Owari and Noel boarded the train early the next day. Both of them weren’t the type to drag things out. They came to do something, did it, and left. Of course they said their proper goodbyes to Owari’s mother. Owari also checked in on Francis and found that everything went well with his wife for the ring.

“So what did you end up giving everyone back in the city?” Noel asked curiously. She never really thought to ask until now.

“I got Lance a cloudfish shaped paperweight. Mostly to make fun of how he has to do desk work all the time. I got Rebecca a coat that fit her style. And I gave Tristain a piece of the ore I found at the mine to keep as a memento of our first major deal that we made.” Owari went through the list.

“I see. I got Lance a decorative spear to hang in his office, and got Rebecca a few books on history. She happens to be a very big fan of history, she says it’s because it keeps people from making the same mistakes as those in the past. Not that I know much about that.” Noel didn’t really care about history.

“What do you do as a hobby? You don’t like history or science. You don’t seem interested in any crafts, and you only recently picked up cooking.” Owari had never really seen her do anything on her own. She usually talked the entire time they were together. Most of the time she babbled on about some story she heard or read.

“I like reading stories of course.” Noel seemed offended that he didn’t figure it out on his own.

“Well I figured that. But so do I. I also have other hobbies though.” Owari was surprised at her answer.

“I just like stories a lot. It’s a good way to escape reality after all. I wasn’t exactly the happiest kid in the world.” Noel didn’t seem keen on elaborating, probably because they were currently in public.

“I guess I understand. Most hobbies are meant to be escapes, but stories are one of the best at it.” Owari nodded in agreement. He read books for the same reason, but he also had a goal to work towards which distracted him from the things he lacked. It was only now that he had friends and acquaintances he interacted with that he realized what he missed out on.

“Right.” Noel calmed down quickly. She wasn’t the emotional type after all.

The two of them fell into silence for most of the trip after. They meditated almost the whole way back. The two of them didn’t really do well with public affection, and normally when they got talking they lost awareness of their surroundings and just said or did whatever they wanted. In the interest of not embarrassing themselves they decided to stay quiet. A task that while difficult was much easier for Noel after having spoken to Owari so much.

After what felt like a quick trip but was actually a long one, they arrived back in the city. The two of them separated shortly after to go deal with some things. Even though it felt odd to be separated after being in one another's company so long, they still had certain responsibilities. Noel had to check if she had to make up for any meetings and sort out those things, and Owari had to check his mail and go meet his magical beasts to take care of them after so long away from them.

Owari met up with Fang first. Fang had been getting antsy due to being stuck inside the city. He was itching for a fight. It was a lot like how Owari felt. He promised to bring him out soon and made his way to Mirra who was hibernating. It was winter so the treant had shed its leaves and was sleeping. It wouldn’t wake until spring. When it did wake up though Owari still didn’t plan on taking it out. The treant was better suited to sitting in town and producing fruit while slowly evolving. Owari was bringing it back meat on occasion to have it absorb through the nutrients once it broke down. He also paid for it to be given mana infused fertilizer since it would slowly evolve that way as well. Of course he had plans for it in the future but for now it was stuck here.

Owari went back to his room after that and looked through his mail. He had received a few messages from Lance and Rebecca just saying to come see them when he got back. Tristan also thanked him for the gift and got him something as well. It was a small ball of metal made of electrum and orichalcum. It was the first bit of processed material from the newly set up mine. It was given to him for the same reason Owari gave the ore to Tristain. It was quite symbolic. Owari chuckled and kept it in his pocket.

There were two messages that were quite unexpected and interesting. Both of them were sealed in letters. One had a stamp on it made from a silvery metallic material, with a crimson drop in the center. It was the Silverblood family crest. As for the other letter, it instead had a stamp with a howling wolf and a moon. He obviously opened the Silverblood letter first. He was totally uninterested in whatever the Howling Wulf Agency had to say to him.

Owari chuckled after reading the letter. It was both an apology and a letter of thanks. It was written directly by Noel’s grandfather who represents the interest of the Silverblood family. He essentially apologized for his rudeness in his offer as it was maybe a little too unfavorable. Though from the wording it seemed he didn’t really believe he was being unfavorable. As for the thanks, that was more genuine. It seemed Noel had succeeded in convincing them that he essentially gave them a free spring for no other reason than he felt like it. As for her own spring it seemed she implied she didn’t do enough work to deserve it and so her shares in the spring were basically given to her.

Of course Owari didn’t feel the same way, he believed she deserved the spring. However he was willing to admit the spring given to her family was a freebie from him. After all he had to impress them somehow before he met them. He still had a few ideas on that front, but for now he left those in the back of his mind. He hoped he had some more time to get things done and set up everything he wanted to.

The other letter was a bit interesting. The Howling Wulf Agency was actually offering him a position among their elites if he wanted to join their organization. He of course laughed and crumpled the paper up and threw it away. He had no interest in joining that group of delinquents and bandits in disguise. He wouldn’t even accept an invite to join the Sapphire or Amber Agencies. Why would he join the least favorable Howling Wulf Agency?

After that Owari didn’t have much to do until later when it was about time to go see Lance. He made his way over to the Amber Agency building and was still as amused as ever at the reactions of the various aides. They treated him very respectfully and carefully. When he reached the room Lance was in he noticed Lance had a serious look on his face.

“Something up?” Owari asked curiously.

“The agency wants me to ask for your cooperation with a certain matter.” Lance sighed.

“They certainly don’t give people breaks. The holiday just got over.” Owari chuckled. “What matter is it?”

“They want help in their deal with the Orion Tradecenters latest mine. They are of course aware of your share in it. So they were hoping they could use our relationship to work out a better deal.” Lance didn’t seem to like it.

“That is one reason we are friends after all. Business is a part of our lives now. No use regretting or fighting it. What kind of deal are they hoping to set up? Obviously I won’t help them get exclusive rights.” Owari turned that down right away.

“They figured, though they wanted me to ask anyway. What they really want is a larger share of the metals. Right now they can only get 10% worked out. The tradecenter is very careful about how much they are willing to give and to who.” Lance explained.

“Makes sense, after all keeping some in reserve will help when they need to make large deals in the future. What is the Amber Agency willing to give up in return for my help, and what incentive does the Orion Tradecenter have in increasing their share of the metals?” Owari got straight to business surprising Lance.

“They said they would give the mine 15% markup on the metals in exchange for a 10% raise in the shares of the metal.” Lance quickly hid his shock and got down to business as well.

“That seems a little low for such a massive increase. 15% for 100% increase? Are they trying to insult us? Besides you haven’t said what I gain for acting as the middleman.” Owari smiled.

“How about 18% markup instead? As for what they are willing to give you, they are willing to give you .1% share in the agency.” Lance didn’t allow his personal feelings get in the way of the business talks, just like Owari didn’t.

“So they want to bind me to the interest of the company to increase my willingness to help them? Interesting.” Owari genuinely felt it was a good move. “If you can make it .15% shares and 20% markup I can see what I can do. However this isn’t a guarantee. It just means I’m willing to do my best to barter on their behalf. It’s up to the higher-ups of the tradecenter if they are willing to make such a deal.” Owari explained.

“Let me think.” He closed his eyes and tapped his temple lightly. “Alright, I can make that deal.” He nodded after some thought.

“Then I’ll work on it as soon as possible. I’ll do my best to work for the Amber Agencies interests now that I might get tied to said interests.” Owari nodded to show his agreement.

“If you succeed you can have the contract drafted up and sent over. I’ll have it signed and stamped within a few days.” Lance smiled, clearly he was glad he succeeded. Owari was a better negotiator then he thought and it had been slightly stressful.

“No problem. Though now I have something to deal with before I can go out.” Owari sighed.

“I apologize for that.” Lance smiled a bit forcefully.

“I’m surprised an organization such as the Amber Agency works with stocks.” Owari said offhandedly.

“Only privately within the initial investors.” Lance obviously noticed Owari was fishing for information. “After all it is a private company like most other agencies.”

“I thought so.” Owari nodded. “Well since the business talks are over, let’s talk about something else.” Owari chuckled.

“Right, that was a nightmare.” Lance laughed.

Like that the two ignored what just happened and began talking like old friends. Owari was getting much better at his interactions with others. After leaving Lance he loitered around a bit before heading into the Orion tradecenter. After confirming Tristain was available in an hour he waited around while meditating until the time came. When he entered the room Tristain chuckled.

“So it’s business then.” He could read Owari’s mannerisms quite well.

“Not for me though. I did some dealing with the Amber Agency just today.” Owari waited to see how Tristain reacted.

“Oh? About what?” He seemed interested.

“They want me to act as a mediator for their interests in the mines.” Owari explained.

“A good strategy considering their representatives’ connections to you.” Tristan nodded as if he expected this to happen. “So what did they offer you?”

“What did they offer me, or what did they offer the Orion Tradecenter?” Owari smiled.

“I’m interested in both, but I have a feeling I’ll only get a straight answer to one. As for which one, I would like to know what they offered our company.” Tristain didn’t pry.

“20% markup on their overall payment, in exchange for another 10% share of the metals.” Owari didn’t bother haggling. Doing so may make the deal fall through in this instance. As someone with no say in the Amber Agency he wasn’t qualified to represent them.

“Is that the best offer or worst?” Tristain asked curiously.

“Best.” Owari confirmed.

“What do you think? You are a major shareholder after all. “ Tristain was curious.

“Honestly? I think the deal is inconsequential. What’s more important is the fact that this will make the Amber Agency more reliant on us and deepen our ties. So the real question isn’t how much can we get, it’s about how important our ties with the Amber Agency are.” Owari said seriously. “Of course getting a good markup helps. This is the equivalent of being paid 40% more than normal for the same amount of metal.”

“You’re right on both accounts. As for how important it is, of course the more tied we are to them the more our interests overlap. So the real question is whether we feel the responsibility is worth the benefits.” Tristain took Owari’s question and refined it into a more specific and important question.

“But it also means they have a responsibility to us. As one of the top Agencies it would do well for us to have a connection to them. Especially one where we have more control.” Owari answered the question himself.

“You’re right. You really do have a talent for this stuff. I’ll write up the contract and have the higher-ups confirm it for us and send it over to the higher-ups of the Amber agency. No reason for us to put our necks out on this one. Let the people above do that.” Tristain chuckled.

“I like the sound of that. Send a letter to Lance explaining what you plan to do. It’ll make it seem more official than if I just told him.” Owari stood up. “I’m sick of business talks for the day though. If you don’t mind I’ll take my leave.” He gave a tired smile.

“I understand.” Tristain knew that feeling. He was the same when he first started.

Owari left feeling exhausted. He wanted to go to sleep but instead he made his way around town until it started to get late. He went and visited Rebecca. Other than thanks for the gift nothing much happened. The two of them just talked about what they did over the holiday. Rebecca laughed at how much trouble Noel ended up having with Owari’s mother. Owari also found it amusing but he refused to show it or else she might find out and get mad at him.

The next day Owari and Noel met up. Noel spoke as soon as she got close to Owari. “I have a few meetings to attend to. I should be done in two days at most.”

“Alright, good luck.” Owari gave her a look of encouragement.

“Yeah, I think I’ll need it. I have to meet with a bunch of annoying people this time.” She sighed and got in her car with a wave.

As soon as she was gone Owari made his way back home. Honestly he already knew what he was doing next. He had also researched it to death recently so he knew everything he needed to know. In the end he did some more research into martial arts and mystic arts. He didn’t have much else to do so he pretty much did this for the next two days. It was then that he heard a knock on his door. As expected when he looked out he saw Noel and Morgana.

“That was fast.” Owari joked as soon as he opened the door.

“Only you who reads all day and night would think that was fast.” Noel sighed.

“Fair enough. So is everything ready?” Owari figured it was based on the fact that she was here.

“It is. Are you finally gonna tell me what we are doing though?” Owari had already talked to Noel and she easily agreed to go with him on an expedition. However he hadn’t told her the details mostly to tease her for not asking right away before agreeing.

“We’re going to go out to the mountains to look for gem mines and marble.” Owari explained as the two walked towards the car.

“Marble? I understand gems, but marble?” Noel was curious.

“Marble is rare and expensive. And the mountains we are visiting are perfect for finding them. It’s more of a side thing though, what we really when are gem deposits since that also means metals. Two for one deals are always the best.” Owari and Noel had gotten in the car and Owari gave directions to Morgana who began to drive. As a side note the other driver was still the same gentleman as before, but Owari had long forgotten his name or even who he was much to Noel and Morgana’s amusement.

“How is it perfect?” Noel didn’t really care much about that stuff, but she decided to humor Owari given that he often lets her talk endlessly.

“Normally that kind of rock would be deep within a mountain range which is very dangerous and thus rare since obviously we not only need to locate the source of marble but also claim the area. However sometimes mountains will erode over time like say when they are near an ocean. These mountains reveal the deeper mountains such as the ones we are going to. Although they are still dangerous it’s much less dangerous than the alternative. You’d be surprised how much people are willing to spend to make something look nice. There’s a reason your place uses marble substitute.” As Owari explained Noel almost zoned out. She hadn’t expected to see him so excitedly explaining.

“What about gems?” She asked just so she could see him so excited again, thinking about it that way made her more willing to listen seriously.

“There are plenty of gems that come from mountains…” Owari soon began to drone on about how the gems are formed and why mountains are perfect places for them. Although she found his enthusiasm cute, her head was spinning from all the information.

After he stopped his lecture on geology the two of them talked about their recent business. Owari told Noel about his recent dealings with the Amber Agency and what he stands to gain. He also mentioned how he got a letter from her grandfather. The two of them laughed about his thanks wondering if he would act the same if he knew about their relationship. He was quite protective of all his grandchildren, especially his granddaughters. It was his way of making up for the danger they were put in according to the family rules.

They stopped by to pick up fang as they made their way out of town. The salamander would be quite useful on this venture. Not to mention Owari still wanted to evolve him. His moth had been neglected a bit lately to help Fang evolve so he was being quite generous. He hoped it would live up to his expectations. One thing about bringing out tamed beasts is the risk of death. If your magical beast dies then you lose your affinity. Of course the longer you stay bonded to a beast the more your affinity rises, but it takes a while to fully acclimate. It was why most hunters didn’t bring out newly tamed beasts.

Owari didn’t have that problem with Fang though, after all he didn’t use Fang’s affinity for his mystic arts. Instead Fang was meant to fight alongside him. Noel also brought along Scythe, despite the fact that it was dangerous and she could lose her affinity. She simply liked the little bundle of vicious furriness too much. Owari didn’t really like the weasel. It also didn’t like him. Unfortunately for the weasel Owari was stronger. For instance he was currently poking its head and it could only hiss defiantly.

“Why do you provoke him like that?” Noel asked with a sigh.

“Because I want him to know the pecking order.” Owari declared.

“What does that mean?” Noel seemed confused.

“It’s an animal thing.” Owari shrugged as the weasel tried to bite him only to have its jaws clamped shut an instant later.

“Are you implying you’re an animal?” Noel was amused.

“Technically we all are. But to answer your question, I’m more beast-like than most people.” Owari smiled at the shivering weasel and let it go. “Anyway as long as he knows it’s fine. He can dislike me as much as he wants.”

“Why don’t you try to get along?” Noel wished they could stop fighting, it was exasperating.

“We’re both vying for your affection. Conflict is inevitable.” Owari laughed. “But really it’s because we are too similar. We are both vicious and cunning and we can tell that the other is as well. However because he’s lazy he is weaker and is forced to accept his place below me.”

“Well whatever makes you happy.” Noel gave up trying to understand. She already knew how wild Owari could get. She had seen how he fought a few times. Not to mention the occasional sign of his vicious nature that occurred when others challenged him.

The two continued to play and talk like this all the way to their destination. Noel of course had to sleep, but Owari would just meditate. Over the journey they enjoyed their time together. The few days they had spent separated after spending so much time together felt a bit uncomfortable to them. By the time they reached their destination they were thoroughly satisfied with the trip. It was odd considering they were going to risk their lives fighting monsters, it certainly didn’t fit the sweet atmosphere of the car ride.

The two got out at their destination with a hint of excitement at the prospect of exploration and more importantly, fighting. The location for this excursion was a mountain as stated before. Or more specifically a series of a dozen mountains close to the coast. They were surrounded by a number of hills. They had to go off-road a bit to get here. The mountains looked quite beautiful with the sun coming up and shining light across them leaving massive shadows to the west.

Owari thought for a moment and brought out some canvas and some of his writing utensils and drew the scene for fun. He hadn’t drawn in a while so he decided to give it a shot. He was a bit rusty but it was pretty decent. After finishing up the drawing he put it away and got ready to make his way along with Noel who waited patiently without saying anything. She had quite enjoyed watching Owari act so seriously as he leaned over the canvas drawing with all kinds of different pencils she didn’t understand the point of.

The two walked towards the mountain and began their climb. The mountain on this side wasn’t too steep and had a forest on it. They used the forest as cover from any flying magical beasts for the moment. They knew they were in for a rough ride when they had found the first signs of magical beasts. The weakest was high copper to low silver. This was truly the untamed wilds. However that was what made it so fun and worthwhile to explore.

As they walked along the forest they found a few magical beasts but mostly ignored them. The beasts here being more wild recognized their strength and left them alone. Unlike the beasts who lived close to the city who either recognized humans as dangerous or thought they were all weak, these beasts cared only about what their instincts told them. It was like a sixth sense telling them to give them a wide berth, and so no trouble was had. It was kind of disappointing.

Of course like any trip into uncharted territory something was always bound to happen. As the sun was dipping low the two ran into a large boar. It had metallic grey fur and blood-red eyes. It stared at them and huffed. It was definitely high silver rank. Owari thought for a moment after they all stopped to study one another.

“Who gets this one?” He asked quietly.

“How about we let our beasts have a little fun. Once we get higher and run into this level with more frequency they won’t get a chance.” Noel answered equally as quietly.

“Alright, let’s see how well they work together.” Owari nodded and ordered Fang to dive into the ground.

It was at this moment that the boar made its decision and charged at them. However to its shock the two showed no sign of dodging. Instead as the boar approached it suddenly slipped on mud and rolled onto its side. Then it slammed into a stone wall. Fang had muddied the ground and Scythe rose a stone barrier. It didn’t just have the ability to create blades, that was just all it could do before. With some training it could raise larger blades and eventually it could change the shape of the blades.

The boar shook itself and kicked the stone wall smashing it to bits. However before it could celebrate It suddenly dropped a foot into the ground and struggled in a small pool of mud. Before it could get up however a number of stone blades fired off towards it at rapid speeds slicing its eyes and nose. Then the mud suddenly rose and enclosed it in a globe before hardening into stone and dirt.

The boar flailed around smashing the stone wall, however more mud came and patched the holed. Over time the boar put up less resistance as it grew exhausted. Then Scythe finished it off with a straight stone blade through the eye. With that the boar was killed, and in good shape too. The two only worked together so well with Owari and Noel guiding them slightly. But overall it was a tremendous success and the two tamers were pleased with their beasts.