Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Thirty Two: Improving Camel Hump

By the time I woke up, I noticed Harvey had already set out my hair products, brushes, and an outfit for me. The thoughtful gesture brought a smile to my face. He always seemed to know exactly what I needed, even without me saying a word. Feeling refreshed, I got ready for the day.

After freshening up and eating some stew from the kitchen, I stepped outside, where Harvey and the guys were gathered. The sight of them working together made my heart warm. As always, Harvey was in his element, leading with ease.

"Good afternoon, my love, and hello, guys," I greeted, smiling brightly.

The guys' ears perked up as they greeted me back, their tails swishing slightly. "Good morning, Imara," they said in unison.

I couldn't help but chuckle at how sweet they were. "So, what are you all up to?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Harvey POV

I explained the tasks we'd started. Holding her sketch pad, I showed her the plans we'd had. "We've started gathering everything you'll need for the soaps and hair supplies. I also got the apprentices—everyone here signed up, plus one extra."

Her face lit up. "That's wonderful, guys! Congratulations!" she said, clapping for them. The guys' tails swayed even harder; they looked like a pack of overexcited cubs.

"We're splitting into groups," I continued. "One group will work on the hair brushes, combs, underwear, and wagon. Another group will gather materials for the harness, bed, and smoker, as well as animals and produce."

She nodded, clearly impressed. "Wow, you've thought of everything. But what about your training and apprenticeship?"

"I'm dedicating this week to getting as much done as possible before my training begins. The guys already know their roles for the days I'll be gone with James. John and Steve will guard you, and Frank and Nicholas will provide anything you need."

I added, "I'll also be starting my apprenticeship tomorrow. It's only a few moments in the mornings, so you can sleep in. I know you don't really like waking up early." I smiled teasingly. "You never complain, but it's always written all over your face."

Hearing his words, I could practically hear my mom's voice in my head saying, "You don't have to say anything, Imara; it's all over your face." Sigh. Some habits never change, I guess.

Imara POV

But when Harvey said "a few moments," I couldn't help but correct him. "It's not a few moments, my love—it's hours."

Harvey tilted his head slightly. "Hours?" he repeated, a little confused. The guys perked up too, clearly curious.

I nodded, realizing I'd need to explain it simply. "Okay, let me show you." I knelt down in the dirt, using a stick to draw a circle. "This is how we count the day where I'm from. Imagine the sun rises here—" I marked the top of the circle, "—and it sets here—" I marked the bottom.

I divided the circle into twelve sections. "We call these 'hours.' When the sun is in the middle of the sky, we call it noon, or twelve o'clock. It's halfway through the day." I then drew smaller lines between the larger ones. "This is how we split the day into smaller parts, so we can tell how much time has passed or how much is left."

The guys leaned in, watching intently. John was particularly curious. "So... if the sun is there—" he pointed to a spot halfway to the top, "—that's morning?"

"Exactly," I said, nodding. "And when it's over here—" I pointed to the opposite side, "—that's the afternoon."

John began counting the sections with his fingers. "So... if I start here at six, and I go around... that makes it twelve hours? Afternoon is twelve?" He then grabbed another stick, tracing over the marks as he counted again.