Once we return to the shop I make another coffee for Elzbieta and me. Only a small one this time though, as we already had some with our frozen dessert. It's better not to overdo it after all. It's just right like that and we take another little while to slowly sip it while sitting out back in the garden.

Eventually we have to return to our chores. There just is no way around it. Elzbieta resumes work with the mana mill. I on the other hand put away the enchantment for the time being. Instead I begin to draft the letter for the library at the academy in Barter Town.

Writing a letter like that is quite possibly more troubling than working on an enchantment that is eluding me in one way or another. I have to hit just the right tone and of course I have to consider what exactly I'm asking for. I have to be short, concise and at the same time polite and respectful.

It will be Agnieszka who will do any talking that needs to be done for me, but I don't want to give her a hard time either just because I thoughtlessly upset the librarian who ends up dealing with my request.

In the end I decide to ask for a few runes more than I'll probably need for my current project, while keeping to the basics at the same time. The runes I end up requesting are basic runes for nursery and midwifery in general. I'm moderately certain that the library should have some books on the topic and at least one of them will be for complete beginners. You need to establish a solid foundation first before you can expand your knowledge after all.

After rewording my request half a dozen times I'm still not quite satisfied, but I realize that it isn't going to get any better than this. Well, it certainly should be good enough. I'm not trying to win some bardic poetry competition after all. Valeria, queen of bards? No, not going to happen. Not in this lifetime anyway.

I transcribe my draft on a clean piece of parchment, let the ink dry for a bit, fold it up before wrapping a nice enough piece of string around it both ways. The finishing touch I apply with a bit of wax, colored red with burned ocher and my personal seal.

There, all done. I let out a long sigh, prompting a chuckle from Elzbieta in turn.

“You really don't like writing letters like that, don't you?”

I grimace.

“No … it reminds me of home.”

Her face drops a little at my reply.

“Oh?”

I'm quick to elaborate. I can't quite banish the pained grimace though.

“My parents were rather strict in regard to my education. Some of the home tutors they hired were worse. Especially what they called social studies, or social skills, was hell for me. You know, neat calligraphy, pleasant lies and fake smiles. I hated it. When I got to leave for the academy it was a true blessing for me. Like a second chance at life.”

By now Elzbieta's mouth stands open. It takes her visible effort to find her next words.

“That bad?”

I simply nod. At least at first. Then I let out another long sigh.

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“That bad.”

She takes a moment off from her chores to get up and hug me, a little awkwardly.

I don't mind, neither the awkward nor the hug in general. Not in a bad way anyway. After a moment or maybe two we part again and get back to work.

By now the wax sealing the letter has properly cooled. I'm left with one more conundrum though. Just how much am I willing to spend on this? No, the question should be, how much will I have to pay for what I ask? In the end I grab three silver Crowns and twelve bronze Crowns from my strongbox.

This way Agnieszka should have some leeway to negotiate. The coins go into a little pouch. And once I tie the string on it I grab the letter too. Before I leave I stop at Elzbieta's side once more.

“I'll head over to Agnieszka's place. I shouldn't be long.”

Elzbieta briefly checks on the contents of the mill's drawer.

“I'll need some more time here too. See you in a little while?”

I nod.

“See you. I'll be back right away.”

With those words I'm off. The walk over to Agnieszka's place is short and uneventful. It isn't far after all. As I knock to announce my presence a call stops me from actually opening the door.

“Stop! Don't open the door. Give me a moment.”

My left eyebrow arches a little. Am I interrupting something? At this time of the day? No, that can't be it. Right? Except … maybe …

A moment later I'm enlightened as to what is actually going on, as the older woman opens the door.

It seems she is busy with Danuta's dress. Patterns and pieces of cloth so fine that even weighed down as they are now, thanks to Agnieszka's frantic efforts, the slight breeze from the open door is almost enough to send them flying.

I ask anyway, to make sure, although the answer seems rather obvious.

“Danuta's dress?”

She nods at my question and motions for me to come in. She is quick to close the door too, once I'm actually inside.

“Exactly. And I'm starting to remember why I really don't like working with fairy gossamer.”

We share a quick laugh, before I pick up the conversation.

“I'm sure it'll be worth it though. A few noble ladies might even drop dead from envy once word of that dress gets out. But anyway … I have the letter we talked about earlier. The money too.”

She takes the letter and the little purse, weighing it briefly before putting it and the sealed letter away.

“I'll do my best to get you a little discount. It will be a few days before I head to Barter Town again though. I hope that isn't an issue.”

“No, no issue. I'm not in too much of a hurry with this project. I could even make do without the academy's help but … well, my current solution is rather cumbersome and wasteful. I'd rather try to come up with a better enchantment. Anyway, this is it. I probably shouldn't keep you any longer. This looks like it will take some serious effort.”

She chuckles again.

“Very much so. Very much so. I'll let you know when I have your things.”

After a quick hug I quickly slip out the door again, without opening it completely. I very much don't want to upset my neighbor after all.

Eventually Elzbieta finishes with her work too and I see her off after stamping her quest papers.

I don't head down to the inn with her today though, as I'm still feeling a little full. Instead I close the shop and spend a little time doing some cleaning. I take care of the garden and grandma's grave too, while I'm at it.

Eventually, after taking care of Sour Cream as well, I end up sitting on the bench out back, doing a little star gazing. I really don't feel like going to bed yet. And of course I can't help but think some more about my current project.

I really should just wait to hear back from the academy. I really should. It will be days though. And I can't help but wonder how well my current solution will compare in the end. And the only way to ever know is for me to actually put it to the test.

A sound that is a curious mix of a groan and a sigh escapes me as I run my fingers through my hair.

Curse me and my curiosity!