Quinn
IT WAS LATE WHEN I finally got to retire for the night and had a bit of a me time. The children were already asleep, and I found myself relaxing in the hot tub, sighing in pleasure. The past week had been full-on. As for Aldric, it was even more so for him. He was currently with the Norsewood Management Executive Team which included Uncle Colt, Jacob, Allan, Mark, Miles, and Cain as well as the captains of the military-Theo, Connor, Elio, and Juan-discussing important matters regarding Norsewood, alliances, and the possible treaties with other nations.
Everything about that sounded technical to me and gave me a big headache.
I was glad I had little part in it and could simply concentrate on preparing the airships and supplies for the expedition. But, of course, Vicky would do most of the work, and speaking of, there she was, her voice echoing in my head.
I must say, you'd make a shrewd queen, emphasizing on the word allies while listing the sort of aid Norsewood is willing to provide. Not to mention being adamant about supplying the dwarves and elves rice. I can see where you're going, young lady.
I tilted my head to one side as I played with the bubbles in the tub. I said,
"Emphasizing words in a sentence gives the listener subtle hints. It's psychology, my dear Vicky. They are probably not aware of it, but I'm sure the word allies is now stuck in their minds, and since the subject during our discussion is about Norsewood and both Egral and Wodria, well, you know what I mean."
Indeed, I know what you mean, Vicky said.
"As for rice, the optimal time to introduce the food staple to a nation in dire need of being fed would be during a famine, wouldn't you say? Once they're used to it ..." I grinned widely.
Like I said, you're shrewd, Vicky stated in such an irritated tone, I knew she was rolling her eyes. Once their nations prosper again, the only place they can get supplies of rice would be Norsewood.
I nodded. "I'm sure they'll become our most valuable customers, especially the dwarves because they don't do much farming. And they eat a lot. Twice as much as the elves and the Norsewood people. I mean the men of Norsewood, especially the soldiers, eat a lot, but the dwarves." I chuckled in amusement. "They love our food."
Yes, they do.
Once I finally had enough soaking, I stood. Moments later, I was in my cozy pajamas and applying lotion on my face. Vicky said, I thought I should mention that a plump dumpling happened to break through my barrier and sneak into Norsewood.
I paused what I was doing and frowned. "A plump dumpling?" I pictured a cute Chinese dumpling filled with minced pork and cabbage, and I smiled.
I hadn't had dumplings for a while. Perhaps I should introduce the delicious dish into the menu for dinner tomorrow night. Even the Japanese gyozas and Korean mandu, too. They were all dumplings but with them just being from different countries and had different fillings and taste, it was enough to excite me. Surely, they'll excite the citizens, too.
No, not those! Vicky grumbled. I mean a seer.
"Oh," I expressed. "So, it's not food that broke through our barrier?" I chuckled.
Of course not. It's a seer. She just happens to be a little plump, is all.
"Ah, I see," I said, moving from the chair to lie on the luxurious bed.
Making myself comfortable, I said, "So?"
So... Vicky sighed, as if she was giving up on my intelligence altogether. It means she invaded our sanctuary.
