I poked my head around the corner and sighed as I spotted another group lounging in a secluded alcove. I wasn't surprised, but the small hope within me was snuffed out again, and that was disheartening.

  Turning on my heel, I took a couple of steps to make it back to the path I was meandering along before my naive hopes were rekindled, and I continued my way through the halls and courtyards of the open-air multistory complex. This particular wing of the Ponpti Market had developed quite the appeal in recent days.

  Now, that focus could be any number of things, such as the accident, food, and personal service of the employees, but I personally believed it was due to Kanieta hosting her little presentations and selling unique wares in this location. Quite the insight on my part, I know, but that's what you get after years of becoming a scout…

  In all honesty, though, I thought she was going to wander around the city, set up a stand or stage in some square, and preach to the passersby about whatever it was she talked about. Maybe that was what she imagined doing as well, but Senator Ponpti made some excellent points during the breakfast the day after their party.

  With the threat of the dark elves, wandering around a city where any number of dangers could exist wasn't a great idea. More importantly, the quality of the people and their willingness to interact with Kanieta wasn't a given. Then he went on to talk about how the Kin and Letairry were already the talk of the town, so establishing a specific location where they could be encountered would make people come to them. A location like the merchant quarter, where individuals could reasonably visit for any number of reasons and happen to walk through the complex before exploring what the fuss was about, well, that had potential.

  Good points. Excellent, really, and they had proven prophetic. In a handful of days, the Ponpti Complex had gone from being a place where a few of the younger generation passed through with their friends out of curiosity to a gathering spot for the patriarchs of families. Most of whom were hoping to purchase some of the Kin wares that were currently all the rage within the nobility.

  Even with the cargo ship of goods that Kanieta had shipped to Olimpia as we were leaving the Triad, the supply was severely limited compared to the demand. Though with their storage devices, I kind of doubted the supply was as bad as she let on to the good senator.

  Regardless of the truth, Kanieta was using the expectation of a limited supply quite creatively to drum up more interest in what she was selling. The foxkin informed the nobles that, to stretch her supply until another shipment arrived, she was only going to sell a limited number of items per day.

  Instead of selling those items to the first people who showed up, she gave everyone tickets and put them into a drawing where they would be able to buy something if they won. Although that wasn't the end, as the winners who were allowed to hand her obscene amounts of coins were then put into a second lottery at the end of the day, where they had the chance to win a projector and recorder, as they were the most coveted items.

  Of course, that wasn't the end of the matter, as it was ripe for exploitation, and several more stipulations had to be put on the drawings. Only the person who received the ticket could use it, and if they weren't around for more than ten minutes, then another name would be drawn. Given the level of individuals involved, every step of the process was routinely screened and overseen by Inquisitor Keeper to prevent any accusations of corruption.

  The effect on the nobles was that as Kin products began appearing at parties and social occasions to be shown off, they grew in demand. As such, it became common for many to spend most of their days within or around the Ponpti Market, hoping to win the lottery and make a purchase. To the point that the number of people allowed in was starting to be limited, as things were becoming too congested.

  Leaving me in the position of having to wander around the complex, hoping to find some corner where I could sit down and relax. At least for as long as I was able. I really had no choice other than showing up here, because I had unwillingly stumbled into a position of mild importance.

  "Ahh, Scout Green," Said a sweaty man who stepped in front of me. His clothes stuck to his body, and a strong scent of floral perfume wafted off him, attempting but partially failing to hide the sour stench of his sweat. He wasn't particularly overweight, but he was not handling the heat well, and dark circles were under his eyes. "You do not know me, but I am Merchant Hokter. I represent a small trading company named Hokter & Sons, and I would be in your debt if you present this to Ambassador Kanieta on my behalf."

  Looking at the letter, one of dozens I had been handed recently, I looked back at the man. Then, I glanced around, finding us in the center of one of the buildings' many courtyards, with no one within earshot.

  There were dozens of people, most of whom I couldn't even recall the names of, who were supposedly in my debt, but I had yet to see any evidence of such claims. And I was tired of being nothing more than a messenger.

  I understood why people, at least the smart ones, were spending the time to approach me. Though I guess many could simply be underestimating the intelligence of the Kin, but that would be their own undoing. In light of the wares the Kin could provide, news of many merchants setting sail north was raging across the city.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  If they had spent a moment to think on the matter, they would have realized that going north without a letter of introduction was idiotic. There was no way they would be able to get their hands on the miraculous devices Kanieta was displaying. They were specialized goods that took skilled craftsmen to make. Did the merchants and petty nobles really think they could walk up and demand that the Kin sell the wares to them?

  Sure, some similar, if lesser quality items would probably show up in the Bankside Market, but they wouldn't be something that a high noble would want to own. Additionally, I doubted that they would be able to purchase the lesser goods in sufficient quantities for it to be a worthwhile trip, especially with the number of people who would be arriving there to compete.

  Long explanation short, anyone who wanted to be able to sell large quantities of Kin goods needed Kanieta's help, at least for the foreseeable future. To get her help, when they lacked the status and connections that would allow them to enter the company of a high-status senator, they needed a back door, which was me. Annoying, but understandable for those attempting to make a living and were desperate to strike it rich.

  Looking the man in the eyes, I made a decision. "I'll give that letter to the ambassador, and I'll even attempt to persuade her to offer your company special access to sell restricted goods." The man brightened at the words at first, but as I continued, he became suspicious and started eyeing me, looking for the catch. "However, I want… twenty percent of your company in exchange."

  “Yo— You have to be joking, right? I have heard much about you, but I haven't heard that you have a sense of humor." Spluttered the man, his face going pale with panic as his plan fell apart. "Haha, this is a joke, right?"

  "Well, if you have heard about me, you would know I am anything but a jokester," I said, my face flat and emotionless. "To make myself clear, I will explain what I see. You do not belong here. Whether you had to call in every favor to your name while spending half your coin on bribes, or you simply snuck in, I don't know, nor do I care. What is clear is that you are desperate and intelligent enough to see a possible way to make a crazy dream come true. A combination that will either see you soar to new heights or see you collapse into an impressive inferno."

  As I spoke, the man's face shifted to panic, then a cold calculation overtook him, and his eyes glinted as he took me in as more than just an elf. And that raised my opinion of him more. "I am willing to bet you will rise. However, you will never do so without my help. For that, I want twenty percent of your company."

  The merchant paused, then spoke confidently, "I cannot do twenty percent. But I can do ten. However, it will be contingent upon you being able to follow through on your claims of acquiring me a written introduction to her people and access to restricted items."

  "I will agree to the percentage change, but the requirement for restricted items to acquire the shares is too far. The shares are for me to approach Kanieta on your behalf to begin with. I make no promises of success. However, if you can approach Kanieta on your own or have someone else to introduce you, go right ahead and keep your shares." I waited for a moment, watching the man's jaw clench as he struggled to think of anything that would get him a better deal, but I was not going to give the merchant time to think.

  Moving to step past the man, I only made it even with his side before his hand snapped out, grabbing my upper arm. "I agree."

  "Wonderful," I said, turning back to him. "Now, if you can write down the terms of our agreement in a written contract and find me by the time I leave, I will be happy to take your information and present it to the ambassador."

  "I will get right on that." The man said before scurrying off, the light of determination in his eyes. While he appeared reluctant to offer more than he had to, the merchant was able to move on the next moment and focus on what was necessary for his goals. In my opinion, it was a desirable trait for a merchant, especially one who I would receive some of the profits of his hard work.

  Almost skipping down the path, my mood considerably lifted, I hardly even noticed where I was going. I continued wandering around the open courtyards and hallways, which led to vaulted chambers containing all manner of businesses. I walked among nobles who were eyeing displays of clothes and others seated around open-air cafes. Rounding a corner as I headed toward a bridge, I came across a shop specializing in intricate tableware, located next to a store selling exotic pets.

  "Green!" exclaimed a cheerful voice I recognized, causing me to turn. Walking up the intersecting walkway, I saw White being followed by a couple of large men carrying crates.

  Seeing my look, she glanced over her shoulder and said, "My mistress is planning on throwing a party, and since I was coming here anyway, she told me to pick up an order for a bunch of plain ceramic plates for a game." As she finished speaking, she slid her arm into mine, glancing up at me with a bright smile. "Pay them no mind, as they will be returning to the estate."

  She put slight pressure on my arm, and, used to it by now, I turned back the way I was going, heading back to Kanieta's courtyard. "So where did we leave off yesterday?" White asked, her tone light.

  "You were telling me about how you hitched a ride on a merchant's cart after you served as a campworker in the Seventh Legion," I responded, my tone idle.

  "Ohh, is my story not the compelling saga you were expecting? Too bland and ordinary for the girl to go to the legions, then slip off to Olimpia dreaming of possibilities?" She teased.

  "Well, you know what they say… It's not the story, but the teller." I got an elbow in my side for that comment, and she went on to explain how she arrived in the capital and started doing odd jobs to get by, while looking for a husband. She happened to land a job as a server at a high-end cafe, and that was where she met her mistress a—

  "Green," Kanieta said, her voice cold as she glanced between me and White. "I see that you found your childhood friend… again."

  "More like ran into her," I shrugged indifferently. The foxkin was going to say something, but White spoke up, cutting her off, slipping her arm out of mine, and stepping forward.

  "Ahh, Ambassador Kanieta, I have been meaning to speak to you for a day or more… Can we perhaps find somewhere quieter?"

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