Six months ago, I had only just left the ascetic life of the monastery. Six years ago, I had a roof over my head only when I tricked someone else into paying for it. Now I, on paper, own a mansion, and as part of the Fate Watchers, I have several employees. To call this experience, surreal seems like an insult to surreal events.
Ellywick sent for a bard. Because of course she did. A tall, pretty, woman with pink hair by the name of Lavia Majarra who does seem reliable so far. Especially since she entrusted us with the knowledge of the curse that sometimes forces her spirit into her harp, I tried to remove curse spell, but it didn't help... Maybe if I understood more about curses and planar travel. Which goes well with our next mission and so I invited her to come with us.
But first, there was... the ball. I'm not sure if they know how uncomfortable it makes me be at the centre of attention like that and have fun at my expense or if this is supposed to make me feel good. In either case, I don't feel like I can say anything, which meant lots of people, a buffet, dancing, and - ugh - a gift table. At least Kaja sympathised, which mostly meant she got extremely drunk while I had to play hostess. Extremely unfair.
I'm so happy I managed to convince the others to leave soon afterwards. I never thought I'd be happy leaving the city, but for now, the lack of attention outweighs the comfort of streets and people. Though we did meet people as it started to get dark. The nasty businessman who had tried to do business with my father soon after we destroyed the monster. Both him and his assistant, Timotej, had been attacked by orcs who threatened them to get more loot. And he was trying to get them to kill his assistant rather than him. I'm pretty sure her fate isn't to end yet, and so we took care of the orcs in short order.
Timotej seems to be the brain behind most of this merchant's trade, even if he's the blubbery face of it. We have some antiques at the mansion, I believe. At least some of the things look old, but I know nothing about these things besides how to sell fake items to gullible people. So, I guess we sort of hired her to start a business with us as patrons? I mean, if it helps the household to run smoothly, I'm all for it... But within the past couple of weeks, we have hired six people and requested the hiring of two more. Previously in my life, I've never employed anyone besides staying at an inn or sending a message. And a lot of those I paid with fake money or false promises.
Life is weird.