8. A SILVER LINING

The History of Verdemar finally made its way to the library in Tomarang, and Ollie could settle down to read. Unfortunately, the book wasn't very exciting...

After just the first few pages, Ollie realized that it was simply another history book, full of dates and names.

The index did mention the pirate John Wilson Beard Beard, but without a page number or even a chapter where she could look for a reference to him! Who even publishes books like this?! There must be a special place in the flames of hell for people like that.

If only she at least knew when the pirate lived... Unfortunately, he seemed like a ghost, because apart from his name and a few sea legends, she and Zhafira found nothing about him. It was as if someone had deliberately erased every mention of him. So, all she could do was keep reading...

Vanesha: Still on the second chapter?

Olimpia: No, I finally made it through. Now I'm on the third, and it's about the war with the Kingdom of Tartosa.

Vanesha: Sounds fascinating.

Olimpia: Don't even get me started...

Vanesha: Then how about taking a break and grabbing something to eat?

Olimpia: You don't have to convince me.

Olimpia: Zhafira couldn't find anything new on the Simternet. Tomorrow, we're heading back to the caves. Maybe we'll finally make some kind of breakthrough.

Vanesha: I wish I knew how to help. We live in a bit of a bubble here. We don't know much about what's happening beyond the borders of our realm.

Olimpia: You know, I have this vague feeling that the mystery isn't even that difficult to solve. Ugh, maybe if I had finished school... And actually paid attention in history class...

Vanesha: Let's hope the book has the answer.

Olimpia: Yeah... I just need to actually finish reading it first.

That evening, in addition to some fish, Ollie also caught some kind of chest. She decided to inspect it at home. Meanwhile, her dad called to tell her she was doing well and that he was proud of her. It turned out that, somehow, Ollie had climbed all the way to fifth place in the dynasty!

All Ollie wanted was for Bas to put in a good word for her with the family. Her modest attitude made Bastian feel guilty, and he confessed, remorsefully, that he had made Nettie the heir to the dynasty.

Olimpia: Maybe it's even for the best, Dad. Nettie is the more responsible one out of the two of us.

While Bas began to deeply regret his decisions, Olimpia was surprised by how easily she accepted the news about her sister. Perhaps her happiness with Vanesha made it easier, or maybe she truly believed it's better that way. No longer the heir, perhaps people would finally judge her less harshly.

Back home, Ollie opened the mysterious chest. Inside, she found a Focus Potion. She thought it might be worth giving it a try. Maybe it would help her finish reading the History of Verdemar. Almost immediately, she felt a hundred times more focused than usual. The potion worked.

Suddenly, she felt absolutely awful! Was it the potion? Maybe it expired?? Or was it just a coincidence??!! Either way, Ollie had caught something.

After a sleepless night, she went to see Vanesha to ask for any remedy.

Olimpia: Just look at me! Look at the state I'm in! And I've got this horrible cough, too. I think I have a fever as well. And I'm throwing up every two hours! I can't afford a naturopath. I don't know what to do!

Vanesha: It looks like Simoleon Fever. Fortunately, it's not dangerous, although it is unpleasant, I'll admit. The only upside is that you cough up Simoleons when you cough.

Olimpia: You mean I'm getting richer?? Awesome!

Vanesha: But only a little. You're not going to become a billionaire.

Vanesha: Get some sleep now. I'll make you some homemade soup. Take it easy, drink plenty of fluids, get some rest and you should be over it in about three days. And no treasure hunting for now. Besides, cave expeditions aren't recommended in weather like this anyway.

Olimpia: Thank you, sweetheart.

Olimpia really did take it easy over the following days. She also tried to improve her luck and entered the lottery. Winning would solve quite a few of her problems. Unfortunately, not this time.

Olimpia: Maybe we'll get lucky next time, Cay. For now, things aren't so bad. I've already coughed up about 1,000 Simoleons!

Of course, she also spent plenty of time with Vanesha and Zhafira. Vanesha made it her goal to introduce Ollie to the classics of Sim cinema.

Vanesha: Oh no, something bad is about to happen...

Olimpia: What?? Why are you telling me that? Whatever happened to your no-spoilers policy????

Olimpia: I'm not looking!

Vanesha: Hahaha, come on, Ollie, I was just joking!

Olimpia: What?? Hey, don't mess with me like that again!

Vanesha: I couldn't help myself. You were so invested, haha.

Olimpia: Well, whatever. The important thing is that nothing bad happened to him.

Zhafira: I can't with you two. I'm going to my room.

Ollie decided to learn cooking local dishes, under Vanesha's watchful eye, of course.

Vanesha: You're doing great! Now remember, when you make soup in a pressure cooker, you have to release the steam afterward.

Unfortunately, when Ollie released the steam, something sort of... exploded?!

Olimpia: Uhhh... Vanesha?

Olimpia: I think I broke something...

Vanesha: Oh no, I can't believe it. Not again. It's not your fault, Ollie. Look, it's those evil gnomes! I don't know why they keep coming back, always right before Spooky Day! I hate them, I hate them! Just look at this place now. It's a complete disaster!

Vanesha: Where am I supposed to get the money to fix all this, huh?! I'm devastated...

Olimpia: Maybe we can sort it all out together?

So, they got to work. Ollie repaired the appliances while Vanesha cleaned, mopped the floors, and took out the trash. Even Zhafira eventually joined them. Working together, they managed to clean up the mess, although it took a while...

Vanesha: I can't believe we did it. Oh wow, thank you, Ollie. What would I do without you? But now I feel absolutely terrible... Not only are you sick, but you're also renting this place from me! And here I am, taking advantage of you...

Olimpia: Don't be ridiculous...

Vanesha: But it can't be right that you're paying me rent and fixing everything, too.

Olimpia: Remember that you feed me all the time! That's not free, either.

Vanesha: I don't know... It's still unfair. Maybe you just won't pay me anymore? Okay?

Olimpia: Hey, you're the one who makes the rules. I'm just the tenant!

When Ollie woke up the next day, she was finally completely healthy again. And this time, she knew exactly who she'd been having those nice dreams about.

Vanesha: Someone's feeling better, I see.

Olimpia: I sure am, and I'm about to show you just how much energy I've got. Let's get some practice.

Let me take the night, I love real easy
And I know that you'll still wanna see me
On the Sunday morning, music real loud
Let me love you while the moon is still out

*Song: Dua Lipa - One Kiss