There was a cold breeze that swept across her skin upon arriving at her porch.
It gave Selina a hint of relief before reaching the door knob.
When she opened, the familiar carpeted short hall greeted her. Occasional objects littered on the floor, possibly caused by her clumsiness during that night.
Selina took her time tidying the corridor before arriving at the living area.
The room remained the same, only blanketed with light powder dust on a few furniture.
I wonder how Heath family are doing... I hope they're not startled during that time... Selina felt a pang of guilt grip her chest.
Let's visit them later...
After cleaning the place and disposing the carcass of the firework she had used. She left the living room and went to the kitchen.
She plan to make a simple dish as she hadn't had breakfast when she was dismissed.
Upon rummaging the cabinets, only now did she realized that she hadn't actually did any shopping throughout the week.
Although exhausted, Selina forced herself with a sigh.
When she finally took her sun hat from upstairs. She pressed her inner pocket from her dress and afterwards patted her thigh.
There was no revolver strapped to it.
I guess it's true what they say... Do it anxiously multiple times and it becomes a habit... She mused to herself silently with a faint smile.
Without anything to defend her. She decided to where another piece of clothing, a way to conceal from the public as well as become inconspicuous during her trip.
A half coat to cover her, tying her hair in a braided bun fashion in the next.
Only now did she had the confidence to exit the house.
However, while in the porch. Martha Heath, strolling with her daughter while pushing a pram, spotted Selina by a few distance from her residence.
"Big Sis!" Odelle, holding her mother's skirt, called with excite.
Seeing Selina in her usual dress, topped with a vibrant, mocha shade sun hat. The lady looked as lovely as ever.
Martha didn't paced. Instead, she took the liberty to smile toward her as she reached a fair distance to converse.
Odelle waved at Selina with enthusiasm while shifting her hold onto Martha's hand, followed by a peculiar gleam from children alike.
Only now did Martha asked with a worried look. "Where have you been last weekend?"
Selina was prepared for this, so she returned with the same gentle voice. "Don't worry Mrs. Heath. I..."
She paused for a moment, her gaze drifted from Martha then returned. "Was confined in the hospital... You know, backpain."
Martha revealed a look of unsold expression. "Uh... Huh..."
Clearly she wasn't convinced.
"You've been... Up to something these past days dear. Perhaps working on inventing something new?" She tried to ease the tension with a curious question.
However, her worry only grew because of Selina's response. Now she wasn't entirely certain if the lady is truly harmless.
"If It doesn't bother you to answer..." She added.
I wish it was only that Mrs. Heath. Selina held herself from making unnecessary expression.
"You can... Put it that way."
Martha was still skeptical. However, probing any further would only be rude instead of concern.
Because of this, she could only heave a sigh and said. "Well, please ensure your safety. Last week, an array of fireworks made a night show, have you heard it?"
"You must be awake at that time since we heard another loud explosion that came from your residence."
I was the star of that show... Selina couldn't help but made a self-deprecating comment about herself.
"Unfortunately, I was too absorb in my task that I didn't notice it." She replied with a reconfigured truth acting as reason.
"Addressing it now... I think a few occasional noise did caught my attention briefly during that time."
Martha quickly picked up the tidbit and said. "Dear, if you don't mind me asking. You didn't actually got to tell us your job properly."
After a brief recollection, Selina nodded. "My apologies. My actual job is supposed to be an assistant medicine maker."
"I see..." Martha raised her index finger on the level of her chin.
Only to release it after as she said. "Perhaps experimenting had caused those outbursts?"
Oh no... You're greatly mistaken Madam Heath. Selina remarked.
"But why did you say 'supposed'?" Martha added.
Selina expected this and simply replied. "This is because the actual professional refused to hire me."
"He settled for a week trial, only to result in him becoming my mentor for free."
"But you managed to learn, am I right? Becoming a doctor would benefit your livelihood significantly!" Martha chose to perceive the news in a different light.
"Yes, I did, and I plan on leveraging it for the future." Selina revealed a soft smile.
"Waaa!"
A load cry broke atmosphere almost instantly.
It was coming from Marl Jr. being cradled by the tram.
"Waa!" "Waaa!"
The two ladies was startled, while the little girl proceeded to peek at the tram.
"Marl Jr. must be hungry. Well, I better tend to him, or else he won't stop crying." Martha smiled wearily.
Selina shook her head lightly and said. "I understand. I better get going as well."
"Byeee!" Odelle waved her hand farewell.
Selina returned with a genial, light smile as she waved back in a faint motion.
After the family of current three had closed their door. Selina's gaze slowly softened.
I'm glad no one got hurt...
Then she recalled that there are other residents that might have been affected.
Turning for the other house, she rephrased. Well... I hope everyone.
...
After a trip in the market, somewhere in Indus Region.
Selina returned with two paper bags containing condiments, raw meat, peas and some vegetables.
She figured earlier that since the officials had their eyes closely monitoring her. Leaving now would risk being suspected.
So instead of buying for a meal just for tonight. She rationed her food stock for at least a week, assuming it would be enough to drive the official's skepticism of her.
Seeing the two paper bags, she muttered. Maybe a week isn't enough...
Arriving at the entrance of her residence. Selina subconsciously tried to reach for the inner pocket of her short coat.
However, struggled in doing so.
Seeing her action, she smiled wearily at herself and decided to lower the paper bag on her right hand.
Then, with an available palm, she took out a single key and unlocked the door.
Click!
The wooden pane opened slightly.
She retrieved the paper bag after storing the key and pushed herself to enter.
...
In the kitchen, left of the short corridor.
Selina placed the two paper bags onto the table and proceeded to heat a pot of water.
Behind the counter, she rummaged a chopping knife as the previous one was confiscated by the officials as a weapon.
She brought out a steak, wrapped in a clean paper, placing it at a cutting board.
Adding with salt, pepper, and some aromatic seasonings. She set the steak aside and proceeded to peel an onion and ginger.
On the stove, she heated a pan to a medium heat, followed with a butter.
She first waited until the cube of butter melted, then added the cut onions and ginger onto the pan.
Her hand then put three potatoes into the boiling pot.
Seeing the pan simmer for awhile, only now did she placed the seasoned steak along with a rosemary thyme and a few asparagus.
After a few minute, she flipped the steak, revealing an appetizing brown color.
However, Selina didn't stop there. She picked up a spoon and diligently shower the steak with the liquid butter underneath.
The enticing aroma drifted across the house.
With the steak done, she closed the stoves of both the pan and the pot.
She collected the potatoes with a fork and placed them onto a plate.
Afterwards, she also set the steak, only with the rosemary and onions to the same plate as the boiled potatoes.
She then mashed the potatoes using a spoon and sprinkled it with salt.
Throughout her cooking, she didn't have any mishaps, suggesting she had mastery over utensils.
I wonder if Mr. Darkwill would consider extending the trial if I told him I was hospitalized... Selina pondered.
On the table, she took her time with the steak.
The meat was tender and juicy because of the butter, accompanied by the seasonings, it gave that touch of roast-like flavor.
The potato wasn't remarkable as it serves its purpose as complementary meal.
After finishing her lunch plus breakfast, seeing her plate emptied. She recalled the expense of her trip.
Realizing this, she took out her wallet and opened.
Two-hundred fifty pounds left... If these were ever expended, I would just go to a nearby bank and withdraw...
A self-deprecating smile crept across her face. But if I don't have any job to back it up, it would only add on to my case...
Selina propped herself from the chair and brought her plate along as she returned back to the counter.
After she finished washing the dishes. She readied her sun hat for another trip.
Ensuring that her coat covered the intended part.
She once again exited her residence and headed to a carriage station.
...
In the road across a herb shop, near the border of East Borough.
Selina alighted from the carriage and expended a few pence.
Arriving at the entrance of Lawson's Folk Herbal Shop, she pushed the door open, which triggered a chime intended for the customers.
"Mr. Darkwade, your medicine seemed unconventional, will it work?"
An unfamiliar voice came from the counter. It was from a satisfied customer, eyes beaming with relief.
Darkwade...? Selina heard a fragment and immediately caught the man's naming of Darkwill.
"Remember to boil the chicken's feet before adding the herb. If you're skeptical, just drink it with your eyes closed." Darkwill prescribed with slight irritation.
"A-Alright." With great reluctance, the man still took the medicine and handed the payment fairly.
Before he could exit the store, he encountered a beautiful lady dressed in a very conservative outfit.
With a half coat draped to her shoulders, a dress with mild elaboration.
Rather than desire, she invoke awe and guardian impulse toward the onlooker.
Seeing the man in front of her. Selina revealed a polite, genial smile and briefly nod before passing him from the entrance.
The man kept his gaze at Selina, fixated. It took him awhile to shook it off before quietly telling himself. I wonder what is that lady's name...
I'll return tomorrow, see if I can get acquainted...
He donned his top hat after exiting the door, and left.
Ensuring that the man is truly gone. Selina turned to Darkwill, lowered her sun hat from her head and said wearily. "Mr. Darkwill, about the week trial-"
"You've lost your chance. Find another herbal shop somewhere else." Darkwill went straight to the point.
Besides, ever since you left, a customer had finally noticed my medicine, I won't risk it by taking you in again...
Selina's face slowly became gloomy. "But I was confined in a hospital, circumstances such as this can-"
"No." Darkwill simply replied.
Selina cast her gaze down and began thinking of possible ways to convince the resolute Darkwill.
When she recalled his name referred by the customer earlier. She raised a curious look and asked. "Was your name Darkwade all along?"
"No, I legally change it every morning for fun." Darkwill replied sarcastically.
A corner of her mouth twitched. Selina forced herself to shrug it off by saying. "So it's Darkwade Lawson? But then why did you say Darkwill only during your introduction?"
Darkwill raised a brow and let his eyelids droop. "Are you here to audition for detective? I've already said no, how much clearer do you want to be?"
"..." Selina suddenly found Darkwill's nature to be impolite and unworthy of conversation. Compared last week, his attitude now is becoming more... Displeasing...
"Look, I won't be making anymore free mentoring." Darkwill added.
Then, because of his words, it sparked a thought in Selina. "What if I pay you instead?"
I will only need just another week anyway... Selina pragmatically added to herself.
I just need a bit more knowledge in concocting medicines. I still haven't reached the compound properties of herbs in this world and had only been focusing on brewing...
Darkwill's eyes livened, surprised by Selina's words. "Do you even have the expense for a mentorship?"
My dear... Just agree... Your expression already betrayed your question... Selina mused inwardly as she smiled. "On my end, you won't have to worry."
Different thoughts clashed within Darkwill's mind. Apart of him was telling "there's payment on the line!" While the other, "do you want your shop to be barren again?"
"..."
He fell silent for awhile, his brows slowly met in frustration of himself.
After about half a minute, he reluctantly said. "Alright."