People

Back on earth, after long nights, long days in the wilderness, Adelard was ready to face each challenge with renewed vigor. New encounters, new soap scents, new business ideas, all made him grow richer every day. The soap factory was in its prime. "The Shine of Stars" continued to be in everyone's home.

Madame Lucy's farm had never seen times like this, when each of her children could see their bright future more clearly than ever. And the chemists, in cramped laboratories continued to work on a new formula for soap. Everything was as beautiful as ever. And Adelard felt like a hero who could help everyone. Absolutely everyone. Walking past a needy man who was almost dying of thirst, Adelard respectfully handed him a few, even too many, bills. Leaving him with a surprised look.

"Thank you Monsieur!"

Seeing Monsieur's generosity every day, the townspeople continued to admire him. But not as much as before. In their eyes their former interest was gone and they no longer greeted him with loud words of welcome. After all, they were greatly offended that he was now a married man. They were so angry that they were ready to hurt him at any moment, to cut off his wings and throw him into the flames that were for the worst. Yes, he was bad in their eyes. And all because, now, they couldn't imagine themselves in his bed. Though, some still continued to indulge in fantasies where they did all the most shameful things with an innocent soul.

"What a pity, what a man he was. Now he's gone," said a young girl who had started planning her wedding with him at first sight.

"Yes. I didn't expect that from Monsieur. I thought he was a normal man who demanded too much attention. But it turns out he needed real love."

"And there is no such love!"

Again the laughter was where it shouldn't have been. Sometimes, though, laughter is a good thing. For laughter hastens the boomerang effect.

"Poor Monsieur!"

"We should congratulate him," said the elderly man and rose from his chair. As Adelard passed them, he said earnestly, "Congratulations to you Monsieur. You are a married gentleman. And don't listen to all the things all these people are saying."

"Thank you." Adelard's reply was short, but nevertheless, his voice had a strange effect on men and women alike.

"And yet he is so handsome," one woman said, blushing with embarrassment.

The last which was left, was surprise of Jean. But even after a few weeks, his words sounded too sincere that Adelard began to worry about his friend's mental health.

"My friend, I am so happy for you. Marriage suits you very well. Look at you. You're all glowing! Celeste must be keeping you awake at night."

"Why does everybody only think about such secret affairs?"

"What else is there to think about? My dear fellow, this world was created out of shameful affairs like this. So there's nothing to hide."

"What have we got today? That woman named Esmeralda doesn't come anymore?"

"Fortunately, no. We're supplying her with soap as she requested. So most importantly, money falls into your pocket. And from there to me."

"Do you need money?"

"I didn't say that."

"But I can feel it and I can see it."

"You're too smart, as usual. I wish everyone was like you."

"Come on. We've got work to do."

"What for? Soaps bring us money without you. Why don't we think better of me taking you and Celeste out to dinner. My wife is so anxious to see her. Also, I'm thinking of having a masquerade ball. I'm going to invite that beautiful but too brazen actress Esma."

"You know, I will gladly accept your invitation. Celeste will be happy. She's so eager to see the world I live in."

"That's good. Love you," Jean said and kissed his best friend sharply on the cheek and ran off, hiding his large figure behind the large iron tanks.

"Monsieur! Good thing you're here!" the man and woman, who looked like two peas in a pod, exclaimed, running up to him.

"Yes. How can I help?" Adelard asked, beginning an inspection of all the factory's work. And he began with the most horrible and smelly things. Namely grease and other dangerous substances. Monsieur Renaud, father of five children, was already used to demanding everything from Adelard. So, as if to his old friend, he said, "My son will study in Paris. He has entered the university. He's going to be a doctor! So, could you help me with the money?"

"Really? I am very happy for this news! I am sure he will become a good doctor. Please see my secretary."

The moment Adelard climbed up the iron stairs, Renaud said to his wife the words that only an enemy could say. Namely, "That Adelard is crazy. He never asks how much money we need. He just gives everybody the biggest amount and no questions asked. I wonder if he's crazy."

And only his wife responded rudely to his words full of mockery, "Thanks to Monsieur, our son can study. Just because of him, our family is better than Bernard's family."

"You are right. You are as right as ever."

"Come. The money is waiting," said Renaud's wife, and with a sly smile she accompanied Adelard with a glance.