The morning sun bathed the bustling streets of the town in a warm glow, casting long shadows as merchants, townsfolk, and travellers moved about their daily routines.

Jolthar strolled through the cobbled roads, his sharp eyes taking in the sights. He couldn't even sleep last night, his thoughts filled with Cleora and her soft, tender lips. He composed himself when Nytheria cleared her throat.

Beside him, Nora walked with an air of resignation, her arms crossed as though trying to shield herself from the reality of their partnership. She had begrudgingly accepted him as her business partner, though her feelings about him being in her mother's life remained unresolved.

For now, she had decided to leave that particular issue to her mother, Cleora.

They stopped in front of a bakery, one of Nora's ventures, and Jolthar couldn't help but admire the scene. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the scents of morning dew and street-side vendors.

A steady stream of customers moved in and out of the shop, some carrying loaves of bread while others chatted with the staff. Jolthar noted a few unfamiliar faces—new customers, possibly drawn in by the bakery's growing reputation.

"This is doing well," Jolthar commented, nodding toward the shop.

Nora, her face calm but slightly distant, replied, "It is. We've seen an increase in customers lately, and a few merchants passing through have started buying in bulk."

Jolthar grinned. "A good sign. Expanding beyond the local market should always be the goal."

They walked further, passing by a few more shops and vendors setting up their wares for the day. Jolthar glanced at the townspeople, noting their expressions and interactions. The town was lively, but there was room for improvement. His mind began whirring with possibilities.

"Do you have enough reserves to open a restaurant in town?" he asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

Nora shot him a sidelong glance, her brow furrowing. "No. I haven't thought about opening a restaurant," she replied. "My focus has been on the bakery and setting up a boutique. I've already spoken to my mother about it. She agreed to help me get the boutique's products to the Empire's noble ladies."

Jolthar nodded, impressed. "A boutique could work well, especially if you can tap into the empire's upper class. But a restaurant could draw more people to the town itself—travellers, merchants, even locals looking for a new place to gather. It could complement the bakery."

Nora tilted her head slightly, considering his words. "You think a restaurant would do well here?"

"Absolutely," Jolthar said without hesitation. "And more importantly, it's about diversifying your business. If the bakery is doing well, imagine what a well-run restaurant could achieve."

She didn't respond immediately, her thoughts turning inward as she considered the idea.

Jolthar, sensing an opportunity, pressed on. "For that to work, we need a continuous flow of people. And for that we need to convince the guild to open an office here. If we can manage that, this town will see a significant boost in activity. Merchants, craftsmen, adventurers—they'll all start coming here."

Nora raised an eyebrow at him. "You've been here for barely a day, and you're already plotting grand schemes," she said, her tone both sceptical and amused.

"Grand schemes are where the real money lies," Jolthar replied with a grin. "I was also thinking of setting up a sword forge. Can you help me with the funds?"

That made Nora stop in her tracks. She turned to face him, one eyebrow arched in disbelief. "A sword forge? Do you even know anything about smithing?"

Jolthar smiled confidently. "I know enough. I've learned from some of the best blacksmiths in the past. Trust me, I can handle it."

Nora crossed her arms, her scepticism plain on her face. "So, let me get this straight. You show up out of nowhere, partner with me, and now you want me to fund your forge? You're already extorting us, aren't you?"

Jolthar laughed, shaking his head. "Not extortion. Think of it as an investment. We're partners, after all, and every venture we undertake together will benefit both of us. Once everything is up and running, you'll see the potential in these ideas."

"Big talk for a man without a penny to his name," she retorted, though her tone carried a hint of grudging admiration.

"True," Jolthar admitted, his grin unwavering. "But ideas and vision are worth more than gold. And right now, I'm offering both."

Nora sighed, clearly torn. "Fine. Let's say I entertain this idea of yours. What's your plan for the restaurant?"

Jolthar's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "First, we need to come up with a menu—something unique that will set the restaurant apart. Recipes that people can't find anywhere else. Then we find a chef, train them if necessary, and create an atmosphere that draws people in. A place that feels special but still welcoming."

Nora glanced at the bustling street around them, imagining how a restaurant might fit into the town's dynamics. "It's a good idea," she admitted reluctantly. "I've been so focused on the boutique that I didn't think about a restaurant."

"Exactly," Jolthar said, his tone encouraging. "You focus on what you know best—fashion and connections with nobles. I'll handle the groundwork for the restaurant and the forge. Together, we can turn this town into something remarkable."

Nora sighed again, though this time there was a trace of a smile on her lips. "You have big ideas, Jolthar. Let's see if you can actually deliver on them."

"Just wait," he said confidently. "You won't regret this partnership."

As they continued their stroll, Jolthar's mind buzzed with plans and strategies. The bakery was already a success, and with Nora's boutique in the works, the foundation was solid. But his vision extended far beyond that. A restaurant, a forge, guild involvement—each piece was part of a larger puzzle, one that would elevate the barony and secure his place within it.

Nora walked beside him, still cautious but slightly more open to his ideas. She wasn't ready to fully trust him, but something about his confidence and charisma made her willing to give him a chance.

For Jolthar, the future was bright. And though he still felt a twinge of uncertainty about Cleora's intentions, he couldn't deny that her support, combined with Nora's, would open doors he hadn't even dreamed of before.