This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.
The original was posted on /r/hfy by /u/Mista9000 on 2026-04-23 19:36:27+00:00.
This a week we get sweets, sours, and a lewd offer from someone that should know better at the very first Founding Festival.
A wholesome* story about a mostly sane demonologist and his growing crew, trying their best to usher in a post-scarcity utopia using imps. It's a great read if you like optimism, progress, character growth, hard magic, and advancements that have a real impact on the world. I spend a ton of time getting the details right, focusing on grounding the story so that the more fantastic bits shine. A new chapter every Thursday.
**Some conditions apply, viewer cynicism is advised.*
Map of Pine Bluff
Map of Hyruxia
Map of the Factory and grounds
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First Chapter
Prev -------- Next
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There was a polite knock on her door, and Kessy ran to open it. She stared at Lenelope. The noble miss wore a flowing gown of lace and imported linen. It must have cost her an entire month’s stipend.
Only three bows on the whole dress. I have more than that on each stocking. Hah!
“You look very pretty, Miss Lenelope. Did you have that dress made special for tonight?”
“Yes, I was told it was the social event of the season! I must be seen at my best. I don’t know how you can wear silk, after learning where it comes from. What if there are eggs in it or something?”
Kessy ran her hands down her sides; she wore a jewel-red silk dress. It was a simpler cut than Lenelope’s but hers had eighty-five bows. And the fabric had a subtle pattern of bows, which counted as even more.
“Oh, I asked about that! Their eggs are the size of potatoes, I’d notice them! No eggs!” Kessy did a twirl.
“Hmm, none that we can see! Do you think there will be gentlemen at this event? I’ve never been to a small town party, and I honestly have no idea what to expect.”
“Yep, well as much as the town has fellas like that. Oh, I bet the Baron and the Count will be there! But you know them?”
“I know the Baron quite well, we traveled together, and we were seen together at a prominent Jagged Cove Gala. I sent the Count a letter introducing myself the other day, but I haven’t yet gotten a reply. What sort of man is he?”
“I super don’t know! Probably nice, since his town is nice? But probably fancy, since he’s a real Count? His wife is the most beautiful woman I ever seen. The fanciest too! The first time I saw her she had twelve bows on her dress. I ain’t seen anyone with that many before then.”
“There is far more to fashion than the number of bows, but I am intrigued. Do you think she needs a lady-in-waiting? Why am I asking you? Let's go. I can ask her myself.”
Kessy put on a light jacket and headed into the cool evening.
They left her palace-apartment and walked through the empty courtyard to the street. Everyone was already at the Dorf Excavation for the festival. They got to the tram stop and waited.
“What’s this about anyway? I assume the founding of Pine Bluff, all those generations ago?” Lenelope asked.
“Nuh-uh, it’s new! The founding of the new Pine Bluff. One year ago today there was a big battle and a special flash that made all the Inquisitors vanish, and then the Mage and his golems could build the town. There used to be a town here, but dirty and normal, but then there wasn’t, and now there is!”
“I’m not at all sure that I follow.”
“It’s all in a mural in the Welcome Centre! This happened before I came to town though, I ain’t a real local! Just a goblin girl!”
Lenelope frowned, “I don’t know what that is. How would the Light smite the Light’s chosen? That makes literally no sense. And who could possibly celebrate the death of protectors of the faith? Is this just going to be some demon worshipping thing? Like high mass but for evil? Low mass? Oh no, underground mass?”
“Maybe, but I don’t think so? I ain’t been before neither. But I bet it’s just free food and music and maybe competitions? I been to the Midsummer Tourney and it was a lot of fun, and nothing bad happened, and everyone was super nice.“
The tram arrived, and they got on. It was nearly full, so they had to share a bench, their dresses bunched up between them.
“That’s reassuring. They do strange things here,” the older girl commented.
They discussed simpler subjects, like the fashion they saw, the foods Kessy looked forward to, and Lenelope explained in detail how to hold a tea cup like a lady.
The tram stopped near the Mage’s factory, by the grand entrance to the Dorf Excavations. There was a tent shrouding something in the park by the entrance, and the whole area was covered in tiny suspended mage lights, like glowing dew on spider webs.
“Oooh! So magical!” Kessy said as they wandered towards the crowd. She could hear harps and lutes play, but mostly it was the ruckus of hundreds of people laughing and chatting.
“Far more magic than any event I’ve been to,” her friend conceded. “Strange that Jagged Cove has all the mages, and so little of the magic. I can only assume they’re all bitter old fossils that would rather turn to dust than decorate a community dance. Do you think there will be dancing? I do hope there is.”
Kessy shrugged. She was good at the wild, reckless dancing she’d been doing since she was a happy toddler, but had no idea how ladies in gowns danced in ballrooms.
Likely a lot different. Less jumping, more eyelash batting. And rules. Oh, and special steps!
There was a row of vendors at the edge, mostly older folk, selling knickknacks and snacks. Kessy found one of her favorite bakers in no time. “Good evening Mister Grinolf, your table smells so good!”
“Lady Kessy! You honour me! I have something new! Want to try it?”
“Yup! Tart please!” She held out both her hands.
“Let me know what you think, it’s made of something the dorfs grew deep in the caverns, they’re calling it thorned acid-fruit! A single plant grows a single fruit and it takes most of a year! They’re very rare. The fruits even grow armour!”
Kessy turned over the tart in her hands, smelling it. It had a piercing, sharp-sweet smell. It was unlike anything she’d ever had. She didn’t love the sound of the name, and took a tiny nibble, out of concern for the thorns and acids.
It tasted even better than it smelled, utterly unique, which was intoxicating in its own right. She took another big bite, now that she was emboldened. A bigger chunk of the fruit this time, and it was fibrous and incredibly sweet.
“Well? What do you think?” he asked.
“So good! The name's terrible. No thorns or acid in the tart. Least so far. They should come up with a better name. Maybe Pinebluffapple?”
“Hah! No shortage of things to name after our town! I’m glad you liked it! Does your friend want one?”
“Thank you, no. I am fine,” Lenelope replied.
“Missin’ out!” Kessy said with a full mouth. “Wanna meet some boys? Them up ahead are about your age, and are kinda handsome. They are meanies and jerks though.”
“Hmm, not exactly what I had in mind when I said gentlemen. Oh, who’s that talking to the Mage and Baron Steelheart over there? Is that the Count?”
“Umm, yep! I think so. Looks like him?” Kessy said, still licking her fingers.
“Wait here, I shall make my introductions. He is Baron Steelheart’s liege, correct?”
“Yup, he’s the lord of the whole area!” Kessy ignored the order and tagged along.
“–can speak after the Count,” Baron Steelheart said to the Mage. “Or maybe we can have a second event where people that want to hear more specifics can– Oh, let's book that talk into a full lecture for the academy, next week?”
“Erm, I rather think there is a place for details, and the nuance very much matters,” the Master Demonologist countered. “Besides, it’s really no bother, I have– Oh! Kessy! Welcome to the festival! Forgive me, I’ve forgotten your name, Miss, how are you adjusting to our town?”
“I am Lenelope Tilhorn, my lords,” she curtsied deeply. “I am honoured to make your acquaintance, Count Loagria.”
The Count regarded her. “Well met, I’ve been meaning to reply to your letter of introduction, but I’ve been rather busy this week.”
“Think nothing of it, I only just sent it.” She curtsied again to the Mage, “I am discovering just how much I have to learn. There are a great many mysteries laid bare, and my head spins every day.”
“The first thing an apt mind loses is certainty! I am glad to hear it,” Mage Thippily replied.
“Wise words. I strive to grow, everyday,” she vowed.
Kessy stared at her friend. She was acting nothing like normal.
What is happening?
Baron Rikad waved them away, “You’ll have to excuse us, girls. The Count’s keynote is about to start, but I’m sure we’ll see you around.”
The men returned to their heated discussion, and the girls wandered back into the festival.
Lenelope looked pleased, “Do you think the Countess will–”
“Since when do you talk all sweet and delicate?” Kessy demanded. “I was sure you were gonna yell at the Mage about the spiders and Academy!”
They found a bench and sat. The music was loud and the night smelled intoxicatingly like burnt sugar and exotic spices.
“Speaking eloquently to lords is the very heart of being a lady! Have I taught you nothing? No one likes to hear complaining, so one mustn’t ever complain ...
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