4.29 - Mansion

4.29 - Mansion

We got a mansion! Tresk shouted into Theos mind.

Theo stood on the third floor of the town hall, looking down at Fenian on the first floor. The Elf was grumpy that he couldnt ascend the stairs to speak with Alise, and the administrator refused to go downstairs. She was still mad at the alchemist for upgrading the building without warning the inhabitants. Shed fallen over, hitting her head and receiving a grievous injury.

Seriously, Theo. Thats careless.

I follow my whims, Theo said with a half-hearted shrug. Look, youre fine. Right?

Physically? Yes. Emotionally? No.

Alright. Im sorry, Theo said, locking his gaze onto the administrators.

He was serious about his apology, too. Not just something he wanted to say to get her to stop complaining. A reckless streak had entered the alchemists life, and he didnt know if it was for the better. Alise kept her eyes locked for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh.

Youre forgiven. For now. But only because these upgrades are good.

Excellent. Now, I need a servant, Theo said.

Alise gave him a flat look. Why?

I have a manor. I need someone to clean it.

No, you dont. You have [Cleansing Scrub]. Just dump it on everything.

Theo beckoned for the administrator to follow him, leading her into a meeting room. Fenians idea to have a maid or butler was interesting, but thats not what the alchemist wanted. Alise had stopped being his personal assistant long ago, going off to do bigger things for the alliance. He was left without someone to run his mundane errands. While he could live without an assistant, he wanted one. Why shouldnt he have one?

I miss my assistant. Theo placed a comforting hand on Alises shoulder. He saw her sag slightly at the touch, and recognized the meaning. She was stressed from her duties. I think you need an assistant, too.

I have too many. Alise let out a heavy sigh, then her eyes went glassy. No, Gael is ready to take over some of my workload. That allows me to transition to matters of the nation. Alright, any preference?

The oldest, ugliest man you can find, Theo said. Actually, a local Half-Ogre or Marshling would be great.

Right. I have a few people requesting transfers from state-run ventures. Ill interview them.nôvel binz was the first platform to present this chapter.

Theo chatted with Alise for a while. He wanted to make sure she was doing well, and not just posturing for his sake. After some quizzing, the alchemist decided Gael was indeed ready to take on more responsibilities. Hed share power with Gwyn as they had planned, allowing the army of junior administrators to take over the little things. While things moved fast in Broken Tusk, some stuff just took longer.

Did you find one? Fenian asked. How big are her

Alright! Theo shouted. Thats it. Im building a golem to be my administrator.

Im sure you could shape a golem to the form of my choosing.

Theo bent down, pressing a finger into Fenians chest. Im gonna make it look just like you.

Oh, my, Fenian said, fanning himself. Even better.

Theo let out an exasperated breath, storming out of the town hall. That was the only way he could hide the smile on his face as he left. But the Elf was close behind, pushing his artifice-powered wheelchair into action. While Fenian was high-energy, his help was valuable. He was a good friend, and the alchemist wouldnt trade that for anything. Instead of pushing him away, he led him back to the Newt and Demon to share his wisdom with Salire.

The young shopkeeper was ecstatic to soak in his wisdom. Theo was free to work on his alchemy.

There were no new orders at the shop. People were buying the excess potions he made, and Theo couldnt be bothered to care. Instead, he spent the midday hours working on [Freeze Solution] for the many air conditioners in town. While his stock was holding strong in the shop, the days were only getting hotter. The alchemist toiled away until a knock came from his door. Salire poked her head in.

You have a visitor. Alran Cherman.

Oh. Really? Send him up.

Theo put down the flask he was working on, placing his hand on his hip as he waited. His eyes dragged over the room, locking on the statue of Drogramath. The shrine was still accepting offerings, but his alignment hadnt increased. Just as an idea was forming, the pudgy form of Alran entered the room. A grin painted the mans face.

Spymaster Cherman, Theo said, crossing the room to shake his hand.

Archduke, Alran said with a chuckle. Apologies for the unannounced visit.

Ah, Theo said, looking around his lab. It was messy. It smelled like burned rubber and freshly dug earth. Lets move to my manor to discuss matters.

Alran made a sound as though he were pleasantly surprised. As they departed the Newt and Demon, Fenian tagged along. Salire was disappointed, but the Elf promised to come back and instruct her more on her duties as a merchant. The group rested in the massive first-floor sitting room, the fire dead in the fireplace.

Libations are in order, Fenian said, withdrawing a bottle of something from his inventory. He then brought forth wine glasses, setting them on the wide table and pouring a glass for everyone. To the alliance. And spies.

Theo toasted to that, taking a sip of the tart drink. It wasnt good, but he put on a brave face.

An excellent vintage, Feintleaf, Alran said, shifting his weight to be more comfortable on the couch. Of course this isnt a social visit. I wanted to speak face-to-face with you, Theo.

About what?

Things are moving faster than I expected, Alran started, taking another sip of wine. Im free to spend my time spying, now that I dont manage Rivers. So, heres a few points. Veosta has been reinforced by Tarantham. Qavell is holding on somehow. Partopour, Bantein, and the Khahari are holding back. Theyre waiting to see who rises from the ashes.

I dont want to.

Theo glared at the Elf. Then behave. I need to get Sarisa up to speed. Come, lets sit.

Sarisa finally stopped bowing. She followed Theo to the sitting area, finding a comfortable place to rest. The alchemist didnt know what to think about a Half-Ogre that acted so proper. He couldnt tell if she was trying to fit into her new role as a maid or if thats the way she was. The alchemist made introductions to everyone seated at the table, drawing up a contract specifically for his new assistant.

If youre going to be around us, youre going to hear stuff we dont want repeated, Theo said. She signed the restrictive contract without hesitation.

I understand.

I wanted an old man because Fenian is a hound dog. Not sure how he hasnt banged his way through half the town.

How are you sure I havent?

Mister Feintleafs charms never worked on me, Sarisa said, smiling. The tusks protruding from her bottom lip were smaller than the average Half-Ogre. It gave her a more Human-like appearance.

That hurts.

Theo went over Sarisas duties. He mostly needed her to run between various places and deliver information. The alchemist often found himself without the time to run around town, ordering people around. That left him little time to do the things he needed to do for the town and his alchemy. Hed been neglecting the advancement of his mage core for that very reason, leaving him itching for someone like her.

Is she my servant as well? Tresk said, appearing from nowhere. Alex came honking down the stairs.

Shes an assistant. No, you can hire your own. Youre rich.

Bah!

We were just talking about dinner, Alran said, smiling at Sarisa.

Im on it, she said, rising and bowing before departing.

No one had to tell her to head off to Xams to get dinner. She departed without another word, heading north to cater their food for the night. Everyone gathered in Theos manor shared their thoughts about the woman. She was far too tame for a Broken Tusker, something Tresk was convinced would break in time. Most people from the town were high-strung. The alchemists observations of his people showed that to be true in every case.

People broke off into their own conversations after a while. Theo was shocked to see Tresk partake in some of it. She had no desire to run off and adventure now that they had the manor. That sent him out back to inspect the gardens. The black metal gate spanned an area twice as large as the house. While there were trees growing, and strangely shaped bushes, there was no fruit to be found. When he arrived at a small pond, he paused. Alex waddled behind him, jumping into the water without hesitation.

I like this, she said.

I think Ive been working too hard, Alex, Theo said, sitting by the pond. Might be time to take it easy for a while.

Is that an option?

It might be. We have workers now. People who are aligned with my mission.

What is your mission?

Theo had to think about that for a long time before responding. Alex was happy to splash in the pond while he thought, honking and diving in the shallow water. His mission had been to make things better, but there were roadblocks. Things that threw themselves in his path. But what he said was true. Broken Tusk had people now. Competent people who could help run not only a town but a growing nation.

Sure, that path was paved with blood and stone. People had died. A nation had crumbled, even if Theo didnt have a direct hand in that. But things were better for it.

To keep the citizens of the Southlands Alliance safe. To bring order to this world.

You want to rule the world?

Not like that, Alex. I want to set an example so people can see what compassion is all about. It doesnt mean being weak. It means being strong.

How whimsical.

How do you even know that word?

Because I have a big brain.

Theo reached out, stroking Alexs slender neck. Yeah, youve got a huge brain.

He spent a good amount of time in the garden. The others came to see it, and the manor had more visitors than Theo cared to count. By dinnertime, the party intending to dine had grown. Sarisa arrived with a team of people from the Marsh Wolf Tavern to lay out the food on the massive dining room table. She lit lamps, set the table, and stood nearby.

Theo, Tresk, Alex, Fenian, Alran, Perg, Azrug, and Miana all sat at the table. The alchemist was at the head position, flanked by his new assistant. Xam had prepared Karatan steaks that night, something that must have been imported for Partopour. Tresk kicked an air conditioner to life in the rooms corner, cooling the sweltering interior as the group dined.

Alise picked me for a reason, Sarisa said, keeping her voice low enough to go unnoticed by the others at the table.

Why is that? Theo asked, cutting a chunk off his steak and placing it in his mouth. As always, the rare meal was welcomed.

I have a [Maids Core]. Thats the one I got when I came of age, Sarisa said. Theo turned to look at her peerless gaze. He noticed the constant searching in her eyes. I also have a [Baelthar Guardians Core].

A defensive class? Theo asked. The others around the table chatted, enjoying the new place to eat.

Sarisa smiled, hand still tucked neatly behind her back. She shifted her stance, the head of a short spear becoming visible.

Theo turned back to the table, stifling a laugh. Guess I have a bodyguard, too.