"We'll start with you Gerald, are you in favor or opposed?" Anna looks next to her and starts a vote in a counter-clockwise direction.
"The installments have helped me a lot. Only people with severe injuries used to come, but now that the payment has become less daunting, there is a greater number and variety. This has improved my business, and my personal relationships as well. I'm completely in favor of continuing to use this system." Gerald states his decision and stokes his chin.
"Leticia?" Anna requests for the next vote.
"I only grow and sell herbs, I haven't tested the installments. Keeping track of the village's finances is a good idea, but I can't decide based only on that. I abstain from this vote." Leticia gives her opinion and turns toward Floyd.
"Floyd, what about you?" Anna asks Floyd who is still looking down at his parchment.
"As for me, I can only say one thing..." Floyd looks up, and for the first time I see excitement in his eyes. "Business has improved, profits are up 20%, customer satisfaction is on the raise and no one has missed a single payment! My only complaint is that I hadn't thought of this first! Yes! Double yes!! Triple yes!!! We need to keep this system, no! We need to expand it! I've compiled a list of places to expand to and potential investors! I think we should start with Carleone, but we could also try..."
Everyone present stares at Floyd with jaws dropped, if not for his facial expressions being as grouchy as normal, I'd think he was replaced! Floyd jabbers on with an excited tone which contradicts his glare.
'I guess it's true that people act differently when their passions are involved...'
"Ahem, Floyd, I take that as a yes. We aren't done voting yet, so please save this for after we're done." Anna clears her throat and interrupts Floyd.
"Oh, right, my bad... Although it hardly needs farther discussion! Just look at the statistics!" Floyd starts back up again.
"Floyd!" Anna slams her fist against the table, stopping Floyd's rant once again. "Thankyou. As you know, I was born and raised in this village, I only want what's best for it. Regardless of how successful the Credit Union becomes, it will serve as publicity for this village. There have been no problems thus far, so I can only see potential benefits. Therefore, I'm in favor."
Anna peers at the door, shakes her head and looks back.
"If Jeff was here, I'd ask for his vote, but he isn't. I already know he agrees with my opinions though, and his vote won't make a difference anyway. Accordingly, it's decided that the Credit Union will continue operations, with three votes in favor and two abstentions. Any objections?" Anna concludes the vote with a satisfactory outcome and glances over everyone present. "Good. Now, let's discuss the Credit Union's future..."
I push my chair out and stand up, everyone's gazes lock onto me.
"I think I'll leave the rest to all of you, I wouldn't want to be a bother." I scratch the back of my head, smile and sneak toward the door.
'Just a little farther!'
"Adam!" Floyd calls after me. "Don't worry about it! You initially suggested the idea, it's only right for you to take part! Let's discuss what locations to expand to next! Also, any modifications we should make before that!"
'Nooooooooooo!!!'
I freeze in my tracks, indecisive about my next action. As luck would have it, the door swings open.
"Hahaha, sorry guys! I'm a little late! What'd I miss?" Jeff, my savior, walks in the door.
"What did you miss?!" Anna glares at Jeff. "All of it! You missed the whole thing! The Union will continue, now come sit down and help us decide the details!"
"Sorry!" Jeff throws his hands in the air and pleads for mercy. "I got distracted! It was my fault, I'll make it up!"
"Ummmm," Gerald interjects. "Adam's gone..."
'Thank goodness, I made it out of there! Saved by the... Jeff... I won't forget your sacrifices Jeff!'
I exit the inn and escape to the woods, joining Lily and helping her hunt. We catch several horned rabbits and return in the evening. Lily goes to Floyd's store to sell the merchandise and I return to the inn.
"Hey, Adam! I was looking for you!" A voice sounds behind me before I can go upstairs to my room.
"Luca, right?" I turn around and see the young traveling merchant behind me. "Why were you looking for me?"
"I heard you're planning to leave this village within the next several days, is that true?" Luca asks me with a grin on his face.
"Yeah, two or three days from now. Why do you ask?" I squint and respond.
"Hehehe, as you know I'll be leaving then as well. There can be bandits and monsters on the road, so it's better to travel in large groups. I was wondering if you and your party wanted to accompany me, otherwise I might get lonely!" Luca answers and makes a puppy dog face.
'Pfft, get lonely?! What kind of lone traveling merchant is he?! You think I'll fall for that! Then again, I see no disadvantage...'
"Hmm, I don't see why not... All right, what time should we leave?" I nod in agreement.
"Meet me early in the morning the day after tomorrow, I'll have my horse and wagon parked outside. That should give you enough time to prepare, correct?" Luca instructs me and motions to outside.
'Horse and wagon? I guess he wouldn't be a decent merchant if he walked everywhere... I'm glad I accepted his offer! I was planning on going by foot!'
"Sounds good, I look forward to traveling with you." I genuinely smile and shakes Lucas hand.
Two mornings later, Heath, Lily and I are packed and ready to go. We find Luca and his wagon outside the inn and our journey begins!