The next day, after contemplating what to do with the amount of money he has, he came to the conclusion of the following things he would like to purchase.
In the balanced world, a commoner would be able to live a good and carefree life with only around 300 gold leaves; Kol didn't think this would apply to his situation since he would be providing for 11 other people in the house.
The first issue at hand would be to find a stable income for the family, something that the kids would also be able to learn and eventually do.
Kol excused himself after breakfast and left for the edge of town. Kol remembers the first dream he had that he soon gave up on after meeting Nicole.
'I don't know why I ever gave up on this. 'He thought to himself, staring at the stable.
The table was old and dilapidated as if no love or care was ever poured into it over the years. The windows were cracked, and the beams were falling. Beside it was a large fenced-off area where 3 horses roamed.
Kol took his time inspecting the horses, and although he had no knowledge about them, he had his permanent ability to sense the weak spots of the horses. Each one of the horses was in good shape and only glowed a faint yellow in small areas like the neck, snout, and knees. This knowledge gladdened Kol since a small area means it is less likely to be hit; despite the poorly kept stable, the animals were treated with care.
Kol walks into the small office connected to the stable and observes the same problem from outside. It was old and dusty. The girl at the front desk whose ears protruded from the sides of her brown hair.
"A customer?" She says as she straightens her posture from her chair. "Welcome to Abby's steady steed; we provide the best experience on horseback for an affordable price."
"We lend the best horses for only 4 gold and 5 silver leaves. You can have the best riding companion for a day," she says as she leaps from her chair, revealing her true stature.
She is a gnome, and she was no taller than a 4-year-old human child. She grabs Kol's hand and brings him to the door to their left.
"and if you add just 5 more silvers, you don't have to worry about their food anymore since you will be leaving with a day's worth of rations for your steady steed." She continues as if reading a script.
She brings Kol through the door and into the stables. There were empty stalls and barrels of hay for the horses, different-sized saddles, and reins. Beside the stalls was a number of tools that Kol assumes to be for removing and replacing horseshoes.
"What do you say?" she asked.
Bombarded by the information he just received, Kol decided to ignore them for now and asked for the information he intended to gather.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in renting a horse," he said sheepishly. The gnome face frowned for a second and relaxed right after.
"What are you here for then?"
"I'm looking for the owner of this," Kol turned to the office. "Fine establishment."
"Well, you're looking at her; the name's Abby," she says, crossing her arms. "Are you here because of my father?"
'her father?'Kol asked himself.
"No. I was actually—
"Good. I thought you were one of the people my dad owed money to," she said as she scratched behind her head and cut Kol. "Well, anyways. What can I do for you?"
"As I was saying," Kol sighed. "I want to know if you're interested in selling this place."
Abby's face froze in disbelief at Kol's question, but she quickly snaps out of it.
"Ha! There are a lot of interested buyers, but none can match the price I'm asking for."
The news of another party interested in the stables intrigued Kol. Competition means he is in the right place; if other people are looking to start the same business as him, it only made him more interested in starting it.
"How much are you asking?" Kol asked.
"Listen, kid, this sort of talk should be handled by someone who knows what they are getting themselves into," Abby said, clearly annoyed by Kol. "Shouldn't I be talking to your mom or dad instead?"
'If I had a mom or dad,' he thought to himself.
[Charisma D20 + D4 roll] - 2
"I'm an orphan," Kol sheepishly confessed.
"You're an orphan?" Abby asked sarcastically. "Where do you get the balls to come in here and act all high and mighty, asking me if I'm selling my place?"
"I just wanted to—
"I want you to leave," Abby said firmly. "And tell the people you work for that I will not be selling my family's business for some spare change. Now go!"
A bright green light started to emanate from her hands as a green magic circle formed around it.
Before Kol could even speak, he was already being pushed towards the door. Quite easily.
"Tell Jessie that this is low even for him." She pushes Kol out of the stables. "Hiring an orphan? What is he thinking?" She asked before slamming the door behind Kol.
Left outside in the edge of town, Kol contemplated how he could've approached the topic of buying her business more delicately. Ultimately Kol concluded that he just doesn't have the talent for business, something he definitely has to work on in the near future.
As he walked back to the orphanage he thought of what to do next. Should he look for another business to help the orphanage, or should he just give the leaves to Bea? He continued to think until he reached the apple tree behind the orphanage.
Seeing the tree again brought back the memories of him practicing his magic, and he remembered he still has a few spells he copied and books that he hasn't even tested yet and read.
Kol sat by the tree until a voice disturbed his thoughts.
"Kol! There you are. I've been looking everywhere for you."
Kol turned to see Angel running towards him with a smile on her face.
As she got closer, Kol's entire body froze.
Her iris was black, blacker than the night sky, and her pupils were red as if drenched in blood. Her smile grew crooked and wickedly.
"How are you, baby boy?" said Desherine.