A/N: This is my very first fanfic for not just Rune Factory 5, but for the Rune Factory series in general. It's also a belated birthday present for one of my best online friends, Durotos! Sorry I couldn't get this out sooner. Being sick with a cold really didn't help much. Anyway, I hope you all like it!
The smell of warm, freshly baked bread and pastries topped with cool icing graced Priscilla's nose as she walked into Sweet Hearth, the only known bakery in all of Rigbarth. The sound of the little golden bell tinkling above the door made her smile fondly. She could already see Yuki using a set of steel tongs to put round loaves on the wooden display tables by the window. At this point, the trays were already full, displaying all kinds of bread. Baguettes, pretzels, rolls, breadsticks, croissants, dark rye bread, bagels, brioches, challahs, pumpernickel, and so on. Randolph was at the counter, using a rag to wipe some dust off the cash register.
Yuki looked up from the display and flashed a smile in Priscilla's direction, her kind face a whirlpool of wrinkles. "Good morning, Priscilla!"
"Good morning, Granny Yuki. Morning, Randolph," Priscilla chirped back with her usual pep and gave a friendly bow.
Randolph removed his chef's hat and held it to his chest. "Is there anything we can help you with today, lass?"
"Well…" Priscilla folded her hands together, fingers intertwining with one another, as she tried to put her thoughts into coherent words. After a brief period of rumination and fumbling, she steeled herself and spoke. "I was wondering…Granny Yuki? Since you started making and selling clothes here now and can't always run the register, would it be okay if I offered to help you and Randolph in the bakery?"
Both Yuki and Randolph exchanged wide eyed glances at one another before their gazes flickered back to Priscilla. Uh oh. Priscilla felt a pit in her stomach. Were they shocked or angry? She knew they weren't the type to lose their temper, but one could never really know, even if she had known them for a long time. Already, she began to regret asking that question. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea.
"Might I ask what brought this on?" Randolph asked.
"Well…since Juniper joined SEED a while ago, Lucy and I don't have much to do in the Silo anymore, so we thought, maybe…" Priscilla couldn't figure out why she suddenly seemed so shy around Randolph and Yuki, who had been everyone's surrogate grandparents for as long as the couple lived in Rigbarth. But Priscilla steeled her nerves and continued. "We could try applying for a job. So…"
Upon hearing this, Yuki flashed a smile. "I don't see why not. We'd be happy to have you work for us!" She proclaimed, clasping both hands together. "It'd certainly make things a little easier around here."
Randolph's snow white mustache flared outward as he grinned. "Yes, that would be splendid. You can run the register at the counter or help me knead the bread," Randolph suggested.
Priscilla's mouth fell slightly agape. That turned out a lot easier than expected. Granted, Randolph and Yuki had always been nice and amiable, and they knew Priscilla for a long time, so she presumed they trusted that she'd be able to handle working at the bakery. Still, the fact that they hired her on the spot sent warmth through her chest, and her cheeks reddened as she smiled.
"That's wonderful! I promise I won't let you down!" Priscilla chirruped. "I have a lot of experience from helping Elsje in the restaurant, so I can at least help with the baking."
Her older sister owned and worked at the Lackadaisy restaurant, having done so for a few years now. When SEED wasn't shorthanded, Priscilla often helped Elsje in the kitchen whenever necessary. Of course, that changed when Fuuka came into Rigbarth and Elsje hired her on, so the latter started doing more of the cooking, even when she previously complained that doing so took too much effort. Then again, Elsje claimed everything took too much effort. As happy as Priscilla was that her older sister got more help around the restaurant, she had times when she missed helping her out. But now, she had something new to look forward to.
The elderly couple told her she could start tomorrow, and Priscilla was all for it. As she left the bakery, the gold bell rang its halcyon chime as she closed the door behind her. She walked back home with a new spring in her step, humming all the way to her house. Priscilla couldn't wait to get started.
Her shift began at precisely 9:00 AM, which was reasonable enough, as unlike her older sister, Priscilla had always been an early riser by nature. Randolph and Yuki showed her the ropes as much as they could, though since Priscilla had some idea on how to use a register and baking bread, they tried to give her some space to see how she'd fare. But there were some things they offered to teach her, like cake decorating. At one point, when Yuki was at the register, Randolph was in the kitchen with Priscilla, showing her how to decorate a cake using a piping bag.
"Now squeeze the bag gently," Randolph advised.
Priscilla held the tip of the piping bag towards one of nine vanilla cupcakes. With a gentle squeeze of the bag, brown chocolate frosting spiraled out, with Priscilla slowly circling it to make the swirling shape.
"Release the bag once you're done," Randolph told her. Priscilla pulled the bag away and stopped squeezing it.
"I did it!" Priscilla's chest swelled with pride.
"Not bad for your first try," Randolph beamed, scratching his mustache with his flour dusted fingers. "Do you think you can decorate the rest of the cupcakes?"
Priscilla gave a vigorous nod. "Sure I can!"
With new zeal in her heart, Priscilla tried her hand at decorating the cupcakes on her first day on the job. She had to admit, it was surprising how well she did on her first try. Experience in the restaurant didn't always translate to working in a bakery, and Priscilla's sister always handled making desserts, no matter how much she complained about it. Priscilla knew she couldn't afford to get overconfident. For now, it was better to take things slow. Eight cupcakes were dolloped with frosting, with only one more to go before she was finished. Priscilla lifted the pastry bag to decorate it, but didn't realize that she had squeezed it while pointing at herself. Some chocolate frosting spurted out, making a big mark on the apron Yuki had lent her.
"Ahh! Oh no!" Priscilla yelped as she slapped the pastry bag down on the counter. But to her dismay, the frosting stain on her apron was about the size of two baseballs. It didn't get on her own clothes, but her previous zeal had dwindled into sorrow.
"Is something wrong, Priscilla?" Having heard her yelp, Yuki ambled into the kitchen.
Priscilla's cheeks flushed red from guilt and shame. "I-I'm so sorry, Granny Yuki! I got frosting on the apron you lent me…" She stammered, unable to look her employer in the face, mentally preparing herself for any punishment the older woman wished to dole out. Granted, she knew Yuki wasn't the type to get angry easily, but one could never really know.
Of course, no such punishment came. Yuki simply flashed a reassuring smile in her employee's direction. "Now now, dearie, it's nothing to get upset about. That's what an apron is for, to keep your clothes from getting dirty," Yuki told her. "Besides, it's nothing a run through some water and good soap can't fix. There's plenty of other aprons on the hangers if you want to use one of them."
Yuki pointed to a hanger bolted onto the wall next to the flour bags, and sure enough, three large aprons dangled from the hooks, all worn and messy from age, use, and exposure to whatever would leave stains on their fabric. Although she still felt bad about getting frosting on her apron, Priscilla at least appreciated that Yuki understood it was just an accident. Yuki knew Priscilla well enough to know that the pink haired girl would never do something like this intentionally. Priscilla then discarded the apron she wore and swapped it out for a different one, going right back to decorating the last cupcake. This time, there was no mess.
After putting the cupcakes behind the glass displays, Priscilla was sent to the counter to use the register, ringing people's purchases and providing the appropriate customer service when needed. At one point, a man with dirty blonde hair with orange tips ambled into the room, his silver and gold armor making subtle scraping noises as it clinked against the wooden floor. His crimson, fur-trimmed cape fluttered behind him as he walked past the register, shooting a smile and a greeting in Priscilla's direction.
"Salutations to you, Priscilla."
"Good morning, Reinhard. Are you looking for anything in particular today?"
Reinhard bent down to adjust a seam in his pants before answering. "Lady Beatrice has expressed an interest in raisin bread, so if you happen to have it in stock, I would like to put in an order for it."
Raisin bread. An easy enough order to fulfill, and Randolph had just put some out on the display. "You're in luck, because we have some at the ready!" Priscilla announced. "I'll go get some for you," She trotted over to the display, using some tongs to put it in a plastic bag. Once that was done, she went back to the register to ring it up. Reinhard paid for it straight away, and Priscilla handed him the bag with a smile.
"I hope Beatrice likes it," Priscilla mused.
"As do I. Thank you very much for your service," Reinhard told her before waving and leaving, his fur-trimmed cape still fluttering behind him as he closed the door.
Priscilla couldn't believe her luck. Her first customer, and she was able to fulfill his needs with aplomb. Once again, her chest swelled with pride. Of course, it was still early in the day, so this was only the beginning. She knew she couldn't sit on her laurels just yet.
Sure enough, more customers came and went. Priscilla helped some of them, with Randolph and Yuki offering assistance whenever possible. When the clock struck noon, Priscilla decided this was the perfect time to take a lunch break. Yuki seemed to agree, as she and Priscilla retired to a room that was filled to the brim with clothes and clothing racks. There were wooden tables all the way in the back, one covered in sewing materials and a sewing machine, and the other being completely empty. Randolph manned the register while Yuki and Priscilla nestled themselves in a corner of the back room.
"So how are you liking the job so far, Priscilla?" Yuki asked as she pulled a sandwich out of her lunch pack. Priscilla noticed she had some cherry tomatoes and lettuce stuffed in there as well.
"I really like it a lot!" Priscilla chirruped before taking a bite out of a sweet potato. After she finished chewing, she went back to talking. "It turned out a lot easier than I thought it'd be, though I'm sure not every day's going to be like that."
Once Yuki finished a bite of her sandwich, she flashed a smile in Priscilla's direction. "Even so, I think you're doing fantastic so far, especially considering it's your first day. You've taken to working here like a duck to water."
The rose haired girl averted her eyes, her cheeks flushing red from the praise. Priscilla gave a low hum in response as she went back to eating the rest of her sweet potato. Idly, she looked up to stare at the rows upon rows of clothing hanging on the steel racks. Billowing dresses trimmed with frills and lace, with the skirts almost touching the floor. Freshly ironed tuxedos and suits, with some having boutonnieres pinned on them—probably fake and made of fabric. Skirts with delicate, watercolor floral patterns. Wizard coats and capes donning celestial designs. In all the time Priscilla had known Yuki, there had been no inkling that the nice elderly woman had any interest in fashion or taking up sewing and making clothes as a career. Then again, Priscilla had never really asked.
What better time to ask than now?
"Granny Yuki? What made you decide to start making and selling clothes?" Priscilla's blue eyes remained locked on the rows of clothing as the question stumbled out from her mouth.
Yuki tapped her long, wrinkled fingers on the wooden table as she pondered Priscilla's inquiry. "I don't think I've told you, have I? The thing is, I've actually always wanted to pursue a career in fashion. My mother taught me how to sew clothing for my dolls when I was younger," Yuki began, taking a quick bite of a tomato before continuing on. "And it wasn't long before I transitioned into sewing my own clothes when I felt like it. I found it very relaxing and fun."
Priscilla could definitely picture that happening. She imagined a younger version of Yuki sitting in a bedroom, using a tiny sewing machine to make clothes for her dolls, smiling all the while.
"But back in my day, times were tough, and my family and I couldn't afford much in the way of luxuries," Yuki explained. "We weren't poor or anything, but we needed to scrimp and save as much as we could, so I had to help out at the bakery most of the time."
The old woman gave a subtle sigh as she munched on some lettuce. Priscilla sat in silence, wondering just what kind of life Yuki lived previously. A part of her was glad that Yuki didn't have to deal with being completely penniless or subsisting on the streets. Just thinking about it made her shiver.
"And since the bakery's been in my family for generations, I was expected to inherit the business after my parents retired," Yuki said, brushing a gray strand of hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear. "I didn't particularly mind, as I enjoyed working there. Still do, as you can see. But over time, I had slowly forgotten that I even wanted to pursue a career in fashion at all."
Forgetting about her dream completely? Priscilla couldn't prevent her jaw from falling open. "You really just…forgot?" She asked in disbelief.
Yuki gave a chuckle. "Maybe forgot wasn't the right word. I guess you can say I just…accepted things as they were and moved on," She clarified.
Even though the smile on Yuki's face when she said this implied that she truly was fine with it, Priscilla felt a pricking sensation in her chest. She couldn't imagine forgetting something so important. It just seemed too sad. Then again, she knew she wasn't exactly one to talk. Priscilla couldn't remember the events that caused her to be afraid of leaving town, no matter how hard she tried or how much she wanted to. Fear worked in mysterious ways, and she couldn't help but feel ashamed about not being able to remember something so important. Granted, forgetting something traumatic and forgetting a dream someone had were two different things.
"After I took over the bakery, I met Randolph and…well, the rest is history in that regard," Yuki continued on. "One day, after our children moved out of Rigbarth, he had asked me if there was anything I really wanted to do."
"Like, with your life?" Priscilla asked.
"Yes. He said, 'If there's something you want to do, like a hobby or a dream you weren't able to fulfill, I don't see why you can't do it now, and you know I'll always support you every step of the way.'"
Yuki glanced towards the table behind them, pointing to the sewing machine. "See that sewing machine over there? After Randolph asked me that, I was cleaning my closet and found it hidden behind the hamper. It was then that memories of sewing my own clothes came rushing back like a tidal wave."
So that was how it happened. A smile creeped across Priscilla's face as she imagined Yuki rediscovering her dream by way of a happy accident.
"After giving it some thought, I consulted Randolph about offering tailoring services and selling clothes here."
"What did he think? Was he opposed to it?"
Another chuckle escaped Yuki's wrinkled face. "Not at all. He was actually very happy with the idea. After that…well, I think you can see how that story ended."
The rows upon rows of clothes on metal racks told Priscilla all she needed to know. From all her years of reading books, it still seemed shocking to Priscilla that happy endings didn't always have to involve princes sweeping princesses off their feet, or defeating a dragon. Sometimes a happy ending could be something simple, like rediscovering one's passions and taking control of one's life.
"That's really nice. I'm glad you were able to fulfill your dream in the end, even if it took a while," Priscilla said, feeling warmth creep into her cheeks as her eyes cast down to her woven basket.
"It's funny. When I was a teenager, I used to lament that I'd never be able to do what I wanted or fulfill my dreams. But when you become an adult and find that you have more freedom than you used to, it turns out all you really did was put them on hold."
It was easy for Priscilla to figure out what Yuki meant. Yuki couldn't fulfill her dreams as early as she wanted to, but was eventually able to do so later in life. There wasn't a time limit or deadline when it came to doing what one wanted with their life. Priscilla herself was only sixteen, able to do more than she used to, but there were still things she couldn't do, even if she wanted to. Maybe, when she got older, she could figure out what she herself wanted, and an opportunity would present itself. It didn't have to be right now.
Yuki stood up from the table. "Well, I think it's time we head back. We don't want Randolph to get overwhelmed, now do we?"
Having long since finished her lunch while listening to Yuki's story, Priscilla closed her basket and stood up, following her boss into the bakery with a smile and new zeal in her heart.
Business slowly picked up over the course of the day, and Priscilla manned the register once again. At one point, she accidentally tripped and fell on top of some bread a customer had ordered and felt terribly about it, but Randolph was able to give them another piece off the display area, even offering it on the house. Although Priscilla still felt guilty about destroying a customer's order, she was at least happy they all understood it was an accident. Things went smoothly after that. When the clock struck 2:45, Priscilla was counting the money in the register when an energetic voice called out to her.
"Priscilla!"
The pink haired girl looked up and beamed as she recognized the customer in question.
"Lucy!"
A girl with ash brown hair skipped over to the counter with zeal, her turquoise dress shirt fluttering as she made her way towards her friend.
"Hey! Look at you runnin' the cash register like a boss!" Lucy flashed a proud grin, her turquoise green eyes gleaming.
Abashed by the heaps of praise, Priscilla averted her gaze, casting her blue eyes down at the register. "It's still only my first day on the job. It's not that big a deal."
"Aww, don't be so modest, girl!" Lucy exclaimed. "Everyone's been going on and on about how much of a good worker you've been already!"
Rigbarth was a small town, so news and gossip often spread like wildfire, usually with Yuki being the one starting it up. Or maybe the customers Priscilla assisted told everyone about it.
"So how's your new job at Serendipity going?" Priscilla asked.
Serendipity was the name of the general store in the area, near the inn. Originally, Terry had manned the store, but he had since transferred ownership to Misasagi and her family. Lucy had mentioned wanting to take up a job there since Misasagi took over.
"It's going a lot better than I thought!" Lucy answered cheerfully. "Guess what? They put me in charge of selling the fish!"
Priscilla clasped her hands together. "That's wonderful! You sure like your fish, so that had to be a nice surprise."
"I know, right? Hina's been teaching me the ropes, and I gotta say, she kinda has me beat in terms of naming all the fish breeds and stuff! I might have to challenge her to a fishing contest some time."
Of course. Everything always had to be a competition to Lucy. Not that that was a bad thing, as Priscilla knew Lucy always loved the thrill of a fun contest. "Good luck with that," Priscilla said.
The bell over the door gave a light ring. Upon hearing this, Lucy's eyes shrunk. "Oh, right! Don't wanna hold up business. Do you have any hamburger buns on sale?" She stammered. "Julian's been itching for a good burger."
"Sure thing!"
Back in business mode, Priscilla directed her friend to where the hamburger buns were, and Lucy paid for them right away. "Thanks! You keep making that dough! I'll catch you later!" Lucy waved goodbye before zipping out the front door, making the bell ring louder than usual.
Priscilla held a hand to her mouth to stifle a laugh. The dough pun almost knocked her for a loop, but she found it pretty funny. Lucy's pun helped her to relax a bit for the rest of the day ahead.
Thankfully, business began to slow down until closing time. When the clock hit 6:00 PM, Priscilla was hanging her apron when she heard Randolph's boots behind her.
"Great job today, Priscilla," Randolph told her, flashing a smile before presenting her with some coins and bills. "Here are your wages for today."
"Oh!" Priscilla gingerly took the money into her hands and counted it. "This is so much more than I expected. Are you sure?"
Randolph removed his white chef's hat and held it in both hands as he answered. "It's no problem at all, dearie. Yuki and I have worked and saved for our entire lives, so we're pretty financially secure. Now you be careful getting home, y'hear?"
The money felt almost heavy in Priscilla's hands, like a treasure she had unearthed after years of searching. Priscilla's chest swelled with pride. It was almost surreal, being compensated for her work, mistakes and all. Unable to contain her joy, Priscilla smiled sweetly as she stuffed her wages in her dress pocket.
"I will. Thank you so much. I'll see you tomorrow then, Randolph."
"You have a good day, my girl!"
Unbridled joy fizzed in her whole being as Priscilla skipped out of Sweet Hearth, the bell ringing behind her as she closed the door.
Once she got home, Priscilla knew exactly what she wanted to do next: She went into her room, pulled out a book, and sat on the couch in the living room, losing herself in a romantic fairytale novel she liked. Reading had always been a great way to unwind, with today being no different. Her pink braid trailed over the armrest as she laid down on the couch, reading chapter after chapter. She did hear the front door creaking, looking up to see an older woman with wavy gray hair with pink tips amble into the room, looking like she was about to collapse.
"Uuugh. Sooooo tired," The woman groaned.
"Welcome back, Elsje!" Priscilla greeted her right away before getting back to her book.
"Hey Priss," Elsje pulled a chair out from underneath the table and sat down, her legs going limp as she slipped out of her high heeled work shoes. "Man, the restaurant was just packed today."
"I can imagine. If you want, I can cook dinner for us tonight," Priscilla offered, slipping a bookmark into some pages before closing her book.
"Would you? I'd totally appreciate it," Elsje said.
Priscilla wasted no time getting to work, figuring cooking up something quick and simple would be the best way to go. Stir fry would probably work, as she could just throw in a bunch of vegetables, mix it with olive oil or honey, and cook it over a fire for about ten minutes. Enough time for Elsje to rest for a bit. Since they didn't have any honey stored away, Priscilla settled on using olive oil. As she started cutting up carrots, Elsje stood up from her chair and walked into the kitchen.
"By the way, word on the street is that you're working at Sweet Hearth now," Elsje said. "Lucy mentioned it to me earlier."
"I am. I even got paid on my first day, too," Priscilla replied as she moved the carrots into a plastic bowl. She pulled out some strips of cluckadoodle meat and slowly began to slice them into thinner pieces.
Elsje flashed a small but pleased grin. "Good for you, Priss. My baby sister's really growing up."
Baby sister. Priscilla couldn't help but bristle. She knew her big sister was just trying to be nice, and appreciated the praise, but she was getting too old to be called baby sister. "Keep that up and I'll have to make you wake up earlier."
Elsje let out a mock groan. "Oh noooo. You're soooo cruel to me," Elsje deadpanned. "Whatever shall I do?"
Priscilla gave a giggle before going back to cooking. It wasn't long before the cluckadoodle stir fry was done. The two sisters sat at the table, eating their food in peaceful silence, satisfied with how their days went. Elsje rested her chin on both hands as she paused eating, staring at Priscilla with her tired amber eyes.
"Hey Priss?"
"Hm?" Priscilla was chewing on some broccoli, so she didn't want to talk with her mouth full.
"Do you wanna go out to lunch somewhere this weekend? To celebrate getting your first full-time job, I mean," Elsje suggested.
Were her ears playing tricks on her? Priscilla could barely believe what she just heard, almost dropping a piece of broccoli. Did Elsje actually want to take her out to lunch somewhere? Usually she complained whenever she was tasked to do just about anything. Even when Elsje offered to do things, it was never without groaning or complaining about how much effort it took. But Priscilla knew her sister. Even under her veneer of constant exhaustion, she knew her sister was always kind. She always took the time to celebrate her younger sister's accomplishments, no matter how small they were.
Nervously rubbing the back of her neck with her free hand, Priscilla's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Sure! I'd love to! But yeah, it'd have to be on the weekend. Can't go out during my shifts, y'know?"
Elsje gave a slow, agreeing nod. "Yep. Gotta make the dough somehow."
The two sisters broke into merry laughter. Today had been simply sublime, all because Priscilla took an opportunity that presented itself and snatched it with her own two hands. Even if she didn't know exactly what she wanted to do with her life as of right now, maybe she would in time. Yuki got to fulfill her dream in the end, so who was to say Priscilla couldn't do great things as she got older? She had all the time in the world to figure out what she wanted to do, so there was no rush.
For now, Priscilla was perfectly happy with how today turned out, and she was sure tomorrow would be even better. A journey always started with a single step, and if that step was getting a full-time job, that was good enough for Priscilla for the time being.
