Published at 16th of February 2024 2:23 pm

Chapter 2.18 Pre Opening Preparation

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The contractor finished his work on the shop’s exterior four days before the semester was due to begin. The dark-polished wood and the warm light leaking through the box windows added an element of hominess to the shopfront. The half of the shop displaying cosmetics and contraceptives featured floor-to-ceiling mirrors and eggshell-painted walls, and the contractors kept the displays spaced out. It made the section brighter and appeared more sophisticated. Meanwhile, the part of the shop catering to delvers focused more on variety and product description.

“If you’re satisfied, I’ll dismiss most of my men, Sir Ratra,” the contractor said as his people unloaded a heavy slab of wrapped wood off a horse-pulled cart. “Three should be enough to construct your laundry and the workshop washrooms.”

“Everything looks amazing,” Nox told the man, clapping him on the back. “Queen Mercer did well hiring you.”

“We could’ve done so much more if you allowed it, Sir Ratra.” The contractor ushered his men to work faster as they spoke. “This is perhaps the most humble project I’ve taken on in a decade. We still have a third left of what your mother paid me.”

“Let the banking guild hold on to it for now. We can use it for future expansions or constructions.”

“Please note that’s contingent on me still operating in my current profession or continuing to live in the city,” the contractor replied. “Considering how things are, I’m half tempted to take my business to the east. I have contacts in the Imperium, too—”

“Wouldn’t such a move involve losing your current crew and building one from scratch?” Nox asked.

“Believe me, that’s the only thing still keeping me here.” He lowered his volume as he continued. “These lot aren’t just my employees. Some of them have been with me since I started my business and through times when I couldn’t afford their full pay. I can’t just abandon them when work is so scarce and prices are on the rise.”

“You’re a decent guy.” Nox smiled. “Did Queen Mercer request a receipt or invoice detailing your work and the costs involved?”

“No. She didn’t. The queen expected you to drain all the funds and then need more.”

“Well. She doesn’t really know me. If things get so bad, you must leave the city and use the funds to take some of your crew with you.”

The contractor frowned, studying Nox for a moment. “You’re a strange lad, Sir Ratra. You don’t treat us like a prince should. Disinherited or not.” He glanced at his men as they struggled to affix the wooden slab above the shopfront’s door. “Thank you.”

All the workers, the crew leader included, worked together to mount the slab, fasten it in place, and reinforce the supports.

“Are they finally done?” A matronly woman demanded, shooting Nox and the workers a glare colder than glacial essence. He had seen her through the windows several times. Seeing her exit the tailor’s next door, Nox guessed she was the owner or part of the family running the business. “Two months!” Her face contorted into an ugly snarl. “We’ve tolerated the hammering, sawing, and carts blocking our store for two months. This must be done, or I’m complaining to the city.”

“I apologize, Miss—”

“Karen Taylor. Mrs Taylor for you.”

“I apologize, Mrs Taylor,” Nox said, putting on his best smile. “The workers need another week, but that’s mostly basement work. The noise shouldn’t reach you.”

“So the carts will continue blocking my displays. Great! Tell me, kid. Do you plan on compensating me for the loss of business? Just because you’ve got a crest from some north country barony doesn’t mean—”

The woman stopped mid-sentence when the workers removed the tarp covering the new sign. It featured a grey knight’s helm and read ‘Ratra’s Knightly Brews.’ The first word sat in small block letters at the top, while the latter two dominated the rest of the emblem, running across the helm’s visor. The contractor had a friend design and assemble the new sign. The artisan had carefully painted ‘Ratra’s’ in gold paint and the rest in silver. The letters sharply contrasted the otherwise dark signage. Nox provided a special brew to ensure the sign caught ambient light and glowed after sunset.

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Four crests sat along the sign’s edges. The first was the knight’s crest granted by Baron Edelweiss. It displayed Nox’s connection to the barony and the nature of his affiliation with them. The contractors had instructions to remove the old one with sandpaper. Nox’s personal crest sat below it, featuring a ‘N’ and ‘R’ within a conical alchemy flask. He had further updated the insignia and placed it in a kite shield. It was standard for knights to make such modifications. The font and the painting gave the letters a crystalline appearance.

The Trade Empire and House Oakheart’s insignias sat on the opposite end. The lack of embellishments stated Nox had no particular connection to the two powers beyond trade relationships, partnership, sponsorship, or similar affiliation. Most businesses carried similar symbols; they helped instill confidence in the general public and suggested legitimacy, drawing in more clientele. None in the neighborhood carried as many crests Ratra's Knightly Brews.

“You’re a knight?” Mrs Taylor raised an eyebrow.

Nox nodded. “My knighthood was a recent development, hence the new sign. It looks grand. Don’t you think?”

The woman’s face softened, and she ran her hands over her dress, smoothing out wrinkles and creases. “Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot, Knight Ratra. You’ve been out of town, and I should’ve spoken to the foreman directly. Could you please ensure the carts park in the alley or closer to your entrance when offloading?”

“I’m sorry, Mrs Taylor,” the contractor said. “The rest of our work shouldn’t require a lot of materials. Interruptions and disturbances to your business will be kept to a minimum.”

“Thank you, Sir Ratra,” Mrs Talor said before turning on her heel and disappearing into her store.

“I suppose a title has its advantages.” Nox chuckled.

“It's more likely the Trade Empire and Oakheart crests that got her to back down,” the contractor said.

“I really wish we didn’t have to display the former.” Nox sighed. “I’d rather keep my connection to them a secret. On the brightside, she might give me a discount if I go to her for all our linen needs.”

“This might be too direct and bold of me, but hiding your affiliations would be foolish of you. Everyone trusts the Trade Empire’s product, prices, and business ethics. The crest carries more weight than the rest put together.”

“You don’t think Knightly Brews is an attractive name?”

“Don’t get me wrong. It is, and I’m sure the name will turn heads. After all, very few genuine alchemists or artisans have a knighthood—in this city, at least. News of you earning it for alchemical accomplishments has spread as well. However, the same mouths are also talking about how you have a trade deal with the Trade Empire.”

“Are they discussing our relationship, too?” Nox asked.

“Your blood relationship is a rumor. Not a fact.”

“At least, that’s a positive.” Nox checked his pocket watch. “I’ll leave you to your work. My brews need my attention.”

The workshop had grown crowded over the past couple of days. Professor Wolfhammer had left town to spend the final few weeks with family before term began. He had ordered Alexander to take time off from combat training and advised Caitlin to do the same. Nox struggled to imagine a scenario where the older man gave anyone a break and guessed the Woodson siblings had endured hellish training during his absence.

The majority of their friends outside of Nox’s party hadn’t yet returned to the city. As a result, the pair kept themselves busy and entertained by assisting in the workshop. Caitlin and Michelle almost always had something to discuss. Meanwhile, Alexander and Nox had grown to enjoy each other’s company. A platoon of contaminant-free errand squirrels certainly made his life easier. Pudge visited, too, eager to study the myconids. He took samples from the creatures, eager to study them with a mycologist friend. Unfortunately, Nox didn’t have much time to spare for the research and focused on production.

Much to Nox’s surprise, Lillin had adopted the task of directing the building’s staff. While Nox brewed, she assigned them tasks and assembled routines. She also demanded two hundred gold from Nox and went shopping with Leanna, Hilda, and Emily. Before Nox knew it, the kitchen cupboards were stuffed with food, utensils, glassware, and silverware. She also took all the staff next door to Karen Taylor’s shop and ordered fitted uniforms for them. Lillin paid extra to push one set to the top of her commissions list and have it delivered before the store opened. Nox didn’t bother reviewing her choices. The mimic-woman had copied Mou’s taste over the years, and he trusted her.

The free helping hands would disappear once classes started. Lillin would continue to assist in the business, but the others would have greater responsibilities. Nox had no idea what demand would be like, so he went overboard with stock—especially the cosmetics. Even though Nox initially wanted to delay hiring apprentices and alchemy assistants, he understood that it was no longer an option. So, he made plans to visit his professors, hoping they’d point him in the right direction.

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