Chapter 162: Preparations (1)
That very day, they began their preparations. Gara explained to Wina, Della, and Fian his idea for using the dimensional home to house them.
"During our journey to the capital, the triplets will stay inside my dimensional home. Even once we settle in the capital—even if we have a proper house there—I’ll feel more at ease keeping them inside.
And since the triplets will be there, you, Mom, and Della, should be inside as well, practically living there."
In a small voice, Della said, "I don’t mind, Master."
Living with Gara, she rarely interacted with other villagers anyway. That suited her just fine, as she disliked being around too many people.
Staying in the dimensional home didn’t sound like a bad thing at all.
"I don’t mind either, Gara," Wina added, smiling softly.
Gara then asked about their preferences for the house inside the dimensional pocket. He had already ordered some furniture and decorations, but much more was needed before it could function as a complete home.
Before the discussion could go further, Fian excused himself and headed to the forest to gather firewood. He likely wouldn’t cotribute any ideas.
This time they would need a large stock, not only for cooking but also for heating. It was the rainy season, but since it had rained the night before, chances were good the skies would stay clear today.
With the sun shining bright, the wood would dry quickly. Whatever remained damp could be finished inside the dimensional pocket.
Their discussion turned not only to room preferences but also to the fate of their current house.
"Are we going to sell this place?" Wina asked.
Gara shook his head. "Our herb fields here will keep producing for Alrova. This house will serve as a residence for the workers."
He not only wanted to manage the herb fields they had already purchased for Alrova, but also asked Wina to buy another herb field that was left by its owner.
On top of that, he intended to bring the villagers into a partnership with Alrova, selling their produce directly to the merchant house.
Alrova would pay a slightly higher price than what others offered, on the condition that they adhered to Alrova’s stricter quality standards.
His plan was to make this village the main supplier of herb products. Not only would that revive the village’s economy, it would also make it easier for the merchant house to ensure that all the herbs meet the same standard.
With the help of Hilda’s assistant through the crystal ring, Wina would manage the negotiations with the village chief and villagers.
Before Wina left to meet the village chief, Gara stopped her.
"Mom, I’ve been planning this for a while. Please tell the chief that Alrova House will be offering Rima a scholarship.
Basically, she’ll receive financial support for her daily needs and her schooling until she graduates and finds work. She won’t be bound to Alrova, nor will she owe them anything."
Wina blinked in surprise. The word scholarship wasn’t commonly heard around villagers.
Usually, academies offered one or two such grants only to students with outstanding achievements.
If a scholarship didn’t come from an academy, it usually meant something else entirely, an investment.
Those who received such ’aid’ were expected to serve the one who funded them. And serving was little different from being bound like a slave to their master.
After all, who would pay for someone else’s life without reason?
But Wina didn’t ask. She knew Gara hadn’t lacked money ever since founding the Alrova House. More than that, she knew Gara was a good son.
"I’ll tell the village chief," Wina said with a gentle smile.
Nodding, Gara stared at his mother’s face. Her face looked younger than it had a year ago. No longer working the fields, and with the herb products Gara had invented, she was clearly living a better, more cared-for life.
Once Wina left, Gara moved to the front room to speak with Hilda through the crystal ring. Della, along with Rea’s three children, looked after the triplets.
After her earlier tummy time, Ava had grown sleepy again and was already back in her crib. Aldwin and Arion had only woken up to relieve themselves before dozing off once more.
In the front room, Gara explained his upcoming plan to the capital, Gyakarta City.
He also laid out the details of the ongoing conflict and the druid hunts, making sure Hilda wouldn’t accidentally reveal anything that could endanger them.
Hilda listened without interruption. Perhaps she was shocked, confused, or even pitying him. Gara didn’t bother to guess.
Her reaction wasn’t important. What mattered was that she understood the situation and could act accordingly.
He trusted Hilda’s ability to make sound decisions. He trusted her as a person, too.
But the main reason he didn’t hesitate to share every secret was that because she was his slave and had already sworn a soul oath with Wina. Bound by it, she couldn’t reveal anything to anyone.
He even told her about his dimensional space which he said was a part of his Talent.
"I want to stock the house inside my dimensional space," Gara instructed. "Beyond the furniture I’ve already ordered, I’ll need a few more pieces.
I also want you to prepare food, enough to last for a month. Hire ice-based Liners to fill storage with ice. Gather as much firewood and charcoal as you can.
And most importantly, I need you to buy clothing: coats, pants, jackets, wool socks, wool gloves, wool beanies, scarves, and blankets. All of it must be thick."
For a few seconds, Gara heard nothing in return. She was probably still writing everything down.
Then the voice of the woman who possessed dragon bloodline came through, steady yet respectful. "Understood, Master. But thick clothing may take time. It’s difficult to find stock here, even in Raksa County."
"Get what you can. Send the rest to the capital once you’ve gathered it," Gara replied, understanding the issue.
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