you earned enough to buy coal.” Ellien sighs. “But not only that is unlikely, he would also state his disapproval, I presume.

“You know him that well Ellien?” Minorta giggles.

The two friends are just about to part, but they don’t appear eager to leave just yet.

There is something else the green haired girl wanted to mention. It is about a certain rumour.

“Wait Minorta. I wanted to say one more thing.” Ellien explains. “I had a word with the priest and he said that a doctor would be visiting this village tomorrow.”

“A doctor? Is someone sick?” Minorta tilts her head worried.

“It’s because of what we spoke about the other day.” Ellien says. “He wants to check on my father’s condition.”

“Oh my! He is still well I hope?” Minorta gasps.

“Of course, but that’s why the priest told me personally.” Ellien continues. “Ever since the incident the church commenced their investigation. However, they didn’t find much evidence and I presume they terminated it.”

“That is a good thing, but why the doctor?” Minorta bends her head.

“Because now they, as in the science community, are eager to conduct their own investigation and discount the efforts of the church.” Ellien sighs. “I am just not happy that in the middle of this is my father, who didn’t do anything wrong.”

“If I understand this right, they want evidence for his recovery?” Minorta asks.

“If only I knew Minorta.” Ellien keeps talking. “Medical science is beyond me, but if it helps someone in the future it’s fine with me. Besides, my father is the one that wants to show the doctor the truth.”

“And if that doesn’t end well?” Minorta inquires.

“Then at least he will be glad that he’s told by the doctor that he’s healthy.” Ellien releases air in relief.

After the two talk about the doctor for a while, the green haired girl is satisfied and smiling.

The medical patrician mentioned by the priest, besides visiting father, would also travel from village to village,

looking to cure people free from change. He was a man of charity, the pastor mentioned,

but also one in the pursuit of knowledge. Since the church dropped the idea of the spirit medium being involved,

Minorta and Ellien are safe from the priest and the doctor. Knowing so, they wave to each other and part ways.