We take our sweet time to enjoy or coffee and the last of the apple pie. Why wouldn't we? Some things, like good meals, even more so in good company, shouldn't be rushed. The coffee, even without the milk, certainly reinvigorates us both.

Afterwards Elzbieta resumes work on the wreath, happily humming all the time. I in turn wash the dishes and as I do so, I catch myself humming along with Elzbieta. Given the cheerful mood her happy little tune is simply irresistible.

Eventually I have to disturb her though, as my aching, swollen breast remind me of the other issue that needs to be taken care of. I simply can't ignore the matter any longer.

Thankfully the impish archer is not up to any mischief this time around. Thus the issue is quickly resolved. I process the milk right away this time around too, as I don't want to risk any more accidents. The adorable, silly feline better not get used to this kind of treat.

I'm busy enchanting a few more potion bottles to serve as cold storage and once that is done I need to heat treat the milk too, to properly preserve it. Still I end up scratching my head. What am I going to do with those?

The best option would be to sell them as they are in the city. Except I'm not quite sure when Agnieszka will make her next trip to Barter Town. I might have to ask Krystina. I'm sure the guild offers some kind of service that is applicable. It probably will be pricey though. Ah well, as long as I end up making more than I spend it should be alright.

I'll ask her in the evening, when Elzbieta heads down to the inn to hand in her quest. I might as well discuss advertising my enchanting services with the guild too, while I'm at it.

First I still have some time to pass though. It is a good thing that I already have a new project lined up. Well, after a fashion anyway. I want to enchant the wreath Elzbieta is making right now and I want to put at least two enchantments on it while I'm at it.

The first one to preserve the wreath. I'll still have to treat it properly, but if I do it should take on a look of nicely dried and preserved flowers instead of completely wilting and falling apart.

I can't help but grin as I take a deep breath while jotting down some notes in my notebook. It'll be like a constant reminder of my new home. I like that thought. I like it very much in fact.

I'm not quite sure about the second enchantment right now. I could of course use a generic enchantment to enhance my abilities. Except which one should I go for? Another one to improve my agility? No, that somehow wouldn't really fit with a wreath of flowers. Willpower would be a better match. Except, I doubt I'll need it. No, maybe I should boost my charisma instead?

Yes, that sounds better. I jot down some more notes and start to do a preliminary design for the two enchantments. Applying the generic enhancement to charisma is easy. It results in a rather plain and simple circle of runes, even when I adjust it to be added as a second enchantment on top of another.

The other enchantment is a little more troublesome. Mostly because I have to adjust it from one optimized for bouquets of flowers to be put on a wreath instead. And considering that I want this preservative enchantment to be more powerful I optimize the new version for wreaths in general too, adding additional circles to ramp up the power.

This one is a challenge despite the recent growth of my enchanting skill and my improved auspicious aura. It's a good thing that I like challenges.

I'm so immersed in my work that I don't even notice Elzbieta moving up to stand at my side at first. That changes though, as she moves in a little closer to place the apparently finished wreath on my head. It tickles a little, but not in a bad way. Besides, Elzbieta leaning in close to look over my shoulder helps distract me a little.

“Oh my! That looks quite complex.”

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I smile and take another deep breath, as the smell of flowers and greens intensifies a little.

“It is. It is supposed to preserve the wreath, without it looking like it is well past its prime.”

She nods along as I speak. Then she places her quest papers atop of my notebook.

“Well, the wreath is done. Do you like it?”

I ignore the quest papers at first and focus on the wreath instead. I take it off and turn it around in my hands to give it a good look.

The willow branch providing support is wrapped in cloth, which In turn provides some padding. Necessary for anyone intending to wear a wreath like that for any length of time. And of course there are all the flowers and other assorted greens we gathered earlier. It might be called a wreath, but it looks the part of a crown.

In the end I swallow hard and nod.

“It looks marvelous. All the more reason to properly preserve it.”

I take a moment to get a look with my appraisal skill, but I barely pay the results any mind.

[Masterwork Summer night's crown, Quality: Uncommon, A wreath of summer flowers and other greenery of the season, to be worn by young women to the dance during midsummer night. It looks good and smells pleasant. This particular wreath has been created with love and great care. When worn together with Summer night's sandals or other matching items additional effects might be achieved.]

Well, I barely pay most of the results any mind. There is one little tidbit hidden in there that has me blush a little. Created with love and care?

It is as if Elzbieta is able to read my mind, as she places a peck on my cheek just then. She wraps her arms around me too, for emphasis.

“So, feel like getting something to eat down at the inn? The pies were good, but I still have a craving for something with meat.”

Of course. I laugh and take this chance to put my seal on her quest papers, before I can get distracted again.

“Sure. Let's get dinner while we are at it. I need to talk with Krystina about something else afterwards as well.”

“Oh? What is this about?”

Even as she inquires she backs off a little so I can get up.

“I need to talk with her about advertising my enchantments through the guild. Especially double enchantments. Maybe even the triple ones?”

Elzbieta taps her chin as she thinks about it for a moment, while I close the shop for the evening.

“Getting some more business sure would be nice. Especially if it is from the kind of customers that can afford enchantments like that. Hold off on advertising the triple enchantments for the time being though. You might draw more attention than you want all at once otherwise.”

I nod. That sounds reasonable enough. Before we leave another thought strikes me and my gaze shifts to Sour Cream once more. She is still sleeping on the bed. Or is she just pretending? I'm not quite sure.

I still remember what she did with the little wreath I made for her though. Given the nasty surprise with the milk earlier today I don't want to take any risks with the wreath Elzbieta made for me. Thus I take a moment to put it into the strong chest for safekeeping. I need to grab some coins to cover the guild fees for advertising anyway.

Once that is taken care of, we are off to the inn. And without even thinking about it, I put an arm around Elzbieta as we get going.