Chapter 17 Smith up a storm

As we walked in, the others all noticed Marina, then looked at her finger, then at me, raised their brows expectantly. “I can’t just put a ring on her finger, at least most of you need to witness that, give me a break here!” Marina looked at me, eyebrows raised. “SO, you have a special ring to show I’m one of yours huh? You knew they were going to say yes, you said as much. Well I suppose I approve of having them witness, that is kind of sweet after all.” She held up her right hand. I shook my head, and grabbed her left hand, and went to place my ring on her finger. “Will you accept this ring, to show the world that you are mine, and I am yours?” “Yes!” I slipped the ring on her finger, and all the others came in for a group hug. Seeing the little ones, Marina kept herself under control, not wanting to embarrass any of the others.

We ate breakfast together, and Marina picked a few of the older girls to come and help. Once we entered the Smithy, Marina’s eyes bulged. “I thought you had a SMALL Smithy, this is HUGE! What’s that thing in the corner?” I went over to the massive mechanical hammer, and pulled a lever to tighten the cable on the pulley causing the massive hammer to rapidly raise and fall. Marina got even more excited at this. Looking over to the other side she noticed massive oven doors. “What’s that for?” I chuckled. “Curing Enamel, good thing I thought to make it big enough to handle anything I could reasonably think of I guess, cause we’ll need it for the tub. Pipes too, and we’ll be able to do decent sized batches with that.” Not caring about the kids we had brought along, she flung herself into my arms and kissed me passionately. “It’s amazing, I’m gonna get so much work done here!” I showed her the blast furnace next, and how it worked without need for clay for the plug, but instead had a heavy gate on a lever. The molds for ingots, and the mold making station for unique forms.

The kids and I helped her to setup the processed for making the giant tub I had designed. Hours went by before we finally had the tub itself cast, and cooling in the mold. “I don’t think we can manage enough for the pipes today, but I can make the mold on my own, so we can poor them all tomorrow. Come back in about three hours, and the tub should be cool enough to break the mold.” She kissed me again ignoring all the soot, and sent us all away. Her father though, took that moment to arrive, mouth agape at the sight of his daughter’s new smithy. “You said it was a SMALL smithy lad!” He had a spring in his step until he saw the place, and his daughter had seen it. “So, you gave Mother a surprise I take it?” He laughed then. “That I did my girl, and she was mighty happy with it too! Now, show me this workshop of yours. Maybe I can copy some stuff, and maybe I’ll be harassing you more than I intended.” I clapped him on the shoulder, and left with the kids. Then I got them all washed up, and shoed them off to the Kitchen to get fed, as we had clearly missed actual lunch already. Approaching the Mill Pond, I saw little Katy merrily splashing around with the Undines, and she waved at me, face aglow in pure joy of a natural swimmer.

“How’s my little tadpole huh?” She paddled up to the dock, climbed out, and hurtled herself into my arms, planting a sloppy kiss on my cheek. “You’re the bestest Father EVER! I love Mother Wripple, and Mother Spashta too!” I stroked her wet hair. “Don’t tell me you only love them and me! What about Mother Grace, who made sure you didn’t get sick, so you could come back and swim?!” She thought about that. “Ok I guess I love her too. I really like swimming, and I don’t want to stop, but if stopping means I can do it again, that’s not so bad.” I kissed her forehead, as Veronica giggled behind me. “Careful love, or she’ll want to be Daddy’s girl later!” I play scowled at her. “She’s one of my Precious angels, I only have so long to spoil her you know!” Veronica came up, and kisses Katy’s cheek, then my lips. “I know, but you know I’m right too. She loves you a lot already, it’s not like you have to try or anything. Not in this life.”

She was clearly right, and the thought wasn’t pleasant, not in the least. “She’ll grow up, and find a Man for herself, or she won’t. Either way, she’s my angel, and that won’t change!” Katy wiggled to get down, clearly wanting back in the water. “Hold on, let’s do something fun.” I turned her away from me, facing the water, and lifted her up higher. Then I moved one hand under a foot, and made her lean back against me while I got my other hand under a foot. “Now put your hands over your head, pointed straight up, then tilt into the pond, hopping off at the last moment.” She started to do as I had said, hesitated for a moment, then followed through diving for the first time, and soon came up all smiles. “I’ll make you a diving block soon ok?” She nodded as the Undines snuggled her in the water. “Have you gotten an idea for us to join you indoors love?” I nodded, “Yes I have, and it’s under way, largest piece is half way done, and should be on the other half tonight. Might get done in a couple days or so. Then you can join us at night. Katy, don’t make a fuss when it’s time for dinner, and then bed. Sick girls can’t swim.” She waved with an OKAY shouted over her shoulder as she returned to her swimming.

“That girl should have been an Undine herself, she’d have preferred it I think.” Said Veronica. I couldn’t agree more. “You should sneak out here tonight, after dinner, but before bed. You’ll take Marina tonight I expect, but those two deserve to be first, and let them have their daughters. Katy would have to water friends that way. The others aren’t as obsessed with swimming as she is. Dora only swims for maybe an hour, but Katy wouldn’t come out if we didn’t make her. Going to be hard to keep her dressed at this rate too. I worry about winter, she’ll be so upset not being able to swim.” The proverbial light bulb went off in my head. “A greenhouse! I’ll need to build a glass manufacturing facility, and source silica sand, but we can do it. The space is there, and it’ll be money in the bank later on. I’ll have to check with the Guild about getting a crew to build it though, and the frame for the structure too. Building it over the pond will be a trick, but worth it.” Veronica looked quizzically at me. “What’s glass? Also a Greenhouse?” Yet another face palm moment. “Glass is melted sand that’s slowly cooled. Depending on the type of sand, it can be different colors. What I want is the white sand, to make clear glass. Glad I know how to design the facility, and the process at least for the clear glass. This is going to take some doing, but I think I can cover the pond in clear glass before winter. That will trap the heat inside, so the air isn’t freezing, and with some other things, I should be able to keep the water warm enough to swim all year. Don’t want to promise anything to Katy till it’s done though.”

“And the Greenhouse?” Chuckling I replied. “That’s the structure I want to put over the pond. It’s called a green house, because plants can grow inside all year. Provided they have good soil, and plenty of water. Once we have this one made as a sort of prototype, serving as a Pool House instead, we can make some over a few fields for growing crops that will sell really well in winter.” Her eyes bulged. “Growing crops in winter, that’s amazing, and I can work with the land around the pond, so it’s pretty, and then seeds from those plants can help when it’s time to plant elsewhere.” An excited hug and kiss were my reward for this new revelation. The Guild Master, and my Parents could be seen coming to meet us. “Something up Guild Master, or is it what you tried talking about before?” She blushed mightily. “Both actually, as you guessed, I’m now one of your mothers, and oddly enough, my Body Sense ability can tell me when I’m pregnant, SO, yeah, you get to be big brother from me for sure, not certain about your Mother though, I can’t use it on others sadly.” I smiled, and gave her a welcoming hug. “Are you moving in, or staying where you are for now? It going to be a commute if you stay here, but I imagine you’ll enjoy it more. Also I have a Gnomling on the way, so they’ll grow up together.” “Oh I’m definitely moving in! The other thing I needed you for though, it’s annoying! Someone somewhere talked about you, so the King has already sent a summons.”

I Groaned. “I did not want this recognition!” She hugged me again. “I know, I know, but at least Marie is going with you. I’ll handle anything you want done. We have plenty of coin at the guild to cover your projects. Just give me documents, and I’ll see it done before you get back. A hefty reward was forwarded too, because of two bands of bandits you turned in as criminal slaves. That’s good work there, and you even tried to not take the credit. The local guard captain wouldn’t hear of it, in either town, especially after what happened at the Orphanage. Jarreth’s situation has also pleased the King to no end, but it clearly leaves a gap for the next Mayor. I’m thinking he intends you to fill that gap. Your fault and all, taking responsibility for it. However he’s going to make you a multi S rank, mark my words on that.” I groaned again. “I don’t want a Noble Title, even if I get to stay out here, it’s still a hassle I don’t want. UGH!” “I know Mark, you made that very clear, and I tried my best, but loose lips and all. There’s no avoiding it now.”

I broke away from the embrace, and slapped my face to regain my focus. “Alright, let’s go to my study. I’ll draft up the structures I need built, and write up the list of supplies I need, in quantity. Then I’ll read that Summons, and figure out what I need to do before I actually show up. I won’t leave till tomorrow most likely. Later if I can manage. I have things I need to do here after all.” So saying that’s what we did, while Mom and Dad went off to do their own chores. Once I read the summons I groaned again. She had been exactly right. I was being made a Noble Knight of the Realm, and assigned the Mayor duties for this town, but also for the town with the Orphanage. “How the Heck am I supposed to do Mayor duties in two towns at the same time?!” Clearly they had given me a decent amount of time to arrive in the original order, but delay in travel made it so I’d have to leave the day after tomorrow. “I’ll see this done, just get Marie filled in, and get some decent clothes for your audience. You know it can’t be helped, so just get on with it.” I sighed, and left on my errands. There was still a couple hours before dinner, so Marie and I were able to run into town, and get our shopping done, in which I included the gold bands to add to the silver ones they all wore. When we returned home, having stored the clothing, I ducked into the Smithy, and helped break the mold for the tub, and position the pipe mold for use tomorrow. “I can’t believe I only get two nights with you, and you’re leaving for the damned capitol, such unfair timing!”

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I took Marina in for a fierce kiss. “I couldn’t agree more, but honestly any timing is bad timing for this. I don’t want anything to do with Nobility. Much rather stay here, and build our home into something to be truly proud of. It’s dinner time though, so let’s get cleaned up, and go eat.” I used the hoist on the tub, so it could easily be loaded into the oven after the enamel was applied, demonstrating another part of her new smithy to marvel at. “I was wondering what that was for, that’s ingenious, I thought I was going to need you to muscle it into the oven, this is so much better. Now I know what it is, I can do it myself!” Dinner was a little somber at the adults table, knowing I was going to be leaving with Marie in the near future, nobody was very happy, least of all Marie and I. As was suggested, I visited Wripple, and Spashta after dinner. “I was going to give you children tonight, but I have to leave day after tomorrow, and I don’t like the idea of missing the first days of my daughters. Do you want the pleasure side of things, or should we just wait till I’m back?” They looked at each other, then back at me. “Stupid question, get undressed, and get in here! If you have control over us having a child right now, that’s fine, next time like you said, our babies need their father if they can have him.” Wripple said, and Spashta nodded in happy agreement.

The experience was rather odd, but enjoyable, and they embraced me tenderly afterwards. “Undine don’t get to do this you know. Normally as soon as it’s done, the Men just run away. Having you stay with us willingly like this, I feel like the Luckiest Undine to ever live.” Spashta said. “True, I’ve never had a Man at all before now, but I’ve seen it a few times, and they always fled in terror. I don’t know why though, you seemed to enjoy it thoroughly.” I smiled. “No seeming about it, I did enjoy myself thoroughly, and if I hadn’t kept pregnancy off, you’d both have little ones already.” They looked at me. “What do you mean?” I hadn’t told them about my Perks yet. “Well due to being level fifty in Sexual Technique, I have two perks. One is certain pregnancy, meaning if I lay with any women she will always get pregnant, regardless of her own fertility status at the time. The other one, lets me toggle if I can or can’t impregnate my partner. So as long as I keep it off, never a Pregnancy, but the instant it’s on, always pregnancy. I said you could have twelve daughters, well technically that’s an understatement. You decide on the speed of babies instead. Just tell me first if you want it on.” Wonder, and joy on both their faces. “Dear one, it takes but a week for an Undine child to reach maturity. So we could make a new child every week, and they wouldn’t be upset about it. They’ll be leaving to find their own water bodies after ten days anyway. They’ll avoid you for making children, it’s instinctive for us, but they’ll be looking for their own mates from then on. I’m sure they’ll visit, often though. It’s such an unusual situation, they’ll be bragging about you to any Undine they meet, and those Undine will want to meet you too. Though they probably won’t want to stay, too crowded. It’s just right for us two, but any more would not be fun.”

I shook my head. “I better get out before I catch a cold. The sun’s already down, and besides, Marina wants he turn. But first.” I slipped the gold ring on their fingers. “You’re officially my wives now. We don’t need a fancy ceremony or anything. With these rings I thee wed as my lawful wives until death do us part.” Another kiss from each, and fond caresses, and I was allowed out of the water. I dried off, and dressed as much as I felt I needed, since I was going to join the girls in bed. Theresa’s sisters had taken the duty of guarding the dangerous places at night, so I knew all of my women were awaiting me. My time with Marina was bitter sweet, knowing it was all too soon before I would leave. Still she enjoyed the whole experience even the initial pain didn’t discourage her, and after cleaning up from the first round, she wanted another. Before that though, I put the Gold ring on all their fingers, as by law they were all mine already, no sense waiting on the ring at this point. We were a panting heap of flesh before too long, with a Cat Tail flicking merrily among the lot. Surprising to me, was that it turned out all my women were Bi, as Marina tested every woman as the opportunity arose. “Well at least you can take care of each other while I’m unavailable, that makes me happy.” They all blushed as they panted for breath, though since they were already flushed, it was hard to see.

Once Breakfast was done, Marina and I along with her chosen Smiths for the day were off to the Smithy. The kids were in charge of painting the Enamel onto the tub so it would be ready for the oven, while Marina and I tended the oven itself, and the furnace. We poured the mold before the kids were ready with the Tub, then we pushed it into the Oven to cure. Slamming the doors, and barring them, Marina then took the kids, and taught them how to make Nails. A very tedious process, but with four kids working together, they made a game out of it. We had full buckets before we knew it, and then it was time to break open the pipe mold, and hang all the pipes up to cool. The kids were sent off to play after that, and we went outside to wait. “Can’t believe I only get one more night before you have to go. It’s not fair I tell you!” I laughed. “You took the words right out of my own damned mouth Marina! I’m trying my best not to whine, but I feel the exact same way.” She pulled me off towards a set of stairs in the back. She had clearly had the time to explore at some point, and knew there was a room there. “I want another round please!” Wasn’t going to argue with a wife now was I? Rose caught on to what we were up to, and followed us up the stairs. “Great idea!” She said happily, making Marina jump in surprise. “You’re too good at sneaking love!”

Newlywed fever was still strong with everyone, and lacking the consequences we just couldn’t hold back. We were thoroughly satisfied with ourselves by the time we needed to pull the tub out of the Oven, and the Kids had clearly come back at some point, and enameled the Pipes for us, so we stoked the Oven Fire, and swapped the Tub for the Pipes. “Still won’t be ready to install tonight. “ Marina clapped me on the Back. “I know what I’m doing, even with the wood work. I know where to put the pipes to carry the water and all as well. You planned it all out, I’ll get it done before you’re back. I love those two as well you know. Strange how quick our bonds formed, maybe it’s the whole Ring Thing, nobody else does that. You never told me where that came from did you?” I slapped my face in disgust with myself. “I totally forgot you didn’t know yet. You fit so naturally it’s like you’ve always been there! While that’s a good thing, it totally made me forget that you’re the only one who doesn’t know. I’m a reincarnated soul from another world. Wedding Rings are from my old life, but I thought it appropriate here, since it is a visible declaration that I acknowledge you all as mine, and me as yours.” Marina was stunned for a moment. “Is that why you’re level fifty in Sexual Technique? You had past life experiences, and it helps you now?” I grinned. “That’s exactly right, and it applies to anything I knew from my old life, and use in this one. So guess what’s going to happen when I make something this world has never made before. The Glass I’m going to make is completely alien to this world, and I’ll be a Master almost instantly, as I had a LOT of experience. I can even blow glass, just not color it. However, I bet I’ll instinctively know once the skill unlocks. I’ll be able to produce colored glass, and even sculptures. I can even make special glass wares for the King and Queens to drink wine out of, each one etched to make it clear who it belongs to.”

“You have to teach me this Glass Working, sounds like something I’d enjoy even more than Smith Work. I love the metal, but not the boring jobs. Glass though, sounds like once I get the basics, there’s more artistic pursuits involved. That’s why I always want to work on odd jobs like yours, it’s something different, and the enamel process made it artistic too, though not too much, as we had limitations on colors. Still I think it came out lovely, and I’ll be proud to have that in our room.” I hugged her. “Sure thing, I don’t think it’s reasonable to run both Glass work, and Metal work at the same time anyway. Why not just have you take charge of both, once you’re trained?” She thought for a second. “As long as I can manage it, then yes, that sounds perfect, and Father can take the Smithy if we need to work both at once for any reason. With this Smithy, he can do much more work than his. He’s so jealous right now.” She kissed me, and Rose came up and hugged my leg, while stroking me. “Sure we can’t sneak in a couple more rounds?” She asked playfully. I grinned at her. “Is this normal for Gnomes do you think? Getting Pregnant and trying to get more love as a result?” She thought about it. “Maybe, I heard tell my Mother was quite the nuisance when she was pregnant with me. Wonder how many siblings I’d have had if you were the father.” She grinned right back at me.