Second Day of Mama's Pastry

For the trip through the city, Elias removed his mask and pulled his black cloak forward to cover his distinctive uniform. He preferred to remain inconspicuous when not actively running the shop. Earlier, he had only worn the cloak when they neared their shop. This time, they were heading to the inner parts of the merchant district, where more people congregated, and he needed to ensure that no one recognized him.

Soon, the small group made their way to a modest clothing store in the merchant district.

The shopkeeper initially looked askance at the dirty slum children, but Elias's confident demeanor and ready payment quickly changed his attitude. They purchased simple but clean outfits for both Nathan and Amanda. It was nothing too fancy, but certainly a vast improvement over their current rags.

"And for you as well. Get yourself some clothes." 

Elias said to Selina, who looked surprised.

"But I already have clothes." 

She said, recalling that Elias had purchased some regular clothes for her the last time they visited the market.

"You're the face of our shop. You should have at least one nicer outfit for work."

Elias explained. Although he wanted to acquire quality clothes for her from his Mental Landscape using Mystic Crystals, he felt that wasn't necessary for now. His current wealth could only purchase a cheap, low-level protective suit, and he wanted to save for a high-level protective suit that would guarantee her safety when he wasn't around.

—He didn't want the events that transpired in the negative branch of reality to occur in any form in this timeline.

Once they accumulated enough wealth, he could purchase the best protective suit for her. The current military-style uniform he wore was also a low-level protective suit that had cost him 100 Mystic Crystals, nearly half of the Mystic Crystrals he had taken from Drakas's hidden chamber. This protective suit was made from materials that absorbed impact, hardening upon contact to provide defense. It provided useful general protection, but was still lacking compared to mid-level protective suits and above.

Meanwhile, Selina blushed at his praise and accepted the gesture gratefully, selecting a modest dress that would be appropriate for serving customers.

Their next stop was the Golden Hearth Inn. The innkeeper, ever sycophantic, recognizing Elias's noble bearing as he entered, greeted them effusively.

"Young Lord Blaze! How wonderful to see you again. How may this humble establishment serve you today?"

"Just call me Elias. We need an additional room. These two will be staying here." 

Elias said simply, not bothering to entertain the man's fawning. He had booked the inn for a few days, but as always, whenever he left and returned, the innkeeper acted as though he hadn't seen him in ages.

The innkeeper's expression flickered with distaste as he noticed the slum children, but he quickly masked it.

"Of course, of course, Young Lord Elias! Right next to your current rooms, I presume?"

"That would be ideal."

As they made their way upstairs, Elias turned to Nathan and Amanda.

"Before we continue, I need to know something. Do you have family members in the slums? Anyone who might worry about your absence?"

Nathan shook his head. 

"I'm alone. My parents died in the mines two winters ago."

Amanda's expression darkened. 

"I have a younger brother and sister. They're staying with other orphans in our area. I... I was hoping to use any money I earned to help feed them."

Elias nodded thoughtfully. 

"Your siblings won't go hungry. We'll make arrangements for them as well later. For now, focus on getting clean and ready for work."

Shortly after, when Nathan and Amanda emerged from their respective baths, they looked like entirely different children. Though still thin from years of malnutrition, clean skin and fresh clothes revealed their true ages more clearly. Nathan had sandy brown hair that, once washed, showed hints of gold in the light. Amanda's dark hair, freed from dirt and tangles, fell in soft waves past her shoulders.

—Their transformation was remarkable.

"You clean up well." 

Selina said approvingly, having changed into her new dress.

Both children stood a little straighter, clearly feeling more human than they had in years.

"Now then." 

Elias began and said: 

"Let's discuss your duties and compensation. You'll help Selina serve customers, maintain cleanliness in the shop, restock the displays as needed, and assist with any other tasks that arise. In return, you'll receive meals, lodging here at the inn, and a weekly wage of 5 Mystic Stones each."

Nathan and Amanda's eyes widened. 5 Mystic Stones a week was more than most slum dwellers saw in a month. 5 Mystic Stones equaled 500 Gold Coins, meaning they could earn 2,000 Gold Coins monthly.

"Additionally, you may each take one pastry per day for yourselves, and another to share with family or friends." 

Elias continued.

"Sir, this is... this is too generous." 

Amanda said, her voice thick with emotion. Nathan shared her sentiment. He was left speechless, feeling as though he were dreaming.

"It's fair compensation for honest work." 

Elias replied, then added: 

"But I expect dedication and loyalty in return. Can you provide that?"

"Yes!" 

Both children said in unison, their faces shining with determination.

After a hearty meal at the inn, during which Nathan consumed enough food for three people, making up for years of hunger, the group returned to Mama's Pastry. What they found there surprised even Elias.

A line of customers stretched down the block, all waiting patiently for the shop to open. Word of their unique pastries had spread overnight, drawing people from across Sun City.

"Incredible. I've never seen anything like this." 

Selina muttered, realizing there were even more people than at yesterday's peak hours.

"Then we'd better not keep them waiting." 

Elias said, turning to his new staff. 

"Nathan, Amanda, are you ready for your first real day of work?"

The children nodded eagerly, energized by their meal and new circumstances. They now had a job that could provide them with food and accommodation. With this new purpose, they no longer had to scavenge for food or live in makeshift shelters in the future.

"Nathan, go to the back and begin bringing out boxes of pastries. Amanda, help him arrange them in the display cases. Remember what you learned earlier. Selina, prepare to flip the sign."

They moved with practiced efficiency, and soon the shop was ready. When Selina turned the "CLOSED" sign to "OPEN," the second day of Mama's Pastry had begun. The waiting customers began filing in an orderly manner. However, there were some impatient people among the crowd.

"One at a time, please." 

Selina said with professional courtesy, reassuring them. 

"We have plenty for everyone."

The morning rush was intense but manageable with their expanded workforce. Nathan proved adept at quickly restocking depleted items, while Amanda showed a natural talent for customer service, her genuine enthusiasm infectious. Selina coordinated their efforts with growing confidence.

Elias observed from behind the counter, occasionally stepping in to handle difficult customers or questions about the pastries' origins. Whenever he addressed customers, they appeared cautious not to cause trouble, uncertain of his identity or status. His mysterious appearance, the mask and black attire, as he intended, added an air of intrigue that seemed to enhance rather than deter business.