The last two days were especially tense. It all began at dinner, when Tolmas revealed truths that were hard to swallow. Added to that was the exhausting work we did to make the girls' dresses and Durman's suit. And then came the "punishment" from the marchioness.
Despite having raised a hand against high nobility, despite our blatant lack of respect and everything that entailed—we were forgiven. Or half forgiven.
After delivering her sentence on her own children the marchioness turned to us. Her first intention was to expel us from the city and forbid us from entering any other city in the kingdom. According to Sena, that measure is a precursor to a death sentence. Leaving the walls and trying to reach another country on our own is almost suicide.
But just when it seemed all was lost, Durman and Sena stood up in our defense. They declared, without hesitation, that if we were to leave, they would too. And from what I understand, leaving the city is a nightmare for them. Even so, their affection for us was stronger than their fear.
Selene, Astrid, and Dalia quickly joined in that promise. But the final blow came when Ruki, who had stayed on the sidelines, also said she would rather follow us than stay in a city without us. At that moment, the marchioness's expression was indescribable a portrait of pure bewilderment.
And the worst for her was yet to come.
Justo and Tor, the guild masters of the hunters and adventurers, spoke for the first time with determination and conviction. They firmly took our side and argued that if everyone else left, they would too. A long silence followed. The marchioness needed several minutes to deliver her final verdict.
She allowed us to stay but under strict conditions.
From now on, we cannot leave the city without authorization. We must submit a weekly report detailing our activities, especially those related to my business. I am prohibited from being involved in the management or administration of any guild, which amounts to a complete revocation of any influence I might have gained someday. As for Neo, he can no longer be Durman's official disciple.
In addition, we were assigned permanent surveillance. Two young men, Antón and Levi slim, strong, and, according to the marchioness, highly trained—will follow us everywhere. Their mission is to observe, but not intervene… unless we conspire against the nobility, the guild masters, or the city itself.
Despite everything, the marchioness concluded with a sentence I still don't know how to interpret I sincerely hope to hear good news about how you've improved the lives of people in this city.
Today Selene woke me up as usual. And when I came downstairs for breakfast, Levi was already in the dining room standing and waiting.
■― Come on, man, sit down. ―
― Levi ― Sir, my mission is to follow you wherever you go, not to join you for breakfast. ―
― Sena ― Do as he says, or I'll tell your mother or your wife that you refuse to eat in my house. ― Levi blushed for a moment at Sena's simple but effective humiliation.
― Levi ― Let it be known that I'm sitting down because Lady Sena, the guild master, has ordered me to do so. ―
Hemer and I both let out a small smile while we prepared something for breakfast. I had planned to make fried eggs, but since I can only buy ostrich-sized eggs, I had no choice but to make broken eggs instead.
When I set the table, Sena was chatting with the boy as if he were her lifelong friend. For a moment, I forgot his job was to follow me and report everything I do to the marchioness. I served the table for everyone naturally, and even though he seemed suspicious, I took a bit from his plate to show it wasn't poisoned. (Though I'm resistant to poisons. Not sure that counts.)
After finishing the meal and saying goodbye to everyone, I took the long way to the company and, without realizing it, passed by Durman's house, where we picked up Neo who didn't have much to do either, especially now that he can't go to the blacksmiths' guild.
During the walk to the company, I spoke with Neo and told him everything my decisions and the path I wanted to follow from now on.
When we arrived at the company, Pudiente was waiting at the door like a dog waiting for its owners. His worried expression struck me as funny.
― Pudiente ― Thanks to Tolmas's kindness, you're still alive. I heard the marchioness put you on trial. ―
■― Pudiente, these are Levi and Antón. From today on, they're going to follow us everywhere. ―
Pudiente introduced himself to the two young men as best he could, and although they seemed hesitant to shake his hand, they eventually gave each other a firm handshake.
●― So, are we getting started or what? ―
Pudiente led the four of us to the courtyard, where all the workers were waiting. Antón and Levi looked surprised but said nothing, simply leaning against a wall waiting for any signs of conspiracy.
■― Yesterday, Pudiente took over. Sorry we couldn't come; we had something else to deal with. But as I promised, today we're going to sign the new contract. I hope you've had enough time to think about whether to stay or leave. ―
After my little speech, we headed to the office, where, thanks to Pudiente's foresight, Levi and Antón had places to sit in the corners.
One by one, the members of the company came in. They all signed without saying a word, as if they were being punished. They didn't speak to me, nor did they answer my usual questions like how their families were with more than a word or two.
We had a brief meeting with Pudiente private from the workers, though Levi and Antón never left our side. In that meeting, we divided the work and decided to start building the printing press. Then we headed back to the courtyard to divide people up and get to work.
I took the finance team. My intention was to start drafting basic educational books math and grammar. Despite their skepticism, they didn't refuse anything, and they didn't seem all that surprised either. Although, when I asked them to create a book, they did comment that it was unusual. Eventually, they took the lead and decided how and where to start with grammar, while I continued alone with the math book.
Pudiente interrupted the session, bringing in two girls who were in charge of preparing the food. I left the room with the door open, waiting for Levi to arrive. While I spoke with Pudiente and the girls, Levi waited inside, but in the end, he came out too closing the door behind him.
― Pudiente ― These two are in charge of the food.
■― Very well. Your names are? ―
The older one was named Sora, and the younger, Anaïs. Apparently, they're sisters and work at the company in general services.
■― Alright, pay attention. ― I gave Pudiente a pat on the back. ― I'm going to continue with what I was doing. You three will go ask everyone who wants to eat here today and whether any family members will be joining. Pudiente, make me a table: name, eating alone or with family, and if with family, the number. ―
― Pudiente ― Got it. Let's get to it. ― He leaned in to whisper to me, but Levi stepped between us. ― Do you mind? ― he said to Levi, who looked irritated.
■― Looks like Levi has to hear everything ― Leaning toward my ear, then told Levi to listen in too.
― Pudiente ― But Hunt, are you sure you want to feed everyone? ―
■― Yes, man, trust me. You'll see. Now go and help Sora and Anaïs. ―
He didn't say anything else and left, clearly worried.
― Levi ― Mr. Hunt, may I ask you a question? ―
■― Go ahead. ―
Levi was concerned about what he had just heard. It seemed strange to him that the owner of a company would feed people. He worried that maybe I would charge them a lot for the meal… But I explained that it was part of their salary the food allowance. Just like with the merchants, who until now were given one meal per day when going beyond the city walls. I was going to do the same with everyone else.
I kept working for another hour on the math book, while the rest of the admin team and the secretaries continued with the grammar book.
― Pudiente ― Mr. Hunt, ― he said as he entered through the door, you're the only ones left.
None of the secretaries nor the administrative staff wanted to stay for lunch.
■― How many of us are there in total? ―
― Pudiente ― All the artisans and their families, the guards, plus the delivery workers and the general service team. Altogether, we're 150 people. ―
■― Well, that's a bit more than I expected, but it's fine. Did you ask Neo and Antón? Because you, Levi—do you want to eat here with us? ―
― Levi ― If you're the one cooking, I won't complain. ―
■― Then I guess I have no choice. ―
I got up and pulled Pudiente along by the arm. Before leaving, I asked:
■― What hours are you all working in the end? ―
― Luciano ― I'd like to keep working as before—12 hours, sir. ―
― Rafa ― Same here. ―
― Edgar ― If possible, I'd like to work the full 12 hours too. ―
■― And you two? ―
― Marte ― If possible, I'd like to work a little less so I can spend more time with my son… ―
― Otillia ― If it's not too much trouble, I'd like that as well. ―
■― As you wish, but remember: around (12:00), we'll all stop to eat for about an hour or so. Is one hour enough for you? ―
― Luciano ― Yes, more than enough to eat with my wife and kids. ―
The others didn't complain, but Marte and Otillia looked concerned.
■― What's wrong? Is one hour not enough for you? ―
― Marte ― No, sir, ― she said sadly.
■― I'm sure you have your reasons. Let's find a solution, that's what we're here for, right? ―
In the end, I told them to leave around (12:30) and to come back after they finished eating, staying until they completed their hours.
(■― Neo, we need to figure out the workers' schedules. Do you think it's possible to build a punch clock machine? ―)
(●― You want to bring the torture of strict schedules to this world too? ―)
(■― Seeing it that way… we'll come up with something. ―)
In the end, I went shopping with almost the entire general tasks group and Neo. Thanks to Neo's farming knowledge, we bought the best vegetables, legumes, and potatoes.
When I told him how many people would be coming to eat, Neo got scared. He paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and mentally prepared himself.
We almost ran through the central city market, buying many many kilos of potatoes, onions, tomatoes, garlic, salt… and even more vegetables whose names I don't even know in this world.
We also stopped at five different bakeries to buy bread for everyone.
Neo and the others cooked the best stew I've had in my life. According to Neo, the recipe is secret, but I'm sure it was missing a few ingredients—especially spices.
But my favorite part was arriving at the hunters' guild, where we ran into Justo. He treated us like his own children, especially after what happened yesterday.
We bought half of a giant rabbit-like creature with antlers like a deer. Since it had just been hunted, we had to wait for it to be prepared.
Despite all the warnings from our workers that we had too little meat, we'd already bought so many vegetables.
For them, eating meat is normal it's the main food. I suppose seeing us buy so little meat seemed as strange to them as the idea of eating only meat is to us.
Even our guards thought what we were doing was odd, but they didn't interfere.
After the meal, there were still five hours of work left. Then I saw a heartbreaking scene:
The families weren't saying goodbye—they were thanking each other for the meal.
■― Where do you think you're going? ― I said loudly. The mothers and children turned around, startled. ― Do you think it's normal to leave without giving thanks?
The wives of our workers took their little ones in their arms, while the men walked over holding their children's hands to thank us.
■― Not like that! ― I sighed loudly so everyone could hear me. ― You need to thank your parents for working, and your families for trusting you. Family is the most important thing—not us. It's okay if you want to thank us, but it's not necessary. We already saw it on your faces—you were enjoying the food. That's already the best gift you could give us. ―
The wife of a carpenter came up to us. She told us her husband hadn't eaten vegetables in weeks he gave them all to their three children.
One of the general staff came next. He still couldn't believe he had just seen his whole family eat together. He told us that, many times, he had to choose who would eat that day him or his wife just so the kids could each have one meal.
Then another woman from the general group joined in. She confessed that it was the first time in months she had seen her husband eat stew. She could almost never afford to make one it was just too expensive.
Neo and I were heartbroken. It's rare for someone to thank you just for feeding them. And even rarer that something so simple a vegetable stew could mean so much.
We never spoke about it, but I know we both felt the same: we didn't want to hear stories like that ever again.
And knowing that probably half the city lived like that… it tore us apart inside.
Levi came up to thank me too, clearly moved by the testimonies from our workers and by my earlier scolding.
― Levi ― I probably shouldn't say this but thank you. What I've just seen and eaten here… it told me everything I need to know about the kind of people you are. And I don't think the Marchioness will ever say no to your plans. ―
■― You realize what you just said, right? ―
― Levi ― That's right, sir. I swear on the name of my house and all its honor that I will be loyal to you, obey you, and serve you however I can, as long as it does not go against the Marchioness. ―
Once the meal was finally over and everyone was full, we decided to get back to work. About half an hour later, the two secretaries arrived, looking rushed.
I continued working on my math book while the others kept going with the grammar book. Everything was calm; Pudiente would come by from time to time to ask about little things. Mostly, he just wanted confirmation that I agreed with his decisions.
I spoke with him so he would understand clearly that I trusted him completely, and that he didn't have to ask me about every single decision he made. I told him to be more independent in his duties as a merchant and to only come to me if something truly worried him.
But near the end of the workday, Neo arrived furious. Pudiente and I managed to calm him down.
A little later, I finally made it home, where Selene was waiting at the front gate of the house, sitting out in the fresh air with Lisa and chatting with the neighbors.
Coming home and seeing Selene gossiping with the neighbors filled me with peace. I couldn't wait to tell her about my day, and I was just as eager to hear about hers.
But everything changed suddenly when a sharp pain in my ribs stopped me—it was Sena, who had jabbed her index fingers into my sides. She was accompanied by Hemer, apparently just back from shopping.
The scream I let out made Levi jump so hard he instinctively drew his sword.
― Sena ― Relax, I'm not going to kill him. ― Levi sighed in relief and sheathed his sword.
― Levi ― Please, Mr. Hunt, don't scream like that. ―
■― Do you have any idea how bad that scared me? ―
― Selene ― Are you okay? ― She said from behind me, scaring me even more.
■― Damn it, what is with you two today? ―
They both burst into laughter—uncontrollable laughter—as we reached the front door, where the neighbors held them back a bit longer to keep chatting.
I went to shower, though I couldn't go too far from Levi.
■― Mind if I bathe alone? I can at least do that by myself, right? ―
― Levi ― The Marchioness ordered me to watch you at all times, except when you sleep or… use the latrine. ―
Grudgingly, I went with him to the house's bath room, where I pulled out the first prototype of the shower from my subdimension.
And just like Neo did with Durman, I bathed—with Levi present.
During dinner, Selene bragged about the impressive test given to her by a new merchant. She did very well in law, but not so much in math.
Sena asked for more lessons at the guild, but Levi rejected the idea. Hemer got angry at him for speaking up—apparently, they don't get along because both love me and hate me in equal measure.
In the end, I was finally able to go to bed with Selene, my mind at ease after a good day's work.