After a decent sleep, Leonardo returned to his usual schedule. He caught up on his practice and meditation, which went surprisingly well after his successful endeavor. The crafts seem to have worked wonders as a distraction, and he finally managed to settle his perturbed heart.
It had been around five days since, and the gathering of the urchins was fast approaching. He needed a solid plan. Despite making a childish promise to the siblings, he couldn't half-ass it. To that end, some preparations were needed.
Returning to his workshop, he first fulfilled his next order with Chimente. Originally intending to sell a wooden statuette, he decided to go for something more pricey. To that end, he whipped out his store of violet quartz.
Setting a fist-sized chunk aside, he first examined it thoroughly with Materia. Then, he drew up the planning board and set to divide it in 3. The middle would be carved into a heart shaped necklace, with the remaining smaller chunks chiseled down into a pair of tiny droplet earrings.
The design wasn't that demanding, with the only thing lacking being gold for the outline. However, given he burned through all of his finances, he could only settle for silver. The contrasting colors wouldn't be half-bad, so he melted a few tari, got rid of the impurities, and quickly prepared a mold.
Cutting the amethyst was the difficult part, but with a little bit of magic he overcame that after a few hours. Most of that time was spent in recovery meditation. He had to employ a combination of Materia and Elemental along with his precision tools. Enhancing the sharpness of his tool, changing the toughness of the gem along his cutting line, and guiding a levitating stream of pressurized water at times for a natural polish.
If it weren't for his lack of chi, he wouldn't be averse to focus on empowering light beams and using that as a laser. Alas, it would be far too demanding a spell for him. He was still a developing child, so his stores of energy were limited compared to an adult mage.
All difficulties aside, he cut short an artisan's 3 weeks worth of sweat labor to a few hours worth of trickery. He remained content with the blessings he had, and wouldn't voice his complaints too loudly.
"Brother Leo, are you still working?"
The door shook open just as he was admiring his handiwork. Startled by Yuki's voice, he tossed some black silk over the large box in the corner. It was best to keep his efforts a surprise.
"What's with the rush, Yuki? Didn't I teach you to knock!?"
Pouting as if wronged, the girl stuck out her tongue before cheekily handing him a stapled notebook.
"Mister Chimente's wagon was seen down the road and should be arriving in about ten minutes. The children are all excited and turned in their findings for the day. We've got quite a few medicinal plants this week."
"Mm." Nodding noncommittally as he surveyed the ledger, he paid attention to a few particular flowers. Upon finding them on the list, he smiled in satisfaction.
"That's good. Tell the kids to take a day off tomorrow… As for you, sister Anabella said she's going to the market. You should go with her."
Stretching lazily, he arranged the jewelry in a neat matte black case and ran out to clean himself before Chimente's arrival. He'd been quite neglectful of himself over the week and it wouldn't hurt to be more presentable.
- — ☯ — -
Chimente's arrival was met with great fanfare. The children lined up by the gate and started estimating the goods in the wagon before it even stopped.
The merchant almost didn't recognize them. The first time he came around, they sagged in torn rags which could barely be used as clothing, with muddied faces showing sunken cheeks while their arms were all but skin and bones.
Now, despite only a month or so having passed, their eyes shone with liveliness befitting children their age. They wore cheap but functional clothing that covered most of their body. The occasional patch aside, they seemed much cleaner and pleasing to behold.
The monastery itself had a bit of a makeover, with a previously broken window frame clearly replaced with a newly polished one that still shone in contrast to the broken down relic of old.
His eyes scanned the crowd but failed to meet Leonardo. Normally, he could've sent one of his underlings to close the deal, but he decided to forgo resting and filled the wagon at the market, specifically joining up for another visit.
The wagon stopped and the children clamored around it. It was a bit chaotic until a lass younger than most of them came over with a quill and notebook. She said something softly to the kids and they immediately stopped making a ruckus.
"Hello, mister Chimente. I'm Yuki. Leonardo asked you to rest in the hall, he'll be there shortly. We'll be counting the goods now."
Pausing momentarily, she fidgeted somewhat under Chimente's scrutiny. As if unsure if she recited her lines correctly, her eyes scrambled to find Leonardo, to no avail.
"Good girl, how well spoken. You must be the little sister Leo's been bragging about, haha."
Chimente didn't seem adverse to children, despite spending very little time with his own. If anything, he would have preferred to retire and spend his time alongside Fino. Alas, money didn't grow on trees, and he didn't want the boy to stay rooted to Malta forever.
As he lamented the passing years, he was led into the canteen where he was once again offered bitter juice. He carried a small box along, keeping it close at hand despite the children offering to help him with it.
"Ah, sir Chimente… Given your smile and weighty coffer, you surely bring good news."
Leo's voice echoed cheerily from outside the hallway just as he sat down.
"Leo, my boy! You wouldn't know the half of it!"
Laughing loudly, Chimente even went out of his way and stood up to greet the child. His ship crew would surely balk their eyes out, since Chimente was usually stern and rough in business. Yet, here he was playing up to an orphan.