After following Uncle, we found ourselves at the door of the parlor. He opened the door, and we saw Sophia and Aunt Dorothy in their beautiful dresses sitting on their couches. By the way, Cousin Mark was tending the guests with Uncle.
Of course, Sophia wore the most impressive gown since she was the star of the night. As Aunt Dorothy wore a white dress, my fiancee was clad in a royal blue ball gown.
Her gown was crafted with intricate details and made out of the silk of Queen Evil Tarantula. It was ornate with clear gems that shone once hit by light. Tonight, Sophia was the brightest star among the gems in this jewelry box.
“Good evening, everyone.” As we walked in, Mother greeted them. “And happy birthday to you, Sophia.”
“Thank you, Aunt Mylene,” Sophia responded with a smile.
“There are so many guests I have to receive at the hall,” Uncle intoned. “So I am afraid I cannot join you here.”
“Go ahead, dear.”
After Aunt Dorothy said that, Uncle gave us a light bow before he closed the door. Soon after, I walked forward and approached Sophia.
Sophia had grown so much since she started living with us at our mansion. Physically, she grew up taller and now stands over five feet. Her chest department was greatly developed as well.
Above all, she was a loving and caring woman who cared about her loved ones. Even though I was not being so loyal and definitely hurt her feelings, she still accepted and loved me. I am just so grateful to have someone like Sophia as my wife.
“Happy birthday, Sophia.” I stopped and stared at her and sincerely greeted my fiancee. “May I sit next to you?”
“Of course, Raphael. Come here,” she said, repeatedly patting the vacant space of the sofa, to which I settled myself.
After me, my family took their seats. Mom, Mother, and Gabrielle fit themselves on a setee adjacent to us across the coffee table. As for Big Sis, she sat alone on a single-seat couch facing Aunt Dorothy.
“Have something to drink, everyone,” Aunt Dorothy offered.
“Thank you.” Mother represented us.
On the low wooden-framed glass table, a crockery of porcelain cups, saucers, teaspoons, a jar of refined sugar, a pitcher of milk, and a piping kettle of aromatic coffee were served. I was glad that coffee had been somewhat recognized in this world.
I had been the sole producer and manufacturer of coffee on this continent, so the coffee monopoly was in my hands. I was introducing this delightful beverage into my stores and selling coffee as beans and side drinks for our food products.
Since I was basically doing capitalism, I had the power to control its supply and decide its price. Since it was not well known yet and the tea was a competition, I decided to make it slightly expensive but not too high for common people.
They were actually a few people, mostly merchants and nobles, who came to ask more about coffee. They asked where they came from or how it was made. But I just shrugged my shoulders and ignored them.
“Let me serve you, ladies.” ．ｔ
“Fufu. What a gentleman.”
As a gentleman, I decided to stand up and volunteer myself, then pour in my family’s cups. That was the only thing I did, though; it was up to them if you wanted to add sugar or milk. Once all was served, I poured my cup. I sat back and took a sip of hot coffee.
“Mmm. Hot coffee is really good in winter,” I uttered, savoring its strong flavor.
Everyone heard me, and they seemed to agree, nodding as they slowly consumed their own cup. Coffee had become a remarkable product for them. Contrary to its bitterness, it gave us sweet moments in life.
“By the way, Raphael,” Auntie said. “Is it true that you have discovered and conquered a dungeon in the forest?”
When we conquered the dungeon, I told Sophia that she could slowly disclose the details of its existence to her family. We decided to do that for the reason that the dungeon would be publicized in the first place. We wanted to give the Raeven family the privilege of knowing about the dungeon so that their surprise would be cushioned.
“Yes, Auntie. It is true that we conquered a dungeon.”
“Just wow. That’s a great accomplishment. Sophia said that it’s a pretty large dungeon you got there, and she said that you are planning to build a city on it.”
“Not just a city, Dorothy,” Mother responded. “But we will build a country.”
“What…? Really…?” Aunt Dorothy went dumbfounded.
From the looks of it, it seemed that Sophia had not discussed that matter with them yet until Auntie heard it directly from us. I did not know how Uncle and Mark would react, but it might be like hers.
“Do you really mean that? Establishing a nation was not easy, you know?”
“We know it might be difficult, and many obstacles would intervene with us.” Mom put her cup down. “But we will definitely take them on and overcome them.”
“Well, no matter what you really want to do, we are here to support you.”
“Thank you… Sister.”
“Please don’t call me that way. It’s embarrassing.”
We continued the discussion about the dungeon afterwards. I also told Auntie and Sophia that we needed supplies and manpower for the construction of the city as well as the transportation system.
We got so into the topic that we forgot how fast time goes by. Before we noticed it, dozens of minutes had passed, and the time for the event was about to start.
“Now then, I think we should go now.”
“You are right, Mom.” Big Sis agreed. “We got so absorbed into the talk that we forgot the time.”
“Yeah, so that’s all for this time,” Mother said as we stood up. “See you later, everyone. Let’s meet at the hall.”
With waving hands, we bid farewell—not really—to Auntie and Sophia as we were exiting the room and making our way to the grand hall.