Upon arriving home, the mother and daughter went over their gathered materials and other things but found that they had collected a large amount of fabrics, leathers from hairless animals and a large amount of wool or hair.
Many types of oxen, rabbit, llama, goat and sheep minks had shed, sheared or trimmed a couple of times a year so many different types of clothes, shawls, yarns, scarves, gloves, jackets, hats and other fine textiles while the leather and other materials could be used for the same purpose but also make different types of bags and waist pouches.
There was also a long list of different types of clothing stores and tailors which ranged from very popular ones to those with potential but they still did not have the background support to rise while some were even facing a difficult financial situation so it was quickly agreed to target and purchase those businesses or to poach some of their talented workers in preparation for the building being turned into a clothing and accessory store while the tavern would undergo development to improve their menu and the design of the tavern from the inside and out.
There was also a list of potential people that could be hired as a cook or server within the tavern after it had been renovated so the mother and daughter had set their plans slowly in motion from the moment they returned as many of the other four year old heirs, their mothers and their maternal families were still contemplating on how to use what had been given to each of the heirs of the main bloodline to help them get started on building their power whether it be wasted on luxuries, invested in business or was used to grow their political or combat power.
Each heir had their own personality and their parents had a large influence over them so the building, sword and currency in their possession could be used in a variety of different ways but so far, the only ones to act in advance were Pixel and her older sister Felice.
While Pixel was investing in business, Felice was starting to take action to increase her influence over the noble circles as she prepared to ready herself for social events.
Inside one of the small homes on the grounds where Pixel and Ash lives, a small figure sat within the new environment but hid within a blanket.
Their fur had become clean after a wash but they continued to leave the food that was placed in front of them.
A knock came from outside as a tiny fist hit the door and Pixel entered. "Sigh.."
She looked at the untouched food and revealed her displeasure as she looked at the child that was around her own age. "You should eat and build up your strength. Starving yourself is not the solution for you to forget your pain."
Silence followed as the small figure that was wrapped up remained unmoved and only retreated back into their protective blanket.
Pixel then continued. "I do not know what your mother was like but I do not believe she would want to see you-chu~ this way. I could be wrong but I will say this.. She must have had regrets about her own weakness and did not wish to be a burden to you. A good parent takes pride in their duty to raise their child and wishes for them to be happy and achieve their dreams so they will support them, she was unable to do so and she must have felt bad that you had to endure so much for her sake."
The small fennec mink revealed a face full of anger as it popped out of the covers. "You.. what do you-t.. know about my mother!? Hic… you..you-gara~.."
Pixel shrugged her shoulders and said. "You are right, I do not know but what I do know is that she would not have wanted this result after her death. I am sure she wanted you to have a better life and be happy. She would also probably wish for you to get one last farewell before you-chu~ move on. Soo.. here is my offer, become my study companion or assistant so that you can achieve that. I have already arranged your mother's final farewell so you should attend, you will need your strength for that so eat a little for now so you can attend. As for the assistant or study partner position, take full advantage of it to learn and build a new life for yourself. If you happen to decide to leave me one day then I will not force you-chu~ to stay but what I will not forgive is betrayal."
Since the child remained silent still, Pixel started to leave the room. "Think about it properly, the final farewell for your mother will be held tomorrow and I hope you-chu~ will attend."
As the door closed, the wrapped up figure of the fennec mink remained in place for a long time before a small hand stretched out and picked up a small portion of food and retreated back into the blanket.
Meanwhile Pixel returned to her home and continued to practice her manipulation of her Electro while in deep thought. 'Hopefully it works and she can get motivated enough be it out of spite for what I had said to her or she has taken my words seriously. Either way, I have kept my promise to an old friend and will provide the same growing environment for them even if it means them leaving one day.'
She did not wish for those who followed her to feel that they had to remain out of some sense of loyalty or because they owed her, she just wanted to leave it to fate and later determine if she and the fennec were compatible with each other.
The resources came from the family and she did not care too much about a small position of an assistant or study partner so she could easily give it to anyone which could provide them many learning opportunities and help them grow stronger depending on the lessons, what they learned from her or those around herself.
If that position would give a small child some slither of hope and will to live then it was worth it to her.
The next day, the funeral took place and everyone was dressed in smart clothing as they allowed the small fennec mink to say their final farewells and the next couple of days there was a noticeable change as the fennec mink had started to become a little less gloomy.
Piles of books and scrolls were laid out as Pixel and the new companion called Harley had both become immersed in their learning.
Harley was learning to improve their reading and writing while Pixel dove more into her cooking and ingredient books.
As Harley became a little brighter and had adjusted to the new environment, there was a more noticeable physical change as Harley had put on a little more weight and looked much healthier.
Pixel had stopped herself from pinching Harley's cheek several times because she was nearly influenced by the overall pretty and cute appearance that was by her side but she eventually was able to build a slightly closer relationship over time which allowed for garchu's.