Is it wrong to fleece adventurers at the item shop?

I sleep pretty well for a change and yet I wake up rather early as well. That isn't a bad thing though, as it means that I get to pamper and cuddle Sour Cream a little before she curls up for her nap.

Afterwards I grab my things and head to the bath. Thankfully it isn't raining anymore, although it looks a little like it could start again any time. Well, I'll just have to take a little risk in that regard, as I really want a nice warm bath today. And it wouldn't hurt either, if I were to take a little more time and soak a little in the warm water either.

As I slide into the warm water after washing it is clear that the decision to thoroughly enjoy the bath for a change is the right one. Especially as I'm rather early today and have the bath to myself. I even close my eyes once more, at least for a little bit, until the first others arrive.

The first one to arrive are Urszula and her daughters, curiously enough. I greet them with a nod and a little wave, without getting up from the water just yet. With their arrival the place turns quite lively, not that I mind, especially as the young mother seems to have her children well in hand.

The older help the younger ones for the better part. Of course they play around a little, they are children after all, but Urszula never has to step in. Thus after washing up herself, she slides into the water across from me before long, flashing me a grin the process.

“Thinking about having some yourself?”

The question comes out of the blue and leaves me stumped for a moment.

“Well … maybe? One of these days? Its not like I'm in a hurry or anything.”

She breaks into laughter at my reply.

“Take your time. Maybe get some hands on experience with Elzbieta's little one before you make up your mind. Having a big family certainly isn't for everyone.”

I nod, as I ponder that suggestion. She certainly has a point. Then my mind stumbles over her second comment.

“You certainly seem to be flourishing in your role, though.”

She shrugs before she answers.

“It is like with many things. Everything is a little easier if you have the right combination of skills and divine gifts. But never mind that. Would you mind talking business for a moment though?”

As a matter of fact I don't mind.

“Oh? Business? What is on your mind?”

She nods in confirmation, as she helps one of the younger girls climb into the water and onto her lap.

“Yes, you know Elzbieta asked me if I could be her little one's wet nurse eventually, when she resumes adventuring? Well, I don't mind, but her request had me wondering if I'll have enough milk both for my own child and hers. Thus I started to wonder if you might know an enchantment that might help in that regard.”

Now it is my turn to nod. Her request is quite understandable after all. I can relate with her. Still, it troubles me.

“I know that there are enchantments like that, but I never inquired about them specifically at the academy. And I'm not quite sure I know all the runes to draft an enchantment like that myself.”

Before my words can truly trouble her, I keep going though.

“I'll have a look at grandma's notes. Those have been incredibly helpful so far. Maybe I can find something in them. And even if not, I could still contact someone at the academy. Acquiring an enchantment like that certainly would be a good long term investment after all. There still is a little time after all, right?”

She laughs out loud and nods, all worries forgotten again already.

“Yes, yes. There certainly still should be some time. Elzbieta's child certainly doesn't seem to be in a hurry. Lets hope it stays that way!”

Now we both laugh out loud. Some of the others who have arrived by now look our way, but no one is actually bothered by the two of us having some fun.

Finally I hug her and get out of the water, so I won't turn into a wrinkled prune.

Krystina flashes me a smile as she washes up while I dry off.

“Would you mind dropping by the inn before opening the shop? I think my parents want to talk with you about that iced coffee of yours.”

I brighten up a little. That sounds promising. I nod.

“Sure. Might as well post some more quests as well while I'm at it. Might drop by the smithy as well.”

Apparently Krystina likes what she hears. She brightens up as well.

“Good, good. See you later!”

Then she slips into the warm water herself while I leave the bathhouse. On the way back home I pass Agnieszka who is headed in the direction of the bath herself. She stops me briefly.

“I have the diapers ready. Mind if I swing by your place before noon to deliver them?”

Well, obviously, I don't mind. I nod.

“I'll head down to the inn and drop by the smithy as well first, but any time afterwards would be fine.”

The answer seems to please her.

“Marvelous! See you later then!”

Although the day has just begun it already feels like a good and productive day. Only the cloudy sky worries me a little. Despite my fears there is no sudden downpour though and I manage to get home without getting wet.

The first thing I do is to set aside some coin to pay Agnieszka when she drops by later. Then I get some more coin so I can place another quest with Krystina. That is it for now.

A new sign from Olgierd will cost me as well, but I'm pretty certain that it will have to be paid upon delivery as before with the other orders I placed with him and his wife so far.

Still the constant trickle of coins leaving my strong chest worries me a little. I really hope the iced coffee deal with Krystina's parents works out. I could certainly use the money.

Well, I'll find out soon enough.

I drop the coins I retrieved into my purse and head out again, after eyeing the overcast sky for a moment.

I stop at the smithy first. The sound of metal hitting metal suggests that Olgierd and Nawoja are already quite busy. Just as well. I head inside, greet them with a wave and wait until one of them has time for me. In a smithy the hot iron always comes first after all.

Finally Olgierd comes over to shake my hand while Nawoja minds the length of iron she put back into the fire.

“Welcome to our workshop! Do you have another job for us?”

I shake his hand and nod.

“Yes. Yes, I do! Another sign. A plain, double sided sign I can lean against the counter. Smooth and painted black, or at least as dark, as you can manage. Like one of the blackboards at school. So I can write on it with chalks. And I should be able to clean it with either a wet rag or a sponge.”

He looks a little doubtful at first, but as I mention writing with chalks understanding dawns upon him. Finally he nods and so does his wife.

“I see. I think we can do that. Double sided you said? So you can write on it on either side? And you want to clean it with a wet rag? So it has to be waterproof. And if it is supposed to be properly black and stay that way we will need several layers of paint, just to make sure. Hmm. Mhm!”

He gets a far away look, probably already pondering the construction of the sign I'm ordering, as I nod along. Finally he gestures with his hands.

“Something to lean against the counter? Sooo … about this size?”

I ponder the dimensions he demonstrated and nod in agreement.

“Sounds good to me. What price do you have in mind?”

He gets that far away look again. Finally he nods to himself, before he answers me.

“I think we can do it for eleven bronze Crowns. What do you say?”

One of my eyebrows rises a little.

“That's more than twice what the carved and painted sign cost me. I know I'm asking you to make something new, but can't you give me a little discount? How about nine bronze Crowns instead?”

His brows furrow as well, but there is a broad smile gracing his lips.

“Nine? How about we meet in the middle and say ten instead? Like you said, we are taking a risk with this, as it is unknown territory for us. Otherwise I'd gladly offer you a better deal.”

“Fine. Ten bronze Crowns. Payment upon delivery?”

“Payment upon delivery.”

Finally we shake hands to seal the deal.