"And for you, Mr. Fieraru. The coin we owe."
Irina handed him a purse of money and frowned as he took it and gave it a shake. The total amount was there; she counted it twice. Said man nodded his head, satisfied.
"Can't be too trusting," he mentioned as he noticed her pursed lips.
She sighed. Who was she to be annoyed?
"You're right," she agreed.
Standing up, Irina dusted her cloak and stretched her back. The widow Mrs. Moraru was nice enough to allow her a place on her porch to sit as she paid the families of the young men who came to the factory. Mr. Fieraru was the last – thank goodness.
He shoved the purse into his pocket and cleared his throat.
"And the boy," he mentioned. "How is he fairing?"
Irina narrowed her eyes. "Lord Heisenberg has no complaints."
He rarely spoke of them. Irina was sure that once he tore them apart and rebuilt them, Heisenberg forgot who they used to be; the young men were no longer human to him but a soldier in his patchwork army.
Mr. Fieraru grinned. "That's good to hear."
But it wasn't. Irina sighed.
"I have errands to run, sir. But in a week, I will return," she mentioned.
Stepping down from the porch, Irina gave him a wave, turning towards the reservoir, but a voice called out to her. She turned and noticed a young village boy waving her down; his mother followed close behind him. Once he caught up, the child smiled up at her. In his hand, he carried a wooden goat.
"This is for you," he said as he offered the toy to Irina.
Her face heated up as she took it. Why was the child gifting her this?
The boy's mother narrowed her eyes in guilt. "We're sorry, but he was adamant about giving it to you."
Irina stared at the toy; it was well made.
"His father is a carpenter," the woman mentioned. "We heard about what you have been doing for the families around here, and we wanted to give you something in return to thank you."
Irina frowned. She didn't deserve a present; she deserved to be punished.
"I don't know––"
"Please accept it," the woman implored. "It's all we have."
She clutched it in her hand and sighed. "Thank you."
"May it serve to protect you," the mother stated.
She took her boy by the hand and led him away. Irina watched them withdraw into their house; she sighed and exited the village, heading towards the reservoir.
Once she got there, she met the Duke outside near the carriage. Some of the knickknacks were packed in boxes outside, waiting for her to move them.
"Good afternoon, Duke."
He grinned. "It's always a pleasure to see you, my dear. How are you?"
"I'm here," Irina stated.
She didn't rest well last night. Her mind was engaged, and by the time she fell asleep, it was far too late for her to get a good night's rest. She was exhausted.
The Duke hummed. "Take care of yourself, Irina."
"I intend to," she assured him.
Trekking to the back of the carriage, Irina leaned down and picked up a box. She had a lot of work to do.
