~ CHAPTER 17 ~
<< The Seed of Commerce >>
[BEGIN]
Place: Arceali Regional N/S Highway, Approaching City of Arceliaze
Region: Eastern Arceali Midlands, Arceali Regional Area
Day: Nahstempnye
Date: Zshima 51st
Year: 5th Turn, 12
The carriage shuddered and creaked as it rattled down a cobblestone highway.
A bump in the road gave the entire carriage a jolt. A rude swear was quietly hissed by the Poke’mon across from us before the sound of quiet pencil scritching on paper resumed.
Siranae sat beside me rather awkwardly. Beside her, Zerazani’s had kicked her paws up onto the seat across the isle as the Smeargle lounged with no regard for her fellow passengers (which is to say, Siranae and I, for no others were in the cart).
The ride had mostly been in silence. We had exchanged pleasantries during the walk from the Iron Wings of Poke’mon Become Gods monument and at the carriage depot…but it was hardly anything more than pleasantries.
Perhaps it was nice making a new friend…only that the ‘friend’ in question had, not a moment ago, been trying to murder us for her insane art. Or so it had seemed, anyway. The woman was so full of deception it was hard to tell if she was truely posing a danger to us or not.
All in all…it was, put charitably, a friendship on quite a rocky foundation. Perhaps the friendship was measured in usefulness rather than actual companionship.
The Smeargle was certainly enigmatic despite how long-winded she was, in that respect. It was hard to tell what she was truly thinking.
Still, I only watched her for a time – the Smeargle simply drew on a sketchbook, looking absorbed in whatever it was she was drawing.
After a long silence, Zerazani paused…
…her pencil tapped on the notebook…
…and she looked up at me.
“So. Adelaide. Siranae.” The Smeargle spoke, quite loudly. It seemed her natural speaking voice was a bit louder than needed. “Enlighten me on this plan of yours to sneak yourselves into the Arceali Guild. And…how exactly does passing yourself off as a Team falsely…assist in that?”
I tipped my head up- I’d almost forgotten she could speak, with the dreadful muteness that she bore during the ride. And her volume needed work.
…I was apprehensive. I loathed sharing more about our deception, but… nothing worse could come from a little more, it seemed.
“Well… pardon my unfamiliarity with the Arceali Guild- but I had noticed that, of the major Guilds, the Machine Guild and Printing Guild had no representation within those vaunted halls. Even if it is merely status, it must be a detriment to their affairs, to be unable to exert that influence.”
I tilted a paw to one side, running through the finer points in my mind again.
“Siranae has said they currently lack the children to sponsor to the Guild… but, what if a duo of Poke’mon were to make themselves worthy of sponsoring? So capable, and so subservient to those two Guilds, that the sponsorships would be better spent on them than someone of birthright. A duo that would feed its efforts and prestige back into those two hapless Guilds.”
I pressed myself to the backboard of my seat, resting closer to Siranae.
“But… to be even notable, we must be of some notoriety and skill. We must perform work that the Arceali Guild already performs- those dreadful ventures into uncharted waters, so to speak. And there is no better place to find that work than the Arceali Guild itself. That is to say, my…” I coughed lightly into a paw. “Unauthorized acceptance of a mission hanging upon the board in that Guild, it would have looked foolish to arrive as something other than an Arceali Guild team. Thus, Team Coronatus is our cover- that little nudge of officialism that would hopefully prevent anyone from asking too many questions. And, in due time, it shall be less and less of a ruse.”
“Is that so?” Zerazani snorted, brushing away some graphite dust of her sketchpad. “Truth be told I never paid much attention to what the Guild means nowadays to those rich nobles. It’s either to network through odd jobs or simply an exclusive club for exclusive club’s sake.”
She glanced up at me, biting her tongue for a second before resuming her sketch.
“Much less do I know anything about the Machine Guild or Printing Guild. My only experience with the latter is setting up deals for printed copies of my work.” The Smeargle hummed. “Other than that? Not much. And if I may be candid…even the benefit of ‘networking’ or ‘sway’ in the guild is lackluster; Conveytion are a tight-knit group anyway and anybody important already knows their names and the names of their children. From what I understand…the guild is a toy.”
“Th-that’s not…!” Siranae’s voice tapered off. “Well…I would not use so harsh of words but…”
“It’s true, isn’t it?” Zerazani smirked to herself as the Audino nodded. “So, Adelaide, barring you suddenly finding yourself the long lost heir to one of the Conveytion houses there’s really not much of a chance of you getting in that way. After all, young or old, children hate to share their toys.”
The Smeargle tapped the pencil on her cheek, looking deep in thought.
“However, for you…networking is very important…and, perhaps…you’re on the right track with the machine guild and printing guild, we just need to adjust the reason why they’d want to sponsor us in the first place.”
The was a pause. The carriage bounced and shuddered for a while.
Siranae fiddled with her hands, looking a bit apprehensive to speak…but speak she did.
“…money…?” The Audino ventured, almost as though she were…rather disgusted to posit the idea.
Zerazani, however, smiled.
“Now we’re thinking like a noble.”
I huffed through my nose- what I feared was already happening. Zerazani was tainting this image of the guild, in Siranae’s eyes.
“Of course… it is to be expected. Whether status or finances, the other guilds will be bartering in whatever they offer to us- we must be offering something of value to them.”
I crossed my legs, trying to keep some refinement even while the Smeargle debased our discussions.
“And… I can imagine, it is not enough to offer some payment upfront- nor could we entice them with any meager earnings of ours. We must be promising them a stream of revenue.” I leaned toward the woman, eyes narrowed. “You are familiar with the ways nobles accrue their hoards- even if you do not seem to participate in that lifestyle yourself. I ask you- how do we offer them the prospect of money, in exchange for a sponsorship…?”
Zerazani was quiet for a moment. Her pencil was paused on the sketchbook and she stared down at it, clearly deep in thought.
Then, as the carriage began to tilt in its descent, the three of us grabbing hold of the dangling ropes to keep balanced…
…The Smeargle’s mouth curled upward into a grin. A nasty, horrible, ugly grin.
“Just as you said…a stream of revenue.” Zerazani mused through her wicked smile. “We shall break down and commodify their guild. We shall strip all the fun from their toy and make it as cold and lifeless as they’ve made the art world. See how they like it, hm?”
“Th-! N-no!” Siranae gasped, her head whipping up, her voice raising. “What are you saying, Miss Zerazani…?? Make the guild cold and lifeless? How? Why??”
The sudden rush of passion in Siranae’s voice was a shock, to say the least. But Zerazani remained steadfast.
“Simple, dear Siranae: We’re going to corporatize guild work!” The Smeargle replied. “Think of that, a privately-owned enterprise of workers-for-hire that do the hardest and highest-paying jobs. No more of this fluff-work and work for fun!”
“H-huh?”
“Imagine – Dozens of teams of subordinates employed under Team Coronatus!” The Smeargle continued. “Meeting aggressive mission quotas!”
“Q-q-quotas?!”
“Raking in thousands of coins per mission! A network of private workers and, let’s not mince words, private thugs for nobles with lots of money and need for specialized fighters and workers that the guild isn’t providing anymore.”
“But-but-but-but-!!”
“And as we muscle in over all the guild operations our high profits become so enticing that we get a run of the guild and CRUSH the spirits of EVERY NOBLE CHILD IN THAT PRISSY CLUB-“
“NOOOOOO!!!” Siranae wailed, kicking her legs. “Not so horrid!! The guild is meant to help Poke’mon! We’re meant to do jobs where we’re needed-!”
“Oh well, naturally.” Zerazani rolled her eyes. “We’d be helping Pokemon. Lots of Pokemon. But we’d just have no scruples about the work we’d take.”
“B-but no being thugs-!” Siranae pleaded, her hands gripping her chest. “Just…fighting criminals and helping the needy.”
The Smeargle blew a raspberry.
“…Ohhh, very well, you sweet girl.” Zerazani nodded. “No need to stoop down to their level, then. We can achieve our goals and not compromise our morals. Much better than these coin-brained upper crust Poke’mon. How about that?”
“Much…much better.” Siranae sighed with relief.
I was quite ready to snap at the Smeargle- she had no right to be striking at Siranae’s pure-hearted nature so flagrantly. We were outside of her little exhibit, and I quite loathed her continued taunting in that manner…
A quick breath put me back at ease. We could handle this with civility.
“I hope you understand, Zerazani- Siranae has an earnest passion for the pursuit of guild work. And, no matter what path we take, we will not be forcing her to eschew that passion,” I said, placing a paw upon Siranae’s hand. “We should not need to, after all…”
I sighed, eyes wandering away, while I recalled the horrid behavior of the guild members I’d seen.
“Their habits are not those of children at play- they are saviors without a care. Arceliaze lumps the work upon them so that they may dismiss it without a second thought. And that is where we will undo them.”
I looked to the Audino once more, hand curling to squeeze hers.
“I apologize, Siranae – but we may need to expand our forces, so to speak.” I said. “We cannot be the only capable and good-willed Poke’mon in Arcea… there will be others. And we may bring them under the banner of Team Coronatus, in order to have an impact.”
My gaze rolled over to Zerazani, eyes narrowing.
“But it will not be a vicious and corporatized union of cut-throat criminals.” I spat out.
“Oh but Siranae is preciously innocent.” Zirazani smirked, returning to her drawing. “Very well, if she wishes to, shall we say, adhere to the principles of the classical Arceali Guild I certainly won’t stand in her way.”
The Audino let out a little squeaky sigh.
“Thank you, Miss Zerazani.”
With a curt nod I continued.
“Instead we will… we will build a network of the most skillful Poke’mon that Arcea has to offer,” My eyes widened at the prospect of it. “Yes, I can see it much clearer now.”
I sat up in my seat, raising one paw and clutching it in the air.
“Each member answering a call across Arcea- each one paying their share into Team Coronatus, for the protection and the security of work that we offer them.” My other paw lifted from Siranae, uncurled, as if holdng the possibilities in my palm. “Feeding untouched missions, whether from the Arceali Guild or from the unheard annals of this country, directly to those most ready to handle them- and drawing in more and more workers, in time, until-“
I rose both paws, then clapped them together loudly.
“Until Coronatus is not the outsider of the Arceali Guild- but rather, Coronatus surrounds the Guild at every turn. There will not be a duty or purpose unanswered by our fellow Poke’mon, and the Guild is the outsider to its own work. If we are bold enough, the Guilds will be begging us to lend our presence, our services, our finances to their names.”
“I suppose, then, Adelaide, you’ve recounted my idea back to me…but simply in nicer terms.” The Smeargle chuckled to herself. “Yes, yes, this is an excellent plan. And we can begin with the Machine and Printing Guilds, performing Guild-Level work for them, the kind unsuited for the guards, soldiers or the Cross-Country Regulars…but rather for the elite teams of the Arceali Guild. That guild has been so useless answering the call of different nobles, tradesmon and even some Conveytion that I imagine undercutting that guild and slowly eroding its influence…will make you very popular to that guild. And thus…the Conduicy~!”
Zerazani paused, looking back up at me.
“Pray tell, Adelaide: Have you registered yourself…or, rather, Team Coronatus as a business?”
“A business…?” Siranae asked with a tilt of her head. “Why would we need to?”
“Why else? If Team Coronatus is not an official team under the Arceali Guild then it can lend itself legitimacy by being a company instead.” Zerazani offered. “Nobles then would be more likely to treat you as an actual organization of some kind…instead of a pair of renegades doing illegal vigilante work, hm?”
I stifled a yip, looking away from the strong gaze of the Smeargle.
“No… I had not thought to do that. Truth be told, even our name was decided this morning. But…” I reluctantly nodded to her. “Some kind of company would give us more credibility. Especially when we begin taking and giving incomes on our own. But what manner of ‘registration’ exists in Arcea?”
My own concept of a business was that it simply operated- you were the purveyor of your product, and that was enough. The legitimacy gained was, perhaps, from those that financed your business.
I frowned.
“I would assume… there is some manner of license needed, to operate as a ‘team’? Or does it apply to all companies in this land…?”
“Well of course. You need to register with the Conduicy’s Office of Commerce, then register with the municipality, then with the guild that operates over your business. Ugh and the permits you have to get from the guilds -” Zerazani huffed, putting a few more pencil strokes to her notebook. “Even setting up my sole proprietorship was a nightmare.”
“Goodness gracious…” Siranae said, wiping her brow.
“Well, that’s the nature of the business. As for how to set up something like what we’re planning…well, I supposed I’d leave that up to you, miss company president~!” Zerazani smirked at me briefly as the carriage leveled out.
The chilly indifference of Zerazani spoke to her lack of care in this matter… or, perhaps, just her lack of experience. In fact, her having no interest in anyone’s finances might have spoken to how destitute and… un-noble she was.
Siranae was quiet as the carriage rattled on…then glanced over to me.
“Perhaps Miss Kalae can help? She seems wise in business matters.” Siranae mused.
“Who’s that?” The Smeargle idly asked, not looking up from her sketch pad.
“Kalae is my banker. I’m currently repaying a debt to her, for the money I needed to start my career… and, for a roof to sleep under, that wasn’t property of Siranae’s difficult mother.” I muttered those last, and generous, words. “Still…”
I reclined, half-smiling, half-staring.
“I almost worry Kalae would charge me for requesting aid, too. Aha…” I waved a paw at the air. “Yes, I should hope she knows about setting up a business, when she runs one herself. I might even pay her a visit, if my… wounds, allow me.”
I shuddered. The woman that had inflicted them was still riding with us… but still, I would give her time to prove that she worth the forgiveness.
Zerazani’s eyesbrows lifted but she did not otherwise respond as, before she could, the carriage slowly ground to a halt and the carriage puller at the front called to the passangers:
“Arceliaze, Depot 82: South Farming District!” She called. “You three make sure you got yer stuff!”
“Well well, here we are.” Zerazani hummed, flipping her sketchbook closed. “I haven’t been in Arceliaze in almost a year now. Hope nobody’s robbed my second home here.”
“A…second home?”
“Well yes, obviously, I wouldn’t be caught dead bedding within an inn. Well, at least not the ones nearby where I work here.”
A second home… such a concept seemed so distant now, while I strived to pay off my first home. I almost felt foolish for buying one, if there was- no, no. I did not wish to be indebted to Zerazani, by staying in her home. I didn’t need to be lending her any more influence over my life.
Siranae tilted her head as she gathered her belongings, following the Smeargle to disembark.
“Where you work…? Where’s that?” The Audino asked.
“The New District, naturally. It’s the season for Arceliaze’s various art showcases…in fact, I’d say you both came to me just in the nick of time!” Zerazani laughed, leaping down onto the cobblestone path outside the carriage. “I’m sure I’ll walk out of the first gathering of artists I find a few patrons richer. Which, of course, reminds me. Adelaide, come here.”
I blinked, face calm and neutral, as I descended from the carriage more gracefully than my new companion. Quite the boorish one, still…
“Yes?” I spoke a mite louder, coming to the Smeargle’s side.
Zerazani was scribbling something on a piece of paper, staring intently at it.
“Where is it that you live? There’s a Arcean Arts Showcase & Banquet at the ‘Nors Aloch’ hotel up in Kura M’Zan about six days from now, on Zshima 57. A lot of prominent members of the different guilds will be attending including a few from the Leaf Guild and Machine Guild.” The Smeargle explained, tearing off the paper and handing it to me – an address was scrawled onto it. “If we intend to go through with your little ‘infiltration’ then it’s there you’ll want to start making some friends.”
The Smeargle stepped back, a wide grin on her face as she drummed her fingers on her sketchpad.
“And along with that, well…I’ll be debuting a new master work there before a most excited crowd. I’m certain you’ll want to be present.” Zerazani chuckled, seeing your face. “Never fear, Adelaide, the work I’ll be showing won’t be nearly as…involved as my work today, it’s just a simple painting. You and Siranae will attend, of course, won’t you? I’ll have the organizers send you both invitations by mail…and…”
Her face took a more serious and expectant edge.
“If you want to successfully mingle with these Poke’mon I would suggest having a business set up by then.” Zerazani said at last.
I took up the address in one paw. ‘Nors Aloch’, ‘Kura M’Zan’, the ‘Arcean Arts Showcase & Banquet’… Arceliaze was bigger with every name I had to memorize. These winding streets had no shortage of fanciful places-to-be, it seemed.
“Siranae and I live in the second house on Hipisemi Street, in the Illaminian District,” I said softly. “It’s not quite befitting a noblewoman or a soon-to-be guild member, but it serves us well enough.”
I couldn’t hold down a snicker from Zerazani’s taunting. True enough, another one of her personal art pieces was sure to stir a frenzy, be it good or bad. And I wouldn’t be at the center of it, this time…
“Of course we’ll be there. I wouldn’t go back on my word so easily.” I spoke with a soft smirk, reaching over and depositing the slip in Siranae’s still-damp bag. “Especially not if we hope to expand our enterprise, yes?”
My expression soured just a mite.
“Still… how shall we make our mark? I’m no stranger to socializing, flattering, even inserting a business interest into an innocuous conversation… but I’ve never had to advertise myself.” I explained. “What makes friends of these nobles, if not also paying customers? And…”
I huffed.
“If this is one of your more abstract works- I may have but a few moments to make good company, before the crowd is more fixated on their vocal opinions.”
“I understand your concern, Adelaide, but I ask you leave all that to me.” Zerazani said with a polite smile as she copied my address on another parchment. “You are, bluntly speaking, a nobody and shall remain a nobody until a somebody makes you a somebody to the other somebodies. This is my job as I already have considerable clout with even many of the high-level Conveytion, if only as an artist.”
Even if Zerazani wielded some manner of ‘clout’, I still worried if she could use it for anything good. But I didn’t need to pin her on the issue. Even if her insistence on ‘somebodies and nobodies’ was far too classless for our good.
The Smeargle snickered, finishing her scribbling.
“But even if only an artist…many vie for my attention and thusly I hold sway, with or without noble blood. Funny how that works isn’t it?” The Smeargle clicked her tongue, tilting her head at the address. “…Though I might omit your place of residence being in the Illaminian District. Nothing personal, it’s simply not what most upper-crust Arceans think of when they imagine Poke’mon of a similar stature to themselves. Hm…tell you what – I’ll hand-deliver the invitations to your home, so expect me in about two day’s time.”
“Ah…! Of course, Miss Zerazani.” Siranae nodded. “I’ll need to tidy up the place, of course.”
“See that you do, dear Siranae.” The Smeargle said with a little huff, looking back to me. “Now then, such is our marching orders. Shall we away to our tasks?”
“Ah, of course-!!” Siranae gasped, looking back towards the looming windscorch mountain. “I need to get to my job soon at the forge…”
“Yes, work awaits. Although, I feel less sore after a beating than I do at my wretched workplace… I find myself reluctant to go.” I laughed gently, concerned about how much I truly meant that.
Still aching, I bent down into a curtsy- it still did not feel the same without some attire to perform it with.
“And… I thank you for your aid, Miss Zerazani. I place Team Coronatus’s fate into your hands, that you might return it to us in six days’ time.”
“Oh absolutely, Adelaide.” Zerazani said with a flick of her paintbrush tail and wide smirk on her face. “I shall very much enjoy tearing down these social walls – the Arcean nobility shall be none the wiser, I can assure you of that.”
She looked down at me as I performed my curtsy, an eyebrow raised.
“And…whatever that nonsense is, I implore you stop it.” The Smeargle said with a dismissive hand-wave at my gesture. “It’s unbecomming of you, lowering yourself down like that. You should try commanding a little more respect than that, Adelaide.”
I looked up at Zerazani, almost bewildered by her misconstruing remarks. A curtsy was a sign of respect to another, to be sure, but it was certainly more dignified than the wild, sloppy movements with which she carried herself.
“Oh…?” Siranae’s ears folded back, glancing at me. “I had thought it a polite gesture.”
“First lesson is to not mix up being polite with being pathetic, and remember that well. Both of you.” Zerazani huffed with her hands on her hips. “I see yet you’ve a long way to go to blend in with Arcean nobility, but at least the base mannerisms seem correct – that’s the trickiest part. Can’t get many knuckle-dragging commoners on the right foot when it comes to acting with a bit of class.“
Siranae gave a soft sigh but nodded in defeat.
I frowned. Even if commoners struggled to match that dignity, she needn’t say it so curtly before Siranae-
“Right then, off you two go, then.” The Smeargle said, shooing the two of us away. “I’ve work to tend to immediately before the Art Showcase; I must start right away if I ever hope to complete it.”
“Ah…-” Siranae sighed, watching as the Smeargle turned to leave. “Of course…”
The Audino looked my way…with a worried look in her eye.
“Adelaide…” She said softly. “I am…most sorry you must go to another day at your job. I can only hope this one is better than yesterday’s.”
My own tight lips, and the Smeargle’s hasty departure, kept me from making a fuss about her rude remarks. If nobles were so mindless that they could only have respect taken, not given, then I would command respect. From her, as well.
I could fret on it another time, as I brought my attention back to the Audino. Even with Zerazani’s shaming, I kept a gentle smile.
“I don’t mean to concern you, Dear Siranae. I have survived one day, and that is proof enough that I can survive any day,” I said, nodding firmly. “Besides, I have a quiet home and good company to return to after my work. That alone will keep me motivated through any strife to come.”
And… more earnestly, I’d already been beaten and shamed by one lunatic of a woman in this day, so I was prepared for another to do so.
Siranae hardly looked convinced. No doubt a girl like her that was so sensative to lying could tell when I was being strong.
Still, she said nothing, only…stepping forward to wrap her arms around me, hugging me tightly.
“I will be there to greet you, Adelaide.” The Audino whispered. “And we can put the day behind us together.”
She gave a soft, warm squeeze, nuzzling into my neck…as though knowing I needed it. Just a little bit of warmth to tide me over for the grueling work ahead.
I tensed up, on that sudden embrace… but I rose my arms, hugging back warmly. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, and rested my head against Siranae’s.
“Thank you. And I will be there for you as well, Siranae. Of all people, you certainly deserve a rest from this chaotic day.”
Wasn’t it… crass, to be so affectionate? Especially in public, and for a mere friend…
But… she was more than that, of course. The kindest, safest companion I could ask for. There were no qualms with expressing that fondness.
Soon enough, I would be toiling and burning for my employer, yet more struggling for a disgraced noble. But… in this moment, I had respite. I had her.
Siranae tightened her hug, her ears pinned back.
The other Poke’mon walking down the cobblestone road paid us no mind. We were, after all…still a pair of nobodies.
Soon, we both would have to separate and go to our jobs…as though the tumultuous morning had not just happened.
Such was life. Such was our needed work.
I could tell Siranae didn’t want to let me go but, with all her strength and a shaky breath…she did so, holding my paws in her hands lightly.
“Were it I could give you a rest…” The Audino sucked in a breath. “But…I should not delay you, I suppose…!”
One of her hands left mine.
“I shall…see you…”
Her remaining hand squeezed mine.
“…sometime…”
The grip loosened.
“…soon at…”
Her arm trembled…
…then she let go of me.
“…tonight.” She squeaked at last.
It was time to go.
I did not speak, amidst her soft whispers. I did not wish to disturb her gentle thoughts.
My paw fell away from hers, after one last grip… my smile had saddened.
Why did it feel so bitter, to part? Had our tribulations in Zerazani’s gallery instilled some fear of being separated…?
But there was nothing to do for it. With one last weary smile, I strode on- aching in every spot, ready to work myself to the bone.
I would see her again soon.
The trip to the New District was hard on my aching body, still sporting pains and bruises from Zerazani’s adventure, but all of it hidden under my fur. It still did not mask the slight limp my step had.
Through the grody streets of the Old District and across the smooth stone of the New District, it wasn’t long before I came to the familiar street adorned with a canopy of flowers far above, the scent of roses filling my nostrils.
There it was, just ahead. The one place I had been dreading:
‘The Banquet Upon Paradise’
Hurrying within, entering into that well-decorated foyer and going into the back hallways, I could already see a few of the other girls scurrying to and from the different rooms, footsteps and voices silent.
I knew where I was needed.
Following down the twisting, winding hall I finally came to the end with the single wooden door into the Warehouse…
…and I could already hear the Mistress’s voice within, quite irate.
I forced myself up and ready as much as I could, without also dropping to the ground in exhaustion, as I gently pulled the door open.
I poked my head in for a moment, starting to step in quietly. I had practiced this for years before knowing the wretch of a woman.
A quiet and gentle entry, enough to be noticed without commanding focus. I stood at the door with my paws at my waist- not speaking until spoken to, not interrupting my superior. Ready to answer and apologize for any inquiry given.
Inside the warehouse I was greeted with a familiar visage; multiple boxes being prepared and loaded onto carts. Many well-dressed girls, none of whom I recognized from yesterday, standing silently with eyes averted.
And there she was, the Lurantis stood before them as a tyrant, snapping harsh jabs at each of the girls for poor performance or not attending to their duties by the letter.
At once, to my entry, Mistress Julnii looked back, her pink, glassy eyes burrowing into me.
“There you are at last, Buizel.” The Lurantis said sharply. “I do hope you enjoyed your half-day of lazing about for we’ve much work to do. Oh, you filthy thing you look a mess today, I can’t have you seen outside. No, no indeed. Fur matted, a cut on your forehead? What is with that limp? No doubt some manner of rabble-rousing, for shame.“
Mistress Julnii flicked one of her green-tipped pincers towards a group of girls by a massive stack of different foods in boxes.
“Off you go, you’re working with the ugly ones today, staying indoors where you cannot embarrass me. You will pack food to be loaded on carts and shall receive half-pay today, am I clear?”
The girls in the dark corner of the warehouse by the boxes looked down at the ground mournfully. One of them looked near to tears at the insult but made no noise, not even a sniffle.
And it seemed I would not get another look at the Arceali Guild board today…in fact…it was a wonder when next I’d even get the chance. If ever.
I had figured it would not be so easy to reach a restocked list of missions every day of my work… I only felt blessed that I’d gotten the chance on my first day. And, if Caylii’s callous remarks held, I’d at least have two other jobs waiting for me, someday.
“Yes, Mistress,” I said quietly.
I didn’t wait for another instruction, nor another insult. I trudged forward to the group of overworked girls- the ‘ugly’ ones, I was to believe, even if most Poke’mon seemed the same to me.
Half-pay, on a day where I was already missing several hours of work- I would almost be better off not coming at all. But that was sure to jeopardize my stable income.
‘All in due time, Adelaide. When your business starts, you’ll make enough to never see that heathen as your superior again. She might even serve you dessert at Prista’s banquet when it comes.’
My thoughts were my only solace, in the dark warehouse, in the presence of girls whose spirits were too shattered to be of any company- as I set myself to work with the others.
And there I stayed for the day. Dozens of pallets of food delivered from who-knows-where to then be packed in little boxes which were thusly packed into smaller boxes. All of it to be arranged both neatly and timely, paradoxically demanding speed and perfection.
My stomach did ache as I hadn’t had a chance to eat anything. The most I’d eaten were berries during my harrowing ordeal.
Is it even worth it to document the entirety of the dreary affair? It suffices to only say it was long, grueling, mind-numbing and soul-crushing, all the more so whenever Mistress Julnii would enter the room simply to bark at everyone. Even when naught was being done wrong fault would be found where it did not exist. Then when the fault was corrected the correction would cause a real fault to then thusly be admonished in turn.
Such indignity.
I had, not but a few hours ago, perhaps less, fought demons unfathomable in twirling dances of raw power and yet-
-yet this was an issue that could not simply have water sprayed in its face.
The hours continued. Silently. My bruises stung. Repeated motions made those hidden injuries burn all the more.
Yet the hours continued.
Another burning weight in my back, or some wood chip I’d nearly take a splinter from… even the minutiae wore at my sanity. I must have mirrored those girls around me quite well.
But… there were moments in that work, when Mistress Julnii was not looking, where I could smile. I wasn’t happy in the slightest here, but my mind wandered into happiness yet to come.
A fruitful business. A place in Arceliaze’s upper crust, and the dignity that would come with it. A better career.
And Siranae. She would be there alongside me.
The hours continued, still silent. I was bruised, pained, and desperate for a moment of relief.
And I would survive.
Place: City of Arceliaze, Central Illaminian District, approaching Hipisemi Street
Region: Central Arceali Valley
Day: Nahstempnye
Date: Zshima 51st
Year: 5th Turn, 12
At last, the day was ended.
The sun was already approaching dusk, with the orange glow overtaking the sky. Naturally it was getting dark much faster due to it being winter but it did not help the feeling as though I’d completely wasted the day toiling under Mistress Julnii’s cruelty.
And though I had wished for quiet for the night, as I walked through the Illaminian district…I was quite reminded my home was somewhere that was anything but.
The Illaminian district, as ever, was alive with the roar of music and a tightly-packed crowd of Poke’mon, near shoulder to shoulder as they weaved between stores and eateries.
In my bag were two new pieces of paper:
<FIC> VIA Rocky Hills Investing Solutions – For You Shipping and Logistics – 30 Shares
<FIC> VIA Rocky Hills Investing Solutions – From Illamini With Love – 10 Shares
Yet again they were two stock certificates that Mistress Julnii made no secret of simply wishing to get rid of due to the plummeting stock prices of these foreign companies, which meant it was yet again a mere 80 coins worth of certificates.
What a pittance.
I let out a soft sigh, flicking away the corners of those meager shares. The prospect of more death-defying lunacy, at the hands of those like Zerazani… was more and more appealing.
That was for another time. Tonight… I had endured far, far more than Arcea should have ever asked of a girl, and I was allowed some rest. A nice meal would settle my stomach, along with my soul.
The crowds of the Illaminian district were raucous waves on all sides of me, but I had endured an actual wave to get this far. It was a trifling matter to slip and sneak between the shifting passers-by, heading off to the more familiar corner where my house was waiting. But I had another visit to make, before that quiet sanctity of my abode.
I craned my head up, looking to the end of the dimly-lit road- Hipisemi Street laid at the end of it. And, after a moment to force my way back out of the crowd, I walked hurriedly towards the intersection where my street lie. As I rounded the corner it came to my relief to see a light at the end of Hipisemi Street: Julminae’s shop at the end was alight with life. Beside it, dim light shone through the windows of my house.
And there, I saw three figures, two of whom I recognized: Julminae was stood outside her shop, in the open door beside the stand as she talked to Siranae and a stranger.
Siranae looked very happy, now sporting fluffy earmuffs – likely more for the noise than the cold, even though it was indeed bitterly cold this evening.
The stranger, however, was different from both of them: They looked to be little more than a brown furry half-sphere with tired looking eyes and a little pig’s snout. He seemed to be speaking amicably to the other two.
I slowed for a moment, looking over the… little pig-beast. I supposed, if there had to be one, better to be less pig than more, yes?
At once, Siranae noticed my approach, merrily waving to me.
My face lit up, as my eyes met Siranae’s. Even after the thorough anguish we had no doubt gone through, she could show joy upon seeing me- and I could feel relief upon seeing her.
I strode along through the chill of the evening air, staying closer to Siranae’s side such that I didn’t encroach on the new creature’s space.
“Good afternoon, my Dear Siranae~. And a pleasure to see you again, Julminae.” I called to the girl just as I joined into their group, even if my eyes were drawn to the stranger. “Who would our acquaintance be, though? I don’t believe we’ve met yet.”
“Hello, Friend Adelaide!” Siranae said cheerfully as I stood by her. It seemed all her vigor had returned to her at last. Her eyes seemed tired but it seemed to be a tiredness she wholly welcomed.
Julminae, too, turned to me with an excited look as I made myself known. The Timburr whispered something to the tiny pig beast who then nodded with understanding.
“Ah!! Adelaide! You returrn!!” Julimae cheered, waddling over to me at once to plant a fluttering kiss to my cheeks. Siranae smiled warmly, seeing that. “I intrroduce Siranini to neighbors!! Now you, too!”
My face reddened quickly with that kiss- I had seen some manner of greeting kisses among men back home, but it was rather uncouth for two women to practice that-
I kept down some confused chiding, looking to the pig-like creature with an anxious smile.
“Doeu!” The pig beast spoke up, revealing a rather squeaky voice, punctuated by a wiggle of his snout. “So it is true what Julmini say: an Arrceali living in ourr parrt of Qudu Illamini! My name is Oulo – I am a few houses down the road frrom you all, by Zumae’s firre grrill!”
“Ah, then… it is a joy to meet you.” I said. “I was worried my presence would unwelcome, but you seem a nice enough gentleman.”
He was more prone to squeaking and shouting than an actual gentleman, but… it was close enough, for this world.
“Oh noo, not unwelcome — just surrprrising!” The little pig gave a happy bristle. “The housing overr in the Old District is usually cheaperr for an Arrcean – it is distrrict leaderrs that help Illamini get houses herre.”
“How much is a home in the Old District…?” Siranae tilted her head,
“Well an aparrtment could surrely not be morre than 20p a month on the low end. A house…well they arre rramshackle but I saw one for 2,000 p once.” The pig said. “Distrrict leaderrs give theirr countrrymen houses herre forr even less than that…and I prreferr being arround fellow Illamini.”
A frown crossed my face.
…
Kalae was nothing if not a businesswoman. I kept down my own irritation at that information. After bearing my soul to Kalae, she still felt the urge to profit off of my suffering. And that home to repay would be more days spent in the warehouse, wouldn’t it?
Of course, my smile didn’t break for even a moment. I was already well-acquainted with keeping my composure, even in the face of cruelty.
“Most Arrcean I talk to ehhh…get…what is word.” Julminae huffed, the Timburr crossing her arms. “Mad but it is less mad?”
“Annoyed…?” Siranae offered.
“Yes, yes! They ‘annoyed’ with me. Call me stupid sometimes.” Julminae sighed with a shake of her head. “Very mean. I think: Arceans like food and games but do not stay in distrrict long, ey…?”
“Oh, well…I like it…!” Siranae said, rather politely, fluffing her earmuffs. “It is a bit loud but…I do at least appreciate the energy.”
“Loud is best part!!” Julminae cheered…loudly. “Is one regret: My store! So far away from noise. Too quiet, too quiet. Thankfully: friends here!!”
“I am surre this place would be a hit with Arrceans.” The pig laughed, wiggling his snout thoughtfully.
“I can’t say I’m the most fond of the noise, myself,” I said with a laugh. “But… I’m certainly the outlier here, perhaps even among Arceans. I’m just thankful that Siranae and I have a quieter spot to rest, energy or otherwise.”
“Hm…!” The pig looked over to me. Or I assumed he was looking at me for his eyes remained closed, as far as I could see. “Speaking of – I expect the otherr neighborrs will want to meet you soon.”
I glanced down at the pig, unsure if he was keeping his eyes shut, or somehow blind by nature.
“I should hope to meet the other neighbors, as well.” I said. “I only hope that my… gentler behavior won’t deter them.”
“Only if theirr Illamini mannerrisms do not deterr you!” The pig laughed merrily. “Do not forrget that it is you in ourr turrf, yes? Ahaha!”
“Oulo! You, ehhh…go to Kalae book club soon?” Julminae asked, making Siranae perk up.
“Ah, yes. I should head out, the wife will be expecting me.” The little pig trilled happily, looking up at me. “Adelaide, it was a pleasurre meeting you, of course. You as well, Sirranae. Welcome to ourr little slice of Illamini.”
“It’s a very lovely place to be.” Siranae said wistfully. “May I say…the best home I’ve ever had.”
With a hastened goodbye, the pig began to depart. It hadn’t been much a conversation…or, rather, I’d only caught the tail end of it.
Regardless, Siranae seemed to sigh with some relief when he was gone, and Julminae’s face turned to one of sympathy.
“Ah, sorry again.” Julminae apologized to Siranae. For what, I had no idea yet. The Audino tried to brush it off.
“Oh, no no, it’s okay…! Well…no, I suppose it’s not but I didn’t know it wouldn’t be okay so I suppose I know now for later.” Siranae said with a little squirm.
My smile dimmed immediately, looking between the two women. Had I missed some grievance, or subtext? I had thought this to be a sociable gathering.
“What… was not okay?” I squeaked out. “The man seemed kind enough… was there something about the ‘turf’ that he was referring to?”
Siranae jumped, looking very apologetic.
“Oh! I am so sorry, Adelaide. We were talking so much without giving you context-!” Siranae said hastily, hands to her chest and giving a small half-bow in apology. “No, no, it is nothing too bad, only…I had mentioned I was a third generation Illaminian…”
“Oulo and me…too excited.” Julminae continued sheepishly. “Press too hard about…family.”
Siranae nodded softly.
‘Third generation…? Right, Siranae had said something to that effect with the Foreman. But even with that understanding, I could only frown at the two of them.’
“What would be the matter with that?” I asked in earnest. “Not that I am unintelligent- I know there may be a separation from the culture, as is the case with anyone who ventures from their homeland. But you are still Illaminian, are you not?”
If family had come up negatively, I could only imagine it being how horrid Mama was on a personal level. Nothing was much worse than that.
“I’ve heard you speak the language, even,” I added, as if she had forgotten. “I’m… not familiar with the issue here.”
“Oh, just that…I found myself rather distressed talking about M…Mama…” Siranae said, squirming. The Timburr beside her nodded.
“Do not need hear.” Julminae said, shaking her head. “Some parents…not good.”
“Mhhh…it’s somewhat hard to hear that, still. May we not talk of it?” The Audino whined softly, looking away. The Timburr nodded, stepping closer to us both.
“Okay, okay! No talk, no talk. We talk of something else.” Julminae shivered, hugging herself and rubbing her arms. “Augh, will be cold night. Want come in rrestaurant? Warrm.”
She stepped back, gesturing to the open red door beside her store’s stand. Inside, I could see a cozy arrangement and a warm orange glow. I could smell the inviting scent of smoke from within.
I held my tongue. There was much to say about Siranae’s mother, but I supposed it was better left unsaid, if it would only distress her further.
“I’d enjoy the warmth, if you don’t mind.” I put up my smile once more. “The evening wind is rather frigid, no matter the hours spent slaving and sweating beforehand.”
I followed Julminae’s lead, looking about the interior of her workplace as I entered.
As I stepped in, the interior was certainly ‘cozy’. There was an arrangement of tables and chairs against the left wall with stools by a long serving bar to the right. There was barely any room in the aisle between the two.
The restaurant had red brick walls with a few old looking painting festooning space between the windows that faced a dark (and seemingly unused) cobblestone courtyard that seemed to sit behind our house, accessible only by the next road over (This entire section of the Illaminian district seemed a bit haphazardly put together).
Across the diner bar I could see the general store with nary a wall or cloth separating the two businesses. At the far end of the diner was a door, with a sign reading ‘Me noe dete! Pup ipvsesi’
“This place has a comfortable air to it…” I complimented. “I can see why it’s suitable for dining. Is something cooking, or do you have a fire going for comfort?”
Julminae stepped around the bar, taking her spot there and hastily gathering up some menus which looked to be written with hand-carved characters on slabs of polished wood. Siranae hopped up onto one of the bar stools, nestling into the warm atmosphere the lanterns provided.
Cramped and ramshackle were appropriate words for this place… but it was no less comforting to be here- to be safe from the rest of the world, and simply recover.
It really did feel like a cozy light in the dark and cold night.
“I usually make stew all times and oven always hot!” Julminae said, setting the wood slabs before Siranae and I. “But I make Sandwiches! Hogie brread, verry verry thick and butterry! Got, uhhh…’meat plant’ cooked lots differrent ways.”
“Rohzleena Mesa?” Siranae asked.
“Mmh…too hard. Just say ‘meat plant’.” Julminae huffed.
I seated myself beside Siranae, giving her a worried glance about the prior conversation, although I looked back to Julminae just as quickly.
“A sandwich should do nicely. I’m still not… familiar, with the ‘meat plant’, but are there any other ingredients you tend to use…?”
“Uhhhh…!! Rroast nuts! Apples, berrries…sometimes put Spaghetti in sandwich! OO!” Julminae got all excited. “You eat rroast tomatoes and olive oil?! Melt cheese over, sear it, butterr and garrlic. Brread in oven-!!”
It was hard to tell what was her accent and what was her tripping over her words in excitement.
“Ohhh…I should think I would love just a cheese sandwich…” Siranae said politely. “Um…would it be a problem to ask for it a little burned?”
“Burrned?? Sure, sure! I give little black searr!” Julminae nodded. Siranae sighed with relief.
“Ah, good…I was worried that would be a strange request…”
I patted Siranae’s shoulder.
“You don’t have to worry, dear. I’ve heard far stranger requests for a meal, and seen them tolerated by chefs as well.” I gave a gentle laugh. “You haven’t seen an oaf of a man ask for his pasta to be hand-fed to him.”
I lifted my gaze to the Timburr once more.
“Though I’m unsure of having spaghetti in a sandwich… for tonight, might I ask for the spaghetti to be served on the side? And the sandwich… perhaps cheese and some garlic with it. I trust your talent with your work, so even something simple should be a delight.”
“Oooh, yeah yeah, spaghetti on side: much smarrterr~!” Julminae laughed, turning to a stone box and lifting an iron cover.
A bright flame BURST from a hole at the top of the stone box, smoke and soot lifting up into a chimney and instantly warming the room a few degrees and filling my lungs with a tantalizingly cozy smoke. I recoiled at that blast of smoke and embers, fearing briefly that this quaint place was going up in flames- or worse, that another round of Zerazani’s performance was about to happen.
I calmed myself a moment after, stroking down some of the fur on my arm. Julminae laughed, lifting an iron grating up over the open flame and tossing some wood into the fire.
“Ooo, cherrywood to burn tonight! Give a sweet smoke flavor!!” The Timburr sighed wistfully as she immediately set down a pot and two thin pans. She went to baste two long loaves of hogie bread in melted butter mixed with garlic and rosemary, laying them on the pan to toast upon the hot metal. She then moved on the pot to begin making a tomato paste with sharp spices, the Timburr taking the time to sniff each bottle to see if it’s just what she wanted. A pot of salt and garlic water for the spaghetti boiled to the side.
“So so! How trip to Laesi go?” The Timburr asked as she cooked, the tightly enclosed space already filling with delicious smells that rolled over the bar and out the open door. “You say you go to big city, yeah? How guard duty?”
“Oh, our trip…?” I said, voice cracking just slightly. There were no succinct words to describe what we endured, let alone what we might’ve felt. And, more concerning, I couldn’t be honest with those feelings.
Zerazani was our associate now- our teammate, even. I had nothing to gain from speaking ill of her, only insulting my own judgment in accepting her into our affairs.
But… there was so little positive to say in its stead.
“Well- we were to perform guard work for the talented Miss Zerazani, if you can believe it~.” My words cooed and trilled, while I looked to Siranae with an anxious smile. “Her exhibit is truly massive– she has spent countless hours crafting a little world in that place.”
I waved dismissively at the air, scraping across details of deceit and distress.
“She had a small entourage of nobles with her today… and, we- we performed, for them.”
The story wasn’t coherent, I could feel that much.
“A little exhibition of her theatrical effects, and hand-make props…some mock-fighting, even. A chance to show our prowess, as capable and combat-ready Poke’mon.”
Of course. As if that was, in any way, normal for a famed artist and her hired guards.
“And, if I may brag- she was satisfied enough with our work that she asked to keep in contact for future affairs. Our little team has already expanded by one member~.”
Siranae frowned deeply, looking away and scratching at her cheek uncomfortably. It was, in fairness, the best way to tell the truth and lie at once.
“Oh, that is fun!!” Julminae cheered merrily, sprinkling some cheese into an oiled up pan to begin melting and frying it, sprinkling it with some powdered spice. “Think: not just guarrd duty but active fun having! I know Poke’mon down the rroad: worrked as bank guarrd! He say: Borring! Oh so borring! Stand around for hourrs and do nothing!”
“We most certainly did something…” Siranae began. “I certainly, um…enjoyed the art. And the ‘World of the Goddess’ was pretty.”
“I do not know a ‘Zerrazani’, she a big-shot artist? What she do? Painting? You say: thea-trre? Prrops? Fighting?” Julminae hummed as she dropped spaghetti into the boiling water and mixed her tomato paste. “That do not sound arrtist-like?”
The Timburr hummed again, looking even more confused.
“And…she join you? What about arrt? Do arrtist even fight? Do not Arrceali Guild fight?”
“Yes…we fought a lot…and, um…” Siranae poked her fingers together, looking to me with raised eyebrows, as though venturing how much she should even say. “…Zerazani fought, too.?”
“She fight good???”
“I- I believe she does fight well,” I sputtered out with a laugh. “I’ve got the scrapes and bruises to prove it, too. Some of it was her stage performance, and some was talent. It’s hard to discern where one begins, and the other ends.”
What sort of answer was that? Did I or did I not know how she could fight? Her wits and reflexes were certain, but could she do more than sling her gaudy tail outside of her exhibit?
“Oh, well- it isn’t too important. Miss Zerazani is much more of an artist and a businesswoman than a thug.” A lie. Even if I wished it to be true. “Most of her work is portraits and paintings for the wealthy, and we were asked to attend one of her unveilings, even!”
I clasped my paws together- that, at least, was something worth being happy about.
“We will be friends with her friends, and hopefully, our team will see better business through them.” I explained. “Overall, the day wasn’t boring in the slightest. We hardly had a moment to catch our breath, ahah…”
“Ooo, arrty exhibit~!” Julminae sang. “Look how much you move up in world so fast! You will toast like a millions-coin woman! Drrinking 4th Turrn Eksai~!”
The bread finished toasting and now was getting the fried cheese placed in, with the ugly edges cut to give the sandwich a neat, uniform look. She drizzled some oil and salt to it and adding a light creamy basting to it with chopped fried nuts to help fill it out and finishing it off with a toothpick. Siranae’s was given the same, but with another cheese mixture atop that and drizzled in a dark sauce. The spaghetti finished next and was expertly coiled up onto a plate with the tomato paste set lovingly on top, complete with, of all things, a little sprig of garnish on top.
Siranae looked excited to see the food as it was set before us. Julminae even threw in some drinks: oran berry juice for the soul.
All things considered, the sight of Julminae’s meals as she crafted them was relieving. There would be a well-made dish to dine on, after such an exhausting day.
“Not many arrtist from Illamini herre.” Julminae mused. “Harrd to starrt business. Farrming the hot marrket, yes, yes! You farrm, you make money. You do arrt? Ehhh, you need be popularr alrready to make it in Arrcea.”
The Timburr gave a little hand-wave with a sigh.
“Buuut, they still have local arrty stuff. Saw a local play…think it was: 1 month ago!” Julminae recalled, looking up. “Sappy rromance, too. I love it!!”
“I have been wanting to see more of the performances in Arceliaze…a play, or an opera, something adventurous. But I wouldn’t know what to look for.” I muttered the thoughts softly, eyes drifting around the narrow restaurant. “I should hope you can enjoy another play soon, or any of those artistic passions. Even if a person must run a fruitful business, you are still owed the fruits of that labor.”
…I blinked, and looked back to the woman.
“That reminds me- a business must be difficult to set up, yes? How did the registration for your businesses fare?” I leaned against the bar curiously. “Siranae and I will have to go through the process soon, and some insight to the difficulties would help us.”
Julminae mulled and chewed on the question for a while as Siranae crunched into her sandwich, her eyes lighting up with delight. I could tell the Audino was holding in a squeal very politely so as not to interrupt the Timburr’s train of though.
“Well…easy forr me, not so for you.” Julminae admitted sheepishly. “I go through United Illamini Businesses. They do…perrmits and taxes and handle money. Verry easy forr Illamini, everryone in district use UIB if they small.”
“Oh-” Siranae tilted her head, not quite understanding. “And…could we do something like that?”
“You start a store? Ah, but, but…Illamini only.”
“I see… I suppose it’s an option for Siranae, if worst comes to worst,” I said softly. “But otherwise, we’ll have to take the long way. And that would be permits to manage, fees to pay… I’m not excited for it, but I’m at least prepared for that menial mathematical work.”
I took up my sandwich, taking little bites where I could between the conversation- a lady would rather waste the meal than be boorish in talk.
“I’m surprised this ‘UIB’ runs through the whole district… and only for the Illamini.” I said. “Is it some organization from a family, or simply… a matter of preference?”
…that was odd, was it not? Kalae’s affable connections and deep roots were understandable, for a single banker. But this single line of work managed all of the Illaminians, a bloc large enough to show up on a map.
“Well! For small business, like me. Not big Illamini business. But, then…” Julminae smirked, twirling her finger through her ponytail. “Distrrict businesses…also, ehhh…‘sidestep’ guild rrules. Rregulations. Much easier.”
Despite that information it was relieving that the sandwich was…delicious. It had a bite to it that was a delight to the senses, and a crunch that was practically addictive. If it were not for my well-ingrained manners I’d have been tempted to ravage the sandwich like a woman possessed.
…much like Siranae was. Well, at least moreso than I was.
“But, I’m curious, too…” Siranae said between swallows. “You said it handles money? Why use a UIB?”
“Ehh? Just easierr.” The Timburr shrugged. “Arrcean business – so many rrules, rrules, rrules. In Illamini you just…sell, if you want. In old Illamini I see mom sell frrom a carrpet rrolled out onto grround. Not so many rrules. Perrmits. Rregulations. Taxes. Ugh. Let UIB handle it. Small monthly fee: morre than worrth it.”
“Oh dear…” Siranae squirmed, looking to me. “Actually…Adelaide…what exactly kind of business would we be…?”
“Us…?” I spoke barely a whisper- my mind had already fixated itself on my meal. I hadn’t realized how desperately famished I was, and I was almost as far into my sandwich as Siranae was.
I felt a blush.
“Well- by default, we would simply be a partnership, to my knowledge.” I quietly gulped a bite of my meal- how crass, I hadn’t even swallowed before trying to converse. “And, should Arceliaze’s laws allow it, we would become a corporation, or some other company of that sort. I couldn’t begin to grasp where our liability would begin and end, but we would be bound by a charter to uphold certain practices, even if others join us in leadership.”
I pressed a paw to my temple.
“Truth be told, while I was raised with certain education in running a business… I have no idea how it would apply to Arcea. And I am unsure if our mission-like operations even have a framework to follow. We may need to venture forward until someone halts us…”
“A partnership…okay! That sounds like what we have right now.” Siranae said with a nod. “But…what would we be selling? Papa said that businesses have to sell goods or services…so we’d be a service, I guess? What kind of service? Just…doing…anything, service?”
“Eh? Anything?” Julminae tilted her head.
“Well yeah…the guild does any and everything requested of it, dangerous to mundane.” Siranae swallowed a big bite of her hogie. “So it’s not like we’re providing a single service, we’re just doing…all services, really.”
“A service of any kind- any plight for the poor, any worry for the wealthy,” I cooed out. “It might not be the most evident line of work, especially when we must avoid speaking in terms of the guild activities. But it should not be an issue.”
I swirled a utensil on the plate of spaghetti, restraining myself from another treat while I spoke.
“We are guards, and rescuers, and heroes upon the street- we are fixers, yes? And, short of administrative muck and dreck, we can promise a job well done.”
“Oooh! Fixerrs! Everryone pay lots of money forr that!” Julminae said with a bounce.
“Yes! And maybe we can meet Poke’mon that need help at Zerazani’s art show, too!” Siranae put in hopefully.
I looked up to Julminae, hopeful, but calm.
“Is there anyone that would need services of… well, anything, in the Illaminian District?” I asked. “We would be happy to apply ourselves where we’re needed.”
That question gave the Timburr pause. Her eyes trailed up towards the ceiling as she thought.
“Uh…arround Illamini Distrrict…?” She repeated, her mind turning and thinking. “Um…odd jobs? The bulletin board outside – acrross frrom you house – sometimes Poke’mon put posters. Help Wanted and…single tasks…!”
She paused, scratching at her chin.
“…does not pay good. Sorrry.” Julminae admitted.
“Well, that doesn’t matter…!” Siranae piped up, a twinkle in her eye. “Real guild members do work not for pay…but because it’s the right thing to do. That’s who I want to be: someone helping in things big and small.”
I kept a nervous smile, slowly digging away at my meal- Siranae’s heart was in the right place, as it always was. But we certainly did need some emphasis on pay, if we wanted a workplace that wasn’t a house I was still paying off.
Still, she was right- we had principles to uphold.
“We would be happy to indulge in those requests, Julminae,” I said proudly. “No doubt, if we wish to have an influence in the world around us, we should start closest to home, yes?”
I laughed gently, looking to the Audino again.
“And, dare I say, none of the odd jobs should be as intensive as the work Miss Zerazani put us through. It might even be a pleasant experience.”
“I…hate to say that I hope so.” Siranae said. “Guild members should not shy from dangerous or hard work but…”
The Audino squirmed sheepishly, giving a smile.
“I would also like to not almost die to Zerazani’s slime monsters.” She finished.
“Eh??” Julminae looked horrified, making Siranae jump.
“Ah! No no, it is okay, we are friends with Zerazani now!”
“E-eh?!”
“Oh dear…”
Siranae giggled softly to herself while Julminae was silently send reeling from the infortmation. The Audino took this as a good opportunity to finish her food and change the topic of conversation to something nicer…
“Julminae…how are the neighbors around the district doing? You mentioned knowing Kalae?” Siranae said, nestling in. “I only met her once.”
“Ohhh, everryone arround the ‘Cio Tumfo’ side of town know Kalae!” Julminae replied, her smile wobbly as though she were thankful Siranae was brushing by the topic. “If want, I say more…”
And so she did, talking about Kalae’s various friends, which seemed to include most of the wealthy business owners in the district and even a few of Julminae’s close friends…
…some of whom had odd jobs on the bulletin board mentioned earlier.
The nice, rambling explaination made for a cozy atmosphere as the dusk turned to cold night.
‘Cio Tumfo’ and so many other words had simply flown over my head…I was always out of my depth on these social matters, these cultural points of Illaminamo. But even now, I kept listening on politely, finishing my meal… and conversing with quite good company.
Where I could, I’d chime in with my thoughts on the bulletin board and its plights. It was the least I could do to show some familiarity with this odd, commoner lifestyle. Even better, I could offer knowledge on the odd jobs of the more wealthy folk that Kalae knew. But… there was only so much I could do, before actually putting myself into that work.
By the time I had finished my meal, eaten briefly between moments of chatter, the roaring warmth of the lit interior could not hide the darkness creeping in from outside. I felt a flush of embarrassment, thinking that I might have kept Julminae busy for that long with my dining.
“I thank you dearly for your time, Julminae,” I said softly, “along with the wonderful dinner, and the comfortable conversation. But we must retire for work tomorrow, if we hope to get much of anything done.”
I looked to my bag, rustling through its depths for the shares- and for my checkbook.
“How much do I owe you?”
“Eh??” Julminae tilted her head. “Uhm…forrgot, ehe. Maybe…16. 8 coins each!”
I smiled between Julminae and Siranae, fishing out one of the share documents alone- the Shipping and Logistics paper.
“30 shares… if you can break this, please keep 25 coins of it. A fair payment for the meals, and the pleasant evening~.”
“Thank you so, so much, Miss Julminae.” Siranae stepped in to give her thanks after me. “You’ve…really made this place feel so much more like a home.”
“Yes! Yes! Home nothing without frriends!” Julminae beamed sunnily, shaking the Audino’s hand which Siranae gladly returned. The Timburr hopped over the diner, following us both as we exited for home.
“I should hope to eat here again soon…oh! Or maybe you’d like to come with us someplace?” Siranae said hopefully. Julminae’s eyes sparkled at that.
“…frriends!!” The Timburr cheered! Siranae giggled warmly, clapping her hands together.
“F-friends…!” Siranae laughed softly. “…having friends is…”
She trailed off, stepping closer to me.
“…such a wonderful thing to have.” She finished as we both stepped out onto the cold street, our home not but a few steps away.
I could only giggle with Julminae’s renewed eagerness- and clutched Siranae’s hand in turn.
“We would be delighted to have you join us some night. It means quite a lot to have… companionship, and comfort, so close to home.”
Whether for myself, or for Siranae… this young woman was a blessing. And I knew her presence was something to cherish.
The Timburr waved merrily as we returned home. The chill was on my fur only briefly as we quickly ran inside just as snow began to flutter down,
The night was a blur from there. A soft goodnight, some quiet time to soak in being home after a hard day…
And Siranae, promising me:
“I will see you in the morning, Adelaide. And I swear to do my best tomorrow as well!”
And so it would be that we both would need to do our best.
The future of Coronatus depended on it.
And the moment I awoke the next morning…I set to work.
~ CHAPTER 17 ~
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