20 Learn the ropes (2)

In the next session, Alfraed showed the new employees how to handle the plants. This included how to carefully touch them, separate the flowers from the stem and also removing -not throwing away- the fruits, efficient ways to cut and in what form, how to cleanse and grind, and put them in vials according to precise measurement.

...The employees paid attention to every single detail mentioned and tried to do it themselves afterward with their employer's guidance, and when the sun tilted slightly from its peak, preparation for a Greater Grade Health Potion was done.

"...Excuse me, boss…"

"...….…Me…?" it took several seconds for Alfraed to react to Lisa's unfamiliar title that was meant for him.

"…Is there anyone else here that can be considered my boss right now?" asked Lisa while making an adorable chuckle.

"…No, I suppose not, what is it?" Alfraed scratched his cheek with his index finger embarassedly.

"Do you know any cheap place to eat around here? You know, in preparation for lunch? If not, I need to go back to make lunch"

"Lunch…Oh, I forget to mention. Lunch is provided"

"Really?! Boss, that's great news! I can focus on the job!" Lisa was ecstatic.

"Lisa, boss Alf is a great cook you know?" added Elise confidently since she had tested his cooking several times.

"Really?! Boss, you're gonna cook for us??"

"No, no, no, I'm not that great. I usually cook for my own enjoyment. But, not today"

Alfraed came to this decision in favour of efficiency. This way, there was no need for his employees to leave the store to have lunch and could resume their work faster.

Then, accompanied by Emma and Evan, Alfraed went to his usual diner to buy lunches for all of them and returned half an hour later. After everyone had their energy restored, they continued their tasks diligently

At five in the afternoon, they managed to produce a Greater Grade Health Potion and finished preparation for another Health and Mana Potion of the same grade.

'...Definitely faster than doing it alone. Yet, still far from the target. Nothing else can be done except doing our best. At worst, I'll present 'that' to the Association...'

That was Alfraed's thought on their progress for today. In the near future he could provide more potions. However, for him, today was not over yet, as an employer, there was one thing he needed to hand over...

"Thank you for today. Here is your payment, one-hundred-and-sixty rune for each person. Please also help me tomorrow..."

"....Boss, can I work longer? I don't mind if I have to sleep in the storage room…?"

"….Ms. Lisa, I'm thankful if you're willing to work longer these two days. No, don't sleep in the storage room for your own safety. I'll prepare a mattress and blanket upstairs then"

"Thank you boss! I'll work hard!"

"I'm counting on you"

"Erm, boss Alf, can I also work longer?"

"Of course Ms. Elise! I really appreciate it! I'll prepare a mattress and blanket for you also, and Emma and Evan can sleep in my room"

Actually, having the two employees work longer these two days was Alfraed's initial intention. But, he was reluctant to bring up the topic on their first day at work. Thankfully, they were the one who brought up the initiative and he simply followed suit.

"Thank you boss Alf. But, where are you going to sleep?"

"Don't mind me. I'm not planning to sleep until the Day of Moon. It's fine..."

".....Boss Alf, that is far from fine. Don't overdo it, please" Elise looked at Alfraed with a genuine worried expression because she knew first-hand what an overwork could do to one's body.

"R-right, I'll get a little bit of sleep now and then" unable to handle Elise's caring stare, Alfraed immediately revised his plan about not sleeping.

After everything was settled, the three continued their work. The new employees could already able to perform with less supervision as they were getting better at doing their job, which made Alfraed happy.

They stopped and took rest when it was time for dinner, and of course, the expenses for foods were covered by Alfraed.

""...We're sleepy..."" told Emma and Evan who were barely able to open their eyes when the time showed nine at night.

Alfraed escorted them to his room, accompanied by their mother, and the two children fell off to sleep the moment they were laid down on the bed.

The two employees finally decided to sleep at midnight, as their concentration could no longer ward off their drowsiness. Meanwhile, Alfraed continued his work until three in the morning. Regardless, they woke up at five in the morning and worked again until it was time for breakfast.

On this day, their pace was faster as the employees were getting used to their tasks and Alfraed only needed to give them minimal pointers. Similar to previous day, his employees decided to work longer and slept in the store once again.

...Finally, the Day of Moon arrived, and at eight Alfraed told his employees to stop working. He then asked them to have proper rest the whole day and came back tomorrow. Of course, he did not forget to give their payments.

"Thank you so much for your help. Here is your payment, four-hundred-and-sixty-rune per person..."

In total, Elise and Lisa each received six-hundred-and-twenty-rune. They were weary, yet, at the same time, satisfied with the result. Moreover, the amount was enough to last them until the next payment day, and the two of them hoped they could start reorganizing their future.

Alfraed planned to go to the Association at ten. There was still enough time to have breakfast and washed his fatigue off with cold shower. Afterward, he went to the Association bringing along one-hundred-and-ten Greater Grade Potions with a pull cart.

"Here goes nothing"

Alfraed confidently walked toward his destination. He would make the transaction a success. No, he needed to make it a success, because now there were employees he needed to take care.