Unhurried footsteps were going down the stairs. With each step, silver bells and rings were tolling in rhythm, they had yet to arrive at the bottom when a voice rose, “You’re late!”

The steps paused and a giggle echoed, “When have you ever seen me on time?”

A middle-aged lady came out of the stairs shadows, “Hungry?”

Sun yawned, “Can you bring it to the office please?”

“Already there. Meyrin is waiting for you.”

Sun blew a kiss, “Mama Lin, I wonder what would I do without you?”

Mama Lin scoffed, “You’ll die and burnt that Inn to the ground!” The voice grew distant, "And stop putting your hands on the new staff!"

Sun laughed and walked to her office. Her bare feet were light, the silk on her body was swinging lightly as if she was dancing. She was humming under her breath and her long red hair was loose on her back. Despite the scorching heat, the inside of the Inn was cool and the lingering smell of bamboo was refreshing. The door of her office was opened and a deliciously sweet scent was luring her in.

“You’re late.”

“You too?” Sun circled her enormous desk and sat on a big and comfy leather chair. On the table was a tray filled with piping hot mint tea, date pastries, and honeyed goat milk yogurt. She dug in as soon as she sat down.

In front of her, a tall androgynous person was standing; waist long silver-blue hair, fair skin, and golden eyes. They wore thin glasses that made added charm to their already beautiful face. They had a scholarly air around them and the tattoo on their collarbone indicated that they were not from the desert.

“Seen enough?”

“I’m admiring a beauty, how can I ever get bored?”

Meyrin rolled their eyes to the heavens.

“Alright, Meyririn, let’s hear what you have. Please don’t be too boring!” Sun resumed eating, glancing around to the papers on her desk.

“I’m always boring to you! First, the matter of the ore from Daglar. The shipment for the Capital has departed from Arash, it should arrive at the port in 2 days and ⅔ will be sent to I’Zul to process. The last third should arrive here in 2 weeks time. The gems are being sent together and there is no issue so far.” Meyrin produced a report from the thick notebook in his hand and handed it over to Sun. “The convoy from Mestä was stopped at Naü. Apparently, the taxes went up 2% for imported goods and they need some instructions.”

Sun frowned, “When was the raising tax notice posted?”

“There was none.”

“Find me who put this in place. If there is a valid reason for the raise, then, pay it. If someone is making money on the side from it, then…”

“I heard the old man from the justice palace would like to retire and travel to see the Ocean. Maybe, we can appeal to have a new Rashn* in town.” (Rashn: Chief of justice)

Sun pondered on the suggestion, “Hmm, let’s wait and see. Find out who, why and how first. If the big clans haven’t moved yet, there is no reason for us to move.”

“Understood. The paper and book shipment is on it’s way to the Capital. Do you want to have some sent over?”

“No need, but have some sent to I’Zul, in case he has new blueprints.”

“Noted. Food should arrive tomorrow, the prices went up a bit, so Mama Lin may argue when it will be there. There were words of strange currents in the South-West, not too far from the Aukko. There was an earthquake 4 days ago, I suspect that the terrain changed.”

“Post an inspection job to assess the situation.” Sun sipped on her tea while was making corrections to a blueprint. “How are the preparations for the Night Market going?”

“The inventory is underway. We are waiting for at least 500 people for the auction.”

“Change the plan. The Auction will be limited to 220 people and 50 VIPs.” Sun’s gaze was fixed on the slightly ajar door. One delicate eyebrow was raised. Even though her expression was normal, the depth of her eyes was chilling.

“Should I change the catalog too?” Meyrin’s voice was still the same. They glanced at the small mirror above Sun’s head and caught a faint shadow outside the door.

“Let me think about it for a couple of days first.” Her eyes squinted and a flash of disappointment passed through.

“Alright. I’ll get you a copy.” Meyrin was observing the shadow as well when they decided to change the topic, “Mama Lin was upset this morning. One of the new girls didn’t show up. I thought you didn’t prey on the new staff.”

A cold smile bloomed on Sun’s lips, “Who am I to refuse a beauty? As someone from the free state, the taste is quite novel.” She saw the shadow move a bit closer. “Who knew such a small body contained so many secrets? You know me, I am one who loves to indulge.”

Meyrin smirked at the reflection, “Such an impatient and inexperienced child!”