In the evening. . .
Everyone was cleaning and I brought my children upstairs, where we found Lucien floating down in front of us a bit sleepy still. 'Oh, hello Lucien. Had a good night—Ehem, a good day of sleep?' I asked him.
Lucien nodded and sat on the table. 'Slept like a baby.' He yawned.
'Hehe. Liam, this is Lucien the dhampir.' I sat Liam with Lucien side by side. 'Lucien, this is Liam, the half-elf.' I presented them to each other.
Both seemed to search anything suspicious from each other, but clearly they did not know how, so they both turned to see me expectantly.
'Want dinner and breakfast?' I asked.
'Yes! / Yes please.' Liam exclaimed while Lucien nodded politely.
I smiled and then presented Lucien to the girls. 'Lucien, this is Aurora Brielle, or just Aurora.' I presented him to the red head baby girl. 'And this is Indigo Poppy, the youngest of the group.' I presented her to him.
Both girls looked at Lucien with wide eyes. But soon, the girls looked at each other and then stared judgingly at Lucien like a tresspaser.
Lucien blinked at them. 'They seem, to see me as a tresspaser of some sort.' He frowned.
'Probably because they do not know you yet.' I reassured him. It might also be because since they are little, they are more capable to detect dark energy, but he doesn't need to know this yet. I determined as I remembered Liam's previous nervouness as he told me about a "dark energy" lurking on the roof this morning (which was Lucien sleeping in the attic).
'We also have two older siblings.' Liam's told Lucien. 'Completely human like mom, but they are just as nice as her.
Lucien, receiving that information started to looks around. 'Where are they then?' He asked.
'They are at a boarding school in the human capital, but they should be back to visit during winter.' I said as I out the girls on the floor with some toys. 'Lucien, Liam, pleas stay with the girls while I get dinner ready, okay?' I asked them as I scooped them up and put them down close to the girls.
'Did you get any non-human payments mom?' Liam asked with curiosity, and Lucien turned to see me with an even more curious expression.
'Yes, quite a lot of them actually.' I confirmed.
'Can we see?!' Liam asked.
'Maybe later.' I answered.
'Booooo.' Both Liam and Lucien expressed their disappointment.
'Hahahaha.' The girls laughed at the boy's disappointment.
I personally chuckled.
Once everyone was eating, I went to check if anything was happening downstairs, but fortunately, everyone was working great.
'Good job everybody! Thank you all for such an amazing work!' I thanked them.
'Em, Miss Baker?' A chef raised his hand. 'I-I have a question if you don't mind.'
'Is it a business question, or a personal question?' I verified.
'Em. . . I think it is a business question.' The chef got close (but not so close to be uncomfortable).
'Ask away.' I let him ask.
'Non-humans are known to pay in items more than coins, right?' He asked me and I nodded. 'My question is, what exactly do they give you?' He asked.
I indirectly saw Orson shaking his head negatively and crossing his arms making a huge X as if to warn me to not answer that or to not answer completely.
I thought about what to answer for a bit. 'Does it matter? I do not keep anything to myself, for I actually sell it to be able to compensate the money amount we do not get from them and then pay you accordingly.' I answered. 'Either that or it goes straight to an emergency fund I created to keep the business afloat when there's little clientale, which if I remember correctly, it has almost happened more than once.' I reminded him and those around me. 'That, and, there are things that we end up using in the kitchen last time I checked.' I added.
The people around nodded gratefully, and chef who asked seemed a bit flustered and then thanked me for letting him know and left.
'Anymore questions?' I asked them. I could only hear the crickets. 'Good, keep cleaning and then you can clock out by the back door, and remember, Friday is payday~~~~!' I reminded them as I returned to my office.
The people cheered at the mention of payday, while Orson sighed in relief.
One in my office, I quickly checked the non-human items I received throughout the day:
1. A white wolf fur.
2. An iron spatula
3. A small set of small tools (goblins sized)
4. A waterproof coat.
5. 2 fox furs.
6. A set of small artesan smoke bombs (non-magical)
7. An unused set of springs and gears.
8. A "human-friendly" cough syrup.
9. A box disguised as a book.
10. Four night-crystal farols (fragil if they come directly with the sunglight).
11. A small telescope (gnome size but works fantastic).
12. A small bell with string.
13. 2 reinforced boxes with a jewerly set in each box containing:
- 2 rings
- 2 bracelets
- one brooch (one was a horse; another was a swan)
- 1 necklace (one had an emerald; another had a violet tanzanite)
- 1 pair of earrings (one had emerald a; the other had tanzanites)
14. A honeycomb full of honey and wax.
15. A jar full of "super honey" made with special flowers from the heart of the forest.
16. A small simple pearl.
17. An amethyst the size of a thumb.
18. A jar of fire proof sand.
19. A jar with actual "Spring breeze" inside it.
20. Three grey feathers to "Clean the energy."
I decided that I would keep the wolf fur and the fox furs for I need more warm clothing for winter. The waterproof coat for myself in case I need to get out in the rain; the set of smoke bombs will be given to Rhaz in case of a stealth mission (though I hope not); the human-friendly cough syrup because I am a mom and human babies tend to get sick too easily; the box disguised as a book because I need a better place to hide my money and precious items, the small telescope because I do not know what else to do with it; and the feathers for myself because I said so.
I then set aside the small set of small tools, the small set of unused springs and gears, the small simple pearl, and one of the jewerly sets aside to sell immediately.
As for the amethyst, I decided to hold on to it for now, until I can find someone who can polish it and/or make a beautiful jewel out of it. Only then will I sell it. Almost the same thing with the second jewerly set, but I am just keeping it as an emergency fund.
As for the four night farols, two of them will be used night lamps for Liam and Lucien, while the other two will be used to light better the restaurant during the evening, which will give me a much better chance of opening the restaurant later at night.
The small bell with string that sings like a bird, will be attached to the door tomorrow morning.
As for the super honey, fire proof sand, and the spring breeze jar, they will be used for the kitchen and the restaurant lounge.
I quickly paused things to check on the children, and found Lucien washing the dishes while Liam tried to help by holding the dishes with his magic. 'Kids, you did not had to do that.' I told them taking the dishes from the air and putting them in the sink, and then taking the boys back with their sisters who have already finished their slurpy and goey food. 'You boys go and play while I finish everything else, okay?'
'Okay / okay?' Liam responded resigning to his fate, but Lucien seemed more confused by it.
I was cleaning the girls cheeks will of food and taking the food plates from them when I noticed Lucien's confused stare. 'Any problem, Lucien?' I asked him.
'Y-Yeah, em. . .' Lucien seemed to either think about what to say or how to say it. 'I-It's just. . . Em. . . Don't you need any help?' He asked.
I smiled at him. 'Did I asked for your help or Liam's?' I asked him back.
Lucien thought about it and shook his head.
'There's your answer.' I told him softly going back to the girls and bringing them to my room.
Lucien stared at me to dissappear into my room for a brief moment before Liam calls at him to come and play with him.
I changed the girls' diapers, their clothes and put them in their fox sacks which made them feel so comfy that they fell asleep immediately.
I left the room unclosed and got to where the boys were playing at. 'Boys, can you do me a favor?' I asked.
Lucien turned to see me immediately. 'Yes?' He nodded sceptical.
'Yeah!' Liam on the other hand, agreed immediately.
'The girls are sleeping and I'll be downstairs for a while longer, while I am there Liam is to prepare himself for bed and you Lucien are to prepare yourself to go with Rhazaroth.' I told them.
'Okay.' They nodded.
'Wait, why does Lucy get to go with Rhaz-Rhaz?!' Liam asked weirded out.
'It's "Lucien," not "Lucy."' Lucien corrected Liam. 'But I am also curious, why?'
'Well, Lucien is more used to be awake at night, but I am not, therefore, I do not feel safe in leaving you alone for the whole night by yourself.' I admitted my worries. 'Especially since Lucien, did something very naughty last night.'
Lucien gulped down and started to sweat, pretty much knowing what he did.
Liam looked at Lucien like he just witnessed a death sentence. 'What did you do?!' He demanded to know.
'He broke, five, and very expensive jars. . . Full of different berry jams.' I told him.
*Screech!* Lucien screehced like a bat and shrunked down in his place knowing full well he has been caught.
'Oooooooohhhhh you're in trouble~~~~!!' Liam giggled at Lucien, while the damphir fumed at Liam with his stare.
'Now now boys, I would prefer if you refrain yourselves from fighting.' I kneeled infront of them and hugged them in my arms. 'For you both have more in common that you might actually think.' I told them.
Both of them looked at each other.
'For example, both of you are half-bloods of a non-human and a human.' I made the first example. 'Another example will be, that I am the caregiver of both, so I would prefer if you both get along, for it would make my job to take care of you much easier for all of us.' I gave them another example. 'One last example, is that your non-human families left you with me so you can grow. . . With me.' I tried to choose my words carefully so it would not seem like their families abandoned them.
Unfortunately, I could see that both Liam and Lucien understood better than normal human children.
'Ehem. Now, I know that, since you are not the same full especies, I agree that it will be hard for you to be more that just playmates, but I do need your help in maintaining this house afloat, especially since we still have babies sleeping.' I pointed to my bedroom reminded them that there were babies.
Both boys covered their mouths and understood.
'Good. Now, I will repeat this again: Liam, prepare yourself to bed, and Lucien, you prepare yourself to go with Rhazaroth please.' I requested them as I got up. 'I will be downstairs for around twenty to thirty minutes, by the time I get back up here, Lucien better be ready, and Liam must at least have brushed his teeth.' I advised them as I walked downstairs.
'Yes mom! / Yes Lady Baker!' He boys bid me goodbye and stare at me leave.
I went back downstairs and finishing what I was doing there. I tried to hide everything that I was keeping for myself, but I figured to just bring it up upstairs. As for the things I'll be selling now, I stuffed them carefully in a sack with an embroidery of the american modern money symbol (💲) that I knew. Last but not least I decided to stuff a lot of cash and jewels I've been getting from the emergency funds in the box disguised as a book and put it in the bookshelf that I had in the office.
I really need to find a better place for the rest of the emergency funds. I determined as I saw a lot of emergency cash under my desk. One day they might try and do break in, and take the huge thing instead of the small thing. I turned to look the box disguised as a book and then the sacks of cash and treasures. Next time I meet the dwarves I might ask them for a hand, along with the welder that is living in the apartments. I determined to myself.
I then went upstairs and saw Liam ready for bed, and Lucien ready to be an active kid.
'Very good you two!' I applauded. 'Lucien, you can go downstairs and wait while I bring Liam to bed.' I told Lucien while I took Liam in my arms and brought him to my room.
Lucien nodded and went on to float downstairs.
'Mom, do you think Rhaz-Rhaz can help me practice magic too?' Liam asked.
I stuffed a laugh. 'Maybe when you are older. Not sure if you noticed but Lucien is around six or seven years old, while you are still just four years old.' I pointed out that small little detail. 'Once you get to Lucien's age, we will see to it. Alright?' I promise him.
Liam pouted, but got comfy. 'Okay.' He agreed.
I smiled and then went the attic and rang the bell to notify that it was the end of the day. Next I went downstairs and saw Lucien playing by himself. 'Come Lucien, let's go and see Rhazaroth.' I gave my hand to him.
Lucien was quiet, but he took my hand and stood up and followed me outside. 'Good job guys, have a good night!' I waved goodbye to Karga, Azruk and Frederick.
They all waved goodbye and left.
Not even five minutes laters, Rhazaroth came to the entrance of the restaurant flying with his ginormeous wings. 'Good evening, lady Baker.' He greeted.
'Good evening, Rhazaroth.' I greeted him back. 'I apologize for asking this, but as you know, I won't be able to take care of Lucien since he's still adjusting to human life, and I cannot, for the life of me, keep myself awake because of work.' I explained the situation. 'So I am hoping to strike a deal with you.'
'I deduce you want me to either keep and eye on him or train him as I see fit.' Rhazaroth deduced.
'Both, actually. He actually broke a few expensive jam jars in my warehouse, so I want to ask you to keep him away from that place until I can trust him again.' I requested giving him the kid. 'Also, Lucien and I noticed that his powers tend to get fulled by human food, but I fear like vampires, he would also have the same fatal allergies as them.' I told him my worries. 'And the last thing I want is for him to get sick while I am not looking.'
He nodded understanding. 'Do you want me to train him into being able to sleep in the night and awake in the day as well?' He asked.
'If you can yes, please.' I nodded. Then looked at Lucien for a moment. 'Let me grab something before I let you both go.' I requested as I entered my home and quickly went into the kitchen and prepared Lucien an egg-spinach sandwich with bacon, a small tiny jar of tomatoe juice, a wildberry muffin and an apple on the side. Then I packed up everything in a paper bag and brought it outside and gave it to Lucien. 'There we go, now you have lunch for midnight.' I kissed Lucien's forehead and nodded to Rhazaroth. 'Do you wish for something too?'
Lucien froze when I kissed him, and as Rhaz and I kept talking, he pouted and frowned as if he trying to act tough, buuuuut his ears kinda bend down and went a bit red on the tips. He was also hugging the paper bag with his night-lunch protectively. Probably grateful for having lunch prepared for him this time.
'If my lady wishes to give me anything, I'll be grateful.' Rhazaroth answered.
'Wait here then.' I asked as I returned to the kitchen a second time and prepared a hunter's sandwich (a sanwich made with roasted beef meet and mushrooms) with bacon and cheese, a big mar full of cold tea of red berries and honey, and honey glazed cookies. I packed it up everything in a bigger paper bag and then brought it to Rhazaroth.
Rhazaroth opened the bag a bit and smelled what it contained. His pupils dilated, letting me know he was satisfied with the food. 'I'll make sure he stays away from the warehouse.' He determined looking the other way.
'Thank you.' I nodded to Rhaz and looked at Lucien one last time. 'Be a good boy okay?' I asked him and he nodded rapidly. 'See you in the morning!' I exclaimed in a low voice returning to the house feeling bittersweet on the inside.
. . .
In the Morning . . .
I woke up early in the morning and went on to prepare breakfast for the daylight children and dinner for the dhampir. As soon as the clock hit seven in the morning, I went to the attic and rang the bell to wake everybody up.
I then, made sure Liam and Aurora were eating, I opened the door and received Bailey who came to breastfeed Indigo, and Rhazaroth, who was carrying Lucien who was barely keeping himself awake.
'Thank you for your help Bailey.' I thanked Bailey as I gave her Indigo and then extended my arms to Rhaz so he could give me Lucien, to which he did and with Lucien in my arms I thanked Rhazaroth. 'Thank you Rhaz, I hope it wasn't too much trouble.' I hoped.
'Not at all, he was very obedient, but he's quite ignorant about human customs and life spans.' Rhazaroth let me know. 'If you can find a book about humans and their customs, maybe he could grasp better how things worked because even I was not able to explain it to him.' He admitted. 'Either that, or sent him to school once he's capable of staying awake during the day.' He gave me another option.
'Oh I see, thank you again, see you tonight.' I bid him goodbye.
'See you tonight.' Rhazaroth nodded and turned to leave and left.
While Bailey feeds Indigo, I brought Lucien upstairs and gave him a small boiled egg with some beef jerky and tomato juice with no spices.
Lucien ate slowly (the training must have been difficult), while Liam ate like his life depended on it, just like Aurora who was transitioning better than expected to food.
Lucien turned to see Liam and Aurora and stared at them in confusion.
I noted Lucien's confusion and thought if was a "how dare you being full of energy at this hour" face, so I decided to intervine. 'Hehe, Lucien, remember that, while you sleep during the day and be awake in the night, the others and I do the opposite, which is why Liam and Aurora eat a bit faster than you.' I explained things to him as I sat down with my fried eggs, bacon and toast.
Lucien nodded slowly but was still staring at them. 'Why do you let them do that though?' He asked turning to see me.
I tilted my head a little. 'Do, what exactly?'
'That.' Lucien pointed Liam's mess and Aurora's grabby hand with her food. 'That's messy.' He pointed out.
'So?' I asked him back. 'They're children. Children way younger than you.' I reminded him. 'They are allowed to be messy, so are you.' I patted him in the head. 'Even I am messy sometimes, yet everything's fine.' I shrugged. 'It's not the end of the world.'
Lucien had this genuine look of surprise. He blinked twice and then took turns to see me and the other babies consecutively, as if trying to process something. 'Ah. . . I see. . .' He started at his empty plate.
I smiled sweetly to him, as I figured that he was just not used to this type of environment. 'Do not worry, this is just your first few days here, it is natural you haven't gotten used to this new environment.' I lifted his chin so he could look at me. 'But don't fret, things will always get better if you work for them.' I promised him.
Lucien stared at me with a twinkle in his eye, and nodded. He then yawned big and loud, as if he just felt a pressure leave his mind.
I then picked him up and helped him prepare for bed. Because I haven't gone shopping for the little dhampir yet (since he's inner clock is active at night time), I had to use some of the huge hand-me-downs from Charlie. 'Don't worry, it is just temporal until we get you new clothes.'
'Weren't clothes in the box?' Lucien asked.
My mind went immediately to the black silk gloves, the little bell, the ethic book and all that useless shit. 'Am afraid that, while they left a lot of "interesting" things. . . Clothes were weirdly enough not one of them.' I tried to tell him that as gently as possible.
Lucien yawned once more. 'Oh. . .' He did not seemed to mind and quickly jumped into the roof of the attic and went to sleep.
'Goodnight Lucien.' I bid him goodbye.
'Goodbye lady Baker.' Lucien bid me goodby and went to sleep.