Emberfall City was a stunning tableau of picturesque beauty. Nestled in a cradle of verdant green and protected by towering stone walls, it was a testament to the resilience and industriousness of its inhabitants. Two halves of the city were divided by a tranquil river that flowed gracefully through its heart, reflecting the sun's radiant beams during the day and the silvery moonlight at night.
The city was girded by robust and intimidating stone walls, a silent promise of protection against the incursions of hostile forces and marauding monsters. Four grand entrances marked the North, South, East, and West, welcoming the daily influx of over ten thousand visitors. Each entrance was well-guarded and reinforced, yet they never lost their welcoming charm, exuding an open invitation to the world beyond.
The architectural style of Emberfall City was reminiscent of the sophisticated elegance of 15th and 16th-century European designs. The cityscape was dominated by two-story buildings with distinct structural features: gabled roofs, intricately carved wooden exteriors, and expansive glass windows. The rooftops were adorned in a rich, light brown shade that added an earthy warmth to the city's aesthetic.
Paved streets crisscrossed the city, neatly segmented into walkways, lanes, and bustling marketplaces. They bore the stories of countless generations under their polished surfaces, hosting daily life and yearly festivals, filled with laughter, chatter, and the clatter of horse hooves.
Standing majestically at the heart of the city was the City Lord's Palace. This grand edifice was perched on a high ground, commanding an unobstructed view of the entire city. The palace was a testament to the city's wealth and influence, and it served as a constant reminder of the City Lord's presence and authority.
Despite its remarkable growth and architectural advancements, Emberfall City hadn't lost its touch with nature. Pockets of green spaces, gardens, and parks were interspersed throughout the city, where the local populace could find respite from the busyness of their lives. The beauty of the city was a blend of human ingenuity and natural aesthetics, culminating in a harmonious and inviting environment for its residents and visitors alike.
A rickety carriage, its wheels bouncing rhythmically over the cobblestones, was quickly making its way through the city streets. The carriage horses were strong and swift, their hooves drumming a rapid tattoo on the stone as they raced towards their destination. Within a span of twenty minutes, the carriage pulled up at its intended location, the end of its swift journey signified by the abrupt halting of its wheels.
William and Isabella, sat within the carriage, their eyes fixated on the expansive house that now lay before them. Its majestic structure and manicured surroundings were more than they had imagined.
"So, this is our new abode," William mused aloud, a satisfied note in his voice. Although it was a rented property, for him, it held immense value. The enchanting house came with a substantial price of a thousand gold coins per month. To many, this was a luxury that only the affluent could afford. The area, famously known as Sunflower Garden, was an exclusive residential zone for the upper class.
Yet, William was undeterred by the cost. His remaining 1,500 gold coins might seem meager, but he had faith in his abilities. As a renowned business prodigy back on Earth, he had built his empire from scratch. He was certain that with the same diligence, he could multiply his remaining assets here as well.
"I believe you've gone overboard with the expenses, William," Isabella gently chided, her eyebrows creasing with worry. Despite having been the mistress of the grandest castle in her land, she was content with a simple, ordinary life now. She had tried to dissuade him from this extravagant rental but to no avail.
"But Isabella, providing the best for our daughter is my responsibility as a man of this house. And I am not being reckless. I deem this expenditure necessary for her wellbeing," William reasoned, his voice steady. His heart yearned to provide Aimee with the same luxuries she was accustomed to on Earth.
Isabella could only sigh in response, her gentle protest falling on deaf ears. She knew arguing with him would be futile. She had once assumed that William's love for her sister's child, Aimee, was insubstantial. But, witnessing his dedication, and his unwavering resolve to provide the best for her, she realized his love for Aimee was boundless, matching, if not surpassing, that of any biological parent.
With a resigned smile, she nodded. "Let's go in then," she suggested, her hand reaching out to open the carriage door. They were ready to start their new chapter in this charming house, amidst the beautiful Sunflower Garden.
Situated in the eastern district of Emberfall City was the quaint, peaceful residential area known as Sunflower Garden. Among the many two-story houses nestled in this picturesque locale, one particular dwelling stood out – it was the newly rented residence of William, Isabella, and Aimee.
This house exuded a rustic charm, owing to the robust and enchanting blend of materials employed in its construction. The primary structure was hewn from Heartwood, a rare and durable lumber derived from the cores of ancient Treant trees. This wood was renowned for its strength and natural resistance to the elements, which added to the longevity of the building. Delicate veins of Elvin Marble, known for its shimmering, translucent quality, were interwoven in the wooden frame, adding an ethereal beauty to the structure. The roof, styled in the classic A-frame architecture, was adorned with Slate Shingles enchanted with heat-resistance spells, offering the inhabitants respite from the summer heat and protection during winter snow.
Upon entering, one was greeted by a spacious, sunlit living room. An open fireplace crafted from Dragonstone, a rock capable of withstanding intense heat, graced one wall, promising cozy, firelit evenings. Beyond this lay an open-concept kitchen, resplendent with polished Granite countertops and Birchwood cabinets, and a dining area large enough to accommodate a party of ten.
The second floor housed five bedrooms, each with panoramic windows overlooking the beautiful neighborhood. The master bedroom, notably, featured an en-suite bathroom furnished with fixtures made from polished Starstone, a mineral that sparkled like the night sky. In the basement, a large open space was versatile enough to be converted into a workshop, a storage area, or a children's playroom.
Surrounding the house, a two-meter-tall wall made of Mossy Cobblestones was erected in a perfect square, offering an additional layer of privacy. These walls were draped with the fragrant vines of Moonflowers that bloomed only at night, adding to the nocturnal charm of the residence.
The house boasted a sizable garden, its earth enriched with a blend of Fey Compost and Dragon Ash. Planted with a variety of local flora, the garden was a small haven of nature within the city's confines. The lush, green carpet of grass was meticulously trimmed and maintained, creating a perfect playground for young Aimee and a peaceful sanctuary for the adults.
Just beyond the boundary walls, cobblestone lanes snaked around the neighborhood, leading to the main street. The lanes were lined with Cherry Blossom trees, their pink blossoms creating a soft, enchanting canopy overhead. Their delicate fragrance wafted through the lanes, offering an aromatic welcome to any visitors. A two-meter-wide walking path was paved along these lanes, facilitating easy access for pedestrians, and lending an air of communal accessibility to the picturesque residential district of Sunflower Garden.
Embracing the serene ambience of their newly acquired residence, William crouched beside his daughter, gently tousling her blonde locks. His smile was soft and tender as he posed a question to the young girl, "What do you think, my dear Aimee? Do you love our new home?"
Aimee's response came in the form of an enthusiastic nod, her cherubic face lighting up with an irresistible grin that stretched from ear to ear. Her innocent eyes sparkled with unparalleled joy as she cast them around the magnificent house, taking in every nook and cranny with wide-eyed wonder.
The sweet moment was lightly interrupted by Isabella's voice, layered with a note of caution, "I apologize for dampening the excitement, but I think you might be overlooking a critical issue." Her arms crossed over her chest as she stood slightly behind William, watching him with a knowing smile.
Caught off guard, William swiveled around, his eyebrows knitting in confusion, "What could I possibly be forgetting?" he queried, tilting his head slightly.
Isabella maintained her soft smile as she replied, "One person alone cannot clean this big house. We will need at least two maids to keep the house clean and tidy all the time. Unless you enjoy staying in the unclean house, I suggest We buy two slaves for cleaning or We can hire them. But personally buying slaves would be less costly and more effective. Slaves cannot betray their masters. So there won't be any problem."
Isabella's words hung in the air, leaving William to absorb her suggestion. As he contemplated her words, he noticed a subtle change in Isabella's demeanor. Her eyes held a warm spark, her expressions were softer, and her voice sounded more joyful. Even her choice of words had changed from the aloof 'you' to the inclusive 'we,' indicating that she now considered herself as part of their family. It was a small, but significant shift, signaling that the stoic demoness was slowly lowering her guard, embracing their family, and the prospect of a shared future.
Isabella's thoughts were filled with the practicalities of maintaining a house of such size. If it had been a more modest dwelling, she would have gladly taken the task upon herself. But even she realized that keeping a house this large clean, all the while caring for young Aimee, was an impossible task. The past 15 days of their journey had shown her just how much she had yet to teach Aimee about life in this world. Her days were already filled with lessons and guidance for the little girl.
Taking her words into consideration, William acknowledged the necessity, "Tomorrow, I will buy two female slaves for cleaning purposes." He hadn't fully grasped the implications of having such a large house until now.
A thought then crossed his mind, and he turned to Isabella, "Do you suppose we should also hire a cook?" he asked.
Isabella shook her head lightly. "No, I can handle the cooking. It's something I enjoy," she assured him. Isabella had always found a certain soothing comfort in the act of cooking. It was an activity that allowed her to unwind and indulge in the simple pleasures of life.
Hearing her words, William agreed without any further insistence. "Alright," he said, trusting her abilities completely. He knew firsthand just how delicious Isabella's cooking was. More importantly, Isabella seemed to have a unique understanding of Aimee's likes and dislikes when it came to food. It was another aspect of her care for Aimee that made William appreciate her even more.
"Since the day is still quite young, I'm thinking of going out to explore a bit. Would you like to accompany me?" suggested William. To kickstart his business in this new city, he needed to familiarize himself with its nuances, and there were still a few hours to spare before sunset. Venturing out seemed to be a good idea.
"No, we'll stay," Isabella declined gently, "I'd like to take a long, relaxing bath. Besides, it'll take a fair amount of time to arrange everything around the house." The house was already furnished, yet untouched for a while, it needed some cleaning and straightening up. Isabella intended to start on that.
"Alright," agreed William, taking her decision into account. Just as he was about to head out, Isabella halted him. "Wait," she called out.
He paused in his tracks, turning back towards her, "Hmm?"
"I'll need a variety of fresh vegetables and other ingredients for tonight's dinner," she voiced her requirement. The journey's bland and dried food had made her yearn for a home-cooked meal. She desired to prepare a fresh and sumptuous dinner for her new family.
"I see. What exactly do you want me to bring?" asked William. Back on earth, these domestic tasks were usually handled by his personal butler.
"Potatoes, tomatoes, chicken...." began Isabella, enumerating the groceries she required. Hastily, William took out a piece of brown paper and started noting down everything she listed, using his own world's script.
"That should cover it. Please, don't stay out for too long," she advised him, mirroring the concern of a typical housewife for her husband. Their roles had naturally shifted and molded into that of a family - Isabella the caring and responsible mother, William the dutiful father, and their precious Aimee, the happy child. She was their ray of hope, their star in this new world, gleaming with joy.
"Understood. I'll make sure to return shortly after sunset," assured William. And with those parting words, he stepped out into the bustling streets, leaving the serene atmosphere of their new house behind.
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