"Where Have you been?" Irish turned to Hiraeth who just came. She was worried about her son who just arrived, whereas she had told him that there would be someone who would stalk him. On the other hand, Irish was relieved that there were no wounds in his body.
"The river. I bathed in the river located in the back of our house. Have you been waiting for me, Mom?"
Irish, who had stiffened, breathed a sigh of relief. She was grateful that her son listened to her advice. "No. I just got back and I have some good news for you."
"What's that?" Hiraeth asked while putting Owen and his pack on the table on their porch.
Irish could not hide her delight, especially when she saw her son looked curious. Actually what would be delivered by Irish was something that was normal for most people, but it was not for Irish. for the first time her son would do a big thing which adults had rarely thought about so far.
"What if tonight we figure out how to store food using my magic?"
"Really?"
"Yes, of course."
"But, don't you disagree about it?" It's not a matter if we don't build a fish pond, we can raise as much money before winter. Or before the river freezes."
Hiraeth was a precious son in Irish's eyes. He wanted to let go of his desire just because she had refused it. Though it was something he had already thought hard about. It was not easy to get that brilliant idea when no one did it around them.
Everything would have been different if they had grown up in a noble environment or middle and upper folk. They would get a proper education, and get guidance and support from many people, but the fact was Hiraeth never received an education.
"I'm not saying that I like it. I've been thinking about it for a long time, and I decided to support you. I will help you to reach all your wishes, dreams and hopes."
Hiraeth was silent for a while, he didn't think that his idea would be accepted so quickly. From the beginning Hiraeth never gave up, but he planned to give Irish space to think. After a few days he would talk about it again. But, who would have thought that Irish would discuss it first and in less than twenty-four hours.
"Thank you mother." Hiraeth hugged Irish tightly. There were tears falling from his eyes. He didn't know if it was a natural reaction of the body, or it was a pleasure feeling in his soul.
Hiraeth was very happy, this would be the beginning of change for him. It had been almost a year since he woke up but he had not done anything. But after seeing Disher some time ago, there was something that triggered spirit inside him. He wanted to save the people who gave their trust to Disher before they were betrayed by him for his own gain.
' My first steps' -, Hiraeth thought.
"Now change your clothes. Didn't we have a plan to go shopping today?"
"Yes, Commander!"
Hiraeth ran into the house, leaving Irish and Owen.
***
Hiraeth and Irish walked along the market. Owen was also with them. At the moment that little bird seemed calm as Irish had given him some food before they set off.
They didn't go to the market often, but every time Irish earned a wage, they would go to the market, even though they just bought flour, yeast, sugar and salt. If there was money left, then Irish would buy some snacks for Hiraeth.
As for Hiraeth, in his previous life, he had never been to the market other than to survey the local community to ensure no one suffered from hunger in his region. He only did such a task when he was at the market.
He never went to the market or the store to buy something. The groceries would be delivered directly to his residence, then for the clothes he had a subscription tailor, where the tailor came to his residence to measure and offer some clothes. Everything was done at the residence.
In his recent life, he had to come to the market directly to buy groceries, including buying clothes, although it was rare. But it all felt good.
There were many things that could be understood by being a commoner, all this time he only saw the world from his point of view as a ruler, but he never really understood their difficulties.
Hiraeth was grateful, there were many things that could be learned in this life, including being grateful for what was.
Hiraeth and Irish began to stop by some merchants, then bought the goods they wanted. They were able to shop more than usual, because they had enough money this time. Hiraeth and Irish carried their shopping bags, until finally they stopped at one of the buildings that written "Milk House"
There they sold fresh milk that was well packaged because of magic, so that the milk lasted longer as long as the packaging was not being opened. In addition there were some items that were also available there such as ingredients for making cakes, bread, sweets, and cheese were also available there.
Irish bought several small bottles of milk. The size was only for one person, because Hiraeth was the only one who would drink it. While Irish decided to buy tea. Although it was not a high quality tea that was usually consumed by nobles, at least the tea she bought at this time could be drunk while having breakfast.
Irish really missed the moment of breakfast with tea, or greeted the winter with a glass of hot tea. Since Hiraeth's disease was getting worse, Irish really hardly ever drank tea again in the morning because she did not have enough money to buy it. She couldn't buy basic needs and medicines for Hiraeth let alone to buy some tea.
But lately, their economic condition had been getting better. They were no longer starving, probably because Hiraeth was no longer taking medicine as before, so that the wages she earned could be focused on staple ingredients. Another reason was Irish earned more wages because she was almost never off work as before.
Hiraeth followed Irish around the store, picking up some items and putting them in a basket before they finally paid at the cashier.
"Is this what you meant yesterday?" Irish asked when they stopped at one of the shelves containing several types of cheap cheese.
"Is this cheese?" Hiraeth asked, pretending to be plain, even though he clearly knew the product was appointed by his mother.
"That's right. You like it?"
"It tastes good, but I don't really like it." Hiraeth replied as it was. He didn't like cheese much, but it didn't mean that he hated it. Moreover, one of his aims in producing cheese was for sale, not for personal consumption. But Hiraeth had to be patient and did everything slowly so as not to make Irish suspicious.
"You know, I can make cheese if you want."
.
.
TBC