A New Opportunity

Waking up early, Mira got out of her bed. Having slept pretty late she had difficulty to actually when she woke up. However at this point, she got used to it. It had been over a month now that she had to adjust to this new schedule. Ever since her mother got ill, she had to work overtime in order to save enough for the medicine.

Being in her mid 20s she had not many options for work. So in the end she had to enter the service of a rat gang. Initially she worked as a tavern maid, serving drinks to the coming patrons. However ever since she asked for more times, the owner recommended her to a brothel. There she could get extra paid for other services she provided.

Having not much of a choice, she had to accept this offer. For the past month, she had to provide various services to the patrons of the brothel.

Today was not a much of a different day. First she walked over to her mom. Entering the room, she saw that her weak body was lying on the bed. Seeing this scene, she felt sad, as there was nothing she could do. If she would be able to bring her to some doctor, maybe they would be able to help her. However that service was rather expensive and someone like her would not be able to afford that. Even getting an appointment would cost her over 5 gold. This last month, the money she saved up from the brothel was not even 1 gold.

Thinking to herself, "Maybe if I keep this up for a year, I can save enough to help her. However will she be able to make it until then? Her condition is looking worse and worse every day." Feeling rather emotional about the thought, she kissed her mother on the forehead before saying her goodbye. With that she headed out of the shack that they lived in walking towards the city to get some groceries.

…

Walking down the streets, Mira started to wonder about how her live was going. Even if her mother would survive, she would still have to sell herself in order to maintain the current income. Currently in her ill state, her mother isn't wiser about the job that Mira is doing. But when she gets better, who knows how she would react. And even more, would the Rats even allow her to leave whenever she wants? Those were all questions and problems that Mira currently faced.

Yet she had no other choice. She would make it somehow and in the end get out of the shit hole that she currently was in. With that determination her in her mind, she walked towards the city center.

As she got closer to the center of the city, she saw a crowd gathering in front of the notice board. There were a lot of whispers. Trying to listen in, she heard words as "Sounds delicious." And "I wonder who is going to win."

Curious about this, Mira walked forward and asked one of the people who were talking, "Excuse me, what is going on? Why is everyone so excited?"

The woman, who got stopped by Mira, looked at her. The look on her face grimed as she saw how Mira was dressed. However not saying a negative word, she replied, "There is a competition starting soon."

Before the woman could finish her word, the town cried read out the notice one more. "To the attention of the citizens of Valencia. To celebrate the opening of a new store, the owners of the "The Harvesting Bed" and "The Everyday Trinket" are organizing a cooking competition. The winner of this competition will get 10 gold as well as the title, "Cook of Valencia". Moreover, the top 5 of the competition will get various prices as well as a job offer at the new store that will be opening. The competition will take place in 7 days at the city center. Everyone can participate. You can sign up at "The Golden Fruitcake" two streets down the road."

After the crier spoke those words, everyone started to whisper and talk between them again. Mira heard various things.

"I am sure that Agatha should also participate, she can cook delicious food."

"I wonder how delicious the food will be."

"Do you think that the nobles' cooks will also participate?"

Ignoring the majority of this, Mira got excited about the price. If she would be able to win or at least place at a high position, she would be able to pay for the treatment of her mother. Maybe it is worth taking a look at the sign up and ask about the competition requirements.

Having made up her mind, Mira headed over to The Golden Fruitcake to sign u and try her luck in the competition.

…