Chapter 106: Catching Up (Part 1)
For the rest of the work day in the shop, I worked on writing out good standard size molds to make for the I-beams as well as some engineering building design principles, so they could design buildings that would be sturdy and not collapse during a snow storm, earthquake, or hurricane.
One researcher was left with me so I could teach him everything about steel buildings. He was initially surprised by my level of knowledge on the subject. I quickly explained that my own researchers did all the development and I just learned how to explain it so I could make a deal with Becca's Father.
By the time we were going back for the day, I was happy that the level of knowledge I gave would be enough to get the ball rolling and have real results soon. As for the springs, a handful of were created in just the first day. Now it would all be about trial and error to find the perfect combination for their products.
Sitting on the carriage ride back to the manor, Becca's Father was really grateful. "Thank you so much for coming to me with these products and for finally agreeing to a deal with me. It will be a great help in strengthening our territory and helping the common people."
I waved my hand, "don't mention it. We are both getting something good out of this deal, so it's a win-win. The real thing I'm excited for now is the talking you are going to have with the family today at dinner. You already agreed to do it this morning. Don't chicken out when the time comes…"
Becca's Father obviously looked a little reluctant. He used his hand to rub the back of his neck. "I know I need to, but it is going to be very awkward at first. When I first bring it up, it will probably shock my whole family and maybe they will even think less of me…"
I leaned over from my sitting position and looked him straight in the eyes. "It is going to be awkward and your family might be unhappy with you in the moment, but the important thing to remember is the end results you are trying to achieve. A result where your relationship with your wife and childs is vastly improved. As long as you can takes this first step today, that end result will be in your grasp."
Becca's Father looked back at me with a light smile on his face. "You are a really good motivational speaker. Did you learn that from your time as Captain of the Royal mages during the war?"
I couldn't admit that all my ability was from watching a ton of motivational YouTube videos during my stressful college days, so I just went with the flow. "Yeah, I had to cheer up many of my mages that were struggling to see any hope."
I feel bad for my stolen valor, but it was the best way to not bring attention to myself.
Becca Father chuckled, "Well you could probably charge people to get motivational advice from you now. I know I have felt lucky to receive your thoughts and advice."
I was happy that it seemed like he was finally accepting me, "Father-in-law, you can always ask me if you need any help or advice. I really mean it when I say we are family."
He sighed, "ha, yes talking to you this week has made it clear to me that you really care about my family and especially my daughter. I am grateful to you. I too will treat you like one of the family from now on."
I smiled at my achievement. "Thanks Pops!"
Becca's Father shock his head while laughing. "Maybe that's going a little too far!"
After we returned to the manor, I said my goodbyes to Becca's Father and headed to Becca's room. When I entered, Becca looked fresh out of the bath with a new set of clothes on. She was currently combing her hair.
Once I shut the door and she noticed I was back, she turned around and smiled at me with bright eyes. "Welcome back, Nick!"
I walked over and sat on the bed next to her. "It was only a day, but I was already missing you, Becca. How did things go on your end? Was your family impressed?"
Becca excitiedly put her hand on my arm. "It went really well! I actually had a match with an old childhood friend who is an intermediate water mage as well and I was able to beat him!"
I frowned slightly, "your male childhood friend?"
The news that Becca had a male childhood friend annoyed me because I always preferred the childhood friends to lovers trope in the romance stories I used to read! I always wanted to have a cute female childhood friend myself!
I wasn't actually worried about Becca having feelings for her childhood friend. She had told me before that she never had any romantic feelings for a person before she got married and the more I got to know her, the more I believed what she said was the truth.
If anything, I feel a little bad for the childhood friend. If he had any feelings for her, it would be entirely one-sided. It must have been tough for him as a kid because Becca was probably as dense as a harem anime protagonist.
Seeing my frown, Becca scrunched her lips as she chose her words carefully. "He is the son of the captain of our County mages, so I saw him a lot as a kid and he was the only person my age to play mages and robbers with back then. I didn't mind too much when he was being arrogant to me and laughing at the fact that he used to like me, but then he also insulted you, so I had to remind him that he is just an insignificant insect compared to you. Please don't misunderstand, I never had any feelings for him."
I couldn't help but smile at her urgency to made sure I didn't misunderstand. I reached over and rubbed her back lightly. "You don't have to get so nervous, Becca. I already know that you didn't like anyone before you met me. I was just jealous that I wish I could have been your childhood friend instead."
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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