After the incident, we returned to our daily routine, with the secret of my abilities known only to Eric and me. Elara, feeling deeply indebted to us for her miraculous healing, was determined to help out and not be a burden. She approached Eric, asking for tasks, and he assigned her the household chores. I wholeheartedly agreed, as it made life much easier for us. Cleaning the house was a task we often found exhausting, and I had never been adept at it, even in my previous life where I relied heavily on maids.
At dinner that night, as we sat around the table, Eric asked Elara about her past. She shared her story, revealing that she was from a small tribe called Hana, located in the southern region. Her eyes reflected a mixture of nostalgia and pain as she spoke of her homeland and the circumstances that led her to our town.
After hearing her story, I decided to bring up a topic that had been on my mind for a while. "Eric, we need to think about the future," I began. "We're getting older, and soon you'll be starting your own family. I can't rely on you forever. I've been considering starting a trade business. It could be a way for me to see more of the world and ensure we have a stable income."
Eric's face hardened at my suggestion. "Don't talk about becoming a merchant," he said sharply. "Merchants are seen as the lowest class. It's not a respectable life."
"But we used to work with merchants before," I countered, trying to keep my voice calm. "They provided for us when we had nothing."
Eric sighed, his expression softening slightly. "I know, but it's different now. Merchants face constant scrutiny and danger. They have no status, no security. I want something better for you."
We sat in silence for a moment, the tension in the room palpable. Finally, I spoke again. "Eric, I appreciate your concern, but I need to find my own path. If trade is the way I can do that, then I have to try. We can't let society's view of merchants dictate our choices."
Eric looked at me thoughtfully. "If you're serious about this, we'll need to be careful. You'll need to learn the trade inside and out, and we'll have to find trustworthy partners. But I still don't like the idea."
Elara, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "In my tribe, we valued all forms of honest work. Trading was essential for our survival. Perhaps you could start small, here in the town, and see where it leads."
Her words seemed to ease some of Eric's concerns. He nodded slowly. "Alright. Start small, be cautious, and we'll see how it goes. But promise me you'll be careful."
With Eric's reluctant approval, I felt a surge of determination. This new venture would be challenging, but it was a chance to carve out a future for myself and contribute to our household in a meaningful way. And with Elara's support and knowledge, I felt more confident in my decision.
Our conversation that night marked the beginning of a new chapter. As we continued with our daily routines, the seeds of a potential trade business were quietly being planted. Together, we navigated the complexities of our lives, bound by our shared experiences and the hope for a brighter future.