The way back home isn't long, although it might seem so as I have to carry my purchases, or at least part of them, this time around. In the end I'm mighty glad that I have some help in the person of Urszula's eldest, Ryszard. At first we walk in silence. That doesn't last though, as is to expected.

It isn't the boy who breaks the silence, although he seems to be close, as he shoots me glances every once in a while. No, in the end it is my own curiosity that leads to me speaking up first.

“So, you are the eldest? I couldn't help but wonder …”

I don't get any further, as he is quick to answer the implied question.

“I am, and yes, we all have different fathers. Well, as far as I know anyway. It is easier to tell with some of us than others.”

He is right, of course. Dark skin or pointy ears are a little more distinguishing than some other, slightly more subtle features. Before I can say anything though he speaks up again.

“Grandpa used to be a little sore about the topic, way back then, when I was younger. I think he still had hopes that mom would get married. She made it pretty clear that she had no such intentions though and by now he seems to be happy enough to have plenty of grandchildren. The way he sees it one of us will eventually take over the farm and that is just about all that matters in his eyes.”

For a moment we fall silent again.

What he said makes sense. I don't know the details, but his mother probably wears the yellow bandanna with the red embroidery pretty regularly and she seems to be pretty popular with at least some adventurers. I wouldn't be surprised if one or another has hopes to eventually settle down with her. Not everyone keeps adventuring until a monster eats them after all.

I take this chance to get in a word as well.

“Your grandfather probably hopes that you will take over the farm eventually.”

That comment seems to somehow trouble the youth. He sounds uncertain as he answers.

“Probably? I'm not so sure about it though. Maybe I can become an adventurer myself? I'll be an adult soon enough. I might just set out and raid some dungeons or maybe slay a dragon!”

Well, whatever uncertainty there might have been, by the time he finishes there is no trace of it left. I chuckle and decide to add a comment of my own at this point.

“And of course adventurers get all the pretty girls?”

He blushes brightly and stutters a little as he answers, pointedly not looking my way.

“W … well, they do. Don't they?”

I chuckle at this display.

“Some of them do anyway. You shouldn't be in a hurry though. You still have another year, or maybe two, right? Chop more wood, carry more water. Save up some money so you can afford yourself some decent gear, if you decide to become an adventurer. Make some friends you can group up with. And above all else, don't rush things. Maybe fight something a little smaller than a dragon first.”

I pause briefly to look over at him. He seems to be in deep thought now, thus I decide to add some more words he can think over.

“You have a big family. I'm certain it would break all their hearts if you go on your first adventure and never come back.”

He sighs and nods. His voice is small as he speaks up again after I fall silent.

“I know. Its just… I don't think I want to herd pigs and sheep or cows for the rest of my life. And it is actually about a little more than half a year until I'm coming of age.”

I roll my eyes, hoping that he can't see it, as he insists on making that last point. I would pat his shoulder at this point, but I have my hands full right now. We are almost back at my place by now anyway.

“Let's head around to the back so we can put the things away.”

He nods and follows me as I lead the way. Once back inside I put the honey and the wax down on the workbench. I motion for Ryszard to put the jug with milk down there as well.

“Is there anything else you need help with?”

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He sounds a little uncertain, but it certainly is the question a prospective adventurer should ask.

I can't help but grin as I shake my head.

“No, I'm good for now.”

I eye my recent purchases for a moment, pondering what I want to do with them, and speak up again before he can actually leave.

“Say, maybe you and your siblings could drop by in the evening, after dinner, if you don't have any more chores. I could use an opinion or two about the taste of an experiment I intend to run.”

For some reason that question sets him on edge. He sounds a little nervous and wary, as he inquires about the nature of the mentioned experiment.

“An experiment? Not some crazy potion though, right? Not something that will dye our tongues blue or make us talk backwards or anything like that, right?”

For a moment I'm at a loss for words. Where would he get an idea like that? Did my grandmother prank people like that? I might have to make inquiries. For now I just shake my head though and pat my new icebox. It is cold to the touch.

“No, nothing like that. I want to try and make a frozen treat. The milk and the honey are part of the recipe. Some sugar and possibly some eggs will go into it as well. There is nothing alchemical to it. I'm not entirely sure about the exact recipe though, thus I'd appreciate some more opinions.”

It isn't even a lie. I don't have the ingredients that would turn the frozen treat into an alchemical, frozen treat right now. I plan to get them though. Agnieszka managed to get me coffee beans after all, thus I'm pretty sure that she will be able to get me some vanilla pods and possible some cacao beans as well.

It might be a little costly though. Possibly too costly for free giveaways. Thus I better get the general process right before I use any of those precious ingredients.

He bites his lip, still a little uncertain, but in the end he nods.

“I'll ask if any of the others want to come, if mom doesn't mind. No promises though. If you need eggs you could have gotten them from us as well though, both chicken and quail eggs as a matter of fact.”

Well, that is good to know. I shake my head though.

“We already had our hands full. I'll keep it in mind though.”

He nods and bows.

“Thanks for your patronage!”

Then he is off again.

I leave my home again in short order as well. This time I head over to Agnieszka's place though. I knock at the backdoor and call out to my neighbor.

“Hello! Agnieszka? Are you home?”

Before I can say anything else, the door opens and the woman in question looks at me with one eyebrow quirked.

“Valeria? What can I do for you?”

I grin, but almost choke on my next words as I realize what kind of head wear she is wearing. It seems she has plans for the night. Well, good to know. That way there won't be any surprises like the first time I dropped by in the morning.

“Well, I was wondering if I could buy some eggs. And I have been wondering about another order for the next time you head to Barter Town.”

She nods and motions for me to come in.

“I can help you with the eggs. How many do you need? And what is this about another order?”

I follow her as she heads to the cupboard where she keeps the eggs.

“Four eggs should do for now. And I was thinking about getting some vanilla pods and possibly some cocoa beans.”

She whistles as she puts the eggs in a cloth, tying it closed, so none will roll out.

“One bronze Crown should do for the eggs. That order though, that sounds costly, even if I only get a little. Are you sure?”

I hand her the coin and nod.

She doesn't inquire any further either.

“Well, you are the alchemist. If you are sure I won't keep you. Just make sure you keep enough coin to pay your taxes. It isn't that much longer until midsummer after all.”

I nod, now solemn. Taxes. I haven't thought about those in a while. After shaking hands I leave again, my mind now wandering, distracted by this new topic. Gods and goddesses! I better make sure I have enough coin to pay my taxes as is!