The two of them continued their conversation as they strolled through the town, eventually making their way back again to the bakery.
It was a testament to Nora's hard work and ingenuity, and he could see how much pride she took in it. Content orıginally comes from N()velFire.net
Nora's face softened as she approached the shop. Her demeanour shifted slightly, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her features as she watched the bustle of activity. "This bakery," she began, her voice tinged with both pride and nostalgia, "is something I built with my own hands. I wanted to create something meaningful, something that could provide for my family and the people in the barony."
"And you've succeeded," Jolthar said, genuinely impressed. "Word seems to have spread far and wide about the quality of what you offer here. You've created something special, something that draws people in."
She nodded, her gaze focused on the patrons inside. "Yes, it's profitable. People from nearby towns come here specifically for our baked goods. The quality and variety set us apart. But it wasn't easy. It took time, effort, and careful management."
Jolthar's mind was already working, formulating plans. "With this as a foundation, you could expand further. A restaurant could complement this bakery perfectly. People already trust the quality of what you make here. Imagine offering them a full dining experience—a place where they can enjoy exceptional meals and spend time with their families."
Nora considered his words, her arms crossed as she leaned against the shop's wooden railing. "It's a good idea," she admitted, "but it would require more resources, more planning, and the right people to run it."
Jolthar grinned. "We just need to find a good chef who can implement the cookings of our world here."
She shot him a sceptical look, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You make it sound so easy. Let's see if you can deliver on all this talk."
Jolthar's confidence didn't waver. "You'll see."
As they talked, the subject shifted to the mines—another critical aspect of the barony's economy. Cleora, ever the diligent leader, had taken it upon herself to oversee the mines personally. She ensured that the workers were treated fairly, paid their wages on time, and worked under safe conditions. Her involvement was a stark contrast to the baron, who often exploited their miners for personal gain.
Jolthar's thoughts drifted to the mines. He hadn't visited them yet, but they were an integral part of the barony's wealth and influence. It made sense to see them for himself, to understand the scale of operations and how they could be further optimised. He also wanted to gauge the morale of the workers and assess the security of the area. If someone like Lord Eude had his eye on the mines, it was only a matter of time before trouble came knocking.
His musings were interrupted when Mira appeared. She spotted him almost immediately and waved enthusiastically, her energy as infectious as ever.
Jolthar couldn't help but smile at her animated demeanour. She hurried over, her steps light and quick, and greeted him with a cheerful, "Big brother! You're here again!"
Mira's lively presence contrasted sharply with the quiet, enigmatic figure who had been shadowing Jolthar since the day before—Nytheria. The blonde-haired woman stood a few paces behind him, her sharp eyes observing everything with a faint air of amusement. Jolthar had noticed her tendency to remain close, almost like a guardian, and it was starting to feel a bit unusual.
"Mira," he greeted warmly. "Good to see you again."
She launched into an enthusiastic account of her day, her hands gesturing animatedly as she spoke. Jolthar listened attentively, though he couldn't shake the feeling of Nytheria's watchful gaze. Once Mira finished her talk, Jolthar turned to Nytheria, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"You've been sticking to me like glue since yesterday," he said, his tone light but probing. "You could atleast leave me for a few hours."
Nytheria's lips curled into a faint smile, her silver eyes glinting mischievously. "It's for your safety," she replied simply.
"Safety?" Jolthar raised an eyebrow. "From what, exactly? Or should I say, from whom?"
"That is for me to know and you to wonder," she said cryptically, her expression unreadable.
Jolthar sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're not making this easy. If there's something going on, I'd like to be informed. Who sent you? Why are you so invested in my well-being?"
Nytheria's smile deepened. "Ask the goddess Qalena the next time you meet her. Perhaps she'll answer your questions."
Her words only added to the mystery, but Jolthar decided not to press further—for now. He had learned by now that Nytheria revealed things only on her own terms.
A short while later, Jolthar and Nytheria mounted the drake that had been provided for their use. The majestic creature's scales shimmered in the sunlight, and its powerful wings beat against the air as it prepared for takeoff. Jolthar settled into the saddle, his hands gripping the reins as Nytheria climbed up behind him with practiced ease.
As the drake soared through the skies, the wind whipping past them, Jolthar glanced over his shoulder at Nytheria. She sat comfortably, her expression serene, as though she belonged in the heavens rather than on solid ground. Her presence was as enigmatic as ever, and Jolthar couldn't help but wonder what her true motives were.
He turned his attention back to the landscape below. The mines were visible in the distance, their entrances carved into the rocky terrain like dark, yawning mouths.
As they approached the mines, Jolthar's thoughts remained divided. The mysteries surrounding Nytheria, the responsibilities of the barony, and the growing tension with Lord Eude were all pieces of a larger puzzle. But for now, his focus was on the task at hand—understanding the mines and the people who worked there and finding a way to ensure that the barony thrived under his and Cleora's watchful eyes.
The mines were like a treasure and if used properly, they could turn up as one of the wealthiest people in the empire.