- Day 15 -

Errands

I'm pretty sure Kate did this on purpose. Sending me to fetch meat and produce from the morning market rather than let me assist in the chores is totally her method of getting what she wants while allowing the other party think they've won some small concession. I swear that woman is both sexual deviant and control...

What does that say about me!?

I decide to drop that chain of thought before a terrifying revelation about myself is revealed and instead focus on the task at hand as I've not been to the morning market yet so I'm kind of excited to see what's there.

"Master, it's just over there."

Oh, Hannah chose to come with me as well. I was surprised too, I mean, I am surprised?

...Eh, what does it matter? I'm in a weird operating mode this morning, probably because there's too much going on up in here.

The morning market is located just after the Merchant quarter and a little north of the slave quarter. Basically dead north-north-east of the front door. It's closer to the slums than anything else, so I'm enjoying the leisurely paced walk with Hannah in the crisp morning air.

It's still very early, so a lot of stalls are still being set up when we arrive, but there's lots of little stalls dotted around in a big open square area surrounded by houses with farmers, fishermen, huntsmen and the like selling their stock at each of them. There doesn't look to be anything fancy here, rather, it seems to be just basic materials and ingredients...

Oh wait, this must be wholesaling.

These people are the suppliers for the shop owners who process this stock into products to sell on. That explains why everything is so cheap and why it's all unprocessed goods... I wonder if there are any alchemy suppliers here!?

Hold up, I'm forgetting why I'm here... First I need to secure what Millie needs and then Hannah and I can stroll about sating my curiosity!

...

- Purple Coin Chest -

--

Gold King Coins x131 -> x130

-- - Copper King Coin x2 -> x12 -

"I think that's everything Master. Shall we head back?"

*blink*

"Millie said there wasn't a rush so let's have a look around now all the stalls are set up. I might be able to find some herbs and roots around here."

"For alchemy? Hmm, I think the old mister by the fountain sells that stuff."

Hannah points towards the centre of the market before walking off in that direction. I naturally follow behind her until the stall she's on about comes into view.

I shamefully feel my pulse race as it is indeed filled with various ingredients that can be used in alchemical concoctions.

The selection is small, but the quantity and quality are beyond expectation; All fresh and no more than two to five days since picked! All of these ingredients I've not seen before, I wonder where he collects them from? [Herbalism] is telling me their properties, so my head is currently spinning with hundreds of new recipe ideas.

...I should probably still be looking for established recipes first though as pure experimentation will eat away at my money reserves fast. Best to work to recipes so I can at least turn a profit before potentially washing it all away...

"I'll take them."

The old man looks puzzled.

"I'll buy everything you have here at the price you're asking. I'd also like to set up something with you where you visit me in the mornings you come to sell your wares if possible?"

He still looks confused? Perhaps he's senile..?

"...Is that okay?"

After a few seconds, he manages to collect himself and nods before asking for 1 gold 12 silver which I hand over to him before storing everything on the stall in a crate he supplied.

*blink*

Inventory: 51 / 99

- Large Wooden Crate x1 -

- Purple Coin Chest -

--

Gold King Coins x130 -> x129

-- - Silver King Coin x15 -> x3 -

"I live in the shop on the merchant square. If you come to me first before coming here to sell your wares, I'll pay a premium of say 10 silver?"

The old man nods while shaking on the agreement with a smile before waving Hannah and me off as we begin to head back through the market...

Flipping heck, this is the same feeling I felt while gathering ingredients on the way to the Capital. I really am a hopeless herbalist... but so many wonderfully new plants!

*Sigh*

After thoroughly exploring the market, we decide to head back towards home when we encounter Samuel, the alchemist shop owner. No doubt he's here to look for alchemical supplies, though he's a little late.

"Oh, Aburi Draconis, how unexpected. How fares you friend?"

"I'm good Samuel, thanks. What about you, doing the morning shop?"

"Indeed I am, and marvellously, thank you. I've been meaning to drop by to see you again actually, there are some interesting rumours floating around about you."

"Oh? Pray tell."

"Are you working for the magistrate on something court related perchance?"

Someone has loose lips... but this looks to be a fishing exercise on his part, seems the details haven't got around yet.

"I'm consulting on something, but it's honestly nothing exciting. It seems my alchemy skills are in high demand here."

"I’ve no doubt in that, they are impressive Draconis, I've never seen anything even comparatively close."

"You praise me too much Samuel and please, call me Aburi."

He seems to be pleased to be on a first name basis. It's strange, but he doesn't have a family name under [Scan], so I'm assuming he was an orphan? Quite the success story if that is the case.

"Very well Aburi. So, what brings you to the morning market if I may inquire?"

"Ingredients and a small errand for a friend. You?"

"Ha, pretty much the same actually, although I'm meeting Sir Trove shortly, the current merchant head. He has a proposal he’d like to discuss."

"Oh, sounds lucrative."

Samuel starts chuckling.

"My hopes precisely, the man has a golden touch I tell you Aburi, anything he takes on sees a massive profit for all involved."

"So I've heard. I will hope for your success Samuel."

"Thank you Aburi... I'll be sure to mention you, should it be something worth your time."

That most likely wouldn't be good for your health Samuel, please don't...

"Ah, don't worry about me Samuel, I've too much on my plate as it stands. Truth be told, I'm struggling between setting up my shop and the consulting work with hardly a moment's rest as it is, but I thank you for the consideration. It's nice to know I already have friends here in the Capital."

"Of course Aburi--"

"Tell me something though, if I was wanting for known alchemy recipes in this kingdom, where should I look?"

He pauses for a moment, looking deep in thought before scratching his chin.

"Recipes huh... I have a small collection of rarer texts that might be of interest, but the library contains most of our kingdoms known alchemical and medicinal recipes. If you like I can have Devan delivery my books later today for your viewing?"

Jackpot!

"I would be very grateful Samuel, but I would insist on doing something for you in exchange."

"Please Aburi, you would not believe the mountain of gold I've been making from those EXP tonics. This is the very least I can do."

Suddenly, it occurs to me why William Trove would be wanting to meet with Samuel.

"Then you have my thanks once more... Regarding those tonics, I actually have a proposal for you, if you’re open to it."

"Oh?"

"Yes well, since arriving in the Capital, I've had to deal with a large share of racism from certain, now identified factions that operate here--"

"That's terrible Aburi...but I'm ashamed to say not surprising. I mean our Kingdom is certainly more progressive than our neighbours, but we still have our share of problems."

"Well, it's going to be difficult for me to sell high-profit items like those tonics because of it, so I was wondering... Would you be open to being the sole proprietor and cut me in for a share of the proceeds? You would have to pretend to be the one creating the tonics though and keep my involvement out of it lest they target you too. It would be a massive favour and risk, so I understand if you'd rather not."

Though no sane person would flat-out reject my offer at face value, but a cautious one might ask for time to think about it.

I'm basically offering him a monopoly where he gets to set the price on something that will be in high demand for a simple share of profit and no competition. The premise of my offering is a little flimsy, but it should hold up if he's too greedy to care.

"I don't know what to say.. Of course I’ll do this for you... but I insist on a sixty, forty split! You've been nothing but overly generous with me, so I insist you see sixty per cent of all sales!"

I guess you really are genuine Samuel in your friendship, but you fail as a merchant. You haven't seized the opportunity to make more profit nor have you seen through my lie. I feel awful about this now, but he'll be safer this way, and I'll have yet another ear on William Troves operation.

"I cannot accept that Samuel, you're doing me the favour here. If you won't take a bigger share then at least settle for an even split."

Samuel gives a giant smile before practically launching his hand at me.

"Very well Aburi. Let's make mountains of gold together!"

"Indeed."

We shake on the terms, and I leave Samuel to head off to his meeting. This should insulate me somewhat.

"Sorry Hannah, that was unexpected."

She shakes her head.

"Watching you work Master.. it's interesting."

"Oh? How so?"

"Well..You completely played him didn't you?"

Hannah... Well, isn't this unexpected. I find myself betraying my thoughts by smiling at her boldly like some proud parent, so I nod.

"Let's head home."

I think I know who I'll have running the shop when I'm not around...

We arrive back at the house, and I hand Millie her requested items before heading outback where Bella, Risk and Gruff are all training.

Bella looks hungover as usual, but Gruff doesn’t seem to care as he’s taken on the role of drill sergeant, barking orders at the both of them.

I couldn’t help but laugh at Bella’s pained face, to which I immediately felt regret as Gruff turns his attention my way and I’m forced to join in.

After a long and gruelling warm up, I’m given zero time to catch my breath before Gruff has Risk generate me a spear.

“Risk says you like to gamble with your life youngin--”

*Sigh*

“I don’t gamble, and I only take chances when--”

Without any warning at all, Gruff and Risk both launch simultaneous attacks at me. Gruff bare-handed while Risk with a short sword.

I should just [Warp] away, but I've been looking for how to talk to Risk and if this is what it takes to repair his fragile little heart, so be it. I’ll take the beating!

Hmm. Gruff from the left, Risk from the right. If I dodge backwards to create space, I’ll get blasted by Gruff’s vocal skills, and if I launch into Gruff, Risk will hammer my flank with his speed.

No choice then, I’ll take the weaker opponent.

I dart forward towards the approaching Risk's left side, closing as much distance as quickly as possible to keep Gruff in clear sight. My short spear is practically useless in a fight like this without a shield, so I turn it sideways and hurl it full force at Risks chest.

The weight, coupled with my throwing force did precisely what I had hoped, forcing him to put all of his weight into bent knees, using his sword to block and bracing it with his left forearm.

Naturally Gruff isn’t about to let me see my initial plan through as I glimpse him plant himself firm.

Well, mistake number one. If you’re allowed to use skills, so am I.

*Zip*

I [Warp] behind Gruff almost instantaneously and firmly plant my right knee into his fully exposed ribs while grabbing his left shoulder.

Hey, I’ll take the advantages where I’m given them, and I’ll feel no guilt for doing so, especially against those who piss me off for getting involved in something that doesn't concern them.

I felt the crack so without letting my foot return to the ground, I [Warp] back beside Risk.

He’s already recovered from the shock of me abandoning the weapon mid-fight, but it seems he wasn’t prepared for me to [Warp] back so close while weaponless and uses [Flash] to create some distance.

I collect my weapon from the floor while watching Gruff pick himself up, wiping the blood from his chin.

I fully expect to lose this fight, but I certainly won't throw it!

I watch Risk as he silently looks to Gruff.

Well, it’s pretty obvious what’s coming next, and the only counter I have to [Flash] would be [Warp], so this is going to get interesting. Of the two skills, [Flash] is clearly the faster skill whereas [Warp] was probably never intended to be used the way I’m using it, as it normally comes with a chant. It’s technically magic after all.

...If I had to guess, Risk is going to dart at my left as he knows I watched his fight with Gruff yesterday and thinks I’ll be expecting the right. He’ll likely stop short though and instead generate a weapon for Gruff, who will have crossed behind his path before bearing in on the right.

The only reason Gruff would have come at me barehanded from the start would be if he only planned to play the support role in this little charade. Since I've crippled him by cracking that rib, he won’t be using any more vocal skills, so it’s the obvious choice if he still intends to fight.

...I assume the whole point of this exercise is to try and show me I can’t counter everything. It’s a piss poor attempt at a lesson that I am already acutely aware of--

Looks like they're ready. Here we go.

Risk nods to Gruff and begins his charge, which sure enough, is to my left side.

I deliberately keep my eyes on Risk and move to engage him.

No sooner does he close the gap does he put all his weight into jumping backwards to generate a giant axe above him, before using [Flash] to create more distance.

As he used [Flash], a loud and intensely agonised grunt followed by the clumped thud of the axe he just generated hitting the hard ground echoed in his ears, while the image of me standing over a toppled Gruff burned in his eyes. The confusion displayed on his face is only to be expected as I doubt Risk believe me to wholly predict a plan deployed without a single word.

The events unfolded precisely as I predicted them to, so as soon as Risk jumped away, I crouched down out and warped into Gruffs path. I braced the pointed end of my short spear into the ground before kicking the shaft towards Gruff, forcing the blunt end into Gruff’s stomach, impaling him with his own velocity and giving him an agonised grunt.

Truth be told, I did try and also catch the axe but embarrassingly missed it by a hair's breadth...

The confusion and disbelief on both Risk and Gruff’s faces is amusing though I honestly didn’t think I would get this far either.

“It’ll take more than this to beat me guys.”

I say arrogantly and deliberately of course. In all honesty, it may look like I’m winning, but I’ve barely dented either of them with the exception of that rib. I’m taunting them both while hoping Risk falls for it and make mistakes.

“You have an answer for everything don’t you.”

“No Risk, but I do think things through, far more than you give me credit for.”

Gruff lifts himself up while patting his stomach before collecting my spear and throwing it to me.

“I assume you’re throwing this to me because you want to continue? Just so you both know, I’m fully aware I’m out-matched in physical combat. I would have normally unleashed my full arsenal by now or ran--”

“Who’s stopping you?”

Gruff says while smiling widely and lowering himself into a sort of southpaw stance...

I look to Risk who’s looking at Gruff.

...Seems my taunt affected the wrong person.

“Argh, enough already. Risk, apologise! You know you’re wrong here so just get on with it!”

I completely forgot about Bella who has been watching the whole thing from behind me this entire time…

“Look, I get the lesson Risk, I can’t predict everything right? You’re trying to say I shouldn’t walk recklessly into an overwhelming force believing I can win..."

No response.

"I’m sorry, but you just don’t seem to understand that I only take fights I know I can win or easily run from. I assessed everything before choosing to engage those damned goblins, and sure enough, we won without issue because everyone played to their strengths and we stuck to my tactic. I don't gamble on fights Risk--”

Not anymore anyway, queue the ogre one last time.

“--and I only took on this farce fight because I thought you’d both hammer me in seconds, speak your peace and we could move on. I certainly didn’t expect your teamwork to be so easy to read, let alone get the drop on Gruff not once but twice.”

*blink*

“For the rib, I know it’s cracked--”

I throw him one of the painkillers I kept.

“I seem cocky right, that’s what’s pissing you off? Or is it that you think I’m going to get everyone killed?”

“Both...”

He speaks.

“Risk, come on. I don’t know what more I can say. If nothing else, I’ve clearly shown all of you I don’t rush into anything without a plan, can we at least agree on that?”

Risk shrugs before nodding expressionlessly.

I spin the spear and stab it into the ground before walking towards the door.

“Then I’ll leave tempers cool. We’ll talk once you’re ready.”

I head back inside before continuing on over to the tavern. Kate gives me a mild smile as I walk past. I guess I’m wearing my mood.

"We're not serving customers just yet. Foods still cooking."

"That fine, I'm meeting someone. Could I get an ale while I wait?"

The slave girl nods and serves me before leaning in and whispering to me.

"He's upstairs in the usual room. You don't have to worry about being seen"

Heh? I see my bribe money is being put to good use.

I nod and head upstairs, taking my drink with me but remaining cautious.

"Boss"

"Torrent. How fairs things?"

"All's well. I don't have much to report since last time if that’s why you’re here? We've been following the heads you asked us to and collecting intel."

"That's good, keep it up.. I'm actually looking for more information on William Trove though, specifically about his character and any ways you think he might be susceptible to manipulation."

He leans back in his chair while gesturing me to the seat opposite him.

"That's an easy one Boss. He's goes to where the most amount of money can be made. Dangle a lucrative deal under his nose, and he'll chase it like a dog chasing a hare.."

I knew that already.. I was hopeful for--

"There is something a little less obvious though. We've noticed he has just started moving a large number of assets and wealth out of the city. We haven't figured out where he's sending them yet so I sent Ricky to be one of the carriage guards on the first shipment that left yesterday.”

He gives a mischievously wide grin.

“This is only a hunch, but I think he's packing up shop here in the city and moving somewhere else... If we were to say, pay the local banditry to ransack the caravans, it might shake him up enough that he'll be forced to take higher risks."

So knowing that General Syvian took the stones, not knowing I've secured a new supply. Victor convinced William the city is going to fall and he should move to whatever city the General is planning to make the new Capital? That was probably the contents of their meeting at the ruins.

This lacks imagination, but it would work given the situation and Williams well-known character. The main question is, what did Victor ask of William in return for his friendship? Not like I don't have some ideas on the matter though.

"Do it. Let me know the cost."

"It'll be cheap. I've got enough to cover it. What percentage are we asking of the bandits?"

"I'll leave that to your discretion. Use the gains how you see fit or pocket them. I only care that William loses them"

Torrents looks at me slack-jawed, and he pauses for a moment before laughing.

"Boss, this is likely to be a big score, the kind most retire on.. You sure about this?"

My turn to laugh, I wasn't expecting such honesty from him.

"Are you or the lads going to retire on me?"

"Hell no, after this I think we may swear fealty."

"Heh, I have no such need for that. I told you all at the start, I only care for results."

"Understood, your lordship."

"Knock that off already. Let me know how it goes… There’s another matter I need your skills on before I go."

Torrent stops leaning on his chair and raises his brow inquisitively.

“Oh?”

“I need information on the current state of affairs inside the castle, preferably a report--”

“That will be difficult Boss, none of the men will be able to get inside the castle court.. I may be able to bride some lesser nobles, but it’ll get expensive--”

“Good job you’ve got that big score coming in, right?”

He balls out.

“Ha, I guess it is. I’ll get onto it--”

“Good. I’ll call again.”

*Zip*