My emporium in another world

As soon as the next morning came, I gave the twins a tour around the farm, what I needed the both of them to watch out for and what to do in case of trouble.

I made sure they they knew where the animal traps were. The last thing I wanted was for one of them believing themselves to be God himself and broke a bone or worse, end up with one finger chopped off. Open wounds and winter temperatures can make deadly consequences.

I also made sure they knew how to respect the animals so they don't get their limps chopped off. Especially with the goats and horses. The male goat has a really strong forehead and with the horns, well, I didn't want to spank the children just so they stop being stupid.

With the horses however, they are known to also chomp on human arms and hands (not in that order) due to disrespect from human beings, therefore, I would prefer they knew how to care for them. Especially Jam, she's VERY picky about how she wants to be taken care of.

The chickens and the duckling were self-explanatory. Except with the poop thing. I was feeling generous and told them that the horse and chicken poop will be done by adults, BUT! Any time of misbehavior will result in cleaning chicken poop and horse poop. With the classical SPOON for the chickens and with the small "kid version" shovel for the horses.

'Now, I don't know how your parents or guardians made you do work or housework and I don't care. In this house, everyone does a bit of everything. Am I clear?' I asked them.

They both nodded.

'Good, because that means if I want twin-boy in the kitchen, he'll go to the kitchen, and if I want the twin-girl go feed the livestock outside, it means you'll do it.' I clarified. 'I, as a single woman, have done BOTH things alone and with my girls over hear, so if we can do it, YOU can do it too. Understood?' I crossed my arms asserting my authority.

The girls nodded profusely while the boy nodded slowly.

'Very well. Now, back to the thing that has been bothering me, since you don't have names, I took the liberty in writing some names.' I yanked out 2 papers that had boy names and girl names and were double sided. 'Do you guys know how to read?' I asked.

The girl looked down and pointed to her twin brother as he raised his hand shyly.

'In that case you'll help choose her name. All names have their meaning writing beside them in case you are skeptical about some.' I told them giving them their papers. 'Now, I'm going to cook the turkey for dinner, so by when I'm done I would like it if you two could have chosen or at least have some names that you like. Okay?' I sat up looking at them expectedly.

They both nodded and went to whisper among themselves as I nodded back and went to the kitchen.

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3 hours after. . .

'I finished dinner!!' I yelled so everybody could come to the table.

Thankfully, everyone already knew how I drilled. No one eats right away until the table is set, so the table was already prepared for everybody to eat.

There was stuffed turkey, with salad, cranberry sauce, smashed potatoes, wine for the adults, goat milk mix with berrie compota for the children and berry pie for dessert.

I also wanted to do a seafood dish but, I decided to leave them alone for know since they're already dead and frozen, while the turkey was alive and already big and fat.

Thanks to that recipe book, I was able to do the turkey just right.

'Now, did you twins chose any names?' I asked them.

They both stopped eating and looked at each other briefly.

The boy clarified his throat and started talking. 'Well, we were to round up a few.' He answered.

'And those are?' I asked.

'Well, we decided on some pairs of names that sounded similar.' Twin boy clarified. 'The first pair of names were Finn & Faith, Easton & Emma, Valentine & Valentina, Samuel & Samantha, Stephan & Stephanie, Victor & Victoria, Charles & Charlotte, Evan & Evangeline, Andrew & Audrey, Blade & Blaze, Angus & Agatha.' He told us.

'Hmm. . . Well, does are definetely a LOT of names.' I said. 'But I'm sure that while you both like the pairs there are some names with which you don't agree despite liking the sound of the name.' I noted and they nodded in agreement. 'How about this: for one name you don't agree, then that pair is out. Any names you don't like?' I asked them once more.

The girl took a gulp of goat milk and then answered. 'I don't like the name Audrey. Nor Blaze or Faith.'

'I, myself don't like Easton, Samuel, Stephan nor Valentine.' The twin boy added as he went on to eat again.

'In that case, we are left with Victor & Victoria, Charles & Charlotte, Evan & Evangeline, & Angus & Agatha.' I said eating a bit and then went on. 'Any more names that you are not so convinced?' I asked them.

'Em. . . The names Evan and Angus don't seem to fit me from my point of view.' The boy admitted blushing a bit. 'E-Evan because is too short and Angus because, well, I don't know exactly, but I don't like it.' He shrugged.

'In that case we are left with Victor & Victoria, & Charles & Charlotte.' I declared. 'Do you want only one name of the two names?' I asked for clarification.

The twins looked at each other briefly and then at me. 'Both please.' They made baby eyes at me.

'Very well. Which pair will be the first names and which will be the second?' I asked.

'Charles & Charlotte first, then Victor & Victoria.' They answered at the same time.

'In case,' I raised my wooden spoon as if it were as Word, 'I call thee from now on Charles Victor Baker and Charlotte Victoria Baker!' I declared as I touched them with the wooden spoon in each shoulder. 'Let's get to eat again, shall we?' I asked.

'Yes!' Everyone agreed and the kids quickly opened up even more so after receiving their new names.

Ah~, such a pretty day.

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The next day. . .

The landlord came for the rent and I payed the rent along with Elizabeth and Dorothy.

'Just so you know, if you are going to rent this place long term, let me tell you that once your "barn boy" and your "little maid" turn eighteen they either have to leave the nest or start to pay rent with you.' The landlord let me know.

'Understood, but hopefully I'll find somewhere for myself.' I said calmly.

'Very well.' The landlord made a little bow while holding his hat up and the left putting his hat on his head once again.

Dorothy and Elizabeth and I stared at him as he left until he looked like a little dot in the distance.

Dorothy sighed heavily. 'He's such a—' she was probably about to curse.

'Little snake hole inferior turf?' I commented.

The girls cracked up.

'W-What the he-heck was that?! Hahahahaha!!' Dorothy laughed.

'Pfff jijiji jajajaa.' Elizabeth covered her laugh trying not to cry. 'S-She's right you know. . . Pfff! Hahaha, ah. You are practically the one who tends to, you know. . .'

'Curse out loud? Yeah, I know. But now we don't have one but THREE little minions in the house and the LAST thing I want is for them to learn my Sh— choice of words.' I noted.

The girls went quiet for a moment.

'I mean, sure, I have cursed before. But I'm pretty sure I have watched my tongue around little Joseph.' I mentioned while getting close to little Joseph and then I covered his ears. 'Or do I look like wanting to be the culprit about being the one who subconsciously taught him how to fuck shit out?!' I asked in a low voice.

They shook their heads and they faces looked like they were taking notes about my warning.

'Also, while I do tend to curse with you, I don't really curse out in public or in front of men.' I recalled crossing my arms. 'It would be bad for business. After all it's already looking bad for my disinterest in men or marriage.' I shrugged the last sentence off. 'But oh well, at least I can play the "delicate lady" card rather than the "pitiful wife" card.' I rolled my eyes but then looked at Dorothy. 'Eh, no offense of course.' I added.

Dorothy shook her head practically saying "it's okay."

'But anyway, let's get back on business.' I clapped my hands and looked at the girls. 'Eli how is the yarn going?' I asked.

'Very good, thank for the spinning well, I'm not only making yarn but also thread which is magnificent.' Elizabeth answered clapping her hands while squealing. 'Once I finish the thread and yarn we can start looking for color material and be able to create and make new clothes for us and to sell.'

'Very good.' I nodded in agreement. 'Dorothy, how has been the funeral going? Remember that we can always cremate him and feed it to the pig.' I moved my eyebrows up and down while smiling.

'Nah. I mean, cremate him is WAY cheaper yes and I actually asked the mortuary about it and they happily oblige.' Dorothy clarified.

'And the problem is?' I asked.

'That I don't know how I feel about letting the pigs eat Hugo's ashes.' Dorothy scratched her head uncomfortably. 'They could get diarrhea.' She worried.

We all laughed about it. And I agreed, giving that bastard's ashes to the pigs might cause them diarrhea.

But on other matters, we decided to get back to the house since the twins seemed to have finished their chores and were more than ready to get back inside.

. . . .

Back at the house. . .

I have started to understand and self-learn the signs of the weather and from what I could tell before returning inside is that we were being lucky today, for there's going be another blizzard.

'Okay guys, don't panic. We have this. Everyone must sleep together in the living room for better comfort, warmth and safety; if someone wants to go to the bathroom, another person must go with him o her because the blizzard can get you so cold it could freeze you within seconds; last but not least, everyone must be doing at least something either useful or entertaining for themselves or others because otherwise we will all be suffering.' I repeated the new rules for the blizzard. 'Any questions?'

Charles raised his hand. 'Does sleeping count?' He asked.

'Yes and no. You can sleep all you want, but if someone asks you for the bathroom or to help him with something, you need to do it because they are probably asking nicely. Okay?' I clarified.

Charles nodded.

'Very well. Once the blizzard is over, I shall go and buy you school materials so you start getting ready for your education. Any objections?' I asked the twins.

Charlotte raised her hand. 'My brother only knows how to read in single words but beside that we don't know how to read or write.' She said.

'Yeah don't worry, I easily figured that out after the one time you passed me the salt instead of sugar for the cookies.' I told her. 'Which is why I said that would "prepare you," meaning I'll be your teacher until the next which is when the school accepts new students.' I explained it to them.

'Ohhhh.' The twins nodded understanding.

'The other reason for why I'm doing this is because I know you guys don't read or write yet. And by your age, kids should know how to read & write up to a few basic sentences and know how to sum and subtract. I think.' I guessed.

'You "think?"' Charles asked not so convinced.

'I'll be honest with you, when you are once upon a time the daughter of a professional baker, the money your family had, had its pearks including including a private tutor.' I shrugged. 'I never when to school in other words, so I'm just going to teach you the things I learn by your age and hope for the best.' I smiled.

Dorothy raised her hand. 'Will that be enough?'

'I believe so. Private tutors tend to be very "picky" with the children they decide to teach and they quickly resign if the kid doesn't meet their expectations.' I recalled for them. 'And the tutor resigned way after my 14 birthday, so, I think it will be okay.' I put my hands on my hips smiling.

They all nodded in agreement.

'Any more objections?' I asked them.

No one raised their hand anymore.

'Very well, in that case, before we move to the living room, let's make a quick cleaning on everything to make sure there are no rats under us like last time, shall we?' I suggested.

They all laughed but they got to work with me.

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3 days later. . .

The blizzard was done and the snow went up to my knees. Little Joseph wouldn't be able to even to see in front of him.

I was the tallest so obviously, I made the effort in getting out. Elizabeth went with me since she's also really strong outside.

'We will first go to the Holt's home for help with shoveling, if we can only borrow the things or even rent them, then we will do so and then go to the Miscellaneous store to buy school supplies for the children and maybe to the market if we have time.' I explained my plan to Elizabeth as we both got the horses and the cart ready. 'Ready? I asked her.

'Ready.' She nodded.

After getting the horses out of the barn, we immediately went to the back door of the house, where Charles and Dorothy were waiting.

'Hop on. Charles you will go do the chores of the barn again. If we haven't return by then, please try to use the poop shovel to make your way back to house.' I asked him while helping him to hop on the horse. 'You Dorothy, give him the animal food as well as some leftovers for the pigs and goats.' I requested.

Dorothy nodded and brought out the food. 'Give some pieces of meat for the barn cat.' She advised. 'Even though the cat might have found food hunting, it's better to feed so she doesn't leave.'

Charles nodded and took what he could. What he couldn't carry, it was brought by Elizabeth. We went to the barn and let Charles get inside with the food.

'We will be back soon.' I promised and then I left for the cart and got Eli to help get the horses installed with them.

We first went to Holt's place to buy something to take out the extra snow. We were barely able to make it and our clothes went from frozen to wet once we entered the Holt's home.

'So, why did you went out in this freezing morning?' The senior Holt asked. 'Or rather, how did make it alt the way over here with the extra snow and the freezing weather today?' He re-phrased his question as he gave us warm tea.

'With a lot of determination, stubborness and will power.' I answered. 'I wanted to ask, do you have anything that can help us with that? From what looks of it, it seems you have either the technique or the tools to shovel the snow.' I noted.

'Why yes, but we haven't made any extra to sell.' The Holt admitted.

'Then can I borrow it? I promise to return it as soon as we finish.' I promised.

The Holt looked troubled. 'I would love to but, I'm afraid that the last time I let someone borrowed one of our creations, they decided to keep it forever and without paying it.' He confessed.

'Oh.' Eli and I said at the same time.

No wonder he's skeptical. That person must have been close to him before stabbing him on the back. While he wants to trust, in a world where survival comes first, he does what's best for him despite caring for others. I nodded understanding. 'In that case. . . How about if I pay your sons to do the shoveling for us?' I asked.

Eli and Mr. Holt raised their eyebrows.

'You will have the tools in your hands, they will be used by them and you three will receive money and lunch.' I offered. 'How does that sound?' I asked him.

Mr. Holt went into thought for a few moments. 'The offer, sounds good? How much are we talking about?' He asked me.

'How about 15 copper per hour?' I offered.

'Lady, you have a deal.' Mr. Holt offered his hand and stretched it. 'What would there be for lunch?' He asked.

'Well, remember that turkey I've got? There's still some leftover from it, as well as rabbit stew and berry salad.' I offered.

'Sounds good.' Mr. Holt stood up with Eli and I. 'Do you need shoveling all the terrain?' He asked.

'Oh no.' I shook my head. 'I would like you to shovel around the house up to 30 feet distance, make a path from the house to the barns and the bathroom. Outside of that that will be all.' I requested.

Mr. Holt nodded. 'In that case, I hope you guys can offer some help in getting y sons all the way over there.' He pointed with his head toward the window which showed just how white was the path.

'Why yes of course, don't worry.' I promised.

'I'll get my sons then. Please wait here a moment.' Mr. Holt asks us while leaving his little living room.

. . . .

Returning to the house. . .

Oaken and Grover didn't need to be told twice after knowing that they only needed to do little shoving for good money and a free lunch.

I let Dorothy know about the plans and fortunately, by then, Charles had already finished his task and practically failed in shoveling snow with the poop shovel. Dorothy agreed in checking up on them and preparing the food for the brothers and the father.

While Oaken and Grover got to work from the barn and stable to the house, I took Charles back to the house so he could get warm.

Afterwards, I left with Elizabeth on the horses tied to the cart.

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At the Miscalleanous store. . .

I bought school supplies for the three kids in great abundance because by the looks of it, they will not only need schooling but ENTRETAINMENT.

If there's something I had learn es for the past three days, is that:

Kids + boredom = destruction.

I also picked up about 6 sacks of sugar, another jar of yeast, and last but not least, flavor ingredients.

I also found a bunch of books for both reading and writing.

Unlike my old world, the reading books do not contain any sort of eye catching cover for the people to want it. They didn't even had a title for cover. I decided to give them a chance and. . .

Turns out that those weren't even books, they were textbooks!

'Hey!' I called out the clero of the shop. 'What textbook do you recommend?' I asked.

The clero came to me and gave me a few suggestions. Turns out these books were donated by a retired professor that came to JackForks to retire and gave the Miscellaneous Store his textbooks without much thought.

This was both good and disappointing.

Good because now I could have teaching material and bad because while the kids were learning, we adults would be getting bored to death.

But it was fine. For now, that way, Dorothy and I could divide the topics that we would teach the children.

"With who I am worried about is Elizabeth. She hasn't had income in weeks and soon the money we have collected and divide it will soon run out. Meaning, until summer comes, she has to get another job." I sighed to myself as I turned to see her. 'Elizabeth?' I asked for her.

Elizabeth was looking at the board with announcements. It seems like she that same thought contemplated.

'Elizabeth?' I asked for her as I walked up to her. 'Is there anything that interests you?' I asked her.

Elizabeth sighed deeply. 'Interested? Yes. Confident that I can get it? No.' She answered pointing at a certain announcement.

I turned to see and. . . I saw a beautiful server with the title "Female server at hunter base required," but the lady's skin was very exposed for this world's perception.

It wouldn't be different than being a stripper, just with less freedom since she'll be working for a company instead of doing freelancing. I figured sighing for her. 'I'm sorry Elizabeth, but, I don't think it would end well.' I told her my honest opinion.

'Yeah.' She nodded while hugging herself. With her bad experiences with her sister's husband, it's not surprising that she still had trauma to get over.

'What if you choose to enroll in the GreatForks' maid program service?' The clerk proposed. 'There's always room for another female worker there, especially since there's not a lot of people in this town yet.' He informed us.

We both raised our eyebrows in surprise and then looked at each other. 'How much do they pay?' I asked him.

'Depends on which type of maid job do you apply for and which shift of the day.' The clerk answered pointing to a specific poster that gave some information.

We want to take a peak at the information but it was very vague.

'Do you know where we can get more information?' I ask es him.

'The GreatForks asks us to put some original flyers on the board, but. . .' He took out one single flyer which had the size of a rectangle dinning tablecloth. 'We might as well use it as curtain.' He joked.

Eli and I laughed about it.

'Here, if you can read, you can have it.' He gave it to us and went on to do other things.

I went on to read what it said to Elizabeth.

"GreatForks maid required.

We offer an opportunity to build a good relationship with our customers, clients, partners and citizens through serving the community and the town.

The job positions available are:

— Kitchen maid: Breakfast and lunch shift, dinner shift. Startung from 10 copper per day.

— Laundry maid: Morning shift, afternoon shift, evening shift. Starting from 11 coppers per day.

— Cleaning maid: Morning shift, day shift, evening shift, and Night Shift. Starting from 15 coppers per day.

— Maid server: Day shift, Night Shift. Starting from 15 coppers per day.

— Room attendant maid: Day shift, Evening shift, Night shift. Starting from 10 coppers per day.

— Horse stable maid: Day shift, Night shift. Starting from 10 coppers per day.

Apply now at the front desk of the GreatForks with a paper that gives us:

1. Your name

2. Your age

3. Your skills

4. Your reason for wanting to work with us.

We hope to see you soon!"

Elizabeth and I both smiled to each other but then I remembered something. 'Em hey, eh. . . How long do you think it needs to be the paper hey ask for?'

'Well, it can be of any size, but I recently heard some nobles from the GreatForks that they wish they could have that type of papers easier to read.' The clerk stcartched his head. 'Or I remember correctly, they said that it takes too much time to get new employers with hugh amounts of letters which is why the GreaForks is only asking for ONE paper.' The explained.

So the resume has not been invented then. I nodded understanding. 'Thank you so much .' I nudged Eli to thank the guy.

'Eh, yes. Thank you.' Elizabeth nodded to him.

The guy smiled. 'No problem. Do you guys have everything you need?' He asked looking at the things I've been carrying.

'Oh, yes! Please proceed in building up the price while I get something more.' I requested while I went back to the book shelves and brought with me about 5 books to write. 'There that should be enough.' I sighed.

'Okay then.' The clerk. 'The pencils had an original price of 1 copper, the discount is 10 pencils for 5 copper and you bought 50 therefore the final price is 100 copper; the 6 sugar packs have the normal price of 15 copper per sack, but now we have the discount take 2 & take the third free so that would make 30 copper; the jar of yeast is for 10 copper; the flavors are 25 copper per jar and you bought seven so that would make 75 copper; the 5 books of English, math, history, geography and science are equal to 475.60 copper; the 5 writing books are equal to 175 copper in total.' He made calculations in what I could only guessed was a very VERY old and giants calculator. 'This equals to: 865.60.'

I sighed. I don't whether to be happy that at least the machine wasn't wrong. . . Or be sad because it wasn't wrong. I cried internally as I took out 3 silver coins and 116 copper coins.

The clerk took the silver and the copper happily and and gave me back 0.40 cents. 'Have a nice day!' He waved at us goodbye.

'Have a nice day.' We both told him as we got out and settled everything on the back.

'Let's go back home and build you a nice paper with the things you can do. Okay?' I suggested to Eli.

Elizabeth nodded and we went all the way back home.

But not before I took some other flyers for Dorothy and the kids to look onto and some newspaper too.

. . . .

At the house. . .

The boys had being able to make the paths very good, and were just doing the 30 feet space around the house.

We've been away for 3 hours. . . That makes up to 45 copper. I calculated as we rides back to them.

We made small talk and quickly moved out things inside to make Elizabeth's resume.

Or rather, everyone's resume.

'Okay everybody settle down. Especially you two!' I pointed jokingly to the Holt boy.

Oaken raised an eyebrow knowing full well that while Grover (also knowing I was joking) made a dramatic gasp.

Everyone laughed of course, but then I went straight to the point. 'Elizabeth, I thought of a way in which we can corporate everything in the paper, but please pay attention. You too Dorothy, you know as well as I do that you can't make baskets forever.' I told her.

They both nodded.

I went straight to make Eli's resume with her full name, age, and contact info. Although the last one was just the mail to out house for the moment.

I divided her skills into 3 categories:

1) Qualifications.

2) Skills and experience.

3) Work history.

'Now, the qualifications are what you provide.' I told them. 'For example: Elizabeth has a friendly but professional demeanor when it comes to work, or as you know, personality, very good communication, and successful in fast pace environments.' I said as I wrote what I said on the qualification section. 'Next, are skills and experience.' I turned to see Elizabeth. 'Tell me, what are your skills and experience?'

Elizabeth went on to think. 'Well I don't have maid experience.' She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

'No. But you have skills. Do you know how to do laundry?' I asked her.

She nodded.

I wrote it down. 'What's next. Being a maid is practically doing chores but for the nobles.' I clarified.

'Oh, in that case, I know how to wash and clean dishes, sweep and mop, dust the furniture . . .' Elizabeth started to give her skills and I went on to write it down.

After a few more skills and then we went to work history.

It was basically straight forward, she has been helping me keeping the place clean since she hasn't been able to work nor obtain income.

'See? It's done. A paper with all your skills, strengths and work history in a single paper page.' I showed them. They were all impressed. 'Now, we shall write behind the resume, a cover letter.' I declared flipping the page. 'In this part, you are practically writing an informal letter about who you are, what position you are applying to, for what reason and why should they consider you and contract you.' I explained the gist to them.

They both looked at me point blank.

'Wouldn't that make it too long?' Dorothy asked.

'We are writing a simple letter not an five paragraph essay.' I clarified. 'Now, let's get started, what position would you like to apply for?' I asked her.

Elizabeth went to look at the flyer once again and read with difficulty. 'Em. . .

. . . .

A few minutes later. . .

"Dear Head Maid from the GreatForks:

My name is Elizabeth Isabella Dawson and I would like to apply for either a laundry, cleaning, room attendant or horse stable maid. The reason for my application is because I been searching for a job for some time now and when I found out that you were letting people apply, so I decided to apply too.

I have been staying with a friend who let's me stay in her farm for almost for free since my house was burned down, and as good friend, I have offered to help her with doing some chores such as laundry, cleaning and horse stable cleaning. I want a new stable job at least for the winter because because the crafts I create take too much time and make little money right now.

I believe to be a good fit for your position because I know how to work both independently and in a team, I also have experience with washing and cleaning wool and cotton products and also have experience with children if there are any visitors with kids.

If you have anymore questions, please check my skills on the back of the letter and feel free to contact in person or by letter.

I hope we can meet soon enough.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth."

'Woooow!!' They all exclaimed.

'Now, we just send this through email and hope for the best.' I put out a letter envelope and wrote the directions and went to put in the mail box.

After that I returned to the house. 'Now, you Dorothy. Do you also want to try to find job at the GreatForks o something else?' I asked her.

'Em. . . I don't know. Let me think for a bit more time.' She requested.

'Very well.' I nodded and then I turned to the boys. 'Do you guys want to have lunch now or after finishing the rest?' I asked them.

'Oh no, after we finish everything.' Grover answered. 'We just wanted to get warm before heading out again.' He explained.

'Very well.' I nodded.

While the boys got started to do the rest of the job. As for Elizabeth, Dorothy and I, we started to organize ourselves and our soon to be new routine for us and the kids.

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About 2 a hours later. . .

The Holt boys have finished up and I made them a salad, rabbit stew with some rice and turkey leftover sandwiches to bring home to their dad.

After they finished eating, Elizabeth and I brought them to their home where Mr. Holt was waiting for his sons in a rocking chair by the fire. Sleeping.

. . . I-Is he? I asked myself feeling a sense of dread.

Grover started to come up slowly to his father. He raised his hand to the air while gasping and—

'Don't. Even. Think About it.' The groggy voice of Mr. Holt made his choice to appease all of us.

'Awww.' Grover pretended to be disappointed. 'Hey Oaken! He's not dead yet!' He faked his tantrum.

'Dead my whisky!' Mr.Holt took his cane and gave Grover a pump in he head.

'Ow!' Grover groaned as he kneaded his pained head.

'And don't make that type of joke! There are ladies here.' Mr.Holt stood up scolding his son. 'And then you wonder why no lady wants to talk to you after the first date.' He rolled his eyes.

'Ey, that hurts!' Grover complained.

'The pump in your head or your ego?' I asked smiling.

'Both!' Grover pouted.

I laughed and then turned to Mr. Holt. 'I already gave Oaken the 75 copper and this basket has your lunch sir.' I put the basket in their kitchen table. 'You almost gave us a scare by the way.' I told him sighed heavily.

'Oh don't worry! This ol' man will keep going up to see the day my sons get wives!' He declared proudly. 'Of course, if, they like women at least.' He murmured.

'Hey!!' Both sons looked at their father in both embarrassment and disbelief. 'We do!'

'Well I don't see any rings on ya fingers or do I?' Mr. Holt smirked without looking at them.

Eli and I laughed. 'We would love to stay, but clouds are deciding to gather once again, therefore we'll take our leave.' I let them know as we prepared to leave.

'It's okay, have a safe trip.' Mr. Holt answered smiling to us.

'We will, bye!' Eli and I said leaving the Holt household and hopping onto the horses and left quickly to go back home.

By when we got there, Dorothy was cleaning the horse stable, Charles cleaning after the pigs, goats and sheep, little Joseph giving the leftover to the goats and pigs, and Charlotte was finishing in giving the sheep their food share and going to the horse stable with bits of horse hay.

'Hey guys, it's going to snow soon!' I warned to them. 'Better get ready ready!' I advise them.

'Very well!' They all took my warning seriously and we sped up the process.

Elizabeth helped Charlotte bring the horses their food while I sent Dorothy and little Joseph to the chicken coop in the basement to give them their food and gather the eggs while I took over taking the horseshit.

Over about 25 minutes, we all finished outside and went inside.

. . . .

After a few more minutes of getting warm again. . .

While the kids were getting entertained by some of the pictures in the newspaper, I was busy preparing for their new homeschool learning schedule as well as reading the newspaper section for home and building sales. It was not much since the town is still in survival mode, but they did gave an idea for the prices and which type of building I could buy for my own little restaurant or store.

That reminds me, I need to make up a menu. I remembered. From the looks of it, the type of food is pretty close to my old world's, but is still pretty basic which it won't be that hard to do. I noted. The problem is, what type of clientale there is in town and what type of clientele I want to attract. I wondered.

I closed the newspaper section and gave it to the kids who took and started to see what they could understand of it.

I went on to read the textbooks. The Math textbook was pretty old fashion, but the examples were of great help in order to explain the kids how to things correctly. English seemed to be pretty straight forward, especially with the exercises for the kids. History and geography were the ones that were most interesting to me, not just because of the new world, but also because it seemed (from Amelia's memories) that the reason for her tutor's resignation was because she was terrible at it.

Science was pretty old fashion too, but if I taught them what I knew and they talked about it at school, there's no way it wouldn't go unnoticed and who know if they were even going to believe it, let alone listen to it.

There's also the fact that once the kids go to school, they'll notice the society expectations that will be set upon them. The fact that one cannot protect them from that is extremely traumatizing, for them and for me.

For now, I will teach them what there school wants them to know, then I will teach them what I know. After that I will teach them what they need to know. Only after that, they will know what they want to know and how to use that knowledge.

For better or for worse. I sighed to myself.

'Amelia! Can you tell us a story?' Little Joseph asked.

'Story?' The twins asked looking from Joseph.

'Sure. Let me just get snacks and then I tell you guys a story.' I stood up and went to the kitchen.

I found the cat eating a rodent who thought they could get away with it. 'That's your dinner. Just so you know.' I told the cat as he ate.

The cat just meowed and kept eating there.

I sighed once again and went on to bring out the glazed cookies and goat milk.

After bringing the snacks out. I went on to tell a story. . .