Chapter 6

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The next week went by quickly. Mira had contacted a few different local butchers and farmers with potential contracts a month before she had arrived so she knew she'd be set to start up as soon as possible. She had planned for the meat to arrive a few days after she showed up, and then the produce to show up the next day. Once everything was in its place in the kitchen all she needed to do was to wait for the delivery of her alcohol that she hadn't brought with her on the truck. She had casks upon casks being delivered half a week after her initial arrival day so she would already have everything set up and ready for the opening night.

It was Saturday now, a week after Mira had arrived and it was the first night the pub would be open. It took her about half an hour to get everything set up and ready before she opened the doors. She had told Luiza what night she would be opening and asked her to bring some people if she wouldn't mind. Luiza was more than willing to help her out and had spread the word around the village. In preparation Mira had made a few local dishes so the people of the village would feel more at home in the new pub.

Once everything was ready Mira opened the front door and rung a small bell she had hung next to the door. A few heads popped out of their doors at the noise and a small group of people made their way out of their homes and made their way to the pub. The building was filled with the smells of sweet incense and the savoury dishes she had made. As people filed in she welcomed them and asked if any of them needed anything. A few couples sat around at different tables and the singular people sat at the bar.

Getting drinks out to everyone was her first priority so she made her rounds asking what people wanted. Going back to the bar she made herself busy with making drinks.

As the night went on she brought out dish after dish, drink after drink. She had lively music playing and one couple started dancing after a few drinks. One man at the bar, Anton, was a bit bitter about the newcomer thinking she could waltz in and start up a business but after a few drinks his mood changed about Mira. Doing her rounds again a few couples said their thanks and handed her Lei before heading off for the night. She led them out and watched them walk away to their homes, candles lit about the town being blown out as everyone returned home. After the last few patrons left she thanked them and welcomed them back any time. Locking up once she was sure they had made it home just fine she started the laborious task of doing all of the dishes.

Humming along to the music that was playing she worked through the stacks of dishes, dancing through the kitchen as she put things away. Taking a bowl of food for herself she went out into the main area to eat, still dancing along to the music as she left the kitchen. Her eyes were on the floor as she went along, quickly darting up as she heard someone clearing their throat, followed by them slow clapping.

An older gentleman was leaning against the wall, taking a slow drag from a Cuban cigar. His disheveled grey hair was pressed down with a standard cowboy hat. With one hand in his pocket he smirked. "Well now, I wasn't expecting a little show as a welcoming darlin but don't stop there." He stood up straight and was clearly only half a foot taller than Mira, but she still felt the need to take a step back as he approached her. Clicking his tongue a few times the man shook his head, "Now, there's no need to be afraid. I'm just here to check out your whiskey selection."

The word whiskey brought Mira to her senses again. "I'm sorry but who are you and how the fuck did you get into this building? All of the doors are locked." Setting her bowl down on the bar, she slipped behind it and grabbed onto a knife.

"Now now, I wouldn't do anything too fucking bold darlin." With a flick of his wrist the knife slid out of her hand and flew into a wall. "The name's Karl, but most call me Heisenberg." Taking a few steps forward he slid onto one of the bar stools. "Now, where's my fucking whiskey I've been asking about hmm?"

Watching the man sit down, Mira's eyebrows furrowed. "Watch your fucking tone in my pub, I don't care if you're a lord or not. You have to respect the owner or you're not going to get your fucking whiskey you've been asking for." Resting her hands on her hips she stared him down.

Chuckling he took another drag of his cigar. "Feisty, I like that. Now, what's your name darlin?" The man slid his dark circle rimmed glasses down for a few seconds, his bright yellowish grey eyes scanning her face before sliding his glasses back up.

"Mirabela, but most call me Mira." She stated before really thinking about the repercussions. Turning slightly she grabs a decanter, keeping her eyes on the man. Grabbing a glass from under the bar she pours him some whiskey. Sliding the glass to him she sets the decanter back. "So, who told you about me?"
Raising an eyebrow as he grabbed the glass he shrugged. "It's not everyday that we get a new victi-er villager moving in, let alone one who hired people to build their place long before they got here themselves. News travels fast." Taking a sip of his whiskey he leaned forward. "But between you and me, the big bitch in the castle was talking about it with the Duke and Miranda and one of my uh men overheard it. Yeah, we'll go with that."

Squinting a bit, Mira looked him over. He had scars covering his face, what she could guess was from working with metal in the factory. Snuffing out his cigar he takes a last swig of the whiskey. "Well Darlin, I hate to part so quickly but I've got things to do. Come by my factory, I'll give you a tour." He stood up and reached out a hand. Not wanting to piss off one of the lords, she takes his hand. Stooping his head he kisses the ring she wore on her middle finger, winking at her before letting go and walking out the door without another word.

Mira stood there, watching the door a few minutes after he left. "What the fuck was that all about," she mutters out loud to herself as she grabs the bowl of now cold food and walks into the kitchen, tossing the food away and washing the bowl out. After the meeting with the fourth lord she was a bit dazed, not knowing what had just happened so she just decided to go lay down.

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