Takeover

Location: Principality of Saren / Trade City of Prima / Warehouse District

Time: Y1503 / 34th day of the Wither Moon / Night

It was hours before down and people were busy working in a certain warehouse in the northern district of Prima.

The building was a large open space, about thirty meters by ten meters in size. A dozen crystal lights were dangling from the six meters high arc shaped ceiling, allowing people to comfortably work despite the late hour. The building had two large sliding wooden door at opposite end of the warehouse, they were large enough for carts and carriages to pass, and were closed right now.

Inside the warehouse, five carts without horses were lined up near the long wall. Several piles of crates, barrels and sacks were orderly stashed all over the floor. A dozen workers were busy unloading barrels and loading crates from the carts.

*slip* (Goon)

*crash* *open* (Crate)

"Hey! Fix that mess before someone notices!" (Boss Silva)

A crate opened, spilling its content on the floor. Sweating cold, the muscular Dark Skin hurried to collect pearls that were rolling on the floor everywhere, forcing other workers to be careful not to fall themselves.

The employee of the Pearl Merchant quickly put the double bottom back in position and started filling the crate back with the thin layer of low quality and fake pearls, hiding the flowers from sight.

*open door* "Silva! What's going on here?!?" (Pearl Merchant)

Stirred by the ruckus, the elderly owner of the company opened the door of his office, accompanied by a cloud of sweet white smoke. He wore a stylish black attire and a top hat, a piece of clothing that was fashionable amongst merchant a couple of decades ago.

"Everything is ok. You handle your side, I handle mine." (Silva)

The owner had long since left the heavy lifting to his trusted right hand, a short and studded Dark Skin man in his fifties with hair as long as he was tall.

"... I don't have to remember you how important this deal is, do I?" (Pearl Merchant)

The boss closed in to the owner. He clearly didn't want his employees to hear.

*whisper* “We are taking a huge risk. This is not like you.” (Silva)

*whisper* “It's just this one time!” (Pearl Merchant)

*whisper* ”It's never just one time~ (Silva)

*whisper* ”It will! Also, how are our... clients not here? I was sure they would want to supervise the loading~ (Pearl Merchant)

“Boss!” *point* (Goon)

**stop** **stare** (Goons)

An unexpected arrival had the worker stop in their tracks. Some dropped their load and hurried to pick weapons from a pile nearby, most just stood there

Passing through a small service door sliding front panel of the building was a young Fair Skin woman with short platinum hair and green eyes who was wearing nothing but a black medallion around her neck which was shining an ominous green light. Those gifted with magic sight would have been able to see thin long magic thread following in her trail.

*whisper* “The upstart.” *straighten up* *gulp* (Pearl Merchant)

*ready weapon* *sweat* (Silva)

“Have you any idea who you are messing with, little girl?” (Pearl Merchant)

The Pearl Merchant tried his best to look intimidating. Following up on his threat, his right hand, Silva, unsheathed a finely decorated stiletto from the scabbard dangling on his left side.

The woman, seemingly ignoring the powerless man not far from her, instead looked around. She rested her sight a little on each item of interest, giving the impression she was appraising the goods.

“This will do~ *stare* (Second Princess Fantasia)

Satisfied with the contents of the warehouse, the trespasser rested her cold eyes upon the owner, sending a chill down his spine.

“You. Leave. Everything you own is now mine.” (Second Princess Fantasia)

Long seconds passed with nothing happening.

*whisper* “Everything?” (Pearl Merchant)

Finally, the meaning of the woman's words sunk in on the mind of the old merchant

“Everything. Leave.” *glare* (Fantasia)

*look down* “...” “...” *leave* (Pearl Merchant)

The Pearl Merchant's clients weren't there. The young woman was. The huge gamble the old merchant took in a desperate effort to retain his position had failed. A simple look inside the cold eyes of the woman standing before him imparted clearly how little she valued his life.

The Pearl Merchant opened his mouth a few times, but he had no rebuttal against the newcomer. Whatever was going on there, it was clear that the woman's timing had been terrible. Or perfect, depending on the side.

*walk away* (Silva)

“Not you.” (Fantasia)

Out of loyalty, Silva tried to follow his employer, but the young woman had other plans in mind for him.

*freeze* (Silva)

*turn* *glance* *leave* (Pearl Merchant)

The old merchant turned around, looking in the eyes of his trusted right hand. He couldn't tell who was having the worst end of the deal and could do nothing but swallow his shattered pride and leave.

The Pearl Merchant had enough aptitude to see the powerful magic at the behest of the young woman. There was no opposing her. Not with the resources he had at hands.

*close eyes* *whisper* “Forgive me, Silva.” *walk away* (Pearl Merchant)

Silva looked with longing eyes at the back of his life long partner just leaving the premises.

*look down* “You ruined everything. What more can you possibly take from me?” (Silva)

*walk closer* (Fantasia)

As the woman came closer to him, Silva felt like an ant about to be squashed under someone's foot. The Boss was indeed much shorter, but the true difference between the two was in the magic she was wielding. Silva was not particularly adept himself, but only a blind man would not understand the difference in power.

“You are the Boss, right? You are hired~ Your men are hired as well. Finish loading the carts. You'll receive further instructions later.” *walk away* (Fantasia)

Seemingly having finished with her appraisal, the woman notified the workers of her decision and left. Puzzling gazes could be seen by the dozen employees in the warehouse. No one dared move.

“... You heard the Lady! Those carts won't load themselves! Get your asses back to work! And make it snappy!” (Silva)

**rush back to work** (Workers)

The workers had no idea what just happened, or why. The only thing they understood is that they were still getting paid and that their boss was yelling at them.

*exhale* *loosen grip on weapon* (Silva)

The storm passed as soon as it came. Silva was just relieved the powerful mage didn't saw it fit to eliminate all witnesses. A part of him wondered if things would change much for him at all.

*sigh* *look up* *whisper* “You should have stuck to trading pearls, old friend.” (Silva)

Silva's only regret was that his old friend and partner was no longer by his side.

Fantasia

Location: Saren Principality / Prima / Grande Trading Company / Fantasia's Office

Time: Y1503 / 37th day of the wither Moon / Evening

The Grande Trading Company was the Kingdom's largest commercial venture in Prima, the only city in the continent where citizen of both the Kingdom and the Principality of Saren were living together.

The Second Princess left the Royal Palace years ago and took over her her family business in Prima, leaving the succession war raging between Princesses. A news that shocked both other princesses and nobles alike and paved the way for Aurora ascent to the rank of First Princess.

*yawn* (Beata, Fallen Princess)

Surrounded by scrolls detailing trade transactions was Beata, formerly the Third Princess of the Kingdom. Her efforts to take out the First Princess failed, leading to Beata losing her titles, her powers and exile, her body branded forever by the scars left by the gruesome procedure that sealed her magic.

*knock* *enter* “Your meal, Fantasia.” (Orlan, Errand Boy)

“Leave it over there.” (Fantasia, Second Princess)

Sitting on her desk, working her way through as many scrolls her assistant, was Fantasia, the Second Princess of the Kingdom.

Fantasia was a Fair Skin woman twenty five years in age. The oldest princess. She wore practical brown trouser and a voluminous blouse on top of a white shirt. She had green eyes and kept her platinum hair short. She didn't make use of cosmetics and her face looked somewhat weathered. Despite that, she was a beautiful woman with pleasant features.

*leave* (Orlan)

*stand up* “Let's take a break and eat, sister.” (Fantasia)

*nod* (Beata)

Running the Grande Trading company was an hard job, a job Fantasia was very good at. The company was solidly in the black and expanding rapidly.

The Grande Trading Company wasn't doing badly before Fantasia's arrival, but with her at the helm, things took a turn for the better. She had enacted many reforms that increased revenues and cut costs. Many of those reforms were not popular with the employees, but no one could argue with the results.

*silently eat* (Beata and Fantasia)

The meal was simple. Grilled potatoes and vegetables. The drink was an extract from a plant that staved away sleepiness.

“You are one of my most productive employees, Beata. Keep this up.” (Fantasia)

“...” (Beata)

Beata had been entrusted with checking the record keeping of Aurora's most recent acquisition. A daunting task that the former Third Princess was making short work of. The fact she was given this task displayed a level of trust from Fantasia, but Beata was still wary of her.

“A piece of advice, Beata. You might be a forced to work for me, but you don't have to makes things harder than they have to be. You should try to open up a little. Socialize. Not only with me, but also with my employees.” *eat* (Fantasia)

*whisper* “And why would you care~ (Beata)

Beata was once the Third Princess. She was showered in luxuries, but had to live in fear as each Princess tries to undermine the other. Her current quandary is the result of her failed attempt at the life of the First Princess.

Beata lost her status, her powers and was branded for life. All she was left with is pain and the consequences of her failure.

[Hypocrite. You left the Kingdom! You didn't have to endure what I had to endure!] (Beata)

More long seconds of awkward silence followed, with the two sisters eating at the meagre meal in front of them. Fantasia was looking directly in Beata's eyes who in turn averted her gaze and focused on her plate.

“Very well, then. Behave as you see fit, sister.” *eat* (Fantasia)

As the two plates became empty, Fantasia decided it was a good time to reveal

“I talked with Mother the other day, you know? The situation over there is getting hairy. The Inquisition has mowed down several cities uncontested.” (Fantasia)

*wide eyes* (Beata)

For an heartbeat, Beata desired to know more, but her stubbornness prevailed, and she shut herself up once more.

“I don't care. I'm not a citizen of the Kingdom anymore.” (Beata)

“Is that so? Aren't you at least curious? In your place I would be asking myself 'how in the name of the Queen did the inquisition managed to do it?'” *grin* (Fantasia)

“...” (Beata)

“It's okay, I don't need you to do ask. I just feel like talking about it with someone, that's all. The Church of Gloria has gotten their hands on a power that cannot be opposed. Soon, everyone in this continent will be living in terror under the rule of a creature know only by its moniker. The Beast.” (Fantasia)

*pffft* (Beata)

“I know, right? Has Mother lost her mind? But she shared images with me. It is the truth.” *sip drink* (Fantasia)

“...” (Beata)

“Mother teaches that each hurdle you encounter in life is an opportunity in disguise. While you sisters were busy hurting and killing each others, I have been working on something big.” (Fantasia)

“What are you up to, now?” (Beata)

“Interested now, he? Well, I'm not telling you!” (Fantasia)

*glare* (Beata)

*smirk* (Fantasia)

This bait and switch tactic seemed cheap, but was succeeding in getting a reaction out of the apathetic fallen princess.

*enter* “Manager! We just got an answer!” (Accountant Nimeri)

The woman that just invaded Fantasia's chamber was Nimeri, the senior accountant of the Grande Trading Company. She was a tall middle aged Fair Skin woman with red hair tightly tied together. She was thin and wore a form fitting dress and a pair of small glasses.

Whatever news she was bringing was obviously something she was eagerly awaiting for.

“A positive answer I hope?” *sip drink* (Fantasia)

By contrast, Fantasia's mood remained unchanged.

“Yes! Your wealth has been recognized! Your application for membership to the Forum is currently being evaluated!” (Nimeri)

“Well. Well. And here I thought I would have to 'acquire' at least a couple more businesses before the Merchants started to take me seriously.” *smirk* (Fantasia)

Dorado

Location: Principality / Spice Road / Dorado

Time: Y1503 / 1st day of the Harvest Moon

POV: Beata

I hate to admit it, but my sister really is a great person.

She is a skilled merchant. I think she is even better than Father, which is saying something. And unlike Father, Fantasia works alongside her employees rather than using intermediaries and middle men. She is the one who work the most, and is respected by her employees because of that.

For all her strength, the way she acts is somewhat off. I can't put my fingers to it, but there is something wrong about her. And I'm not just saying that because I'm practically her slave.

How to best put it. I feel like when she looks at me, she is not looking at a person, but as a thing. And she look at everyone like that.

“That crop looks worse than it should for this time of the year... Instruct my warehouse to stockpile on seeds and wait for the prices to rise.” (Fantasia)

*scribble* (Beata)

I'm basically her assistant. Taking care of small stuffs like transcribing contracts and checking manifesto and reports from the accountants. It could have been a lot worse.

So many responsibilities...

Still...

Despite the pain that torments me every day, I feel more at peace than ever! Being dead already, I no longer have to fear my sisters. Having nothing more left to lose, I no longer fear loss.

“What do you know about Dorado, sister?” (Fantasia)

“It's the capital of the Principality of Saren. Where the Merchants reside.” (Beata)

*nod* (Fantasia)

Fantasia likes to run her mouth a lot when we are alone. I guess she has no peer. No one to share her thoughts with. And yet, she has been tight lipped about this trip.

For the last two days we have been travelling along the Silk Road that connects Prima with other large settlements inside the Principality.

Fantasia has been visiting her warehouses and shops, making a report on her assets. Which are impressive! If only Father knew his daughter is now worth more than he!

“Dorado. The last stop in our trip.” *point* (Fantasia)

I glance through my sister's window in the carriage.

It's my first time seeing it. Dorado is a city built on an unnaturally looking cliff in the middle of a plain. The city develops in levels rather than rings. The higher up you go, the wealthier are the residents.

And at the top of the cliff is the Trade Forum. A place where the merchants decide on what is to be done. The wealthier you are, the more power and say in the decision.

“Such a chaotic system...” (Beata)

“Not really. Sure, their decision process is noisier, but don't think our monarchy works any differently underneath. In the end is all about powerful people exerting their influence. The Kingdom and the Principality are not so different after all.” *sigh* (Fantasia)

“How can you say that! Mother is the one that decides!” (Beata)

“Mother cannot take care of every little detail. Just by controlling what the Queen is allowed to see, one can influence her decisions.” (Fantasia)

Mother decides for herself! She is the Queen!

Fantasia is clueless.

“Halt!” (Mercenary Guard Zaraan)

Fantasia looks relaxed. She must have been expecting this checkpoint I guess.

An armored man appears on the window.

“Merchant Fantasia. The Salt Merchant informed us of your arrival. We'll be escorting you for your safety.” (Zaraan)

“Of course.” *reach purse* *hands over coins* (Fantasia)

“Thanks for your patronage, Merchant Fantasia. Let's go!” (Zaraan)

Of course there is corruption. It must be even more rampant here in a place that puts money above everything.

We move again, and soon enough here we are.

We must be at least half an hour of carriage from our destination, and we are already inside the slums of the city. There must be a massive number of low class people here.

“In the Kingdom we rely on small villages for foraging food. Here there are few large land owners and workers of the lowest class live all together like this.” (Fantasia)

Low class people live an harsh life, no matter the place. I doubt there is really a winner in this department.

I lower the lid to my window.

My nose no longer works all that well, and the smell is still unbearable.

Disgusting.

*open lid* “Manager. The outer walls.” *close lid* (Coachman)

This took forever, but we are about to enter the real Dorado.

I open my window and look outside.

A tall wooden wall seems to cut through the barely standings huts in the slums and surrounds the city.

After a short stop, we move again. I guess Fantasia's bribe earlier covered the cost of gaining entrance to the city as well.

Once through the wall, the change is staggering. The houses are all neatly lined up and clean. The roads are still unpaved, but at least there is no garbage at our feet. The smell is a lot better too.

In front of us, the steep face of the small two hundred meters tall mountain, and crawling all over it, countless buildings. Suspended bridges, ropes and lift connect all the houses there together and to the rest of the city.

*awe* (Beata)

I'm glad I get to see Dorado! This is not a place someone of the Kingdom can easily visit. It's even better than how I imagined it to be from reading about it in the books!

“How high are we going?” (Beata)

*point up* *smirk* (Fantasia)

After going around the mountain there was another wall, this time made of stone. After that, we started to climb.

The slope of the mountain is much gentler on this side, and the smell is completely gone thanks to the height. This is where the wealthy choose to live.

Little by little, as we advance, the dresses, armor and weapons worn by the citizens gets better and better. Even servants on errands looks better off than the everyone I saw before this point.

As we climb, wooden houses start incorporating stone in their construction, the fences and gardens around them get larger and architectural features with appearance rather than function in mind starts to appear. Pillars, arches even small hanging gardens!

Finally, we face the last wall, an impressive fortification of stone and metal at least twenty meters tall. Only one gate separate us from the elite of this country.

Our guards took care of the entrance fee again, and we are on the move once again.

Space here is not much probably less than a square one hundred meters in size. The road is paved, but smaller. Buildings are closer together than before and are much taller, many with three or four floors.

The largest building lies at the very top of this mountain. The Trade Forum. But I doubt that's our destination.

Our carriage finally come to a stop.

“Come on Beata. Let's go and pay our respects to the Salt Merchant.” *open door* (Fantasia)

“The Salt Merchant is waiting for you. Please, follow me.” (Attendant Igritt)

Our mercenary escort and our own private guards were not allowed inside. It's just me and Fantasia.

We are following a beautiful Fair Skin woman in her early twenties. She wears a see through white dress and a metal collar.

Trailing behind us, and following ahead of us are two guards loyal to our host. Dark Skin men wearing agile leather armor, they are armed with a short sword and a knife. Perfect weapons for fighting inside a building.

This mansion certainly belongs to someone rich, but it's so different from a typical Noble's mansion. The walls are sturdy, and great care went into designing the building. Both stone and metal were used in the construction, all doors feature arches, and the walls are covered in elaborate paintings, the subject of which are mostly landscapes. The possessions of the Salt Merchant?

With strikes me are the differences. The ceiling and door are tall enough not to feel cramped, but at the same time not so tall as to feel wasteful. Rooms and corridors are not filled with costly artifacts and pieces of art, but rather with furniture. None of the stuff here is cheap by any means, but everything has a purpose.

Even more interesting, many people works in here. Not just servants, but also accountants and merchants, busy crunching numbers and writing down contract and messages.

“This way. Stay close to me, please” (Igritt)

The layout of the mansion is complex! The stairs to raise to the next floor are all far from each others and guarded. It was certainly designed to confuse would be invaders.

After several flight of stairs, we finally reach the fourth floor.

This stairway is different. We are surrounded by cramped walls on all sides, and there is just a small door opposite to where the stairway emerges.

*knock* *knock knock* *knock* “I brought the guest.” (Igritt)

*open lid* *close lid* (Door)

*look around* (Beata)

This last floor is different from the others. The maze of corridors is gone, So are the busy work rooms. We are in an open space, about fifteen meters by twenty in size.

I don't know how big the room really is because we are surrounded by red tapestry on all sides. Even the floor is covered by an expensive red fabric. The ceiling, five meters above us, is painted with an impressive murals, depicting abstract round shapes and organic looking lines.

Many lights are suspended in mid air.

*whisper* “Magi.” (Beata)

*whisper* “Of course. We are surrounded.” *smile* (Fantasia)

The solid colors and strong lights hurt my eyes. All of this right after a maze. I think all this is meant to disorient those who come here. An advantage during negotiations? Anyway a lot of thought went into the construction of this mansion.

“Please, wait here. The Owner will see you soon.” *kneel down* (Igritt)

*sits down* (Fantasia and Beata)

The guards stayed behind, we take our place sitting on comfortable red cushions laying on the ground.

*whisper* “Focus, Beata!” (Fantasia)

“Uh?” (Beata)

*slide* “Behold! The Salt Merchant!” (Aide Ikaria)

*walks* (Salt Merchant)

Wow. Fantasia sure is amazing. Despite the stupidly long wait we had to endure, she kept vigil. I was starting to doze off...

Two Fair Skin attendants dressed in the same fashion as the one who accompanied us hold the curtain open. Through it, a middle aged and slightly overweight Fair Skin man make his entrance.

The Salt Merchant. The richest man, the one holding the most power and influence in the Forum. His attire is colorful and voluminous, made from expensive silk. He wears a large turban with a long beautiful rainbow colored feather on it.

The man sure like to show off his wealth. Each of his fingers is adorned by a ring, he has an heavy looking golden medallion and his nose is pierced by a golden ring. A fine chain connect his nose ring to earrings covered by his headdress. Heavy pouches, presumably filled with gold and precious gems dangle from his belt.

*sits down* (Salt Merchant)

*stand up* “Is it your habit to make your guests wait so long? Is this the extent of your curtsy, Salt Merchant?” (Fantasia)

*stand up* (Beata)

*glare* (Salt Merchant)

I didn't expect Fantasia to start this meeting like this... Well, I have no stake in this, so it's not like I'm really worried about the success of the negotiations.

Surprising.

This is probably the most danger I have ever been in, but I basically died once, and now I'm not afraid of death anymore.

So this is what freedom feels like?

*wave hand* “I apologize. I hope this gift will help you forget this small mishap.” (Salt Merchant)

*run* *lower coffin* *open* (Attendants)

From behind the curtains, two muscular and scantly dressed Dark Skin men carry a small but heavy looking coffin. They leave it in front of Fantasia, opening it.

”Wow” (Beata)

A small fortune of gems lay before us.

“That gold won't give me my time back. Take it away. I appreciate the gesture anyway. Let's move on with our meetings. I want to make up for lost time.” *sit down* (Fantasia)

*wave hand* “As you will, fellow Merchant. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.” *smirk* (Salt Merchant)

The Salt Merchant

Location: Principality / Spice Road / Dorado / Salt Merchant Mansion

Time: Y1503 / 1st day of the Harvest Moon

POV: Beata

The mood totally changed, I think our host just recognized Fantasia as an equal. She took a calculated risk, and it paid off.

Fantasia is good. Scary good.

"Merchant Fantasia! I heard your businness is flourishing! Allow me to congratulate, you earned your seat on the Trade Forum." *bow* (Salt Merchant)

"It's too early to say that. I don't like to claim victory when I have yet to secure it. Still, you have my thanks, Merchant. Being acknowledged by one such as yourself is its own reward." *bow* (Fantasia)

"You are the first Kingdom's official that met me as a fellow Merchant and not as a Noble. Many laughed at your efforts when you first took over your father's businness in Prima. Not I. It must have been hard." (Salt Merchant)

"It was. But it's not like those unskilled naysayers ever had the power to hold me back. It's the best they could do to slow me down." (Fantasia)

"Admitting it, he? Are you brave or just honest?" *grin* (Salt Merchant)

"Simply my time is too valuable to waste in maintaining appearances. I let my achivements speak for myself." (Fantasia)

"Gha ha ha ha ha!!! Good answer!!!~ *glare at Beata* (Salt Merchant)

After the merchant settles down he glares at me.

It sends a chill down my spine.

"She is a good accountant." (Fantasia)

It turns out the Merchant wanted Fantasia's confirmation that I was allowed to listen in to the serious part of the talks.

"I see, I see... Have it your way. Enough pleasanteries. Let's get down to businness! After all you paid a great deal to secure an audience with me. What do you wish to discuss?" (Salt Merchant)

"You are only the first on my list. I plan to see the others too~ (Fantasia)

"Not putting all your eggs in a basket, he? Wise, but why should I commit to a deal with you if there is no exclusivity? What's in it for me?" *raise eyebrow* (Salt Merchant)

"Because of what you have to gain, of course. May I?" (Fantasia)

Fantasia points at a satchel the guards confiscated on our arrival. The Salt Merchant just makes a sign with his hands, and a maid dressed in scant clothes pick up the satchel and empty its content on the table.

"Crystals? Have Laito come here!" *wave hands* (Salt Merchants)

*leave* *hurry* (Igritt)

A few minutes pass in silence, waiting.

A Fair Skin man emerges from the curtains behind the Salt Merchant, and examine Fantasia's crystals. He wears a black cowl that covers his face.

*pick crystals* (Mage Laito)

I got a glimpse of his hands when hi pricked the crystals from the guard. Large fire scars were covering them.

(Laito)

About half an hour pass.

The mage seems to go through the content of the crystals over and over, becoming paler as time passes. I wonder what's in there... Fantasia told me nothing about this.

"I think that's enough, Laito. What's inside those crystals?" (Salt Merchant)

The mage is clearly at a loss for words. You can almost see his brain going in override trying to word his findings.

"Let me sum it up. One crystals holds images of an assault happened days ago in one of our cities which is now rubble. An evil mage of unparalleled aptitude has emerged. Soon its reign of terror will engulf both the Kingdom and the Principality. And I doubt her plans include either of us being at the top of its empire of ashes." (Fantasia)

The Salt Merchant looks in the eyes of his retainer, who simply nods in acknoweldgmente.

"The other?" (Salt Merchant)

"The other crystals is filled with hope. A technique. Discovered by the Beast itself. Those who acquire that technique become peerless practitioners of the magic arts, among other mortals, at least. An army of them might be able to put up a fight against the Beast." (Fantasia)

The merchant, in a completely serious mood, kept his gaze locked to Fantasia's eyes, trying to catch signs of lies. There were none. Again, he looks at his trusted mage for confirmation.

"Crystals can be counterfeited~ (Laito)

"A practical demonstration, then?" *stand up* (Fantasia)

*wave hand* "I'll allow it. Just know, if you make any suspicious move it'll be the end of you." (Salt Merchant)

Laito closes his eyes and starts gathering aether. No doubt other magi hidden from sight are doing the same. Allowing one to weave magic without safeguards is suicide.

*nod* *serious look* (Salt Merchant)

The Second Princess look at me. I know what to do, now.

I help her undress, removing all that might interfere with her waving.

Once ready, she takes a few steps back and starts dancing in circles with gracious movements. Her time in the Royal Palace learning etiquette was not for nothing.

*dance* (Fantasia)

Fantasia's appearance as a seasoned Merchant is gone. She move with the grace of a skilled travelling dancer.

*whisper* "I can't believe it~ *astonished* (Laito)

"..." (Salt Merchant)

I felt jelous at Fantasia at first for the beauty she still possesses, but now I feel envy and awe in equal measure. The pleasure of watching the beautiful form of the dancing princess has been completely replaced by fear and astonishment in the heart of her audience.

*bow* (Fantasia)

In a seameless movement, she ends her dance, graciously bowing to the Salt Merchant. Her arms heading straight with the palms of her hands looking at the cieling.

Those with enough magic aptitude would be able to see two dense tangles of magic threads, about ten centimetres in diameter. Surely brighter than anything they ever looked at. Having witnessed Aurora fight before, I can tell. Fantasia is imitating her technique.

*inch away* (Attendants)

*ready weapons* (Guards)

*gulp* (Laito)

"What do you want?" *sweat* (Salt Merchant)

Our host is rigidly holding the fabric of his pillow. He understands the dangers of facing a mage of such unbelievable aptitude at close range. I doubt his Magi are ready at all for Fantasia's full might.

"Peace." *magic threads fade away* (Fantasia)