Stepping back through the portal and into the familiar embrace of his home, Robert felt a wave of contentment wash over him. The grueling trials of the dungeon were now a fading memory, replaced by the comforting presence of his family. He was determined to etch these fleeting moments—the shared laughter, the intimate conversations, the warmth of their love—into his heart before their impending departure. Yet, even amidst the joy and camaraderie, a pragmatic voice whispered in the back of his mind. He couldn't completely shake off the uncertainties that lay ahead. With a meticulous eye, Robert delved into his inventory, taking stock of their provisions for this new chapter. The unique properties of his inventory, capable of preserving perishables indefinitely, allowed him to store items and keep them fresh. Sara, accompanied by his mother and sister, embarked on a culinary adventure, scouring bustling marketplaces and charming local vendors for the finest ingredients. They returned laden with treasures: fruits bursting with flavor, freshly caught fish gleaming with iridescent scales, and baskets brimming with colorful vegetables. They then spent hours vacuum-sealing everything into portions.
Observing the burgeoning stockpile, Robert couldn't help but question the necessity of such abundance. His father, Thomas, a man of quiet wisdom and unwavering practicality, laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Son," he said, his voice resonating with years of experience, "preparation is the key to navigating the unknown. While your destination promises tranquility, life is full of surprises. Unforeseen circumstances—a sudden food shortage, the need to relocate—can arise when least expected. We have the resources, and you have the means to carry them. Think of it as an insurance policy, a safeguard against the whims of fate. And should fortune smile upon you, you can always share your bounty with those less fortunate." Robert nodded, his father's words resonating deep within him. Indeed, his inventory, even with the impressive hoard, remained half empty. The tantalizing possibility of another upgrade, with its promise of boundless capacity, further solidified his resolve to be ready for whatever lay ahead.
Robert's gaze swept over his inventory, finally settling on his accumulated wealth. "Hal," he inquired, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes, "would I be considered wealthy where we're going?"
That depends on your definition of wealth, Robert, you currently possess 8,200 gold in various denominations. The average resident of your destination town earns roughly 20 to 25 gold annually. In that context, yes, you would be quite well-off. However, should you venture to the capital, you might encounter nobles who consider 8,200 gold mere pocket change. So, the perception of your wealth is relative.
"Fair enough," Robert chuckled. "The main takeaway is that Elara and I won't need to scramble for income upon arrival. We'll have the luxury of time to acclimate and decide our next steps."
Indeed, unless you harbor ambitions of purchasing the entire town, your funds should provide ample security for a considerable period.
"No, nothing quite so extravagant," Robert assured him. "Initially, our most significant expense will likely be securing lodgings at the local inn. We need to assess whether this town truly suits us. Speaking of which, do you happen to know its name?"
I apologize, Robert, I am constrained from divulging further details at this time.
"No worries," Robert replied, a nonchalant shrug accompanying his words. "Knowing it's a relatively safe haven, primarily populated by humans, is enough information for now. While I relish the prospect of encountering diverse cultures and exploring the unfamiliar, a touch of familiarity will undoubtedly smooth our initial transition." Later that evening, amidst the clatter of cutlery and the warm hum of conversation around the dinner table, Robert recounted Hal's revelations." It certainly seems you're financially secure," Thomas observed, a thoughtful expression settling on his face. "However, arriving in a small town might present challenges for your plan to utilize enchanting as a primary source of income." He paused, considering the implications. "Smaller settlements typically have limited demand for such specialized services. You might find yourselves needing to relocate to a larger city, which brings its own set of complexities. It's fortunate, then, that you have the resources to explore your options without immediate financial pressure."
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
The remaining days unfolded in a blissful blur of cherished moments. The end of the school year had liberated the children from their academic confines, allowing Robert to fully immerse himself in their world. He reveled in their youthful exuberance, sharing laughter, stories, and the bittersweet joy of their last days together. His sister, intrigued by his impressive biology skill, playfully demanded he bestow its benefits upon her, her excitement bubbling over at the prospect of enhanced abilities. John being the kid at heart he was, had already designed his first spaceship, while Robert harbored doubts about its aerodynamic capabilities, he delighted in his son's boundless enthusiasm and the sheer joy radiating from his eyes. His brothers, eager to tap into Robert's martial arts expertise, requested training in the art of Aikido. The backyard transformed into a mock battlefield, echoing with playful shouts and the thud of friendly sparring matches. Even his mother, with a twinkle in her eye, requested training in the more refined art of painting, much to Robert's amusement. He happily obliged, marveling at the unexpected ways his skills could bring joy to his family. These precious days, filled with laughter, learning, and shared passions, wove a tapestry of memories that Robert would carry with him long after they parted ways.
The following day, Robert received an unexpected call from President Harrington herself. Her voice, though laced with the gravitas of her office, held a genuine warmth as she expressed her profound gratitude for his extraordinary service to the nation. She acknowledged his invaluable contribution to safeguarding their future, emphasizing the profound impact of his actions.
President Harrington then revealed a confidential measure she had enacted to protect his family. A secret executive order, signed discreetly, aimed to expunge their names from any official reports or public records related to his contributions. By concealing his involvement, she sought to shield them from potential repercussions and ensure their safety in his absence. However, she assured him that his contributions would not be forgotten. A top-secret dossier, meticulously documenting his heroic deeds, would be preserved for posterity. Upon his eventual return, America would know the full extent of his sacrifices and welcome him as the hero he truly was. Furthermore, President Harrington announced her intention to bestow upon him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. While a public record of the award would exist, the specific details would remain classified, safeguarding the sensitive nature of his contributions. Deeply touched by this gesture, Robert expressed his sincere gratitude. President Harrington, in turn, wished him safe travels and a prosperous future, her words carrying a weight of respect and admiration.
The following day brought another poignant conversation, this time with Frank. Though their reunion had been tragically brief, the bond rekindled between them resonated deeply. Frank, his voice thick with emotion, expressed his gratitude for Robert's life-saving intervention and his regret that their reconnection had come so late. He wished Robert well on his journey, the unspoken words of a lifelong friendship hanging heavy in the air. The remaining days took on a sense of purposeful urgency. Robert, driven by a desire to provide for his family's future, immersed himself in his office. With meticulous care, he crafted dozens of Rods of Healing, their gleaming surfaces imbued with potent restorative magic. He also fashioned several more, each infused with a unique spell carefully chosen for its potential to aid his loved ones in times of need. These precious artifacts, a testament to his love and foresight, were carefully deposited within the secure confines of the family vault. His family, deeply touched by this gesture, insisted he cease his tireless efforts. With less than a week remaining, they urged him to relinquish his burdens, relax, and savor these final precious moments together. The office fell silent, replaced by the sounds of laughter, shared stories, and the quiet comfort of simply being present with those he held dear.