Chereads / I've Been Novelled! / Chapter 13 - Chapter 12

Chapter 13 - Chapter 12

Ella's days had become a whirlwind of activity. Every morning, she would walk into her shop just as the sun was rising, the smell of fresh bread from the nearby bakery filling the air. Inside, her staff was already bustling about, arranging shelves, preparing orders, and welcoming the early customers. There was a steady stream of people—both locals and visiting nobles—eager to get their hands on her latest products. As much as she loved the energy of the store, Ella's thoughts were often scattered, jumping from one project to the next.

With her store thriving, her factory was busier than ever. She had expanded her line of products and now, on top of the soaps, shampoos, and conditioners that had made her name, she was adding new innovations like lotions. The small factory behind the shop was alive with the sound of workers mixing ingredients, packaging goods, and loading carts to be delivered to nearby towns.

But it wasn't just the shop and factory that demanded her attention. Outside of that, Ella was overseeing multiple construction projects. Nobles and commoners alike had started placing orders for home renovations or even completely new builds, intrigued by the innovative plumbing systems she had developed. Her team of builders, which had grown to over 70 men, was spread across town, working tirelessly to meet the growing demand.

Ella would visit the sites when she could, checking in on the progress, making sure everything was up to her high standards. She loved seeing her ideas come to life in ways that were far beyond what she had initially imagined. One day it was a grand estate for a nobleman on the edge of town; the next, a simple, yet charming cottage for a newlywed couple. Each project was different, and each required her unique blend of practicality and creativity.

In moments of quiet—rare as they were—Ella found herself pausing to reflect. She'd stand in the middle of her shop, watching the customers browse, or take a seat in her office, overlooking the factory, and marvel at how quickly things had grown. "Is this really happening?" she'd whisper to herself sometimes, a small smile tugging at her lips.

The rapid expansion of her business had been exhilarating, but also overwhelming. She was constantly balancing, trying to keep the quality of her work as high as it had always been while managing the growing demands of her new ventures. Yet, beneath the exhaustion, there was a deep sense of excitement. Ella felt as if she were standing on the edge of something truly great, with endless possibilities in front of her.

During a meeting one afternoon with Liam, who had become not just her right-hand man but also a source of constant support, she voiced her thoughts. "It's a lot," she admitted, leaning against the worktable where she often sketched her designs. "But I can't help but think this is just the beginning. If we can keep up, if we can maintain this momentum..."

Liam, always practical but optimistic, nodded. "It's a good problem to have, Ella. People are noticing what we're doing. The challenge will be making sure we don't lose sight of what makes your work special."

She smiled, grateful for his steadying presence. "Exactly. I don't want this to become just another business that grew too fast and fell apart. I want to make sure that every project, every product, has the same care and attention that I've always given."

It was that determination, that fire inside her, that kept her going even when the days felt endless. Ella was building something bigger than she'd ever imagined, and despite the chaos, she wouldn't have it any other way. She wasn't just excited about what was happening—she was excited about what was still to come.

Ella's first project for a commoner was different from her grand noble commissions, but in many ways, it felt more personal. The young blacksmith, Thomas, and his wife, Clara, had saved for years to afford a home of their own. It wouldn't be anything like the sprawling estates Ella had recently overseen, but that didn't matter to her. Whether it was a mansion or a modest cottage, Ella was determined to give each project her full attention and expertise.

When Thomas and Clara arrived at Ella's shop to discuss the design, they were clearly nervous, as if unsure what to expect from the woman who had become something of a local legend with her inventions and high-profile clients.

"Thank you for meeting with us, Miss Ella," Thomas began, fidgeting with his hat. "We know your work with the nobles has been... well, extraordinary. But we were hoping you could help us build something, well, simpler."

Ella smiled warmly, motioning for them to sit. "Of course! I'd love to help you build your new home. Tell me about what you're looking for." She knew they weren't here for grand staircases or elaborate dining rooms, but for something practical, a place they could truly call home.

Clara hesitated before speaking, her hands folded neatly in her lap. "We've saved for years. It's not much, but we want a place that's ours, with a kitchen that's big enough for me to work in and... maybe... a small garden." Her voice was soft, as if she feared asking for too much.

Ella nodded, listening intently. "I can absolutely help with that. And I can assure you, we'll make every gold coin count. We'll keep things simple but functional. What about plumbing? I've installed systems that could make everyday tasks easier, and with your work as a blacksmith, Thomas, I'm sure running water would come in handy for cleaning tools and such."

Thomas blinked, surprised. "You'd... you'd put a system like that in our home?" he asked. "I thought that kind of thing was just for nobles."

Ella leaned forward, her voice sincere. "Everyone deserves modern conveniences. We'll find a way to make it work with your budget. My goal is to build something practical, affordable, but still ahead of its time."

They spent the next hour discussing details, Ella carefully noting down their preferences and limitations. The house would be small, just two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living space. No grand entryways or unnecessary rooms, but a functional, cozy home with a basic plumbing system. She even sketched a design for a simple garden out back, where Clara could grow herbs and vegetables.

As they spoke, Ella couldn't help but feel a deep sense of responsibility. She wanted this house to be perfect for them, not just in the way it looked, but in how it worked for their daily lives. "We'll make sure the kitchen has plenty of space for you, Clara. And the plumbing system will be straightforward but efficient. Water from the well, a hand pump at the sink, and a simple bathroom. Nothing extravagant, but practical."

However, once Ella started working on the project, she encountered a few challenges. The biggest one? Keeping the costs down while still incorporating her innovative plumbing system. Installing running water and proper drainage wasn't cheap, and it was easy to see why only the wealthiest could afford it.

Liam, who had been helping oversee the project, leaned over one of Ella's sketches as they sat in the shop after hours. "We could cut a few corners here," he suggested, pointing at the plumbing design. "Simplify things. Maybe remove the hand pump in the kitchen."

Ella frowned, considering it. "But I promised them running water," she said, shaking her head. "I want them to have that. They shouldn't have to choose between a functioning kitchen and a bathroom that works."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "They're working on a tight budget. You've done wonders for the nobles, Ella, but this... this is different."

Ella leaned back, chewing on her bottom lip as she thought. It was difficult, balancing affordability with the modern conveniences she was passionate about introducing. She wanted everyone—noble or commoner—to benefit from her innovations, but reality was more complicated. "We'll find a way," she finally said, her voice determined. "We'll cut costs somewhere else, maybe in the materials for the roof or the flooring. But the plumbing stays."

The next few weeks were busy. Ella juggled overseeing the blacksmith's house with her other projects, trying to maintain the same level of attention to detail in every job. Despite the challenges, she was excited. Building a house for someone like Thomas and Clara felt just as rewarding as the grand estates she had worked on for nobles.

By the time the house was nearing completion, it was clear that it was exactly what Thomas and Clara had dreamed of. A cozy home, with a fully functional kitchen and even a small garden, just as Clara had hoped. The plumbing system, while simple, worked perfectly.

As they stood in the finished kitchen, Thomas took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the room. "This is more than we ever imagined," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Miss Ella. You've given us something we didn't think we could ever afford."

Ella smiled, a warm sense of pride swelling in her chest. "It's been my pleasure. I'm just glad I could help you build a place that feels like home."

She knew that this project, humble though it was, had challenged her in ways she hadn't expected. But it had also reminded her why she loved what she did.

As Ella worked on the blacksmith's home, her mind never stopped spinning with ideas. Even in the middle of discussing roofing materials or flooring options, she found herself thinking about how to make the plumbing system more accessible—not just for Thomas and Clara, but for all commoners who could never dream of affording the advanced systems she had installed in noble homes.

One evening, after a long day of overseeing the construction, Ella retreated to her workshop, the one place where she could let her ideas run free. The room was cluttered with sketches, half-finished prototypes, and various tools scattered across the workbench. She sat down, pushing aside some notes from an earlier project, and stared at the rough design she'd drawn for a simplified plumbing system.

"If I could just reduce the number of pipes…" she muttered to herself, sketching a new layout on a scrap of parchment. "And maybe swap the metal valves for something cheaper but just as sturdy…"

Her fingers worked quickly, drawing lines and jotting down measurements as she visualized the system in her head. It was a challenge, but one she was determined to tackle. She wanted to create something that the average family could afford—a system that could bring the convenience of running water and flushable toilets to every home, not just the wealthiest.

As she sketched, her mind wandered to the blacksmith and his wife. Thomas had mentioned more than once how grateful he was for the plumbing system Ella was installing, even though it was a basic version compared to the elaborate setups in the noble estates. But even this "basic" version was still too expensive for most commoners. Ella wanted to change that.

The next day, back in the workshop, she began testing a new idea—an affordable water filtration system. The idea was simple: instead of relying on complex piping networks and expensive materials, the filtration system could be powered by gravity and made from easily accessible materials like clay and sand. She filled a clay basin with water and carefully poured it into the top of her prototype, watching as it trickled through the layers of sand and charcoal, coming out clearer on the other side.

Ella leaned back, a small smile playing on her lips. "If this works," she whispered, "it could change everything."

As she continued tinkering, her attention shifted to another project—a simpler version of the flushable toilet. The current design, while efficient, required constant maintenance, and the materials were expensive. If she could streamline the mechanics and use more readily available parts, it could make indoor toilets accessible to common homes without driving up costs. She took apart one of her earlier models, carefully examining the mechanics, trying to find where she could simplify the design without losing functionality.

"Maybe I don't need this valve," she thought aloud, adjusting a lever. "And if I reduce the water usage per flush..."

Hours passed as she tinkered, testing and re-testing each adjustment. The room grew quieter as the sun dipped below the horizon, but Ella barely noticed. This was where she thrived—in the solitude of her workshop, where the possibilities seemed endless and the limitations of the outside world faded away.

Her concentration was so intense that she barely registered the sound of footsteps approaching until Liam's voice broke through the silence. "Still at it, huh?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe with a grin.

Ella glanced up, smiling sheepishly. "You know me. I can't stop once I get an idea in my head."

He chuckled, walking over to peer at her latest creation. "What's this one? Another toilet?"

"Not just any toilet," Ella replied, her eyes bright with excitement. "This one's for commoner households. It's simpler, cheaper, and easier to maintain. I think it could really catch on if I can get it just right."

Liam nodded, impressed. "You've been on a roll lately. First, the nobles, now this. You're really pushing boundaries."

Ella's face softened, her voice quieter now. "I just want everyone to have access to things that make life easier, you know? Why should nobles be the only ones who get modern conveniences?"

He crossed his arms, studying her with admiration. "You've got a good heart, Ella. But don't burn yourself out. These things take time."

"I know," she said, though her mind was already racing again, thinking of the next improvement she could make. "But I'm close, Liam. I can feel it."

After Liam left, Ella turned back to her work, her fingers tracing the lines of her latest design. There was something deeply satisfying about taking an idea and shaping it into reality, especially when that idea could improve the lives of so many people. It wasn't just about making money or impressing the nobility—it was about creating a world where even the simplest comforts, like clean water and a flushing toilet, weren't luxuries.

As she leaned over her workbench, carefully tweaking the final piece of her new plumbing system, Ella felt a surge of excitement. This was just the beginning. If she could make these inventions accessible, who knew what else she could accomplish? With each new design, she was one step closer to changing the lives of not just nobles but everyone in the village.

And that thought kept her going, long into the night, as the workshop hummed with the sound of her latest innovations coming to life.

Ella's reputation in the noble district was spreading like wildfire. Word of the noblewoman's newly finished mansion had stirred up interest faster than she could have anticipated. It seemed like every day a new letter or visitor arrived at her shop, requesting a meeting to discuss a potential home renovation or, in most cases, the construction of an entirely new estate. By the time the third week had passed, she had more requests than she could keep track of.

One afternoon, Ella was in her office, sitting at her cluttered desk with a pile of letters in front of her. She thumbed through the requests, shaking her head in disbelief. "Three more orders for new homes," she muttered, mostly to herself. "At this rate, I'll need double the workers... and that's just to keep up."

Liam, who was in the room tinkering with a new batch of soap, glanced up with a raised brow. "Double the workers? Sounds like you'll need triple," he said, chuckling. "You're practically building a whole neighborhood at this point."

Ella sighed, though a smile tugged at her lips. "It's exciting, but I never imagined things would take off this quickly. I thought the plumbing alone would be a hard sell to the nobles, but now they're all desperate for it."

"Well, you did make toilets sound glamorous," Liam joked, leaning back in his chair.

Ella laughed. "I suppose I did. But I can't handle all of this on my own. If I want to keep up with demand—and make sure the quality doesn't slip—I'll need to bring in more people."

She paused, drumming her fingers on the desk. The idea had been nagging at her for weeks now, especially as the projects piled up. She could manage the designs and oversee key parts, but with the scale of these noble homes, she needed more hands on deck.

"I'm going to have to hire a foreman," she said, thinking aloud. "Someone who can manage the day-to-day on the construction sites while I focus on the bigger picture."

Liam nodded, serious now. "That makes sense. And more builders, too. The 70 men you have now can barely keep up with these orders. You'll need at least 80 more if you don't want them working around the clock."

Ella grimaced at the thought. The men she had were hard workers, but they'd already been stretched thin with the last few projects. She couldn't afford to burn them out—not when the demand was growing by the day. "You're right," she agreed. "I need more builders. And more factory workers, too. The shop's been busier, and the factory is falling behind on orders for soap and other products. If I'm not careful, everything's going to slip through the cracks."

Liam stood up and walked over to her desk, picking up one of the letters. "You know," he said, "you don't have to do it all alone. You've built something amazing here, Ella, but it's time to start trusting more people with the work. Delegate."

Ella smiled at him, though her mind was already racing with thoughts of the next steps. He was right. She'd built this business from the ground up, but now it was growing faster than she'd ever imagined. If she didn't start delegating, the weight of it all would crush her.

"Okay," she said, determination hardening in her voice. "I'll talk to the men tomorrow, see who they recommend as a foreman. Then I'll start hiring more builders and workers for the factory."

Liam grinned. "There's the Ella I know—always ten steps ahead."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Not always. But I'm learning."

That evening, after the shop closed and the factory was quiet, Ella sat down with a fresh sheet of parchment and began drafting a plan. She sketched out a rough layout of her business—how it had grown, how it was structured, and where she needed more help. She'd need someone to handle the day-to-day operations of the construction sites. She'd need more hands in the factory, more delivery drivers, and someone to manage orders from the nobles.

Her mind raced as she worked, but it wasn't the frantic, overwhelmed feeling she'd had earlier. Now, it was excitement—a vision of what her business could become. With more workers and proper management, she could take on even more projects, expand her reach beyond the noble district, and maybe even start offering affordable homes for commoners.

She looked over her plan and felt a surge of pride. This was the next step. She'd started with a single shop, a small dream, and now she was on the verge of something much bigger.

The next morning, Ella met with the construction crew, pulling them aside before they began work on the latest project. "I've got good news," she announced, looking over the group of familiar faces. "We're expanding."

The men exchanged glances, clearly intrigued.

"I'm going to need more workers, and I'm looking for someone to take on a leadership role—someone who can be my eyes and ears on the construction sites. You've all worked hard, and I want you to help me choose who that person should be."

One of the older builders, Gregory, stepped forward. "You mean a foreman?"

Ella nodded. "Exactly. Someone who can manage the day-to-day, make sure everything stays on track while I handle the other parts of the business."

Gregory scratched his chin, then smiled. "Well, we've got a few men in mind who could do that. We'll talk it over."

"Thank you," Ella said, smiling warmly. "And don't worry—I'll be bringing in more men to help with the workload. You won't be doing this alone."

The men visibly relaxed at that, and Ella felt a sense of relief wash over her. Things were finally moving in the right direction.

As she walked back to the shop, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The future was wide open, full of possibilities. She was expanding not just her business, but her vision of what it could become.

Ella's thoughts were interrupted by a young couple walking toward her, excitement clear on their faces. "Miss Ella!" they called out. "We heard about your work with the nobles, and we were wondering—do you think you could help us with our own home?"

Ella grinned, the wheels already turning in her mind. "Of course," she said. "Let's talk about what you need."

And as they began discussing plans, Ella knew that this was only the beginning. Her company wasn't just growing—it was transforming, just like the homes she built.

As Ella wrapped up another busy day at her shop, she leaned back in her chair, staring at the stack of orders on her desk. Things were moving faster than she could have ever anticipated—more nobles were reaching out, and the commoners' requests for renovations and new homes were pouring in. There was a hum of excitement in the air, and she could feel the momentum building.

But amidst the flurry of success, not everything was as smooth as it seemed. Whispers had started to reach her ears, little murmurs about a certain noble family who wasn't as enamored with her work as the others were. The Graftons, one of the older noble families in the area, had been vocal about their disdain for the changes sweeping through the town. While most of the nobility had eagerly embraced Ella's modern plumbing systems and grand European-style homes, the Graftons were a stubborn lot, resistant to anything that hinted at progress.

"They think you're ruining the town's traditions," Liam said one evening as they closed up shop, glancing at her with a hint of worry in his eyes.

Ella smirked, brushing off his concern. "Is that so?" She'd heard the complaints, of course. The Graftons didn't like that a woman—a common woman, no less—was leading this charge into a new, modern way of life. They thought everything was moving too fast, that the charm of the old town was being lost to sleek designs and flushing toilets. "They'll come around," she added with a shrug.

Liam looked skeptical. "I don't know, Ella. They're pretty set in their ways. And they're not the only ones talking. Some of the older families don't like how fast things are changing, especially with your company growing the way it is."

Ella met his gaze and smiled, though there was a flicker of unease in her chest. "People always resist change at first, Liam. But once they see how much easier their lives can be, they'll realize this is for the best." Her voice was firm, but she could sense the quiet rumblings beneath the surface. It wasn't just about the plumbing or the new houses anymore. It was about her—a woman breaking into a world that had always been dominated by men, and by tradition.

The Graftons had made no secret of their disapproval. They hadn't been rude to her directly, but their icy glares and hushed conversations in the market were impossible to miss. Rumor had it they were even considering rallying some of the other old families against her.

Liam frowned. "I just think you should be careful. Success doesn't always sit well with everyone, especially when it comes from someone they never expected it from."

Ella sighed, leaning against the counter. She knew Liam meant well, but she wasn't about to let a few disgruntled nobles slow her down. "I'm not worried," she said, her confidence unwavering. "This town needed change. It needed innovation. And whether they like it or not, I'm providing that. They'll either get on board, or they'll get left behind."

Liam hesitated, then nodded slowly. "You're right, but keep an eye on them, Ella. Some people don't like to lose power, especially to someone they don't think deserves it."

Ella straightened up, her smile returning. "Let them be angry. I'm too busy growing this business to worry about what a few unhappy nobles think."

As she said the words, though, she couldn't help but feel a small shadow of doubt creep into her mind. She knew how powerful the old families could be, and while the majority of the town was embracing her ideas, there was no denying the influence the Graftons and their kind still wielded.

But she pushed the thoughts aside. Now wasn't the time to worry about what could go wrong. Things were moving too fast, too positively for her to get bogged down by fear. She had bigger dreams—bigger plans. And she wasn't about to let a little resistance stop her.

As she walked out of the shop with Liam, the cool evening breeze brushing against her face, Ella whispered to herself, "Let them talk. I've got too much to build."

And for now, that was enough. But in the back of her mind, she couldn't ignore the quiet warning that echoed through her thoughts. Trouble was on the horizon. But Ella, ever ambitious, pushed forward, confident that she could handle whatever came her way.

Ella barely had a moment to catch her breath. Between managing the shop, overseeing the factory, and keeping up with the constant stream of new orders from both nobles and commoners, her days had become a blur of activity. But just as she started to feel like she was getting a handle on everything, a new opportunity landed on her desk—one that made her heart skip a beat.

The letter was sealed with an elaborate crest, the kind that only came from the region's most influential families. She hesitated for a moment, then carefully broke the wax seal and unfolded the parchment. Her eyes scanned the elegant handwriting, and with each line, her excitement grew.

The proposal was staggering—an estate unlike anything she'd ever imagined. It was to be built on the outskirts of the capital city, for one of the wealthiest and most prestigious noble families in the entire region. The estate would cover vast acres, with intricate gardens, multiple wings, and even a private ballroom. It was bigger and more complex than any of the projects she'd done so far, even more elaborate than Lady Beatrice's home, which now seemed modest by comparison.

Ella's breath caught in her throat. This was more than just another job. It was a chance to solidify her reputation as the go-to innovator for the elite. But with that opportunity came a daunting challenge. Building in the city would mean new regulations, different types of workers, and even fiercer competition. She had never taken on anything of this scale before, and the sheer magnitude of the estate threatened to overwhelm her for a moment.

Liam, who had been quietly watching her read, raised an eyebrow. "What is it?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Ella looked up from the letter, her eyes wide but glowing with determination. "It's... an estate. A huge one. For the Hawthornes," she said, the name rolling off her tongue with a mix of awe and disbelief.

"The Hawthornes?" Liam's eyes widened. "They're practically royalty."

Ella nodded. "Exactly. They want me to design and build their entire estate. It's enormous—gardens, ballrooms, multiple wings... it's bigger than anything I've ever done."

Liam whistled low, crossing his arms. "You've got your work cut out for you, then."

Ella's mind was already racing with ideas. She could see it now—the grand stone facade, the elegant archways, the modern plumbing systems running seamlessly through the mansion, bringing convenience and luxury together. This was what she had been working toward all along. Her heart raced at the thought of it. But she also knew this wouldn't be easy.

"It's a big step," she admitted, folding the letter carefully and setting it on her desk. "But if I can pull this off, it will change everything. I'll need more workers, better materials... maybe even a second workshop to keep up with the demand."

Liam studied her, his expression thoughtful. "It's a lot, Ella. You're already running full speed. Can you handle this on top of everything else?"

Ella didn't answer immediately. She stood up, walking to the window of her office. The evening light streamed in, casting a warm glow over the room. She thought about how far she had come—from her tiny shop selling soaps to running a bustling business that nobles and commoners alike were clamoring for. This project, this estate, could be the key to everything she had dreamed of.

A slow smile spread across her face. "I can handle it," she said finally, turning back to face Liam. "I'll just need to scale up faster than I planned."

Liam shook his head, though there was a small smile on his lips. "You're unstoppable, aren't you?"

"I have to be," she replied, her voice firm. "This is the kind of opportunity that doesn't come twice. If I can build this estate, I'll be known all over the region. Not just in this town."

Liam nodded, knowing full well that once Ella set her mind to something, there was no stopping her. "Well, I suppose we better start planning then," he said, pushing off from the doorframe. "If the Hawthornes want an estate, they're going to get the best one in the country."

Ella's eyes sparkled with excitement. "They will," she promised. "And it's going to be perfect."

As Liam left the room, Ella sat back at her desk, pulling out a fresh sheet of paper. The estate was massive, but it was also a canvas—one that she could fill with her innovations, her designs, and her vision for the future. She knew the risks, the challenges that would come with such a huge project, but none of that mattered right now. What mattered was that she had been chosen for this. Her work was being recognized at the highest level, and she wasn't about to back down.

She dipped her pen in ink and began sketching, her mind already buzzing with ideas. The sprawling estate took shape on the paper before her, room by room, wing by wing. She could see it in her mind—the marble floors, the grand staircases, the modern conveniences seamlessly integrated into the old-world elegance. And beyond that, she saw her business expanding, reaching heights she hadn't dared to dream of before.

The challenges were there, yes. But Ella had never been one to shy away from a challenge. She smiled to herself as she drew, the excitement building with every line.