17. AD ASTRA (2)

Running the store is going better and better—so well, in fact, that the loan has already been fully paid off.

Akito: So, what do you think?

Nicolas: Amazing! I've known you for so long, and I had no idea you could craft such masterpieces! I'll take this bar right away—I tell her it's from your store, so maybe she won't kick me out!

But sometimes, fate plays tricks on us… and this time, it played a meteorite.

Klara: What the…? OH NO! I need to take cover!!!

Akito: NOOOOO!!!!!

Akito: Please! I BEG YOU! Spare her! I can't do this without her!!!

Grim Reaper: You have done me many favors in this life, Slayer. Now, I shall return one. Your family's founder will live. This time.

Klara: My love! You saved me again!

Akito: You save me every single day.

An event like this changes a Sim. Klara started cherishing her life even more and enjoying every moment—especially those spent with the love of her life. And she also came to an important decision. She retired.

With her extra time in retirement, Klara decided to focus on her other passion—writing books. She now has time to attend more talent showcases, where she reads excerpts from her works. And she already has several bestsellers under her belt!

She also helps her husband run the store, as business is booming. In fact, Akito and Klara had to hire additional staff just to keep up!

Whether it’s Akito’s growing reputation as a craftsman or Klara’s rising fame, the store has started attracting celebrity customers.

Noa Kirel: What a selection! What quality! I’ll buy this right away and feature it on my SimTuber channel!

Akito: Ignacy, I have to say—I’m really impressed with your work ethic.

Ignacy: Thank you! I also have some ideas on how we could improve the store.

Akito: That’s why I’d like to promote you to manager.

Ignacy: A promotion? For me?? I promise I won’t let you down!

Meanwhile, Klara was invited to a fan meet-and-greet at the Britechester Library. She’s simultaneously promoting her latest book, The Slayer and the Ancient: The Underground, and hosting a reading of her guidebook Myths About Writer’s Block.

Fan: How did you come up with the idea to write about a Vampire Slayer’s adventures?

Klara: Well, it all started back in my university days, when I started dating a young man… who turned out to be a vampire…

Then came the autograph session.

The event was a huge success—every fan left completely satisfied!

And over at Akito’s store, more celebrities dropped by, bringing free publicity!

Paparazzo: Mr. El Majbouri, just one more shot from this angle… and a profile view with the store in the background… Oh yes, perfect.

Paparazzo: And now a shot of the storefront. And Mr. Nishimura-Drozd, would you mind if I took your picture as well? …Got it! Thank you very much.

That day, Akito didn’t just gain more fame for the store—he also completed his My Own Business aspiration!

Nicolas: Well, well, well, what’s this news I’ve been hearing? Congratulations! Maybe I should grab something for my living room—before the prices skyrocket after all those press articles.

Akito: Be my guest! I just finished a new living room set.

Nicolas: I’ll take it! Just… hey, hey, don’t go crazy with those zeros—you’re not that famous yet.

Klara is feeling inspired—she’s been writing novel after novel for the past few days. What was supposed to be a trilogy, The Slayer and the Ancient, has now expanded to six books, with the last two making it onto the bestseller lists. That means she’s completed another aspiration! And as if that weren’t enough, she’s also been nominated for a Starlight Accolade for her latest work!

The Awards Ceremony took place in San Myshuno.

Host: And the next Starlight Accolade goes to… Octavia Moon! Applause!

Klara: Applause! (whispers) Now I’m starting to get nervous.

Akito: Come on, you’ve got this. You’re going to win.

Klara: Congratulations on your win.

Octavia: Thank you! Wait… are you Klara Drozd? Oh my plumbob! I love your books! I just know you’re going to win! I’ll be rooting for you!

Klara: Now I’m really nervous.

Filip: Mom, relax, there’s still two hours of ceremony left.

Host: For masterful storytelling and literary excellence, the Starlight Accolade for Best Book goes to… Klara Drozd!

Klara: I can’t find the right words to express my gratitude. Thank you so much to my family and friends for all your support! And a huge thank you to my fans!

Zoe: Congratulations!

Filip: See, Mom? I told you you’d win!

Akito: A toast to my wonderful, talented wife! I have something for you—you should have gotten this ages ago, but I was hoping the game would update your traits automatically. You haven’t been an insecure Sim for a long time now.

Klara: A Re-Traiting Potion? Oh, thank you!

Akito: And I’ve got one more surprise for you.

Klara: A Celebrity Tile? But I only have three stars.

Akito: I nominated you for one—it’s a new mod the Watcher is testing.

Klara: And I really can…?

Akito: Go for it!

As of now, Klara’s literary achievements include 26 books—an autobiography, six volumes of The Slayer and the Ancient, a children’s trilogy inspired by her granddaughter Maja, various other fairy tales, and numerous self-help guides and textbooks.

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