Chapter 18 Brandon's Shenanigans

Rosaria's sharp gaze fixed on the Echinacea. Its tangled, gnarled shapes triggered memories of Michael's expedition into the rugged mountains. He had discovered these Echinacea and brought them back to the homestead, where they remain undisturbed. The horses had yet to eat the earthy allure despite its appeal. "Not bad, folks. This is a medicinal herb. I can't get into the details right now, but once we're done digging, process them and bring them to my place to weigh them out. I'll pay you all." "Ken, how much you payin' per pound?" "Yeah, that's what matters." Petunia and Rosaria cared little about the purposes of these items; their eyes gleamed with the prospect of making money. They valued their paydays, with Kenneth holding all the cards. As long as the money kept flowing, they were on board. "Ten a pound." "Ten a pound?!" The announcement knocked the wind out of the women. They were too pumped to find the words. With just a few sweet potatoes, they could dig up enough to gather a full pound. By taking them back and carefully processing them with water, they could make ten per batch. It was an undeniably profitable opportunity filled with potential. "Of course, I have a few conditions. We will expand our operations gradually, digging up this type and others." Kenneth expertly unearthed a plant of Isatis Root. "Recognize this herb? This one goes for fifteen a pound." "15 per pound!" "Ken, you better not be messing with us!" "Yeah, Ken! If you trick us, we're all coming after you!" Petunia, Rosaria, and the others surveyed their surroundings, their eyes widening at the sheer abundance of herbs Kenneth had pointed out. The landscape was filled with abundant herbs, offering an endless supply for the taking. They would be swimming in money if they dug up all these herbs! This would undo a whole year's worth of work! "I won't let you down, folks. Now, watch closely as I show you how to dig up these two types of herbs." Kenneth expertly demonstrated the steps and then stepped back to let them begin. Medicinal herbs needed to remain intact to retain their properties. Kenneth made it clear that everyone must handle them with extreme care. These herbs were precious, and they couldn't afford to make any mistakes. "Don't leave anything behind. If it's small, leave it be for now." "Don't worry, Ken. We've got this covered!" "Yeah, these herbs are our new love." Petunia and Rosaria beamed, their smiles stretching ear to ear. They meticulously removed the Echinacea, using small hoes to loosen the surrounding soil. Every muscle strained as they carefully unearthed each herb. Around them, everyone else was just as focused on the task. As Kenneth watched their dedication, he felt a deep sense of relief. "Case, stay here and keep an eye on things. If anything major happens, sound the alarm, and everyone scatters." "Got it, Kenneth." "Ken, we know this forest like the back of our hands. Don't worry about us," another reassured. "Yeah, if you've got business to handle, go for it. We've got this covered," Petunia added confidently. Earlier, she overheard Michael mention that Kenneth was looking for a few boats to fish at Brighter Lake. "Alright, then. I'll head over to see Mr. Bergstedt first." As Kenneth emerged from the mountains, he noticed three figures standing on the riverbank: Michael, Dylan, and Ryan. The Cadman brothers. Legend has it that Brighter Valley was established by two individuals with the surname Cadman, which led to many villagers sharing that name. Dylan and Ryan, the Cadman brothers, were of Kenneth's generation but more than ten years his senior. They were respected in the community due to their honesty and down-to-earth nature. "Ken, I heard about your plan. Can it help your aunt and the others make money?" Michael, who had been the village chief for nearly a decade, was impressed. Even with all his experience, he hadn't come up with something like this. "Absolutely," Kenneth replied confidently. "I stand by my word." "Impressive, Ken," exclaimed Dylan. "You've already found a way for everyone to make money just two days after returning to the village. You've got real talent!" "Absolutely! Our Ken is highly educated and has returned from studying abroad. He has the skills we need," Ryan added, full of admiration. "Haha, Dylan, Ryan, no need to envy anyone else. If we pull this off, I promise everyone will make money," Kenneth said confidently. "Ken, are you serious?" Michael asked excitement in his voice. "Of course. But why are only Dylan and Ryan here? Where is everyone else?" Kenneth wondered, puzzled by the absence of other men from the village. The relentless heat made it hard to believe everyone was occupied elsewhere. "I mentioned your plan earlier, but they didn't seem too interested," Michael admitted bluntly. "Understandable," Kenneth nodded sagely. Freshly returned to the village, he knew he lacked the credibility to sway everyone immediately. He realized that actions would speak louder than words if he aimed to earn their trust. "Forget about him. Is this boat sturdy? If it capsizes with us in the lake, we're in trouble," Kenneth joked. "Haha! Ken, relax. This here's the only iron boat in our village," Dylan boasted. "Ryan welded it up in town, and it took us seven or eight hours to haul it back here." After all, such perseverance wasn't typical among everyone. Regrettably, upon returning to the village, the Cadman brothers returned empty-handed from their fishing trip at Brighter Lake. Upon Kenneth's return, the boat finally proved its worth, which was quite surprising. "Alright, you all hang tight. I'll fetch the nets from the car and meet you at the lake," Kenneth instructed. "Ken, don't worry about hauling. Ryan and I can handle it," Dylan assured confidently. Turning to Mrs. Bergstedt, he added, "You go with Ken to fetch the nets." "Okay," she replied, nodding in agreement. Due to the narrow road, the cargo bike couldn't reach them. Shortly after, Kenneth and Michael arrived at the lake, each lugging one of the three large nets. The eight-meter-long iron boat easily accommodated their party of four. "Ken, where should we set up? We can't risk casting the nets in the middle; the currents are too strong. They'd wash away," Michael cautioned, drawing on his decades of experience watching over Brighter Lake. "Let's head to that cliffside spot with the backflow below," Kenneth suggested confidently.