Trials of the Inventor Hero

Gilbrant Capital – Three months ago.

"Have a good day everyone!" Aniphrae smiled brightly as she left the tailor. She pulled her fur coat tightly to fight off the winter chill. "That's the last arrangement," she cheered, "By next year I'll have that store open!"

"Congratulations ma'am." Her maid stiff expression eased into a smile.

"I can't wait, Lei." Aniphrae's feet effortlessly glided down the street. "This 'department store' idea father mentioned is the perfect opportunity for me. If I can make it a success, then that'll prove to him that I'm a worthy heir."

"Don't get too ahead of yourself ma'am." Lei'lorai sighed. "It won't be easy to usurp your brother's positions."

The warning stole some of Aniphrae's energy. "I know, but I should at least try," She shivered, remembering her brother's cold, distant gaze. "The idea of being under his authority doesn't appeal to me."

"Agreed ma'am."

Aniphrae shook off the disturbing thought with a smile. Despite the cold, the sun shined brightly overhead, and the streets of Gilbrant were full. A group of children ran by, laughing as they played some game, and she couldn't help but laugh along with them. It wasn't uncommon for the main market street to be busy. Traders and merchants hawked their wares at passing citizens. Most running small shops, nothing that compared to the multi-storied trading house her family operated, but nearly as valuable. As they entered the main square, her eyes fell onto the small two-storied building with boarded up windows. Looking at the little shop made her cheeks hurt from smiling.

She would soon see the fruit of her labors, one sowed by her own hands. She negotiated everything from the property to the merchandise on her own and paid for it with her own wages. She would follow in her father's footsteps. Her efforts were another brick in the Quarmane legacy. Aniphrae didn't realize that she had crossed the square, entering her father's trading house.

"Welcome back, ma'am." The host said politely. "Your father wishes to see you."

She nodded gratefully to the man and headed upstairs. Her feet rapidly took the steps, and her heart thundered in anticipation. She could easily imagine the large smile on her father's face, and her mother's encouragement. It added to her excitement, and she knocked harder than necessary on the door.

"You wished to see me father?" Aniphrae said entering the room. Sunlight pierced the window, enveloping the room in light, and the fireplace surrounded her in comforting warmth. However, her father's intense stare gave the room an oppressive feel. Her mother sat across from him with taut shoulders.

"Sit down Anie. We need to discuss something." A sudden restless came over her as she sat down, and she let out a small sigh of relief at Lei'lorai's comforting touch.

"Is it about my store?" Aniphrae tried to keep her smile.

"It's not about the store, dear." Her mother replied, taking her hand.

"Guilman has arranged an opportunity for us in Melmaria." Her father spoke cautiously. "Should I accept it, then it'll secure our position in the kingdom."

Aniphrae's stomach dropped. "And it involves me, doesn't it."

"Yes." Porman pulled out a ledger, handing it to her. "One of Melmaria's premiere merchant families is willing to come under our authority on the condition of marriage."

"So… they're wanting me to marry into the family, why?" Is Guilman trying to stop me from opening my store?

"You have something that they want." Her father's eyes turned to Lei'lorai.

"Lei? They want Lei!"

"Yes." Porman's mouth tightened, but the frown lines were starting to appear. "This family primarily deals with fishing, and they've acquired a few seafolk. The problem is… they're all male."

"So, the plan is to breed me, correct?" Lei'lorai replied calmly. "Will I be expected to serve as a maid?"

"No, you'd be treated like nobility."

"And are they handsome?"

Aniphrae snapped. "Lei!"

Lei'lorai smirked at her. "I have standards ma'am."

Aniphrae sighed as she scanned the document. "I won't have any say in running the business! Father, how could you agree to this?"

"We haven't agreed to anything dear." Shazelle replied.

"I sent a message to Guilman stating that the clause was unacceptable and that it needs to be changed. His response is that they wouldn't budge. I am… deeply disturbed by his actions." Porman knuckles turned white. "I've been placed in a position that no father wants to be in. I have half a mind to renounce him as my successor."

The confession pained her. "You're making him your successor?"

"I'm not getting younger dear." He said with a sad smile. The wrinkles around his eyes and lips were a testament to his age. "By next year, I plan to stop my traveling to run the company from this location. Guilman will oversee expanding the company with the others managing the branches."

Aniphrae's head fell. "Where does that leave me?" she whispered. The crackling fire taunted her misfortune. Her fingers clung tightly to her dress as she silently cursed her brother.

The proposal was simple. By agreeing to the marriage, the company would secure a strong foothold within the small country. It secured a permanent supplier of Melmarian goods. The company had everything to gain by her accepting, but if she refused, then Guilman could easily paint her as a determent to the company.

"What if you were already engaged?" Aniphrae's ears perked at her mother's suggestion.

"It can't be any engagement though." Porman said in thought. "Otherwise, Guilman will contest it." Her father's eyes sparkled. "My dear, would you like to marry a hero?"

"Yes, I would." Aniphrae's frown twisted into a large smile.

Present.

Nathaniel glanced over at the smiling woman across from him. Aniphrae sat straight in her chair, but her eyes shined with excitement. His eyes went back to the parchment in front of him.

"You're wanting me to sell land to the villagers?" He asked trying to keep his voice neutral.

"Yes." Aniphrae replied sweetly. "Land is a valuable resource that can secure the positions of you and your citizens. This is an excellent chance to establish founding families."

"And what will these founding families do?"

"They'll help secure your control over the village. These families act as gatekeepers to stop outside influences from usurping your control." She slipped another document onto the desk. "I recommend convincing them to establish shops, but renting out the land to immigrants would be my second recommendation. I have a list of skilled individuals that are more than willing to move here. It's the perfect chance for your citizens to make extra coin."

"Why not give them the land, and what about the elves?"

"Selling the land would help fill your coffers." Aniphrae replied with a strained smile. "As for the elves, they were a wild card, but one that I can easily integrate into the plan to establish Treante. The important thing would be to establish a proper city council and appoint one of the elves to it. I'd recommend three council members due to your village's small size."

"I recommend Eladregn." Bella said, leaning over to read the documents. "His stubbornness will benefit the others."

"I agree, and it would be best to appoint Barin as another councilor. Who should be the third though?"

"It should be someone looking after your own interests. Someone who won't be swayed by either the human or non-human citizens." Aniphrae calmly stated. "Someone like me."

"I'm not certain about that."

Her smile faded. "Why?" She pouted.

Nathaniel handed back the papers. "Your proposal doesn't sit right with me." He said, "It feels like an abuse of power, and I don't want any part of it."

"Treante won't stay a little village forever!" Aniphrae snapped, slamming her palms against the desk. "If you don't take advantage of the opportunity now, then others will. The Guild, nobles, and other merchants can use this chance to turn the village against you." Her nails dug into the desk. "I'm trying to help you." Nathaniel's eyes lifted to the prompt over her head. [Distraught] shined brightly in an ugly yellow.

"I still don't agree with it, but I'll give you a chance." He sighed. "If you can get the villagers to agree, then I'll accept your proposal. Consider this an interview for the councilor position."

"Of course, I understand." She smiled widely. "I'll show you that I have your best interests at heart!" She left the office with a confident smile.

"Are you sure about this?" Bella asked with a concerned frown.

"No, but I must agree with her." Nathaniel's fingers drummed against the wood. "It won't be long until the other powers start interfering with us. I need you to speak with Eladregn about his new position."

"Yes master."

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Thank you. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to show Pomran around."

Aniphrae snuggled against the fur of her coat as she looked around. The few houses that surround the village center would need renovations if they were to become new stores. Beyond the center, she could make out several of the logging huts, and she was aware of the larger farms further down the road.

"I won't be able to visit everyone today." Aniphrae hummed in thought. "It's going to be a long day."

"Where shall we start first ma'am?" Lei'lorai's pale skin shined with a myriad of colors in the sunlight, and her vibrant green hair took on a slightly bluish hue.

A cold wind blew against them. "I think we'll start with the inn." Aniphrae shivered and glared at the amused smirk her maid gave her. "You don't need to be so cold-blooded, Lei."

"But that's what makes me resistant to the cold."

Another blast of cold wind cut off Aniphrae's response, and she quickly crossed the square. She sighed deeply, taking in the warmth and delicious aroma filling the main hall. A few of the locals gathered around the fire, sipping on large tankards, while the tavern keeper tended to the bar. A single elven woman sat at the bar devouring a whole loaf of bread.

"What do you put in this?" The elf woman growled as she licked her fingers. "I can't stop wanting to eat it."

"Nothing special, simply a few herbs and spices from Melmaria." The tavern keeper chuckled. "I normally save it for special occasions due to its price, but since you're a special customer, I don't mind using it more."

"What about us, Oden?" the other patrons jeered.

"I have four more loaves, so be patient." Oden snapped. His annoyed frown quickly turned to a smile when Aniphrae approached. "How may I serve you mistress Quarmane?"

Aniphrae's eyes landed on the crumbs decorating the bar. "That does smell lovely." She said absentmindedly. "Where did you buy the spices from?" Deep down, she knew the answer.

"Your family's company."

"I suspected as much." She replied politely. "Master Oden, could I trouble you for some information on the locals? I'd like to get more acquainted with my fiancée's subjects."

"What would you like to know?"

"Let's start with the village's history." Aniphrae noticed the elven woman scoot closer to the bar.

"Well," Oden scratched his head hard, glancing nervously towards the elf. "It starts with Rumand. After the Great War, Gilbrant started to rebuild. However, there was nowhere left for the refugees, and many of the soldiers that fought were awarded land as payment for their services. So, the Champion King decided to establish a new duchy in the south. The newly appointed Duke took up an army of soldiers to carve out his new domain. The city was built on the land where the main camp set up."

"So, your village was founded to be an extension of the city?"

"Yes, and no." Oden whispered, his eyes turned dark. "During the building of Rumand, children were going missing. Monstrous footsteps were found in the area and they led back to a cave within the mountain. Inside, they found the remains of the children, and a terrible monster feasting on their corpses."

"What kind of creature was it?" Lei'lorai replied stiffly.

"It was a Feral Hag." The words sent a chill through the air. "And her cave was also a dungeon." Oden took a deep breath. "A bloody battle was fought here to destroy the monster, but she had the dungeon and strange magic. The Champion King had to be summoned to help with the fight, and eventually the Hag was defeated. To keep the dungeon from reforming, Treante was established by the surviving soldiers of that fight."

Aniphrae's chest tightened. "Would… any of the villagers desire to sell their land?"

With a deep sigh, Oden pulled out a rusted sword, setting it on the bar. "I pulled this out of storage after the village was attacked." Chips lined the blade, and the handle was falling apart from rot. "I'm ashamed at the condition of this blade, and I'm not the only one." Aniphrae glanced at the patrons by the fire. Rusted swords with rope for handles sat next to each chair. "That attack reminded us of our history, and the price that was paid. So, to answer your question: no, we won't sell out land."

Aniphrae chewed her lip. "I'm grateful for your candor, master Oden." She rose from her seat, heading to the door. "There are some things that I need to reconsider."

"This looks promising." Pomran said, appreciating the empty field. "It isn't too far from your dungeon or the village, and the land looks easy to cultivate. This is an excellent spot for a warehouse."

"How large are you expecting it to be?" Nathaniel asked.

"About the same size as our shop in Rumand. Why change things when we already have a working foundation."

Nathaniel nodded, grateful that his [Intuition] overlaid a ghostly image of the building. "The warehouse will look out of place all by itself. Are you planning on building the manor next to it?"

"We'll build apartments next to it for the workers. As for the manor, Anie will prefer it to be close to your own."

"You make it sound like it's her manor."

"Because it is." Pomran's smile faltered. "I'm not fully aware of the details, but there are going to be changes to the company."

"What kind of changes?"

"Father's going to oversee the business from the capitol branch along with Mother and his other wives. He'll leave expanding the company to my eldest brother Guilman, while my other siblings and I run the smaller branches in the other cities."

"Then why aren't you overseeing this facility?" Nathaniel pondered.

"Good question, unfortunately, I don't have an answer to that." Pomran scratched his chin in thought. "I find it odd that Father would choose Anie when I have unmarried sisters that better fit your preferences." His smirk sent a chill down Nathaniel's back.

"You think there is more to this betrothal?"

"When it comes to my family, there's always more to it."

Nathaniel took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. "Then I should have a word with your sister."

"You do that. I, on the other hand, will check out that tavern." Pomran chuckled as he headed back towards the village.

"Seneschal, where is Aniphrae?" Nathaniel turned to the drone.

"Mistress Aniphrae is wandering through the village. She appears to be in distress."

Nathaniel hummed in thought. "Have her meet me in my workshop. I'd like to get her opinion on my latest creation."

"As you wish master. Is there any message you want me to convey?"

"Just tell her that I have something special to show her."

"I'm sorry madam, but we're farmers and that's all we're going to be."

Aniphrae hung her head as the door before her shut forcibly. That was the third family to send her away, and they hadn't even taken the time to listen to her proposal. With a deep sigh, she swaddled herself into her coat and wandered around the village center.

Her frustration made it difficult to breathe. She devised this plan to secure her position with the Inventor and establish a strong connection. He may have signed the contract agreeing to marry her, but she knew that didn't guarantee anything. It wasn't uncommon for contracts to be broken when they became disadvantageous, and if Nathaniel felt their marriage wasn't worth it, he could easily break it off. Worse, Guilman could try renegotiating a marriage with one of her sisters or even her niece. That thought had Aniphrae biting her nails as she passed by the well.

A few of the goodwives gave her polite smiles as she passed them, but Aniphrae was aware of the coldness in their eyes. The wind carried their stinging gossip.

"There goes Her Majesty."

"Honestly, why would Nathaniel marry her?"

"I know! She's as thin as a post and flat as an iron. My youngest has more curves and she hasn't awakened yet."

That last comment made her ground her teeth. She was aware of her lacking figure; it was a common topic among her sisters. Her and Lei'lorai's shoulder brushed against each other, and it drew Aniphrae's attention to her maid. More precisely, to Lei's bouncing bodice. Lei gave her a devious smirk, and Aniphrae pulled her cloak shut, trying to cover her modest physique.

"Mistress Aniphrae."

"What?" she snapped, turning to look at the flying golem.

"Master Nathaniel requests a moment of your time." Seneschal replied, "He has something special he wishes to show you."

"Of course." Aniphrae stuttered, fixing her hair. "Please lead the way." She followed in step behind the flying machine. "I apologize for snapping at you."

"Don't give it another thought." Seneschal voiced hitched slightly. "It appears you've been distressed for some time."

"I underestimated the villagers'… tenacity." Her plastered smile faltered slightly. "I'm surprised Nathaniel was able to get them to approve of the elves."

"Who says they approve?" Seneschal said, "Many villagers have little interactions with the elves, save for a handful. If only we could get the two groups to intermingle?"

Aniphrae nodded in understanding. The tensions between the humans and elves won't go away if the two groups don't interact. The event needs to be something that requires both races.

She silently followed the drone into the dungeon. The sleek, white metal walls were completely foreign, and it made her feel like she was entering another world. The thought brought a small smile to her lips.

Perhaps this was a small slice of Nathaniel's world? It was difficult to imagine. A world with giant walking machines, flameless lanterns, and buildings made of metal instead of wood and stone. Yet, despite the strangeness of his world, she looked forward to what else he would bring. Seneschal led her down the halls to a small unassuming door. The door slid open with a hiss, and she stepped proudly through it.

Tools hung from the walls with no obvious means of how they remained in place. A spider-like golem stood next to a strange contraption that spun a wooden dowl at impossible speeds. Wooden shavings flew into the air as the golem ran a sharp blade along its shaft, giving it a strange shape. She had never seen such a thing, and her curiosity drew her closer.

"Stand back please." She jumped at the sudden voice. Nathaniel stood next to a large wooden box, lining metal rods along its side. "Lathes are dangerous machines, so please stay away from it."

"What's it used for?" Aniphrae asked, giving the device a wide berth.

"It's used to shape wood and metal into unique shapes. Kubo over there is using it to make a crib for Oden."

"Kubo?"

"It's easier than saying KU-60, so I decided to change it to Kubo." The golem looked at them with lifeless blue eyes. "You're doing great, keep it up!" Nathaniel held his thumb up to the construct. Its glowing blue eyes brightened as it returned to work.

"Is it alive?" Aniphrae slid closer to her future husband.

"I think so. Their eyes always flash like that whenever I address them and give them compliments, but they never seem to speak."

"Interesting. So, you wished to speak with me?"

Nathaniel sat the box on its side with the metal rods facing downward. "I wanted to get your opinion on my latest creation. I'm calling it the Ice Box."

Aniphrae's eyes sparkled as she ran a finger along the polished wood. The craftsmanship far exceeded anything she had ever seen. Oddly enough, the chest was missing the glowing runes that accompanied Nathaniel's works. As she opened the lid, a sudden blast of cold air assaulted her face, and she slammed the chest shut.

"What was that?" She jumped backwards, eyeing the box suspiciously. Nathaniel's laughter brought out a small growl.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting that reaction." He said, opening the box. "This chest was inspired by a device from my old world." She peeked inside but kept a safe distance away from the box. Frosted metal lined the inside with white wisps seeping into the air. "This is just a prototype, but the idea was to create a storage container that can keep items inside cold. Primarily food and other perishable items."

Aniphrae's eyes widened as a smirk formed on her lips. "This could keep produce from spoiling?"

"It'll last longer but still spoil." Nathaniel returned her smile. "Do you think it will sell?"

"There's no doubt." Aniphrae laughed. She inspected the inside closely as she activated her talent. However, her smile quickly faded at the value.

[---]

She pursed her lips in thought. If it was a normal chest, she would price it around ten gold, but the magic changed everything. Nathaniel stood there with a calm smile waiting for her to answer.

"Ma'am, I suggest being honest." Lei'lorai whispered into her ear.

"I can't. I need to prove my worth." She glared at her maid.

"Is everything alright?" Nathaniel's earnest smile tugged at her chest.

"I'm… sorry, but I can't determine its value." Aniphrae sighed in frustration.

"Don't take it too hard. We can figure this out together." Nathaniel replied. "After thinking it over, I agree that we need to immigrate more people here, but I don't agree forcing the current citizens to take on that responsibility. Why are you so motivated to see this through?"

"I want to prove myself." Aniphrae replied slowly. "Like all my other siblings, I was planning to open my own shop to expand our company. However, I wanted to try my hand at this department store you mentioned to father, but our engagement got in the way of that. I fear my siblings will consider me incompetent because of this." She rubbed at her neck, wiping away the sweat. Nathaniel stared at her for a long time, and her heart stopped when he glanced towards her head.

"I'm sorry that I caused you trouble." He bowed his head slightly. "We can cancel our engagement so you can return to your store."

"No!" She screamed. "I mean, there's no need for that darling. I merely need to adapt to my new surroundings. After all, the wife of a noble is expected to aid her husband in ruling his domain."

"I understand that alright." Nathaniel chuckled deeply. "Nothing like being thrown into the deep end to see if you can swim." His laughter ceased at her confused expression. "Just don't push yourself too hard. I'd hate for you to resent me because of this."

"Thank you for understanding." Aniphrae curtsied. "Also, I'd like to eat at the tavern tonight, so I can get a feel for your villagers, and it'd be good way to clear my head." Nathaniel nodded in understanding. "Then I'll see you tonight!" She waved vigorously at him as she ran for the door.