Joker Trading Post

0800, 25 Aug 2025

People said that tragedy always came along with her friends. For the first time in his life, Osvik finally understood the meaning of this saying.

Yesterday, all the mechanisms he took from Dourk Tavern failed to work. Maester Kallep even almost lost his life. And this morning, the clock that he also took from Dourk Tavern stopped ticking as if it was protesting for being taken from its original house.

'Damn it, I didn't even do anything to the clock,' Osvik muttered as he looked at the front door of Joker Trading Post.

By bribing the waitress, the nobles could find out the price of the mechanism that Dourk Tavern had bought from Amethyst Merchant. As well as the list of items and the purchase procedures through Joker Trading Post.

However, the workers at Joker Trading Post always refused the purchase requests made by the nobles and asked them to come directly to Amethyst Merchant Marketing Office in Magwurt City.

In fact, long before the workers at Joker Trading Post directed the nobles to head to Magwurt City, Osvik had received advice from Lady Yuuri that he should visit the leader of Amethyst Merchant if he wanted to do business with them.

Lady Yuuri also strongly warned Osvik not to disturb Dourk Tavern until he knew why Amethyst Merchant chose Dourk Tavern as their extension.

However, Osvik realized that Amethyst Merchant was not an ordinary merchant and Lady Yuuri or Merry Gold Union's name could not be used in front of them. So Osvik chose an indirect approach while trying to minimize the damage.

In truth, if yesterday Old Man Dourk had shown any resistance, Osvik had already decided he would step back and find another way. However, from Old Dourk's expression and attitude, Osvik could guess that Amethyst Merchant's support for Old Man Dourk was not as deep as he had imagined. So he decided to press further.

Unfortunately, things didn't go according to his expectations and he had to take care of them before Lady Yuuri returned from Makai Royal City.

After taking a deep breath, Osvik immediately got off the carriage. Then, with a steady stride and lifted up chin he walked into Joker Trading Post.

As a supervisor at Joker Trading Post, Dariek immediately welcomed his guest. This was not the first time Joker Trading Post had a noble as a guest. So more or less Dariek knew what he had to do.

"Dear Ser, is there anything this lowly servant can do for you?"

Seeing he was being greeted with such respect, Osvik nodded in satisfaction and said, "Yesterday Old Dourk handed over Amethyst Merchant representative status to me along with several mechanisms. He also suggested that I should call Amethyst Merchant's worker to help me install the mechanisms in my residence."

Osvik handed a scroll to Dariek before continuing. "Also, I wish to place an order with Amethyst Merchant."

Even though he already knew what to say, Dariek chose to read the scroll before responding.

The first scroll contained Old Dourk's statement that Osvik was now Amethyst Merchant representative in Walluo City. In an instant, Dariek wanted to laugh out loud, but he held back before reading the second scroll that contained a list of commodities his guest wanted to order.

In a tone full of regret Dariek then said, "It's a shame that Old Man Dourk is no longer willing to cooperate with Amethyst Merchants."

"Indeed it's regrettable, but I will make sure Amethyst Merchant products are widely known and even reach Makai Royal City."

Osvik then took a deep breath before continuing.

"When will Amethyst Merchant workers come to my residence? Because the shortage of ice cubes must be prevented as soon as possible."

For Osvik, the shortage of ice cubes was something not to be trifled with. This morning a queue to buy ice cubes had already formed in front of Walluo Castle.

He indeed succeeded in repatriating the envoys of the nobles by saying that temporary ice cubes could not be produced, because the mechanism was being researched and developed further by Maester Kallep.

However, not long after that the nobles in Walluo City sent a message to him. If in three days the ice cubes were still not available, then they would not support Osvik's appointment as Count Terrek's successor.

Osvik really wanted to wail but he didn't have time to do it. Meanwhile, for some reason Osvik felt that the Amethyst Merchant worker before him didn't seem to understand how dangerous it was if the scarcity of ice cubes was allowed to last too long.

In addition, although the face and expression of the worker looked very pitiful, there was not the slightest trace of trepidation or nervousness in his eyes even though he was standing face to face with a noble.

Dariek casually said, "Deeply apologise, Ser. Amethyst Merchant's worker will not come to the esteemed Ser's residence. Your order may never be delivered as well."

G-deng!

For a moment Osvik's gaze darkened, while Dariek returned the two scrolls from Osvik.

"Old Man Dourk has the right to terminate the cooperation with Amethyst Merchant. But he has no right to choose who will replace him. Old Man Dourk is directly appointed by Ser Slane, the highest leader of Amethyst Merchant. So only Ser Slane can determine who will replace him."

Osvik narrowed his eyes and looked at Dariek intimidatingly. "Do you know who I am?"

Dariek shook his head slowly and with great authority Osvik continued.

"I am Osvik Terrek, Count Terrek's eldest son and his only successor. Do you realize that I have the authority to close this post and terminate the cooperation between Amethyst Merchants and farmers in Kandez Region?"

In a light tone Darek answered, "Then we'll pack up and head back to Magwurt City."

Osvik instantly stuttered while beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead. In his life, this was the first time he had encountered someone in Kandez Region who was not intimidated by the name of Count Terrek. Moreover, he used his father's name when he was only a few kilometers from Walluo City.

"Wait!"

Osvik shrieked in a half-screaming voice, and Dariek immediately stopped his footsteps.

"Is there anything else I can do for Ser Osvik?"

"Don't get me wrong, I never intended to kick you out of Kandez Region."

Count Terrek and Lady Yuuri have warned Osvik that no matter what happens, he must not disturbed the transaction between Amethyst Merchant and farmers in Kandez Region. Considering that the tax obtained by Kandez Region from this transaction was quite large.

Count Terrek and Lady Yuuri even strongly suggested that Osvik stay away from Amethyst Merchant workers to extinguish any potential conflicts.

So, if Amethyst Merchant worker left Kandez Region not long after his visit, then there was no doubt Count Terrek and Lady Yuuri would beat him thoroughly until he was half-dead before asking what had happened.

A friendly and warm smile instantly bloomed on Darek's lips. "Then, let me express my gratitude for Ser Osvik's understanding. We are just small workers who live by following the instructions we receive, nothing more or less."

Osvik wanted to swear, but the thought of scolding and beating from Count Terrek and Lady Yuuri made him stop himself.

"All right, do your job and pretend I never came here."

Darek nodded before saying, "Ser Osvik, if you intend to go to Magwurt City, there are a few things I have to tell you because Magwurt City uses a system of entry and exit that is different from other cities."

"No need," Osvik replied firmly before shaking his head.

Realizing that he couldn't get what he wanted and things could only get worse, Osvik immediately left Joker Trading Post.

Meanwhile, Darek watched Osvik's carriage and muttered, 'I have to check what happened to Dourk Tavern and report it to Ser Slane.'

---

Magwurt City West Gate

1012, 26 August 2025

Early in the morning Osvik left for Magwurt City. He was accompanied by three Maesters and escorted by three dozen of Count Terrek's bodyguards.

Osvik was determined not to look weak to avoid being looked down on. He had to enter Magwurt City with dignity no matter what the price was.

And so, as soon as he heard that his entourage had to register at the registration office like criminals were about to enter a city, Osvik happily welcomed the opportunity to show his dignity.

"What do you mean I have to take care of admission to the registration office? Can't I pay the entrance fee at the gate like in other cities? Can't you see I'm noble and not a criminal who should be checked first before entering a city?" With a scornful gaze, Osvik glares at the Tuscan Guard's Captain in front of him.

After forcing a smile, the Tuscan Guard's Captain said, "Deeply apologize to the Venerable Ser, Magwurt City uses a different procedure of entry and exit from other cities. So I beg your understanding."

To be honest, Osvik had seen dozens of noble carriages bearing the emblem of Tarai Region, Liqua Region, or Darpha Region enter the registration office the Tuscan Guard's Captain referred to. However, this made Osvik even more eager to show that he deserved different treatment.

Without hiding the irritation in his heart, Osvik said, "Tuscan Region and Amethyst Merchants have indeed succeeded in bringing the Northern Coalition to its knees. But can't you see that I came from Kandez Region. Or do you think you can take one eye on the Kandez Region?"

"Of course not, the entry and exit procedures in Magwurt City have nothing to do with the outcome of conflict with the Northern Coalition. These procedures are adopted for the sake of mutual convenience and security."

"Nonsense!"

Osvik gave a small snort, but in his heart he was delighted that the attention of the nobles who were about to enter Magwurt City began to be drawn to him.

Pointing at the 14 carriages behind him Osvik said, "I have mechanisms belonging to Amethyst Merchant which must be repaired and immediately brought back to Kandez Region. I have no time for your nonsense. The longer I stay here, the more humiliation you give to Kandez Region."

The Tuscan Guard's Captain glanced at the 14 carriages behind Osvik, which all looked suspicious. "Venerable Ser, we also have to check your carriages one by one without exception."

"Then let's see how you're going to do it." With great confidence, Osvik ordered his entourage to enter Magwurt City.

"Take them out." Calmy, the Tuscan Guard's Captain giving and instructions.

Dozens of Tuscan Guard who were on standby around Osvik's party immediately pulled out a small L-shaped object from their waist, gripped it tightly with both hands and aimed it forward.

While Osvik's bodyguards swiftly drew their weapons and formed a defensive perimeter. The people who had been attracted by the commotions between Osvik and the Tuscan Guard's Captain immediately ran away to avoid being dragged into the bloody fighting that was about to occur.

"Protect Ser Osvik at all costs!"

The commander of Count Terrek's personal bodyguard shouted loudly. At the same time the L-shaped object pointed by Tuscan Guard members shot two needles connected to two thin ropes, right into the thighs of Osvik, the three Maesters, and all of Count Terrek's bodyguards.

TZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

TZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

TZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

TZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

As the buzzing sound was heard, Osvik and his entourage winced from ear to ear, then collapsing onto the ground. While their face was still in a grimace, their bodies would occasionally twitch.

Among the party led by Osvik, only Maester Kallep understood what was happening. Because he had experienced something similar.

'They can even use electricity as a weapon. What a brilliant thought,' Maester Kallep muttered before his consciousness slipped away.

Meanwhile, the Tuscan Guard's Captain smiled from ear to ear after seeing Osvik and the rest of his entourage were taken down without the slightest bit of resistance. Some even fell unconscious with a foaming mouth. While those who were still conscious had lost the ability to fight back.

Without delay, the highly trained Tuscan Guard members handcuffed Osvik and his entourage, then took them to the Diplomatic Detention Center behind the Registration Office.

'Finally, we had the opportunity to put into action the procedure that we have practiced thousands of times.'

The Tuscan Guard's Captain smiled as he stroked the stun gun on his waist.

*****