(Zhenya Pov)

*Stare*

Sitting across from me was a familiar face. A thin veil of kindness belied shrewd eyes while just below two curls lay at each end of a refreshing tight-lipped smile. Entirely content to act like I wasn’t glaring at him. “I understand your apprehension, but I assure you this is entirely casual. A pow-wow, if you will.”

This was Ketleho, the very same merchant extraordinaire I met during the bombing. Elegantly drinking coffee served by Junia. “This is quite nice. Although, are you sure about your friends?” Lowering his voice so only I could hear, he addressed the four dinguses pretending to be servants by flitting around the room, looking busy. Apologize to all the capable butlers and maids in the world!

Despite my insistence, the alchemist sisters did retort with some good points. Even the free-spirited duo knew the importance of business deals. Going so far as to lecture me on proper etiquette.

It was Junia’s idea to dress in maid outfits and discretely help behind the scenes. I swear this girl needs to stop reading Tsukiko’s books.

We eventually put it up to a vote resulting in two to one for the plan. Su abstained for less than discernible reasons, a blueish tint across her cheeks. While Rudi was still unconscious at this point. Though he did give the pair an earful once he woke.

Well, at least the glint-eyed merchant brought along his own aids, all of which stood dutifully behind their employer. As opposed to yeah... At least their disguises looked convincing. And while I hate to admit it, Junia did have a point hidden in all this madness.

‘What if another attack happened?’ It wasn’t outside the realm of possibility. The rebels knew both sisters were somewhere within the Dutchy. And have proven to possess the means of infiltrating heavily guarded places.

With the insurgent’s recent influx of members, it was clear they were ramping up operations. A scene Su and I witness a few days prior to this meeting and the impetus for Junia’s scheme.

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It happened as we finished hashing out the meeting spot with Ketleho’s secretary. A proxy building some ways away from Junia’s estate. Her sister, herself, and her mother had used it for matters of secrecy in the past and went to great lengths to keep it that way.

As we threw on our cloaks and hurried for the gates, we heard Deazora’s voice droning in the distance. After a bit of sleuthing, we found him dead center in a rebel-controlled part of town. A crowd gathered around, some likely due to his previous seeds taking root.

Listening from a nearby alleyway, it was clear that the jester had much more ammo against the Dutchy than initially thought. Some were from past events, but there were a few that sounded recent.

And that was when he dropped the mother of all bombs!

A full account of what really happened during Flower Night. As names and dates are thrown around coinciding with Felschonheit’s recent dungeon outbreak, the crowd reacted in two ways, some shouting indignantly while others quieted.

He spared no detail, even mentioning us by name! Carefully penning a curated story with Su as the tragic heroine and us as rising stars saving a downtrodden soul. Before laying bare every minute tie linking the Dutchy to the tragedy.

Every word oozed propaganda, and much to our collective jaws hitting the ground, pictures. Nirve, what the hell did you do! Each depicted the corpse of Su’s former employer, his armor prominently displayed for all to see. Of course, there was confusion about what the metal piece meant, but at this point, it didn’t matter.

The crowd was in a frenzy. The recent outbreak was still fresh news, and despite the A.A’s attempt, news and rumors leaked. Also, didn’t help that Deazora had a stack of textbooks which may qualify as a sidearm. Ready to give a full-on history lesson.

As Su and I skulked off, I realized the man, now history teacher never brought up how the A.A tried to hide the truth.

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A hollow clink brought me back and signaled Rudi for a refill. “Please. Don’t mind us. This is Teacher’s property. It’s only natural that we attend to our guests.” Rudi cordially replied, a slight limp in his step. But managed to retain the dignity a butler outfit entailed. The apprentice was less than willing to play along with his master’s schemes, much to the girl’s chagrin.

It was clear Ketleho was happy to indulge the girl’s antics.

Honestly, I don’t know how they talked me into letting them do this. Oh, yeah. Terrorism and democracy. And after what we heard in the city, there was no guarantee Ketleho wasn’t followed, so that was why the four of them were present.

We would have left Rudi behind, seeing his current condition. But once again, the threat of someone attacking him lingered on our minds. At least this way he’s safe, and we can keep an eye on his condition.

Especially after he recounted what happened to them in the Council chambers... Honestly, it’s a miracle the boy’s awake, let alone on his feet.

But that’s a story for another time. “Mister Vardan, I think it’s time we start negotiations.”

While Su didn’t have any strong opinions, she did say he smelt like ‘the wind’. The others schooled me on Ketleho’s life story.

Needless to say, there was a lot to gain from this. He is heading up the world’s largest trading company. If I strike a deal or whatever he wanted to meet about, that would be a huge boon. Not just for me but for all of us. Especially these three, who already had a list of all the exotic ingredients they wanted.

“Well then, miss Zhenya. It’s an honor to formally meet you. But please call me by my first name Ketleho.” The representative of commerce held an outstretched hand. Rudi and the others were right. He was a crow-like man, his ordinary looks belying a sharp mind. Also, he probably shared their love of shinnies.

“Thank you.” The casual name-drop wasn’t lost on me. Compared to him, I was a nobody. I don’t know how he got my name, but it couldn’t be easy, especially on short notice. Or did he know about it even before we met? Tch. Merchant types really are the worst. Everything always has a double meaning.

“So what does the Founder of the Vardan Trading Company, entrepreneur, and the creator of Gp want with little ‘ol me?” If he wants to play, then I’m game. They don’t call me the winter haggler for nothing!

Putting on a pleasant smile, Katleho flashes one of his own. “I see you are well versed.” With a subtle wave, he gestures for his entourage. “Ah, where are my manners?” Almost magically, they produce a cute floral-branded bag. “You’ve been treating me to such exquisite coffee. So how about I treat you to something.” Those beans were one of Junia’s personal projects. Selectively bred for maximum caffeine with hints of sweetness followed by a mellow melting bitterness.

Another layer to make sure Ketleho didn’t muscle us out of negotiations. And as expected, he brought his weapon. Tea leaves made from the seventh-floor boss of Felschonheit's dungeon. Dried under the food dungeon’s searing sun.

Formidable, but I expected nothing less. I’d reckon the game’s pretty much even. We produced a delicacy personally grown by the Witch’s Left that can’t be bought with Gp. Brewed and served by the Witch’s Right. Which I must say is divine. I tried a cup before, and it was extraordinary. Ellie’s hands are a literal goddess sent.

Meanwhile, Ketleho countered with a product that could not be made without substantial backing and connections. He needed to hire teams of adventurers comfortable fighting a seventh-floor boss. Which, if I remember right, was a mountain-sized carnivorous plant. That could not have been cheap. Everything else, from quality control to transportation and hiring a separate team of adventurers for the second dungeon.

But that was the name of the game. Flaunting wealth and connections, showing what you could offer the other party.

Filling the time with idle chatter, one of Ketleho’s entourage served us this ludicrous tea.

And I have to say, money to taste translates. It was amazing. Roasted and deep yet with a creamy aftertaste.

“Mhhm, delicious. Although, I don’t remember seeing this brand before.” ... Let’s see how far my luck goes. Reading the label is out for obvious reasons. But we visited Arisfride, and if there’s one thing those eggheads hold in high regard alongside knowledge, it’s coffee and tea. They would have made a big hubbub about archiving its existence.

“You have quite a sharp eye, Zhenya.” The crow expelled a short, lighthearted chortle. “This is a trial product. The launch is in a couple of months, just in time for the winter festival.”

Damn. There goes our advantage. Rare, high-grade, and unreleased.

“I see. Thank you. But we should really get back on track.”

Take what you can while you’re ahead. He is a bold one I’ll give him that. But then again, all merchants who braved the north had gall. Let’s see how phase two pans out. We have the edge going into this since he’s the one asking.

“It’s nothing major, I assure you. Simply a partnership. You see, every dungeon presents an entirely new business revenue. And I have heard tales of your exploits. An up-and-coming group of adventurers leaps and bounds ahead of their peers. Of course, I would jump at a chance to strike a deal.

Although the A.A non-interference accord applies as much to merchants as it does to veteran adventurers. We are not to ply our trade to or within the dungeon nor its adventurers for one year. You understand why that is right?”

“Of course. It allows us new-bloods to get our feet on the ground without getting outpaced by the old guard.” Fredrica lectured the hell out of me on every A.A rule, even the ones I already knew. “Back before the law was instated, there was a problem with older adventurers migrating to newly surfaced core dungeons. Completely clearing them out and impeding their growth.

This created a problem for new adventures as well. Being forced to ride their coattails, not many got the chance to learn the ins and outs of dungeon diving naturally. Leading to a high mortality rate once they decided to strike out on their own.”

Striking the best impression of Fredrica I could. A glimmer of pride in my slightly straightened back, I could tell Ketleho accepted the answer. “Correct. This law was instated to ensure the natural growth of both adventurers and dungeons. This is why it also extends to merchants for various reasons. But the major one is to stop any aggressive plays. Many enterprising foxes would love to scoop up all the adventurers they can. If that meant getting their hands on dungeon items earlier.”

“Which is what you’re not doing right now?” I shot back, judging the crow. He doesn't seem like the type to do something as stupid as this for short-term growth.

“Goodness me, no. While the A.A forbids merchants from creating contracts with new adventurers before the one-year time limit. Nothing states we can’t have an agreement of words for the future.” Even when called out, he keeps his calm. An old crow indeed. He knows his boundaries.

“I see. Making contacts for the future. But something tells me you wouldn’t be here if it was for a nice chat.”

“Ha! I must say, miss Zhenya, you are more than I expected. But yes. There is more to this meeting than me coaxing you and your group into a partnership further down the line. While the A.A specifically bans transactions involving materials. There’s nothing about trading information. That is how they lure prospective adventurers after the initial rush.

For every person who would jump into the unknown when offered, there are five waiting for information. Late adopters, if you will.”

“So that’s where the money lies. Little kids’ dreams and people too scared to make the dive. Well, that makes sense.” It’s all in the A.A’s best interest. So I guess that gets a pass.

“Amongst other things, archival and entertainment also play a role.” Ketleho downs the last bit of tea. “Have you ever heard of Dungeons and Explorers?”

“Yes, I have a friend who is deeply invested.” I don’t know how else to word Fredrica’s obsession. The girl carries it in her chest, just in case we ever find time to play. Rain or shine, even being stuck in a dungeon doesn’t stop her.

“There you go. So what do you say? Do we have a deal? I’ll even sweeten the pot with information of my own.” Ketleho offers a handshake. Looking towards the rest, I can say we need to end this now. Junia and Ellie were drifting in and out of sleep. While Rudi tried to maintain a modicum of attention, even he had his limits. I swear alchemists have zero attention span for anything that doesn’t interest them.

“Deal!” Taking his hand, we shake on it.

“Good, good. Thank you for hosting this old merchant. Goodness me. Is it already so late? Well. We can hash things out another time with clearer heads.” I visibly deflate as Rudi shows him out.

“Ah, before I leave. I did promise you information, did I not?” Ketleho calls back to me, addressing the five of us. “Fredrica is in grave danger. ‘They’ know of the new dungeon and are moving to claim it. There’s little time left before they attack. Perhaps in a day or two at best.”