Elysia smiled at the paper Mr. Ofster handed her, "This is?"
"This is the auction list you can go ahead and review how much each of your entrusted items was sold." Mr. Ofster swallowed nervous awaiting the judgement of his guild's hard work.
"Didn't that Leif and Rin fellow also gave her a copy of how much each item was sold." Gale looked at the list.
Elysia was silent for a moment flipping through the pages.
"So how is your new accommodation my Lady Elysia?"
"The townhouse you lent me is quite spacious thank you Mr. Ofster. I have rested quite well and the carriage you provided is indeed smooth for travel."
"My pleasure I'm glad you we're comfortable. Are you sure you do not wish for me to hire any house keepers?" Mr. Ofster offered.
"No we can take care of Elysia just fine" Agua answered even though she knew that Mr. Ofster couldn't actually hear her.
"That's quite alright I'll be moving out soon. How's the other transactions I asked helped with Mr. Ofster?"
"Right of course regarding Mr. Coon in Padfoot Inn. I was able to settle his case and he's out from jail. He extends his thanks."
"What great news!"
"But Elysia you already knew this you sent me to go check on Hetty that time remember?" Gale reminded.
"Do you have a map like the one I showed you?" Elysia asked.
Fig fluttered next to her ear "But Elysia you already found a map in Master's Hut"
"About that I've scoured our private inventory for a book such as the one you gave me but your map is quite outdate, the borders don't match, roads, rivers and waterways are different. While our guild prides ourselves with having a vast network in trade sadly the one merchants have are more trade routes with special passes to certain territories. Every route and passage is a guild merchant's trade secret as such I am unable to disclose this to you."
"I see, I would thought as much. But how do people get by without running into a red zone or a black zone?"
"That's why we hire adventurers, you see being an adventurer or having one in your employ has all sorts of advantages. But sadly our venture only commissions one on longer voyages"
Elysia thought carefully for a moment "I guess I have no choice.." I have to become an adventurer.
"No choice for what my lady?" Mr. Ofster couldn't follow her train of thought.
"Let's wrap things up faster then and the Land suits?" Elysia continued to ask, now more practiced not talking to the sprite siblings in front others.
"The barrister has also settled it we've settled with all the village chief outside court and reimbursed them the amount spent and with additional settlement fees "
"Have you given the aid to the villagers?"
"Yes I've tasked the merchant who made this deal with Baron Amari personally apologize. We've also compensated each household and provided with food, seeds and farming tools. Miraculously the seeds they planted grew overnight, where did you purchase such seeds my lady?"
"Of course they grew we visited the villages after all and Elysia and I spent all night flying around fields" Fig explained to Mr. Ofster who again could not hear him at all.
"And the zone?"
"We we're able to have it rezoned to green. Thank Deu the adventurers that answered our request managed to subdue the dungeon monster in your property in just a few days. The boundless guild is thankful for the work not much subjugation quest come in with such generous compensation."
"Subdue them? More like they were all just in the way. Sera, Phine and I could have finished all those slimes and nyxwings in a day if those adventurers were out of the way." Ember complained.
"Good which means we can freely visit that place right?" Elysia smiled at him.
"Of course it is your property now my lady. Will you be building an Estate in that area?" Mr. Ofster ears perked thinking of another business opportunity.
"No I have somewhere to go you see." Elysia answered and Mr. Ofster could be seen visibly deflate.
"That's right Elysia will be living with our Master! As soon as we know where he is that is" Fig declared.
" Oh! Really? The last item was sold for one million gold?" Elysia act surprised when he reached the page .
"Yes we were quite surprised the buyer did request we hide his identity so we could not put his name on the receipt."
"Hey Fig is one million a lot?" Paku asked flittering around the document.
"Not at all Paku Master's coins that Elysia keeps in her storage ring has a lot more" Fig replied casually but in fact one million was enough to build a whole new city and keep it alive for five years.
"He seems very happy about the one million" Gale observed.
"I don't get it, didn't Elysia give that Leif and Rin fellow coins to make this purchase, then didn't she get the mana cystal in return. Now Mr. Ofster is giving her more money." Ember practically fuming making her brain run.
"Master always did say money is a complicated matter best we not try and understand Ember." Agua comforted her twin.
In fact, the whole scheme was Elysia's way of checking Mr. Ofster's credibility. Indeed he is someone who is trustworthy which will help her on the next phase of her planning.
"If you need assistance in counting the coins Lady Elysia I can have an attendant assist you. I've personally reviewed these trunks and each is carrying 500,000 gold coins. Meanwhile on these trunks are the remaining silver and copper coins." Mr Ofster directed her to dozens of trunks neatly aligned.
"No need to count them Mr. Ofster that would be quite tedious." Elysia placed the list down and smoothed her skirt.
"I'm glad for the trust My lady but it is not right to leave a transaction without counting." Mr. Ofster insisted.
"Not to worry Mr. Ofster, more importantly the other thing I requested?"
"Yes the talents you were looking for they're all waiting in the next room."
"Alright shall we go see them then?" Elysia stood ready to leave.
"Of course!" Mr. Ofster on his feet "but wait what about the coins my lady"
"Leave them there for now you'll be needing it."
"Why would I be needing your money?"
"You'll see!"
When they entered the room all heads turned to Elysia and Mr. Ofster.
"Mr. Ofster! Lady Elysia!" Nathaniel stood warmly greeting his benefactors. With the amount of commission the guild received, He was extremely elated there guild could expand trade routes, there capital has grown and their profit alone can fuel the guild for another 10 years.
The guests looked at the young girl, a mysterious employer offering significant wage for their talents.
"Hello everyone I am grateful that you have come. Well Miss Elysia let me make the introductions" Mr. Ofster started.
" This is Linya Thredore and Boric Thredore" He first introduce a couple. Boric was a barrel-chested man with soot-blackened arms in contrast his wife was delicate and graceful. "Mr. Boric is talented smithy he restored an heirloom blade of my family and Mrs. Linya created one of the pieces you have, she used to be an adventurer talented at protective spells."
"It is a pleasure to meet you my Lady my sister Anya designed your very dress she was supposed to come with us but she is with child at the moment and is on bed rest. Boric and myself have little ones to tend to I've quit adventuring and settled down at the village. I heard you compensated our village chief for Baron Amari's misgivings Thank you for that." Linya smiled at Elysia.
"Then this is Garrik Fen, he is a top apprentice beast tamer for Sandwalker's caravan. He has travelled with me since he was 6. Now he just wants to settle in Arvandale." Mr. Ofster pointed at a grizzled man with a missing ear.
"Hello Lady Elysia is it true that you have a Lupinara as a familiar? As in the legends of old?" Garrik beamed.
"Yes they're names are Sera and Phine, what happened to your ear?"
"Ah don't mind it! Sometimes baby giant scorpions get a little playful! But of course it wasn't there fault Scorpion's are actually gentle giants!"
"These are the triplets who are Arvandale's top Mid Circle talents"
"I am Nolla an alchemist these are my younger siblings , Sevrin is Crystal Diviner and Elira designed your carriage and the terrarium you're wearing."
"You're very talented I like the carriage it's quite easy to travel on"
"Thank you" Elira blushed.
"And these are some of the folks from Joridge village , Darric Oatmere is the village chief. His son-in-law Serka Houndvale who is a retired F-rank adventurer. He eradicated the slimes at his village. The Village chief's daughters Maya Houndvale who is an excellent cook and Hayacinth Oatmere who practices healing."
"My Lady! I approve the name change of our village and the seeds you've given to our village is much appreciated." Darric shook her hand vigorously.
"Mr. Darric's family once rescued me when my carriage had fallen off a cliff. There family generously helped me without knowing I was a merchant" Mr. Ofster praised.
"This is Borum Slatejaw who oversaw the city wall construction he has a number of talented crew and Mr. Harlan Dedge who I recently met but I am impressed. He was the former Steward of Baron Amari and prodigy in mathematics and economics " Mr. Ofster pointed to the last two.
"Former steward? What do you do now?" " Elysia asked.
"I am working for Mr. Borum my lady just book keeping and other works"
"He is a talented lad! Got to managing our resources well to the point where we built the wall a week earlier that scheduled." Borum beamed.
"Baron Amari.." Elysia thought about the name, "the Baron who formerly owned the land?"
"Yes he knows the area quite well and is very capable." Mr. Ofster presented.
"Mr. Harlan if you we're in charge of Baron Amari's land why did it end up being in such state?" Elysia asked.
Mr Harland bowed his "I apologize for the Baron's misgivings my lady, I am only grateful that you managed to aid our village before it got worst."
"It's not his fault!" Hayacinth usually shy and soft spoke looked about to be the same age as Elysia spoke up, "In fact Harlan lives in our village and he would always defend us and advice the Baron on how to properly care for the land. It's just he didn't listen well."
"You live in the village do you have a family there? Wife and kids?" Elysia asked further rather bluntly making Mr. Harland and Hayacinth blush.
"I have an elderly mother my lady and I as to my marriage - I do not have wife yet."
Elysia quickly caught on seeing Hayacinth and Harlands faces "But it seems like you have someone you care about to leave a Baron's employ and stay in the village."
"Well that is - " Harland was now completely red. Hayacinth too was blushing while her older sister, Serka, stifled a laugh.
"I'm sorry I ddin't mean to put you on the spot. Well then Mr. Ofster I must say you've completed my checklist quite well" Elysia complimented.
"Thank you Miss Elysia but I did inform them that they will be in your employ what precisely do you need them to do?" Mr. Ofster curious as well what the child has up her sleeves.
"I need your talents on my mine!" Elysia's smiled. But her smile was not reciprocated instead the people looked at her with utter shock.
"Lass, I understand getting the men are abled bodies but what sort of employer are you to hire the young, old and delicate?" Borum slammed his fist on the table. "Mining is not a child's play little girl. Lives are at stake!"
Elysia shocked at Mr. Borum's indignation at first but then she smiled "I guess it's better to show you all!"
A blinding light hit everyone—by the time they opened their eyes, they were standing in front of a mine, its entrance carved into the mountainside, glowing faintly with runes.
"Where are we?" Mr. Ofster was the first to ask.
"Was that a transportation scroll? I've never heard of a single transportation scroll that can teleport a group of people." Nathaniel was baffled.
"I've used transportation scroll a couple of times but this one felt like a teleportation gate! Incredible I don't feel motion sickness at all" Serka recalled to the days he was an adventurer.
"Lady Elysia are you okay?" Hayacinth the first to spot Elysia who was on the ground suffering her motion sickness, she immediately tried to heal her.
"I'm sorry about that I feel really unwell when I use transportation scrolls" She said as if her very soul separated from her body as the world spun around her.
"Do you feel better?" Hayacinth asked.
"Not really" Elysia responded trying to get up.
"Odd usually that healing technique relieves motion sickness."
"Is - is this it?" the passionate Dwarf Borum stared at fully built mine before him.
"How ! How is this here this place wasn't here when I last visited" Harlan was shocked
"I built it, shall we go an have a tour?" She tried to stand on wobbly legs, she almost fell to the ground but a soft bushy tail caught her "Sera! What a good girl you are please help me walk so we can tour our guest in our mine."
"It's a Lupinara!" Garrik gasped at the sight of the legendary creature. "Such a beautiful beast!" he tried to offer his hand for Sera to sniff but Sera just gave it snort.
Phine out of nowhere appeared and nibbled on his hand.
"Wah! There's another one! A lupinara is eating my hand!" Garrik squealed out of pure joy.
"Hang on Lady Elysia! It's dangerous to go in there. I will go with you instead" Borum volunteered.
"Don't worry it's quite sturdy I've been in out of it before. "
"But still the others are frighten and not experience in a mine so let me go with you instead."
"Alright then those who don't want to see the mine you guys can wait over there, Ember and Phine will guide you" Elysia called out to the air forgetting again that nobody else can see or hear the sprite siblings. Elysia pointed at a resting spot.
"Leave it to Me Elysia!" Ember flew to the torches illuminating a row of makeshift houses that looked like the earth and trees sprouted from the ground to turn into living quarters.
Master I will care for this group! Phine happily lead the group as though she was first in command of the pack. Her strides that of a young pup mimicking her mother Sera's own manner of walking.
"One more thing here Nathaniel read over these plans with everyone will you, Mr. Ofster too"
"I wish to join the cave as well you see I am curious to see what is inside." Mr. Ofster strode.
So it was Old man Darric, Maya and Hayacinth, Nathaniel that stayed behind.
The rest wanted to go see inside of the elaborate structure before them. "Right before that here everyone wear this " from the storage ring Elysia gave everyone hats. Although it looked like a simple straw hat a farmer would it was an enchanted one that could act as a helmet.
"Hats? I'm not sure if this can be of any help" Borum inspected the hat
"Paku" Elysia commanded to give a demonstration. Everyone was shocked to see a huge bolder float above Elysia's head as if it was conjured from nowhere, it then landed on Elysia's head.
The ladies grimaced looking away, shocked gasps - anticipating the worst outcome.
"My lady!" Harlan was the first to call out even before the dust settled.
When they looked at the wreckage they saw not only did Elysia survive the wreck the bolder actually split into two "Not to worry this is reinforced with protection magic"
"That's! That's incredible this hat's mana circle is quite complex" Linya looked at the hat.
Of course this wasn't the most astonishing thing the group had seen. When they entered the cave having been reassured that their safety was guaranteed they were in awe of how deep, structurally stable the entire mine was. When they reached one vein they saw Gold, Copper and Silver deposits they we're too stunned to talk.
"What? How!" Borum gawked at the sight.
"How is this possible to have such a deposit as big as this" Boric felt his legs buckle
"That's not all there's more stones below - all different types of ores." Sevrin said as he touched Earth's surface to detect dept of the entire mountain.
"Brother are you certain?!" Nolla who was as speechless as the rest at the sight of so many gold, copper and silver
"I didn't know you could sense them that way. You are certainly talented. Here let me show you the next floor." Elysia praised
"How on earth are we going underground?" Borum protested.
"Through this of course" Elysia explained as the mine's elevator dinged open
Elira wide-eyed looking at the intricate system "What is this amazing thing!?"
"An elevator if everyone can hope in we'll go down to the next floor"
When the team got to the next few floors Linya's eyes opened wide it was an array of dazzling and colorful gemstones she's ever seen "Is that Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Aetherite, Drakestone, Skyflare?"
"There's more on this side!" Garrik explained.
Then just below another floor Mr. Ofster completely lost it "It's a deposit of Mana stones!"
When they reached the surface everyone was shocked into silence. But there was even more in store for them. In the neatly rowed houses they entered to meet with the rest of the group.
"Lady Elysia! This this plan! It's quite sophisticated and the buildings and structured you placed here is innovative!" Nathaniel exclaimed.
"As Mr. Nathaniel explained to us you are planning on building a mine here and in three years you're planning on creating a mining village, is that true?" Old man Darric confirmed.
"Yes that's Right Mr. Darric. I'm glad you we're able to understand my workplan Nathaniel you are truly gifted"
"Is it true that you'll also have a designated a place called an apothecary and healing area" Hayacinth asked her eyes shining.
"And you're allowing miners to settle with their families within a designated safe zone in the area. Provide the men with hot meals everyday?" Maya disbelief at such a generous workplan.
Mr. Ofster grabbed the parchment from Nathaniel's hands "Security, Smithy, Alchemy area, Apothecary, Trade post, a village with a temple, school, and market. This won't be built in a day."
"I'm not expecting it to be built in a day. I've written a five year plan that is both attainable and sustainable. I reviewed the topography of this land and truly it's not fit for agriculture and so I decided to build - I mean explore if there is an option to mine."
"While the mine has vast array we've seen it would require a huge amount of funding" Mr. Harlan peeped through the document as well.
"Wait is that why you left the entire amount from the auction and our guild?" Mr. Ofster finally connecting the dots.
"Wait! The entire thing! You - you left it our guild my lady does this mean - ? " Nathaniel asked feeling hopeful.
"That's right I'm entrusting this venture to Sandwalker's Guild"
Mr Ofster and Nathaniel looked at each other, Mr. Ofster spoke first "While we are delighted to aid you we are merely merchant's my lady trade is our specialty and mining requires much more detailed attention."
"I will require you're help indeed in import and export of goods while the administrative side I wish to entrust to Mr. Harlan here. He will be the head steward." Elysia pointed to Mr. Harlan.
" I do not know if I am worthy" Harlan bowed.
"Nonsense, you are still here in this village despite it declining and despite it under such awful management before you still stayed. I wish to believe that you stayed for the people isn't that right?"
Mr. Harlan seemed to blush at such recognition "I was only doing my duty"
"And a duti-bound man is truly what I wanted. Mr. Ofster also vouched for you and I can see that the Village chief also vouches for you. I'd rather have the person who oversees this project as someone who loves its people." Elysia pointed to the villagers who looked up to Mr. Harlan.
"I would be honored my lady"
"Does that mean you're accepting the position Mr. Harlan? If so sign this contract and review this document."
Harlan reviewed over the document "This amount what, surely my lady you don't have that much reserves!" Mr. Harlan looked at the number zeroes in the document. He looked at Nathaniel, Mr. Ofster and then back at Elysia. "Surely you're not investing this much ? A mine can only produce so much resources."
"Well on that front , Mr Borum? Sevrin what do you think?" Elysia asked.
Borum took out pieces of rock and started smashing them "This mine is abundant. It's not just a gold mine, rare stones and metals lie beneath - most importantly Mana stones " Borum confirmed.
Everyone gasped and shocked at the array of treasure before them.
"I know this will not be an easy feat but I had asked Mr. Ofster to specifically look for talents like you. Not only Mr. Harlan's help but I wish to ask for everyone's help." Then Elysia opened a treasure chest.
"Mr. Darric as the village chief this place will be in your territory , I know among the three villages your village is the closest and the least agricultural with that mind this could open new opportunities for the villagers. I ask that you find strong and abled men and women to help in this venture. It will make the town flourish it will be difficult to move into the forest but if you can mobilize the villagers who wish to settle on new land this land you relocate to and create a village that will be prosperous"
"My lady with this venture our village will be saved. I " Mr. Darric bowed.
"Then here this is a title I've arranged at the office of lords you are now also the head of this new village."
"Mr. Serka as an adventurer I wish to ask for your support in providing security to this place. At the earliest signs of dungeon monsters request a subjugation quest immediately. "
"My lady you have my support I will guard it with my life."
"A sword and a shield I've requested from Mr. Ofster."
"Mr. Borum you we're a retired miner and you have seen the worst in mines with you here I wish for you to train the miners not just to mine efficiently but to mine with their safety in mind. This place will be means of livelihood and the number one priority here is not the profit but ensuring that every miner returns safe and sound."
"My lady if you have the people in heart then I shall do my utmost"
"Then here is the map of the entire mine. This an entire handbook of safety guidelines I want you to learn and teach the miners"
"Linya and Boric, the tools of each miner is just as important before even mining we will require equipment and safety gear the order is quite large but with you both spearheading this I feel reassured."
"This is a great undertaking and I will do my utomost" chimed Boric
"I never back out from a fight so count me in my lady" Linya said cooly.
" And of course your help will be much needed as well" She started to enumerate each of their contributions " Nolla as the alchemist and pride of the third ring I trust you with handling each oro with care use your talent in alchemy to manage the mana stones, Sevrin I leave every rare stone in your care , Elira you must continuously ensure that each structure and machinery is safe"
"Maya here are recipes I've personally noted down that relieves fatigue and Hayacinth in crucial situations this a medicinal herb, potions and healing methods, work site accidents is inevitable but even the slightest bruise or joint pain we have to find relief for them."
Everyone was astonished as Elysia discussed elaborate plans for the mine and generous compensation.
"Thank you everyone! With all of you here I feel assured!"
*****
A few months later
"Mr. Ofster!" The sound of frustrated Harlan echoed in the Sandwalker Merchant Guild.
"Mr. Harlan you just missed Nathaniel he was on his way to see you to bring you the ledger of our last batch of goods. Of course I've deducted Lady Elysia's share and her new orders for the school village and temple. So you may use the funds however you see fit for the mine and workers. Have you seen the interesting curriculum she sent? The school village is meant to school both adventurer and non-adventurer isn't that interesting? " Mr. Ofster smiled.
"This has to stop!"
"Stop? Why on earth would you want to stop the construction of School village and temple?" Mr. Ofster tilted his head.
"I'm not talking about that, I'm talking about this!" Mr. Harland flooded Mr. Ofster's desk with invitations.
"Her manor has been flooded with invitation, it was hard enough dealing with invitations from merchants and guilds but now I'm receiving invitations from noble houses too."
"Our lady has been quite popular, and to think she's receiving a mountain load after the ranking ceremony " Mr. Ofster peruse the letters.
"She has to write back herself this is nobility after all. I'll have to march into the adventurers guild and force her to write." Mr. Harlan said his voice on the verge of exhaustion.
"I'm afraid you won't find her there she already left Arvandale. Goodness this one is from a ducal family" Mr. Ofster picked up the fancies envelope.
"What where did she go!?"
"Our lady is an elusive one. I could not tell you even if I knew where she was today, she could be anywhere by tomorrow."
"Then what do you expect me to do with this? How dare a mere steward respond to a northern or southern ducal house!" Mr. Harlan said frustrated picking up random letters from the pile recognizing immediately the house symbols.
"You certainly have your hands full. I do not envy you one bit"
"And whose idea was it exactly to have the Duke of Arvandale claim Lady Elysia as his god daughter?!" Mr. Harland exclaimed.
"At the time it seemed like a good idea - we needed Baron Amari to back down and so the Duke had to step in."
"Some godfather he is, he only wanted the mana resources to grow his own power!" Mr. Harland plopped on the chair slowly untying his cravat.
"I have an idea why not have him respond to all the letters! or at least show him the pile of the aristocrats trying to take a bit of his power. He did say if we ever needed his help he'd help." Mr. Ofster trying to think of another rational idea.
"You've grown bolder and bolder Mr. Ofster I dare not be associated with you anymore. Shall I just resign?"
"What harsh thing to say. But you know Lady Elysia did leave the village's care in your hands."
"You don't have to remind me"
"Speaking of hands I heard you're asking for Miss Hayacinth's hands"
"How would you know that!?"
"Nathaniel was dragged to a tavern by Garrik after hearing the news, he was rather dispirited with a hang over the next day."
"It's really none of your business - I should just go. I leave this letters to you Mr. Ofster since you're liaising with Duke Arvandale on Lady Elysia's behalf."
"Before you leave here a gift from Lady Elysia as congratulations on your nuptials." Mr. Ofster snapped his fingers and groups of staff appeared bearing trunk loads of gifts. Bolt fabric, gold tea, crafted jewelry, rare medicinal plants and many more.
"Why is she giving me this much as a gift!" He backed away at the sight.
"Our lady has done so much in just a few months this much for her trusted steward is nothing, I believe it will only get more hectic than this now she's out in the world of Serendale."
"You can't mean it Mr. Ofster I am already at my limit."
"Indeed you do look so tired as a groom to be. Come now - " Mr Ofster drags him to his feet.
"Where are you taking me now?"
"To hire more people of course perhaps hiring guards as adventurers in her manor estate would not be such a bad idea, we should visit the boundless guild. She did leave instructions to leave funds there."
"She still has that much money?!"
"I too had the same reaction before, but with my lady it seems that the more I send her the more she sends me back." chuckled Mr. Ofster.
"I think I should hand in my notice today."
"Don't be silly Hayacinth has already picked out a house for you to settle into. How will you ever give her a comfortable life without Lady Elysia as a generous employer."
"You raise a valid point Mr. Ofster."
"Now that she's an S-Class adventurer she'll start to attract both gold and danger so we must be prepared."
"Wait what?! she's an S-Class adventurer?! Since when?!" He asked shocked.
"You haven't heard? Well let me tell you what happened you see the day Lady Elysia went to the Boundless Guild..." And so Ofster retold the events that unfolded when Elysia entered the Boundless Guild as an Adventurer candidate.