I wandered around for two hours window shopping. Although I've looked at or been to all of them, I just get such joy in window shopping.
Unlike in the world of my previous life no shop issues a no pets policy. It's expected that anything the pet destroys or otherwise damages will be paid for in fun by the pet owner.
With the exception of allergies.
So I strolled freely in and out of stores exchanging friendly banter with the employees or customers. It's a nice day so many people were out and about.
This may not be the capital city but it sure isn't a small one. This shopping district is filled to the brim. Leaving no space for carriages and much easier for pickpockets.
One would only know when it's was to late, that their money was gone for good.
Occasionally children and the like would ask to pet Blobbles. Who of which was very happy to receive such attention.
All in all, fun but rather uneventful.
I returned to the bakery. It now had a decent line for people requesting and receiving orders.
I stood in the back waiting patiently. I even picked up the now very tired Blobbles.
The line progressed very quickly with no incident.
"Are you shitting me! The baker two streets over charges half the price! This is nothing short of criminal!" The person a couple people in front of me shouted.
Dude you are so getting kicked out. Everyone knows his prices are fixed but reasonable. This will be fun.
"Than go to that other baker. You're holding up my line." The Baker said not missing a beat.
Yeah seriously. That other baker is a decent baker. No one is forcing you to come here.
"They aren't open today. I need this order now. You are being unreasonable, just lower the price!" The customer yelled.
At this Blobbles covered their ears. Oh now I wanna kick your ass. My poor Blob.
"Either pay or get out. I have shit to do. I don't you time to listen to you." The Baker said.
Yeah you tell him.
I could see the idiot trembling in rage. Clenching his fists. Turning red. He slammed something on the counter.
"Do you not know who I am, I am a servant of the Lord of this land! Count Hait! This order is for a banquet with Viscount Bellar! It's already and insult that you forced me to wait in line. You shall lower the price and be glad that you can make bread for such an event!" Their voice shook with rage, so did the body of the supposed servant.
He must have placed a noble token to prove the identity that they claimed. Though who is buying that. Nobles don't put common bread at a banquet. Nor do their servants prepare so last minute.
The Baker did not even look at the token. He calmly walked around the counter and grabbed the small man. He dragged the rather shocked man, quite literally throwing him out. Into a small crowd of people.
At this distance I could see the muscles under his uniform flexing. He looks like a mountain with that back.
Than he calmly walked past the line, back behind the counter. Crossing his arms staring down the next person in line. Daring for them to cause trouble. "Next." He said with near poison in his voice.
Man, I think I'm in love. I mean he's only 3 years older. Strong and fearless. I don't need a nice man. Just a capable one.
The next person in line went up and out as quickly as possible. The Baker face did not change. Than the next.
Man if only he would tell me his name. I don't think anyone knows it. He's just that cold. It's kinda super hot.
Finally it was my turn and I walked up with the paper he gave me. "Picking up a cake. Already paid."
He looked at the order and shuffled into the back to retrieve the cake. I noticed the token was still on the counter. I picked it up and examined it. Chuckling.
The hot Baker came back with the cake.
"Just so you know this is a fake. Count Hait's token is blue with three snakes, but they all point in three directions. Up, left, and right. If you turn this into the guards they'll probably give you some coins for the information." I said as I took the cake replacing it with the token.
The corners of the Bakers curved in surprise. I don't think he expected me to know that.
With a wink I left, the slightly surprised hot Baker.
After I left my cheeks went full red. As I set Blobbles on the ground. Gosh I actually winked at him. Was that brave or stupid.
I walked on my way to Grandma's house, using my left hand to hold a burning cheek.
How embarrassing. I must have been so obvious. Gosh I'm so stupid. He's probably not even gay. I can never go back.
I wade threw the swamp of people pushing down my embarrassment. I was an impulsive action. He probably won't even remember it. He was pretty busy.
Ah well. Time to eat some cake. I'll be embarrassed latter.
It's only around three in the afternoon. I'll hang with Grandma. Help her out with some stuff.
We'll eat dinner and eat cake. Then I'll take the leftovers to the antique shop. Anita, the store owner, will never turn down free food. Especially sweet food.
I walk casually threw the streets till less and less people surrounded me. Leading into a decent residential district.
All of these houses are solid. With decent sized year. All in all, upper lower class area. Technically mid class. The richer Commoners love here but not the rich.
Walking further in I waved at the occasional person having spent many years living here till I moved into my apartment.
"Oh Chi Chi. Happy birthday!" An old gentleman said from his porch.
Waved and smiled not slowing my pace. That guy is on his fifth wife. Filth old man.
"Oi, Chi Chi, come back later and walk my hound. I'll be too busy." Said a rather young woman. I internally grimaced.
It would not hurt to say please. "Sorry kiddo. I am more busy."
She did not like my answer and frowned at me. I smiled at her and went on my way. She hates being called kiddo, though she will always be a kid to me.
"Die." She said as passed by. I chuckled knowing I've won this engagement. Carrying on my trek.
"Oh Chi Chi, give this to your Grandma okay." And older women ran out of her house to great me. Handing me some wrapped up food.
"Thank you Auntie. I'll bring you the dishes latter." I said gratefully. This woman often gave me food for Grandma. She was a close friend of hers and was always looking out for her.
I put Blobbles down, gently, so I could receive the food. It smelled like a roast with streamed vegetables. Making me realize I skipped lunch.
She ruffled the top of my head smiling. "You little bastard. Still calling me Auntie. Well run along now. And happy birthday, you celebrate well."
Although she played like she hated being called Auntie, she never told me to stop. So I happily didn't.
A couple houses down is Grandma and Anita's home. Me and Anita split the house work and maintenance. So it's actually pretty good looking.
It's a soft brown with purple accent's, I didn't pick the colors. While the fence is unpainted. I wasn't worth the money. Though it is sturdy, the thing that matters.
I used my knee to open the front gate. Once inside I removed and pocketed the leash. Blobbles went wild. There is a pet door for when they wanna come in so I let them be.
I struggled a bit to open the door with my hands full, but no the less succeeded. I entered the familiar home. Familiar scents and warmth.
"Grandma, I'll here! I got a surprise for you!" I called out closing the door behind me.
I took off my boots, leaving them at the door. Wander into the home in my socks. "Chi Chi. In the kitchen. Help me out."
She called back. I held the cake behind me entering the kitchen.
Behind the counter was my Grandma preparing ingredients for a real feast. "Oh my dear Grandson. You've lost weight haven't you, this will not stand."
She rushed over grabbing my face. Why is it always the face. She pinched my cheeks gently. "Look you cheeks are less squishy."
I pulled away replacing my face with the food Auntie gave me. "This is from Auntie."
I side stepped her into the kitchen. "This is what I brought. I placed the box with the cake on the counter."
"Oh, your Auntie is too kind. We'll be able to get you cheeks punchable in no time. Now what is this." As walked over to the box I washed my hands.
"Cake! Oh with strawberries! You are such a good boy, you brought Grandma's favorite." She gave me a bright smile from her aged face. Even as she is approaching 70, I still feel the warmth of that wrinkly smile.
"Hey it's my favorite too. And Anita's." I said. Actually I don't really care that much. I like this type a cake. Since they love it, I get it.
I say it's my favorite cause it's close enough.
With hands washed I start where she left off. She sits at the counter and we chat for awhile. I cook as she tells me what to do.
She can still do some stuff but she's getting old and slower. It's just faster if I do it.
After a time I finish cooking and we sit to eat. Chatting in-between bites. Sharing the neighborhood gossip.
"Hailey, two blocks over, thought she was dating a Baron's son." She said.
"Hailey, the one with a fish face? Wow, how did that go." I laughed. I remember her being pretty smart though.
"Actually he was just the knight of Baron. Though from what I heard things are going well for them. Can't imagine how." Grandma scoffed. She hates lying. If her boyfriend did that she would leave him to choke on her dust.
"Oh yeah, Bizmith and her Husband are buying another mansion. According to the rumors they shouldn't have the money for it." I said remembering what I heard in the park.
Grandma frowned. "Another Mansion. What do they even do with those mansions? All that empty space. Why do they need more than one mansion? It's not like they are renting it out."
I smirked at her. Of course that's what she focused on.
Not the potential embezzlement scandal. The possible overtaking of another clothing company. Potential underhanded illegal deals. Or a secret drug ring.
No, what do the nobels do with all that space.
"Honestly. Any room in that mansion will be bigger than my apartment. Luxurious and not homey at all." I say before stuffing my face with meat.
Seriously. Even in my past life I wondered. I even heard about a castle that had hundreds of room. Though only up to ten percent of the castle was used. Making most of it to be ceiled of and forgotten.
A huge waste. Of space, resources, time, and energy. At least they had the sense to ciel it off.
"Even ten rooms is too much unless you have many children. Or you're renting it out." Grandma said thinking aloud.
I chuckled. My Grandma. What a smart woman.
If you have the rooms, you'll wanna fill the rooms. You'll spend more money filling the empty space than you do on the rooms. It's super dumb if you think about it.
After that we chatted. Eat. Split the cake. Chatted. Drank some tea. I was nice.
We went outside for a bit at I straightened out the yard. Gotta get it ready for spring. I often floods during the spring, so if you don't prepare you're fucked.
Grandma watch me from the porch playing with Blobbles. Yelling at me every now and then.
Eventually Grandma filled a boxes of food for me to deliver to Anita. Closing the box with the remaining cake.
I cleaned the dishes setting aside Aunties. It's too late, she'll properly come and pick them up tomorrow.
Than I went over to get ready for the cold walk home.
"Now you hurry over. Than you go home boy. Don't be staying walking around after dark." Grandma said as I leashed Blobbles.
"Yes Grandma. I know." She held the door for me. Then helped me with the gate.
"I'll see you later." I said walking on my way.
Time to deliver the food.