Chapter 426 Little Lady
Archer was standing at the center of the shop, surveying the timeworn shelves and the battered wooden counter.
He had the potential to transform the shop, infusing it with fresh vitality, and creating something exceptional that would gain renown throughout the entire empire.
Archer cast Mana Manipulation and directed it toward the shelves and the counter causing the shelves to ripple and shift.
Wood twisted and contorted, reshaping itself into forms he had only imagined moments ago. The counter trembled and convulsed, undergoing a similar mesmerizing transformation.
Shelves morphed into elegant structures, adorned with intricate carvings and patterns that seemed to have a life of their own.
Every piece was distinct, providing ample storage for countless potions and a wide array of other products they would eventually offer for sale.
The counter transformed into a magnificent, polished surface with inlaid designs that danced and sparkled in the ambient light.
It was a work of art, both functional and captivating. Archer's eyes sparkled with a mix of concentration and excitement as he witnessed the wondrous alteration taking place.
The once-ordinary shop was now being adorned with shelves and a truly one-of-a-kind counter.
Upon completing his magical work, a portal materialized nearby, and a group of men stepped through, kneeling before him with a show of reverence.
The man nearest to Archer spoke, "Your Majesty, my mother informed us that you required the shop to be decorated. My comrades and I can swiftly transform it, ensuring it meets your standards."
He acknowledged the man with a nod before proceeding to check on the progress of the Brownies' cleaning efforts while the Dragon-Kin made preparations.
Upon locating the Brownie leader, the little creature bowed respectfully before addressing Archer, "Master Archer, we are nearing completion of the cleaning."
Archer's smile expressed his gratitude as he responded, "Very good. Thank you for your help."
The Brownie leader bowed once more and hurried off to continue their work. Afterward, Archer made his way to the entrance and stepped outside.
Looking at the shop's front, he found it to be in good condition but realized it required a makeover to truly capture the attention of passersby.
With a deep breath, he cast Mana Manipulation again, and the air around him seemed to shimmer with mana.
As it flowed, the front of the shop began to undergo a breathtaking transformation. The weathered wooden sign above the entrance morphed into a work of art.
The windows sparkled with newfound clarity, framed by delicate patterns of ivy and flowers that seemed to bloom in real-time.
Archer's mana wove itself into an ornate wrought-iron railing that encircled the shop, forming intricate patterns of vines and leaves that appeared to sway in an unseen breeze.
The very bricks and stones of the building seemed to come to life, with a rich, warm hue that radiated a welcoming charm.
People on the street couldn't help but stop and gaze in wonder as the shop's front was transformed before their very eyes.
Everyone who saw this stopped in shock as they watched Archer decorate the front of the shop and when he was done he let out a deep breath.
As he stood just outside the shop, his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden noise behind him.
Archer turned to find a small girl attempting to pickpocket him. Her tiny hand reached out toward his pocket.
But his gaze met hers, she froze in her tracks. Realizing she had been caught, she swiftly turned to make a hasty escape.
However, before she could get away, his tail shot out with remarkable agility, snaring the little girl and lifting her into the air.
He brought her close and examined her. He held the girl aloft with his tail and soon recognized her as a Dog Demi-Human.
A rare and persecuted group in the southern lands due to a dark history of war and conflict.
The girl's matted blonde hair and dirt-covered appearance spoke of the harshness of her life, and her big blue eyes carried a deep-seated panic.
He gazed at her with empathy before gently inquiring, "What is your name, little girl? Mine is Archer Wyldheart."
Her hesitant eyes met his, but she remained silent. In response, he produced a handful of truffles, capturing the girl's attention as her gaze fixated on the delicious treats.
A warm smile graced Archer's lips as he continued, "If you answer my questions, I will give you these and more."
The young Dog Demi-Human nodded, her little head bobbing, and finally, she responded to his earlier question, "Stella."
Archer brought Stella closer to him, carefully releasing her from his tail. As he held her in his arms, he couldn't help but notice that she appeared to be around six years old.
Concerned, he gently inquired, "Where is your mother or father?"
Stella paused, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. In a voice that carried the weight of her past, she responded with a soft, painful tone, "They... they died. And the orphanage couldn't take care of me, so they sold me."
Archer's heart ached for the young girl, and he couldn't bear to see her in distress. Without hesitation, he cast the Cleanse spell on her, which initially startled Stella.
However, her fear soon transformed into amazement as she realized that she was now clean and refreshed.
Her big blue eyes turned to him, filled with wonder, and she asked in her innocent voice, "What did you do, mister?"
His expression softened as he gazed at the sweet child. "I cast a spell that would clean you up, little lady."
Stella's response was a delightful giggle, and Archer's heart melted further as she returned to eating the truffles.
Archer pondered a way to care for her and keep her away from the troubles she had gone through before coming up with a good idea.
"Well," he began, "I own the shop behind us. Maybe I could ask my wife if you could work with her and earn some coins?"
Stella regarded his words with a thoughtful expression as he sent a message to Hecate, asking her to join him as soon as possible.
A portal materialized, and the Moon Elf stepped through, her gaze falling upon Archer holding the little girl.
Hecate couldn't help but wonder what her husband had been up to this time. She looked at him with an arched eyebrow and inquired, "What have you been up to now, My Love?"
Archer chuckled, causing little Stella to giggle, as he replied, "Well, I was redoing your shop front when this little gremlin tried pickpocketing me."
He playfully poked her belly, prompting the girl to stop eating and burst into hearty laughter.
Stella squirmed and attempted to evade Archer's playful belly pokes, but he stopped the antics and gently placed her on the ground.
Seeing the sad smile on her face as she realized she was no longer in his arms, Archer quickly scooped her back up and playfully flicked her tiny nose.
She responded with an infectious giggle. Archer spoke with a grin, "I'll hold you for a little while, but don't take advantage of it, little lady."
Stella nodded in agreement, her big blue eyes filled with trust. Then glanced at Hecate, who observed the two with a warm smile.
He noticed Hecate's expression and broached the idea, "Can Stella here help you out in the store? She's an orphan who was sold to slavers, and I'll have to deal with them soon."
The Moon Elf regarded Archer with a nod of agreement. "Eione can teach her to be a maid. It should instill some discipline and keep her close by."
Archer beamed at her suggestion and leaned in to give the elf a sweet peck on the lips before introducing the two.
With a smile on his face, he stepped forward and said, "My lovely Hecate, this little lady is Stella."
He looked at the little girl who was in his arms eating chocolate before speaking. ''Stella this is my wife Hecate she will be running the shop while I'm in classes.''
She nodded her little head before turning to the elf and giving her a little wave before speaking. ''Hello, grey lady.''
When they heard Stella's greeting, they couldn't help but laugh. Archer gently placed the little girl on the ground and extended his hand, which she quickly took.
Archer addressed the curious elf who had been observing their interaction. "I'll take her shopping and bring her back to the shop. Shall we make a bedroom in the treehouse for her?"
She gazed at her fiancee with a hint of curiosity and concern. "Why are you taking in this random Demi-Human child, husband?"
Hecate inquired, wanting to understand his sudden decision. Archer glanced at Stella and pondered the same question.
However, he ultimately shrugged and replied, "Why not? Perhaps she was fortunate to find me on a good day. It's not like I'm going to take in more children."
Archer looked back to the shop and saw the Dragon-Kin working diligently. He continued, "We can train her and provide her with a purpose in life.
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