> "If you knew how everything would end, would it even matter?"

> "You could say life is bland without a challenge, but this is too much, even for me."

> "It's fair, but... unfair."

> — Twel.

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Step 7.

"—scrape out the cavity of some aged sunderroot and grind until fine. Combine with fresh sunflare moss and a smashed lunar pearl (see footnote); add to the mix for maximum tonic strength."

A lunar pearl? Really? Well, that's over the top for some magefire; I'm sure lunar extract would do fine.

After I had studied the requested recipe, I leaned away from my shop counter. I made unsure eye contact with the customer across from me and gave my opinion straight. "Following such an expensive recipe will certainly drive up the price, I'm afraid."

"Aye. Just give me a quote by the evening Twel. I care about your timeliness, not your prices." The tattered man across the counter remarked. The man's rune-carved blade cast a purple glow against his armor's dim metal sheen.

I sighed lightly and reluctantly cracked out a tired smile, "Uhm, well. I'll see what I can do Oswald. Enjoy the Solstice Fair today."

He was just another customer at my alchemical shop. People typically wanted cheap, potent potions, which often couldn't be true simultaneously. Yet, Oswald and I have had a decent relationship for a few years now, and he knew the nature of the potion business. He only appeared about every other month and mainly asked for expensive recipes. It was a massive headache, but it was worth the large coin payout.

"... Aye. Before I head out, have a gift. Think of it like a thank you for our continued business." Oswald moved his hand down his belt and procured a small bag from a leather pouch. He gently placed it on the counter. In return, I leaned forward with a raised brow and inspected the bag.

The bag was light. I sensed a firm texture and could feel spikes within it. I suspected it contained twigs or shards. A reputable customer gave it, and it had no natural smell. I concluded it should be safe to open. I couldn’t be dumb with these things; some people didn’t respect the danger of reagents.

I peered inside the bag and noticed many large red thorns. It was a standard reagent, but I complained about needing them the last time we talked. Too bad they were in season now and practically overstocked, "Emberthornes, how thoughtful. Thanks, Oswald."

While I finished my sentence, Oswald walked out of the storefront. The small bell above the door rang as the entrance swung closed with a thud. The sound of the hustle and bustle flooded in for a brief moment.

I ran a small store called 'Twel's Alchemical Goods.' It's not the most creative of names I know, but it described the shop well. I've managed to set up a quaint place on Market Street. This commercial highway was in the dead center of the capital city of the highlands, Yandria. There were hardly any better locations for an alchemist. It used to be extremely busy here, but things have become quieter since I began doing bulk orders for the adventurer's guild. Bespoke requests were often too expensive, so new customers rarely entered the shop.

You might ask how I felt being an alchemist compared to a heroine or adventurer, but when those you help don't return safely, you realize that the outside world doesn't give adventure for free. There was always a cost. It felt selfish; people risked getting these ingredients. They protected my livelihood, and I could only give them magic water.

I grabbed Oswald's recipe and walked into a storeroom behind the counter. This place was where I kept all my books, records, and some quick access to common potion stock. I slid across dusty bookshelves and inhaled the smell of oak. It always felt like home to me; there was no better place to be than making trips between texts and materials as I experimented with brews. I headed down a narrow staircase at the back of the storeroom, and the wooden walls turned to cobbled stone.

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My entire store, from side to side, was roughly two and a half meters wide, yet the basement was much more spacious. One problem with alchemy is that potion production and selling are often separate due to space concerns in commercial districts. Yet, this building allowed me to live out my dreams with maximum laziness. Though... the rent was hefty. And there were spiders. I also often heard the footsteps and clangs from neighboring buildings above me while down here. Overall, it was a decent compromise.

I pinned the recipe onto a piece of string alongside other notes, a 'to-do list' or 'to-do string', you could say. Below the notes stood a large wooden table with various flasks, pots, crystals, and books. I placed the bag of emberthornes onto the table to sort them out later.

Hah! This will be easy. I'll head out to see how much that Lunar Pearl ingredient is going for, though I suspect I may not even find a vendor. Then, pick up some reagents, check up with Oswald, and head to the Solstice Fair. Though, first I should organize my collection of—

Knock, knock, knock. The aggressive door knocked from above, the sounds echoed in the basement, and some dust fell from the cracks in the ceiling.

"Uwa!?" Startled by the noise, I lost my footing. I grabbed my dark purple cloak with one hand and the wall with another as my hazel hair flowed behind me.

"Orian debt collectors. Open up." A gruff voice called from above.

By sister Elin's damn ass you're a debt collector. I knew exactly who this was. I stomped my way upstairs.

"You're terrible at deep voices, Aria, I swear," I shouted as I shoved open the door to the storeroom, pushing my sister flat onto her buttocks.

My grinning older sister, with the same oaken hair and sapphire eyes as I had, sat there and rubbed her forehead in glee. While my hair was cut short around my shoulders, hers gracefully flowed down to her waist.

"Ow — ha. I! Got! You! Look at how worried you looked!"

"No, you didn't get me at all. If anything, I just got you." I crossed my arms, unable to hide my smile. I always loved seeing my sister, even if she was a pain sometimes.

"You're so grumpy Twel. You're upset you'll lose your shop and have to move back in with me, Mum, and Dad." Aria begrudgingly stood up and dusted off her skirt.

"It's fine. Oswald came in again today, which is always good money. Plus, after the Solstice Fair, the adventuring guild is coming in for a huge order." It was true. My family was worried as I ran this place from payment to payment. Aria was concerned for me; she just hid it by teasing me.

"Oswald? Mphh... he's one of those guys, isn't he? Does that mean you'll disappear again for an entire week!? It's the week of Solstice, so you should be relaxing! We're still going to the fair together, right?" Aria pouted.

I swear she's my older sister, but she puts on this cutesy act. I wondered if I should lighten up more sometimes; being stuck in a basement most of the day dampened my social mood. I still loved her, though. She was the one who allowed me to pursue this career; she worked hard hours and performed various contracts, from slaying creatures to gathering resources. This paid for my various alchemy reagents, books, and even the odd tutoring class. I learned a lot about making potions. I had so much passion, and now look at me! I was doing the bare minimum. After Solstice, I decided I was going to work my ass off and show her.

"Don't worry, Aria." I braced both her hands. "We're going to the fair; it'll be fun. I'll make time and visit lots. You're the best. Thanks for always checking up on me."

A warm blush swam up Aria's cheeks. "I mean. You made this all serious." She slowly turned and looked back at the busy street through the tinted glass windows that separated us from the outside world. Horses, soldiers, carts, and livestock were being moved across the dense street. "I mainly just came in to remind you the fair will happen early today. Reorganizing and all of that." She trailed off her sentence; I could tell she noticed something in the window.

"Want to head with me to go buy some reagents? We should go ahead before they take down their stands for the fair. Maybe — get some food for home while we're at it?" I nudged her side gently.

"If you're paying, duh!" Aria joked excitedly. She pulled on my arms as she dragged me towards the door.

— Hand in hand, we headed outside into the capital of Yandria.