Chapter 285 – Family Talk
“We should go and tell them. Or do you expect them to object?”
“I’m an adult, I can do what I want. I don’t think they’ll disagree anyway. Surely. Probably. Maybe.”
She didn’t look that certain, but that was fine.
“No need to worry. I’m a trader. It’s my job to convince others. Leave it to me if it comes to that.”
Her face shone with trust as she nodded, reassured.
“It’s going to be time for the third meal soon, right? We can talk to them then.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
We slowly made our way to the Muyal’s family house, greeting any passerby bunny. As usual, some tried their best to ignore Kuini, even though they were fine chatting with me as much as they wanted. When we were alone, I remembered another important point.
“Ah, I forgot to say, there might be others coming to live with me in the house.”
“Others? Who?”
“Some friends and business partners. And also some children I’ve been sponsoring.”
“Sponsoring?”
She didn’t seem to be familiar with the concept, so I explained it to her. Her eyes were full of admiration when I was done.
“That’s splendid, my Lord. I knew you were an amazing person. To help children like this… Not just anyone can do that.”
“No need to overpraise me. This is standard practice, and it’s also beneficial to me. It’s a simple deal where all participants have something to gain.”
She didn’t seem convinced. However, we were now in front of her house, and we had more important topics to discuss.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
She opened the door, quickly announcing her arrival.
“I’m home. Tila’s with me, Mom, Dad.”
The whole family was already seated in front of a warm meal. They turned our way with pleasant surprise in their expression.
“Tila, it’s rare to see you in the afternoon.”
“Yes, sir. I came to see you because I have something to discuss.”
“That’s all fine. Tila, dear, do you want to join us for the third meal?”
“Gladly, ma’am.”
I took my usual seat at their table, and the two children quickly started the conversation. While we saw each other every day, we didn’t have much time to talk during the rushed mornings. The two of them had grown well during the past year, slowly shedding their infantile aspects to become more mature-looking. In a few years, they would be fifteen and considered adults in the outer world.
“Tila, is it true you have an enormous store in Geola?”
“I don’t know about enormous, but I do have a store, yes.”
“Wow. I want to go and see it, but Dad…”
“You two are still too young to travel alone. We can go together after the planting season is finished.”
“Really? Promise?”
“Yes, promise.”
“Whoa! I can’t wait!”
“Me too!”
“Haha. How are you two doing? Do you still enjoy working in the fields?”
“It’s hard, but I like it.”
“Yeah, and we can grow and sell a lot of food to you, Tila.”
“That’s right. You know, I only managed to get this shop in Geola because you sold me so much food. It’s all thanks to you.”
Their eyes widened in realization.
“Is that true?”
“Of course. I’m very grateful to everyone in the Muyal family.”
“Wow…”
“Being a merchant is amazing…”
“Everyone’s saying the food you grow is the best, you know?”
I kept praising them to the skies until the parents had to stop me, or their children’s smiles would go from one ear to the other. We started eating delicious fresh food as Zay addressed me.
“So, what did you want to discuss, Tila?”
“Yes, actually… Kuini gave me a proposal for which we would like your approval.”
“A proposal? Do you mean…?”
Kuini swiftly shook her head.
“Not like that. I asked him if I could work in his house, taking care of household maintenance and cleaning.”
“Oh, I see.”
He seemed disappointed for an instant before looking at his wife.
“Hmm… The boys are big now, so they can pick up your share, Kuini. What do you think, dear?”
Contrary to Kuini’s fears, her mother gave a wide smile.
“I think that’s a great idea. You never enjoyed field work much, darling. If you can do work you like, that’s for the best. But…”
Her grin disappeared as she took on a serious expression, raising her daughter’s tension again.
“But?”
“I know you two are very good… friends. Still, this is this, and that is that. If you’re going to do some work, you need to do so in good conditions and be paid appropriately.”
I gave her a reassuring nod.
“That goes without saying. I’m open to any suggestions she has to make her job easier. The house is large, so there’ll be a lot of work. I’ll pay her well above the market rate.”
“It’s fine, then. You’re an adult, so you don’t need my approval, but if that reassures you, I’ll do so. Remember, if it gets too hard, you can always return here.”
“Mom, Tila’s home is almost next door. We can see each other at any time.”
“Haha, that’s right!”
She laughed pleasantly. Zay, maybe feeling a bit excluded, tried to insert his opinion.
“I agree too, Kuini. Tell me if Tila doesn’t treat you well, and I’ll beat him up, hehe.”
“Dad…”
Seeing his daughter’s reproving gaze, he quickly changed the topic.
“Let’s eat a lot to celebrate my daughter finding a good job! Hahaha!”
The mother and daughter smiled wryly, but accepted his escape, not that his words would make the meal any grander than it was. We continued eating while sharing other stories and gossip, especially coming from Waja, who was an expert on the subject.
After the meal, I greeted them and also separated from Kuini. She had given me a list of tools she needed for her work, and I had to buy plenty of furniture for the house. Until then, there wouldn’t be much to clean, so she would stay with her family.
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