"Where are you planning to go?" Lily squints and asks me.
"I was planning on going to the capital for now. I've told you I have a complicated situation, the capital might have information that can help me." I raise my eyebrows and respond.
'It's a yes or no question, do you want to come or not? Why does location matter? Does she not want to be far from the village? Or is there somewhere she wants to avoid? Either way, I hope the capital is all right.'
"The capital... That should be far enough..." Lily's sentence trails off at the end.
**Silence**
"Okay, I'll go with you! I look forward to our continued partnership!" Lily's eyes clear, she smiles and vigorously shakes my hand. "Goodnight!"
Lily releases my hand and shuts the door, leaving me bewildered.
'Huh? That was fast... Maybe she doesn't want me to question her? Oh well, she has no reason to worry, I'm not the meddlesome type. Although, her wording suggests she's avoiding a location, I wonder where and why?'
I give up on analyzing Lily's actions and return to my room. I don't have many things to pack, but I scan my possessions. I have two suits of clothes, one given by Caspian and the other a replica of my old world's clothes. On my dresser sits the horned bear's monster core, which I haven't touched in a month. I came up with several tests, but I'm waiting until I have the right tools for safety.
I change into my clean clothes and get in bed.
'Ugg, I haven't brushed my teeth in a month... I searched the general store for a toothbrush, but it has none. My teeth still feel clean though... Maybe magical fairies come and clean my teeth during the night? I don't understand this world's logic, but it's convenient so I won't complain.'
After wondering about this world's personal hygiene for a few minutes, I fall asleep.
The following day I wake up and go downstairs for breakfast, Heath is waiting for me there.
"Oh, hey Heath! What are you doing here? Did Jeff send you?" I see Heath and question his motives for being here.
"Mhmm," Heath answers and follows me as I grab my food.
"Has Jeff scheduled a meeting with the Credit Union?" I ask Heath as I sit down to eat.
"Uh huh," Heath responds and stands across from me.
"Okay, should I head there as soon as I finish eating?" I guess the timing, Jeff knows earlier is better.
"Ya," Heath replies and nods.
"All right, thanks for letting me know. I'll go to the same room as last time after I eat." I pick up my silverware and take a bite.
"Uh huh," Heath acknowledges, then turns around and leaves.
I finish eating, put my dirty dishes in their designated location and go upstairs. I can hear voices coming from the room as I approach.
"20 coppers each, I can't go lower... Come on! You'll make a sizable profit at this price! Do you want to put me out of business?!" A voice sounds from inside, it's cheerful in contrast to its message.
"Fine, I'll give 20 coppers each." Floyd states and I hear the jingling of coins.
"Am I interrupting anything?" After a brief deliberation, I open the door and peek my head in.
"No, perfect timing actually. We were just completing a transaction. Come sit down." Floyd motions for me to enter and take a seat.
I place myself in front of the table in the center of the room, across from me are Floyd and a man I haven't met. The smiling and cheerful looking young man contrasts Floyd who is scowling as usual. The young man has the standard skin, eyes and hair and he wears a red cloth hat on his head. His clothing looks expensive compared to mine and Floyd's, but the loose pants and long-sleeved shirt look comfortable and practical.
"This is Luca, he's the merchant who brings us supplies every month. Luca, this is Adam, he arrived here shortly after your last visit." Floyd introduces us, then focuses on writing on a piece of parchment.
"It's nice to meet you." I reach my hand toward Luca and we shake.
"Likewise, it's nice to meet someone with decent manners." Luca responds and snickers toward Floyd. "What're you doing Floyd? Aren't you going to entertain your guest?"
"Be quiet, I'm busy documenting this transaction." Floyd shoos Luca away with his hand and continues his work.
"Why are you doing that?" Luca asks, scratching his head.
"I need to file it with the Credit Union." Floyd replies without lifting his eyes.
"Oh? What's that?" Luca curiously asks and leans over Floyd's shoulder.
"We're about to have a meeting, so you can stay and see." Floyd answers as he finishes writing his expenses.
The door opens and Leticia and Gerald walk in.
"Leticia, Gerald, it's been a while, how are you?" Luca calls out to the couple as they come over and seat themselves.
"We've been doing well, how are you Luca?" Leticia returns and smiles.
"I've been doing excellently, the herbs I bought from you last time sold at a good profit." Luca exchanges pertinent information. "And Gerald, thank you for that prescription, it worked perfectly!"
"I'm glad to hear it, if you have any more questions ask me any time." Gerald makes a polite smile and responds.
'Wow, this Luca is friendly, and he's good at making business relationships. He only brought up things relevant to the individuals he was speaking to and their jobs. It was challenging to learn how to interact with customers, but Luca acts like it's second nature! I wonder if it's calculated or coincidental...'
Anna enters the room and closes the door behind her.
"Jeff said he'd be late, so we'll start without him." Anna claps to get everyone's attention and sits down. "We're meeting to decide whether to continue operating the Credit Union, we'll take votes to decide."