After finishing my teaching duties, I patiently awaited Alice, Aira, and Airel, who were also done with their studies. Together, we made our way back to the mansion.
"Uncle, will you continue to teach?"
"Yes, Aira, do you all enjoy it?"
"We enjoy it very much, Uncle,"
the trio promptly answered my question in unison.
"Uncle, the children in class love the lollipops you handed out."
"Is that so, Alice? And have you made friends?"
"Yes, Uncle, I now have many friends. It's really delightful."
"How about you, Airel?"
"I'm happy as long as you're there, Uncle."
"Ha-ha, Airel, you're such a sweetheart."
"What about me, Uncle?"
"Of course, Alice, you're sweet too. All of you are my precious daughters."
Aira also expressed that the lessons I provided to the children were extremely enjoyable.
I cherish this life immensely. Had I foreseen such contentment, I may have opted to marry and have children earlier, but I'm nonetheless profoundly grateful for my current circumstances.
We headed home early because the intermediate and advanced classes finished later in the afternoon. Ah, and the elementary teachers could leave once the basic classes were over. Thankfully, I taught elementary level.
Arriving at the mansion, I promptly prepared a meal for my three girls and began planning the establishment of a shop.
Additionally, I noticed that nearly every house here has a well, so cleanliness is evidently a priority. I could capitalize on this by selling soap and shampoo.
I started arranging the display tables. Given the mansion's extensive size, I reckoned selling clothing as well, aligning with the shop's fashion vibe. I sensed that a fashion theme was entirely appropriate.
I acquired a long showcase table to serve as a counter and cosmetics display, and a tall cabinet behind the checkout area for additional stock. An expansive space wasn't necessary. For the clothing, I prepared clothes hangers, racks for outfits, and an intimate fitting room with mirrors.
I opted to sell modern-styled everyday clothing, to capture the attention of our predominantly female clientele.
Upon review, I realized I need a mere 50 gold for the initial investment, which seemed quite reasonable given my current financial position.
While arranging the store, I noticed Rain, Riese, and Anna returning to the mansion.
"We're back, Uncle!"
"Ah, welcome home."
Rain appeared weary, Riese puzzled, and Anna elated. Can one school day really yield such varied expressions?
"How was your first day at the academy?"
"Oh, it was bothersome, Uncle," Rain replied.
"On my very first day, I ended up making an enemy by defeating a boy who claimed to be the class leader. Now he'll surely target me."
Boys will be boys, I mused silently.
"Haha, don't worry as long as you're in the right, Rain."
"I know, Uncle, it's just annoying."
"Ha-ha, and how about you, Riese?"
"Um…"
Could Riese be in trouble? Recognized as the brightest student, her academic prowess was known to me ever since I arrived to teach; her test scores were the highest, though unannounced.
"Uncle, you're requested at the school tomorrow."
"Eh? What happened?"
"Well…"
Riese detailed how she shared with her teacher the modern numerical methods I taught her, subsequently leading the class in learning these techniques. The mathematics teacher, Mr. Hendrick, had summoned me to the school for this reason.
Isn't Mr. Hendrick an intermediate-level teacher? Why would he be involved with an advanced class? Well, it matters little; I'll visit him tomorrow. Besides, this was no secret.
"Don't fret, Riese. I'll meet him tomorrow. Besides, I'm now a teacher at the academy too."
"Whaaat?"
They were astonished. Ha, this was the reaction I awaited.
"Uncle, where are you teaching?"
Anna inquired.
"I'm in elementary, just began teaching Alice, Aira, and Airel's class."
"Oh, is that so…"
"How about your class, Anna?"
"Oh, it's been delightful, with Teacher Alicia instructing us in musical literacy."
Even Alicia is teaching advanced classes now? I wondered why everyone seemed to be teaching intermediate.
"Music, huh? I've not taught you that yet…"
"Uncle, can you play music?"
"Yes, a bit…"
Music had been my solace following the death of my parents, a craft in which I'd become quite adept.
"Uncle, teach us!"
Both Riese and Anna request in chorus.
"Alright, but which instrument shall I use?"
"Well, I can't teach you with a violin, but since I play piano, you could learn the scales from there."
The mansion was amply equipped with musical instruments, including a complete orchestra set. Thus, I elected the piano for their lessons.
After some more conversation, they retired to their respective rooms. Now that the store was ready and I was committed to teaching, I needed additional hands to maintain the shop and clean. Wasn't it time to consider purchasing some servants?
Mulling it over, I called everyone to discuss.
"Alright, everyone, since I'll be occupied moving forward, I plan to buy some servants. Is that alright with you all?"
"Yes, of course, Uncle."
"I don't mind."
"Me neither."
"Same here."
With unanimous consent, we decided to acquire servants. Perhaps I should rent another house, or rather, why not buy one? It's fine if it's a bit distant as I could provide bicycles for transport. Yes, that seems a fine plan.
During the discussion, we concluded to purchase a counter attendant, a housemaid, a cook, and a gatekeeper to create a comfortable shopping experience.
With our decision set, I hurried to the merchants' guild before closing time. Fortunately, it was still open.
"Welcome to the merchants' guild, how may I assist you…Ah, good evening Mr. Martin."
"Ah, Miss Millia, I'm interested in buying a house. Are there any available?"
"Indeed, there's an array being sold. What location and size are you considering?"
"Could I hear your recommendation? Perhaps near the mansion or a bit further is fine too. I need a place that can accommodate around ten people."
"Hmm, near the mansion might be challenging as many are owned by nobles, including the current residence you're leasing. What about a bit further? There's a recently listed merchant's home; he's looking to relocate. There are smaller homes near the market area as well."
Reviewing the locations with Millia's guidance, I found the merchant's home about 3 km away – not an issue. The market area seemed less suitable.
"Alright, I'm intrigued by the merchant's house, may I inspect it tomorrow? Tonight seems impractical, given the hour."
"Certainly, no problem. See you tomorrow then."
"Yes, until tomorrow. I'm heading back now."
"Safe travels, Mr. Martin."
"You as well, Millia."
With that, I promptly returned to the mansion to rest.
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