Chapter One

Spring, Year One

A low rustling sound from a nearby bush drew his attention away from the river. He had been contemplating his reflection in the crystal clear water. His thirty-seventh birthday, weeks away, felt like his seventy-third birthday, despite the youthfulness of the man looking back at him from the water's reflection. All on the surface, Klaus thought, and turned to look at the bush behind him.

Using the toe of his boot, he prodded the foliage and a fat white rabbit hopped away. Klaus smirked. Brilliant. I'll make a perfume that smells like a rabbit. He sighed and slipped his hands into his coat pockets. No luck tonight, old man. Perhaps tomorrow.

Klaus, a renowned perfume maker, had clientele from various countries and continents. His perfumes were sought after by princes and princesses, kings and queens. Nature had always been a source of inspiration but as of late the forest surrounding Oak Tree Town had felt empty. The town's stagnation was spreading, he believed.

Klaus Wolff was born in Oak Tree Town. The house that he occupied had become his at seventeen when, while away at boarding school, his father passed away. His mother had died some years before. His parents had loved Oak Tree Town and, as Klaus believed, the town was deserving of their admiration. Hardworking individuals, now dead, had built the town from the ground up and their children and children's children now occupied the space. Oak Tree Town though, no matter how magnificent, was like a diamond hidden away in a safe; it deserved exposure.

From what Ms. Veronica had told him, the exposure was soon to come. She'd brought in a bright and energetic young woman looking to start a farm. The young woman's farm was, as he understood it, supposed to bring in more vendors, more people, more wealth, more exposure, and more influence. He hoped Ms. Veronica was right. His livelihood depended on it.

Without turning on the light, he entered his home and removed his coat, hanging it on the back of the chair at his desk. The new farmer was due to arrive in the morning and he needed sleep. Sighing, Klaus changed into his pajamas and fell into bed, a strip of moonlight from the window lying across his face. Get some sleep, old man, he thought and, turning onto his side, fell into a deep slumber.

[...]

At his desk the next morning, Klaus's focus was on his work. The glass vial in front of him held an experimental concoction of lavender, wildflower, and citrus. The smell was pleasant but still not quite right. A knock at the door made him turn his head.

"One minute," he said and stoppered the vial. He rose and turned toward the door. "Come in," he called.

The door opened and a small woman, with long golden colored hair, stood in his doorway. She wore green work clothes and had a rose-colored hat on her head. Her hair was pulled into a loose, low ponytail. Despite the physical distance between the two, he immediately noticed her scent.

"My name is Minori. I just moved here." She walked up to him and held a small hand out.

Klaus hesitated, inhaling. She smelled sweet, like ripe raspberries and honeysuckle. The smell, though intoxicating, was pure and innocent, with an undertone of naivety that spoke of inexperience.

Clearing his throat, Klaus took her hand in his and kissed the back of her fingers. "Yes, Ms. Veronica informed me of your arrival. Welcome to Oak Tree Town. I'm Klaus Wolff. If you have any questions, please ask me anytime."

"Thank you, Klaus-san." She bowed, wafting her lovely scent toward him. "I should be getting back to Madam Eda, but I'm pleased to make your acquaintance." Minori smiled and, turning on her heels, left, closing the door behind her. Klaus moved to the window and watched her retreating figure.

Once she was out of sight, Klaus returned to his workstation and picked up a quill. Honeysuckle and raspberry, he wrote. He rubbed the feathery quill against his chin. He felt a budding anxiety in his stomach, a sign that he believed to be the beginning of inspiration.