Chapter 177: New Home

    Derek summoned his blue communication crystal out of his storage bracelet and started making calls to have his members meet at the site. It wasnt long before Rudy made his appearance. He was already waiting around the area. The man couldnt wait to see his part of the shop.

    A bit after, Malorie, holding Silvi, and Brandi filed in. Brandi had been making phenomenal progress under the tutelage of Roman. The halfling had taken a real like to the girl. She had a good grasp on Alchemy and didnt require him to explain many things more than once. She was the perfect student.

    Thomas was the last to arrive. He came stumbling in with a tired and bedraggled look. Shae had not been taking it easy on the kid. Derek had to wonder if the man may have been taking some of his frustrations about Derek and Romans prank out on Thomas. Any way he looked at it, though, Thomas was making leaps and bounds under Shaes guidance.

    Unfortunately, Rayna and Jacks were still not back from their training. Derek couldnt help but wonder what they were doing, and how much the woman would change while out. He wondered just how seriously Jacks was taking her training. He hoped they made it back okay.

    Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. Thomas spoke when he got close enough. We were just about to spar again. I dont think I would have made it another round with that monster. The trainings worse than the dungeon training you had me do when we first met. The boy complained.

    But youre stronger because of it, right? Derek asked.

    Of course I am. I just dont know if I can survive much more of it.

    Derek ruffled the boys hair. You can survive it, and you will. Then, when you enter the Academy, you will show all those petty nobles what a brat from a small village can do.

    Thomass eyes shined with a spark when Derek mentioned the Academy and his status as a villager. The boy grinned. Theyll never think of a commoner the same way again.

    Thats the spirit. Derek laughed.

    Yeah! You show em, Thomas. Brandi cheered the boy on while Malorie smiled at them.

    See. Youve got all of us rooting for you. You cant let us down. Derek said.

    Thomas blushed, but nodded his head in the affirmative.

    Derek clapped his hands. Alright! Whos ready to see the building?

    The group gathered around anxiously as Derek led them through the main door. Youve all seen this part of the building, so we wont spend much time here. What do you all think about how we used the Pixy Yew?

    Its so pretty. Brandi said.

    It gives the place a magical feel. Malorie agreed.

    A small girl from an unknown village that had only dreamed of becoming a basic Leatherworker so she could help out in the village was now given an entire space to practice her crafts. It was more than she ever dreamed of, more than she thought she had the right to ever dream of. Derek was happy for her.

    Soon, Derek opened the door and led them into the contract shop. Is this good enough?

    Now, it was time to see Rudy acting like a kid on Christmas. He ran to each corner of the room and felt the cushions on the benches and chairs in the waiting area, going as far as to sit on them himself. Then, he fast walked to the counter and lifted the counter flap to walk to the other side.

    Rudy ran his hand along the polished countertop, even laying his face and ear to it. It was a spectacle watching the man examine the room. Finally, he opened the door to his office and walked inside, closing it behind him.

    Everyone stared at the door, not knowing what to say.

    Should have I looked over the basement better? Brandi questioned herself quietly, but Derek heard her.

    You did fine. What youre looking at now is a true, seedy professional. Its better that you dont act like that. Derek answered.

    Rudy burst through the door. Its exquisite! He said as he walked back through the counter, lowering the flap after crossing. When can I begin business?

    As soon as you think of a name and figure out everything you need to do as a business. Remember the taxes. Always remember the taxes. Derek said.

    Rudy nodded twice. Yes. He said. Im going to need a secretary!

    Thats all on you. I got you the space and opportunity. The rest is up to you. Though Im sure you can find one of the orphans that Tavors told us about helping out. It will be up to you to work things out with the city. Derek said.

    I had nearly forgotten about them. Maybe I can find one who is interested in contracts. It could be cheaper ahem better for them if I have something to teach them. Rudy said.

    Derek chuckled. Just dont do anything to get on the bad side of the city. I still havent met Natalie, and I dont want our first discussion being about one of my people doing something stupid.

    Of course, of course. Rudy said. What do you think about Rudys Contracts? Or Contracts by Rudy?

    What? Derek asked.

    For the name. I must have a catchy name. Thats half of the contract business.

    Derek shook his head. Just figure something out. He turned back to the group. Now, I know you have already seen the bedrooms and bathrooms, but I have kept you out of the kitchen and dining area. Time to show them off.

    Silvi darted atop Dereks shoulder. If Derek was leading to the kitchen, then he would be the first one through the door. Of course, she didnt want to wait a second longer to see her work area.