It was hectic start for both us, while I filled up three barrels with water from the well and cleaned the rooms our guest have used May was already lighting up the heart and preparing ingredients; cracking eggs by the dozen, opening the pork barrel, mincing vegetables and the such, we all did this five minutes when Wendy and company left. I asked why so early? There wouldn't be any people at this hour to come by and eat and travelers aren't expected until the sun was peeping out of the mountains.

“Well, you'll see, my dear. Whenever Lord Magnus celebrates story fair he is known for two things, gold and entertainment. Merchants and glory seekers across the kingdom are sure to come.”

That was her answer, and that's why we were putting tables outside the Inn and using empty barrels as seats.

I could see the sun was just above the mountain's peek when cleaning the stables, then I was called for, not by May, but a booming voice I very well knew. Getting inside and peeking, I saw May was talking to, and I have rightly guessed it, Edmund, shaven, wearing quite a fur cloak and some white fancy breeches and quality, shining, leather boots while handing over a scroll to May with stiff and courtly manner.

“What forced you in to this, Edmund? This just tells me that I can use this paper as means to wipe bottom with.”

Said May with a sigh as she read the scroll and returned it to Edmund immediately.

“Sentiment's all about same, captain, but my sister seemed all insistence more than before and father seemed delighted that she wants to go hunting.”

Said Edmund as he loosened up.

“But, won't you let the boy get a day out of the walls alone for once?”

“He'll get out, but not in the forests.”

“Not even hunting from south side forest?”

“No! Not yet... Not until he's ready. Tell Lady Juliana that it was an honor for choosing Elfien, but he is not yet fit to be a bodyguard of hers.”

“Hunting?”

A burst of excitement suddenly imploded inside me that I asked why was I being called.

“Are you done cleaning the shed?”

She asked when I asked if I can join. Yes, I replied and asked again if I can join this hunt.

Which she quickly rebuked me saying that I'm just a kind of escort and only nobles are allowed to shoot a squirrel.

“You'll just stand around and watch them kill some game; there's no fun in that.”

“I'll teach him how to use a bow and gun, if you want.”

Offered Edmund.

“And if he accidentally hit a game? Do I get to watch him get flogged half to death then?”

“We'll shot at the open.”

Offered Edmund again.

“Then he's no better trained at the barracks then.”

“Can I please go!”

I told her already accepted the proposal, even if I'm going to run away soon enough, can she at least give me some freedom for once.

“Haah...”

She scratched the back of her head,

“How about this, if you win the at least one tournament game this afternoon, then I'll consider the request.”

“What tournament?”

That, I became more excited.

“Well, you'll see what I mean, but for now don't go hunting with them.”

Said May.

“I recommend that too, son, us nobles get to hunt anytime we want while this tournament is once a cycle.”

Said Edmund standing up and telling us that he'll tell her sister that I cannot come.

“It's still very weird to see you like that.”

I commented as Edmund was about to leave.

“You don't have to rub on my skin, Elfien.”

He snorted as he left.

*****

As if catching a second wind of enthusiasm I asked what more work can she give me. Well, it was for me to stay here while she leaves. “If you want to eat some soup and eggs are there and make sure you drink a lot of water after eating, ok?”

She said when equipping herself with a baggy cloak and a lantern.

“Good, I'll return quicker than you think.”

Indeed, I think only five mins, or 3 minuets has passed after I've eaten.

I met them at the shed where a small farm cart pulled by donkey and May leading the beast inside the shed.

We hauled in at least five large bread baskets in to the pantry; three filled with loaves and two filled with pies(Which I eagerly asked one)

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Just when all things were settled we heard quite a noise from outside. Not long, I found myself escorting five beautiful horses with stable hands with them. Once showing them the feeders, water, and the grooming equipments, they fed and washed the horses. Next I was tasked to lift up the luggage of our guest and accompany them to their rooms.

“Hammock! Me hammock boyo!”

Gnarled this archetypical seaman character before me as he tossed me a nail, hammer, hammock, and repugnant breath attack as he settled his chest and said:

“Be smart as paint boyo, I want me berth all good and cozy like as me guinea coin permits!”

He said all gnarl and swaggered out down stairs.

“Litter box! Where is your litter box! My little Fluvia cannot her her business with out it, Oh.”

Do we have any litter box?

Either way, I procured out a small crate from the pantry and put some dirt and dried grass in it, in which satisfied the cat that pissed on it immediately. I don't know why but it works.

“Haul this in me room little one, if you do a good job then I shall reward you!”

And giving a rather modern large leathery briefcase. It's heaviness made me disregard how he got it and just concentrated on liftingooiyq up to his room. The last two room was occupied by normal guests that seemed pleasant and settled in without any of my help, only guiding them to their rooms and giving them their keys.

All the while, now I was glad that I didn't join that hunting trip. We're packed and brimming inside the Inn and not just that. It was a parade outside last night was crowded but now it was a festival. Rows upon rows of colorful giant wagons being pulled by four large oxen followed by smaller wagons filled with spices and stuff that many townies gravitated forward. It was a plethora of characters of different dress and tunics, veils and hats, among other things that I haven't seen because I have my own festival to attend to.

*****

Hot on my feet I went to my room to get my pepper pouch and quickly manned the bar and began filling up mugs of Ale, bringing taking some orders and relying it to Mom who prepared the meal with speed, so much so, I only managed to sprinkle some bowl with pepper on it. Shame since the once I only manage to sprinkle some meal. It was evident whose meal got some pate with delight while the one's that didn't ate heartily but not much like the one I sprinkled. Me and May no doubt did our best.

Only when afternoon and people seems to have satisfied tummy and faces did me and May finally got a break. The expense of the day was a pork barrel, dozens of shattered eggs, countless vegetables, five barrels of ale, two large baskets worth of pie and two large baskets of bread, in exchange for fat and hefty sack of silver. Courtesy from the bushy bearded man, pink on the cheeks when he just drank his fifth ale, with gold rings to show and a thick cigar to smoke, this was also the man who gave me that large modern leather briefcase which I still curious to know how he got it.

Along side with him is the madame with quite a jewel on her and was hand feeding this exotic -- fur almost like silk -- cat on her lap. All the while she held a long pipe that blew out swirling smoke.

We ate in the same table as them which it was firs time we got a chance to talk with them --Wendy's parents as May told me.

“So, Rexy, Nathalie, where's your cute little pumkin? I haven't seen her since last cycle.”

Said May when the conversation dragged to about money and investments.

“Ah. Unfortunate that she couldn't come this morning. She's doing business and leading the caravan bazaar on my behalf. I thought she was sick when she locked herself up in her carriage for two days but this morning when she got out! Hah!”

With a fist he hit the table with a warm smile. It made our plate shake and the cat jump.

“She was gleeful; full of energy and volunteered to organize the caravan!”

“Indeed,”

Spoke the madame, or Mrs. Nathalie.

“I haven't seen her so happy coming back here. Eheh. But the reason is all too obvious now. ”

All eyes began pointing at me. Wendy's father and mother, and May.

“Well, I suppose it has something to do with this handsome young pluck.”

Sneered May at me, ruffling my hair again.

“Ah, I'll miss this fluffy goodness.”

I threatened to bite her fingers.

“Ho! Why my little lass has a great surprise, and I mean great surprise for you May!”

Chortled Rex, or Rexy as May said.

“She's quite out of it! But she's a cycle away from becoming an adult so I must concede to this request.”

Cooed madame Nathalie while her cat yawned and purr.

“Haha! Bully you May, bully, I would wait for her to come but I my joy cannot hold the beans. In truth I --”

“Elfien!”

And came in the talk of the town. Her golden hair was braided like a crown and was wearing a smile with a joyous tone and a lovely green dress with embroiled flower patterns, on her shoulder was a hand bag... A hand bag? Here?

Everyone caught her attention in the Inn that Wendy giggled a sorry out and bowed her head. They all seemed to just stare a second before returning to their chatter, ale and cigar.

“May! It's good to see you.”

With a that both May and her hugged tight like it was the first time they saw each other.

“Nice to see you again! Mmm! You're still cute beautiful as ever”

“Thank you, oh and have this.”

She then brought out of her hand bag with a small pink box in which she opened,

“Thank goddess, soap!”

Looks like a cheap soapblock to me, but I too got excited since we just rubbed our soap out of existence. But I was still wondering how did they get this? We're in a world where electricity doesn't exist, right?

“Papa, Mama, I've already sold the spices to the Lord's post, while I put Kalu and Tinibu to supervise the east bazaar near the joust grounds while the plaza and west bazaar is headed by Sunaila and Chahuán. Here is the ledger,”

She then procured out a book from her bag and gave to his father all while explaining some details to him.

“That's my girl for you! You're almost a master, haha. Quite succinct my dear, but I must have the receipt on the sale pf spices first before you go.”

“Oh, yeah, I forgot about that.”

She giggled and then rummaged her bag for a piece of paper.

“Go have fun, ok.”

Said May with a whisper as Wendy gave a piece of paper to his father.

“W-wait!”

Before I could say anything Wendy pulled me away.