The Ogre Strength Fairy and the Eldest 'Son'
Chapter 59 - Comforting & Cultivating Young Minds Is A Tradition

Chapter 59: Chapter 59 - Comforting & Cultivating Young Minds Is A Tradition

The Goltbred carriage rolled along the outskirts of the city, its elegance a stark contrast to the dustier road than that which it usually traveled. Yatrel and Qatrand were seated across from each other inside. Raven black hair cast shadows across the young man’s face as the older cultivator studied them. She had noted the tension in his jaw and the distant look in his eyes.

She knew something must have happened and finally decided to break the silence. This child was not her own eldest and would not be as willing to offer information without a little prodding. Though the reddish-blonde now guessed she hadn’t been offered nearly as much detail about Elua’s life than she’d thought after the past few days.

’At least my eldest seems... capable.’

"The elders gave you trouble, I assume?"

Qatrand’s gaze flickered to the woman that suddenly spoke.

"They... weren’t pleased. Especially after the apology and discussion I had with them this morning. But they allowed it, eventually."

The woman pursed her lips, as she was the one that gave a nod to the servant that asked if the guest wing could be opened to the boy. She had heard that the boy had left early this morning to go explain things, but really only knew that her daughter had some kind of trance fit last night after hearing Qat had come and left.

"And the Guild? Did they give you a bad time?"

His face remained stoic, so she figured it wasn’t about work.

"They were more accommodating. I think they respect your family name."

Yatrel nodded, her brow furrowing at Qatrand’s subdued responses. The fiance’s usual calm seemed more like a mask of pain today. She wasn’t as good at reading spirits as someone like Elua, but she could at least tell that his was somehow unsettled.

"Qatrand. I know we haven’t known each other well for very long, but if you need to talk - or just... not be alone with your thoughts - then remember I’m here. Like you said earlier, I will be your mother-in-law quite soon."

For a moment, the dark haired teenager let their composure waver, a flash of vulnerability crossed ’his’ features. Qat opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it quickly while shaking her head. The Goltbred leaned forward at the sign of retreat and her voice shifted further gentle, but still firm.

"It’s alright to seek comfort when something is wrong, you know. Even from me."

Qatrand met Yatrel’s mint gaze with confliction evident in the pigeon blue eyes. After a long moment, she spoke, her already quiet voice barely above a whisper.

"I... I don’t know how to ask."

Understanding dawned on Yatrel’s face. She felt almost foolish for never thinking of it. A child that had grown up in that family might be stunted enough, but their mother had died right after giving birth. They *really* didn’t know how to ask for a parent’s care... just like how at one point Yatrel was not confident in giving it.

Without a word, she moved to sit beside her daughter’s betrothed. She quietly wrapped an arm around ’his’ shoulders. The tall girl stiffened momentarily before gradually relaxing into the partial embrace. They sat silently as the carriage rattled.

As they finally neared their destination, one of them spoke up.

"Thank you. I... I think I needed that."

Yatrel squeezed ’his’ shoulder gently before letting go.

"Anytime, dear. Now, shall we go wait on Elua and Ondua? Knowing those two, they’ve probably gotten into some sort of mischief by now."

The Yecine stood a little straighter when they stepped out of the carriage. Her eyes scanned the small station in slight hope that her future wife was already there waiting. The underlying tension wasn’t gone, but it was significantly eased. The weight of those words still pressed down, but the extended moment of comfort had given her back some strength.

Inwardly, she was left quietly amazed at the power of people that care for you. It was no wonder that El had asked to be cherished when they met. It was really...

’A good feeling.’

---

In a market stall that offered a welcome respite from the late morning sun, four cultivators sat around a small table with an array of savory dishes spread before them. They’d already dug into it a little at the man’s urging and the daughter’s lack of hesitance.

"So where was it you three met?"

Nohre hesitated, her gaze flicking to Elua. She didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. While she recalled the word orphanage being brought up, that didn’t mean the man *knew* about the use of funds that was probably coming from his pockets. The young heiress just nodded ’encouragingly’, trying to express that there was nothing to hide.

"Yesterday, at the orphanage. Miss Goltbred and... your wife came to see about some kind of business."

The brunette man gained an ’Oh!’ face and nodded.

"That’s right, she did say that the two of you went out and made a stop there before you returned. So that means you are both cultivators?"

"I... I have a Water Element. And a Physique that helps with my healing."

Nohre admitted, though she was a little embarrassed to do so. She couldn’t really ’use’ either of them that well.

"Regeneration. Impressive. I know a few with that. And you, young man?"

Fusand straightened slightly at being called out. He placed down the food held in his fingers to be more polite. Nohre’s shoulders relaxed slightly now that his full attention had changed, but her guard didn’t drop entirely.

"You saw what my Projection Astralism allows me to create, sir. I’m still working on controlling it better."

"Yes, we... we’ve been having some trouble finding the right Guild placements and training."

"It’s mostly my fault. My progress has been slower than Nohre’s."

Elua’s gaze sharpened slightly, feeling a touch irritated with the dynamics at play. She addressed Fusand directly,

"Slower doesn’t mean less valuable. Each cultivator’s path is unique. Do you realize how long your life can be as long as you don’t lose it early? Safety is more important than rushing."

The three at the table all looked at her weirdly, and she realized that she had lost her gentle tone and instead had spoken in the confident and teacher-like voice that only Qat had heard her use in this life. She looked down and cleared her throat before starting again.

"You mentioned studying our market trends earlier. What have you observed about leather prices?"

The sandy-haired boy’s eyes lit up. He was lucky to have Nohre around, but this kind of thing didn’t actually interest her.

"Well, with the upcoming events, there’s been an increase in demand. Yet, the supply hasn’t adjusted to it as much as it should. I think there’s an opportunity there to make money if you are interested."

Elua nodded, honestly impressed. She had no clue if he was right, but he spoke with the confidence of someone that would take your money and promise you to double it - and that was a *very* lucrative scam no matter the era.

Not that she truly thought he was trying to do such a thing. If anything, she was the one making money off of other people. The heiress leaned in and lowered her voice.

"You’re quite observant. In fact, I’m so happy with your eye for things that I think I’ve got a perfect job for you. I need as much high-quality leather as you can get. The best you can find without it being exorbitantly priced."

Nohre’s eyes sparkled with excitement at hearing they would have something to do other than just watch the prices of *everything*. Fusand looked more thoughtful. The request sounded certain, but it was also ’vague’.

"Any specific type of hide?"

She of course knew what varieties of local animals would probably work best, but she was also interested in leaving the task open-ended enough to see what they would do.

"Flexibility is key. Don’t overpay for its color, as that will be changed. Use your discretion - and also be discreet. Can you handle that?"

The pair exchanged a glance before nodding firmly. Neither knew what she meant by changed, but they both understood being cautious and circumspect in their own ways.

"We won’t let you down, Miss Goltbred.".

Elua ’smiled’ at the assuring Nohre while already envisioning the finished product being worn by her ’fortress’. She reached into her pouch and pulled out a substantial sum. The money itself would be another test.

"This should cover the costs and then some. Feel free to pay for your meals and anything else you might need to complete this task. When you deliver and I’m satisfied with the amount, you can consider any extra left as payment for your services."

Ondua raised an eyebrow but remained silent. His expression told the story of curiosity as much as pride. The girl with braided hair’s green eyes widened when she looked at how much they were being entrusted with.

"Miss Goltbred, this is... are you sure? We-"

Elua interrupted her firmly.

"Absolutely. I trust you both to handle this responsibly. You are adults and you know the risks. If this goes well, there will be more opportunities in the future should you be interested."

The heiress could see the wheels turning in both orphans’ minds. She had planted the seeds of desire to be loyal beside their ambition. She just had to nurture them and see what grew out of it. At least that was what one of her disciples used to say.

"Remember, quality and discretion. Both are paramount. I’ll be eager to see what you come up with."

She reminded them after they finished what was left of the meal. Their steps were solid but also light with a hurried purpose. She hadn’t even told them when to bring everything or where, but she figured they would think of something.

"That was quite generous of you, Elua. Might I ask what you’re planning with that leather?"

Ondua turned to his daughter and let his curiosity come out. He assumed it was part of what they were supposed to be shopping for. Mint eyes flickered with mischief.

"Oh, just a little project, Father. Nothing for you to worry about. But I guess our trip is over."

The man coughed and then chuckled, shaking his head. He should have known things would go wrong the moment there were other people for her to pay attention to! But for once he had a comeback. There was still more of a ’trip’ to be doing.

"I’m not sure. You’re mother and your fiance should be waiting at the station. So we still have-"

She hopped up and grabbed onto his collar with listless eyes. It wasn’t *so much* force, but the point was made. He’d done *something* wrong!

"Qat has been waiting on me all this time and you are just now telling me? Are you sane? Have you learned nothing about me?"

Her voice in monotone was somehow sharper than being yelled at with more ’obvious’ anger. She let go and started to walk away, pulsing her spiritual sense towards the directions of the nearest places. Elua’s mind raced with possibilities.

She wasn’t really mad at him. She was so excited that she would have squealed in her facade if she hadn’t forced it off. But he didn’t need to know that - and he did need to know not to hide things about her beloved from her when he was *supposed* to tell her!