Chapter 89: Closing Deals

Chapter 89 - Closing Deals

Kai followed Reishi inside the warehouse with Flynn. Large crates and chests were orderly piled and moved by half a dozen busy workers.

My apologies, I didnt recognize your guest, Master Reishi. Merchant Revhani continued fawning over the merfolk till they reached an office. A lavish meeting room with two sofas around a coffee table.

Revhani, could you take care of the refreshments for my guests. Kai wasnt an expert in merfolks body language, but he easily recognized forced courtesy when he heard it.

Of course, Master Reishi. Ill bring the finest refreshments.

Closing the door behind him, the merman let out another grumble and invited them to take a seat. He came with the ship. And hes surprisingly good at sniffing out a bargain.

Do you not travel on the Fortuna anymore? Kai asked.

Thats my father's ship. He took it with him when he left. Right now, hes probably sailing down the Golden Coast chasing profit.

Oh, Im sorry.

No need. I have three vessels now and it was my decision to stay behind. The economy of the archipelago is rapidly expanding. It would have been a waste to leave after spending so much time familiarizing with the region and building contacts. Reishi passed his scaled hand over his tired eyes, even the yellow and silver crest going down his back flopped down. Kai didnt fail to notice both the merfolk race and profession had advanced from last time, reaching Orange and orange grade.

Sorry, I didnt want to bother you with the details. Its been a while since I had a conversation about anything else. Tell me about you. Did you also start employing more people? He gestured to Flynn.

Oh, no. He is just a temporary companion. Hes helping me out around Sylspring since I was new to town.

Busy observing the richly decorated interior, Flynn made no snide remarks of his grandiosity and nodded distractedly.

Revhani came back with a woman carrying a fuming porcelain teapot with three cups and an excessive number of biscuits. I had these baked this morning and ordered the tea from the mainland for a special occasion. Im sure youll find it to your liking.

Thank you. You dont mind also fetching Kais order, do you? Reishi stopped the merchant who was about to sit down with them.

I could send an attendant, Revhani said, eyeing the sofa and food with clear desire.

There is no one I trust as much as you. Reishi smiled.The roots of this story extend from novell bi?n origin.

Then, of course, Ill provide. He gave a short bow making his triple chin jiggle around.

Flynn, why dont you go with him to negotiate the final prices, Kai said to help Reishi get rid of the merchant and get some privacy.

Revhani stopped, throwing him an annoyed look.

Im sure it wont take much. Reishi intervened. But do send someone to bring the Water sphere, well personally deal with it. As my father always says: business before pleasure.

With no way out, the merchant gave one last mournful look at the tea and biscuits. Naturally. It won't take much to negotiate the prices. Come, boy.

Oh, you poor deluded soul. Have fun.

Flynn stepped on his foot disgruntled when standing up. Kai almost felt bad, but he was paying him for that, and he hadnt missed how the pile of biscuits was already noticeably smaller.

Waiting for the steps to grow faint, Kai and Reishi shared a knowing smile.

Somehow I cant imagine Sehn saying business before pleasure.

We are merchants, not soldiers. My father loves mixing the two. The merman leaned forward to pour two cups of tea.

It had a pleasant fresh scent, the flavor didnt disappoint either. With each sip he could recognize a different taste. This is really good, Kai said, surprised.

Not as good as Viryas, but close.

I bet, its soluferr tea. Revhani bought it for himself. Its only produced by an order of monastic nuns. This is their cheapest product. It goes for a silver a cup, without travel costs.

Kai froze, staring at the golden liquid in shock.

And I thought I was being extravagant by spending a handful of copper mesars on touristy food.

You dont mind if I take another cup, do you?

Go ahead, you are my guest. Tell me what youve been up to. I could really use an alchemist. Every competent one around here has a shop of their own or is already contracted by the Republic.

Kai gave him some vague information about his training to be polite. Unfortunately, my master expects me to come back as soon as Im done here. Elijah might have agreed if he informed him beforehand, but he didnt believe in asking for forgiveness rather than permission.

There is really no chance?

Depends. Ill probably come back at some point, and I might bring some potions to sell.

With a knock on the door, an attendant entered and carefully placed a small ornate chest on the table. A network of runes stopped Kai from peeking inside.

You can open it. I acquired it for you after all. Reishi said, tapping on the chest which made a metallic sound as if he turned an invisible key.

Kai didnt have to be told twice. From how the merman separated this item from the rest and its name, he already had a suspicion of what it was. Slowly lifting the lid, a deep blue crystal sphere rested on a velvet cushion.

The closer he looked the more the orb colors swirled, as if water was flowing inside, the dark blue growing to lighter tones.

The blue sphere immediately reacted to his touch, the waters stirring inside its glass surface like a gathering storm. He directed a trickle of Water mana inside, and the brightness exploded.

Shadows of churning waves were projected on the walls of his room. The light took two seconds before settling down. A blue glow filled his room, making him forget he barred his windows.

Well, not sure what this means, but Ill take it as a good sign.

Back in its box, the sphere slowly dimmed. Pacing around in his excitement, he noticed the farther he stayed from the orb the faster it faded. If he was right in front of it, the process was barely noticeable.

And it also doubles as a lamplight.

He couldnt wait to get back to the estate and get his final reading. Kai did an inventory of all the products on Elijahs list. Nothing was missing, so he orderly put them back in the spatially expanded backpack.

It was early afternoon, a day and a half were too short to make the journey. That would mean hed have to spend two nights in the jungle if he departed now.

Ill take half a day off.

He hadnt got a proper chance to explore Sylspring yet. Outside, Flynn was nowhere to be seen.

That boy is better taken in small doses.

With all his tasks completed, Kai strolled around without a care in the world. He always hated going window shopping on Earth, here he found himself attracted by the shopping district.

Greenside market couldnt compare, and Whiteshore didnt even have one. There was something magical to the experiencenot counting the shining runes on the expensive merchandise. Each spoon, glass and statuette were created by someone who probably dedicated their whole life to that job. Even in the touristy shops, each piece of colorful knick-knack was unique. Still pointless, but not boring.

In a merry mood, Kai passed by Sypies Herbs to say hi to Telu and silently gloat. If the deal with Reishi went through, he would cut off the Old Selly who shortchanged him in Greenside.

Wandering aimlessly, Kai was amazed by how large Sylspring was, a proper town also by his old-world standards. Even in the worst district, it never quite reached the same level of decay as Greensides poor neighborhoods.

Instead of a trap, isolating the town from the rest of the island, the Veeryd jungle was a source of wealth and jobs. And while the tourists were obnoxious to have around, they brought some much-needed cash.

The next day, Kai was almost disappointed, when upon opening his door, he didnt find Flynn waiting there.

Kai went downstairs to check out of the inn. The main hall was quiet with only a couple of tables occupied by people having breakfast.

Hi, boss. Are you leaving already? Lucky that I got here early.

Messy brown hair, and cunning green eyes. Good morning, Flynn. Im just that fortunate.

I couldnt let you leave without saying goodbye. Why dont we eat something?

Im not paying for your breakfast. I gave you plenty to buy whatever you want for a month and Im in a hurry.

Please, mister. I had to spend it all to buy medicines for my sick sisters.

Ill become a saint.

Fine. But its the last time. A handful of minutes wouldnt make a difference.

I knew I could count on you, dearest friend.

Kai dodged Flynn's hug, to keep the grabby hands away from his backpack and took a table.

Without a hint of shame, the deceitful boys order was closer to a three-course meal than a breakfast.

You already said youd pay. No takebacks.

There are many kids looking for a job in Sylspring. I just met this girl yesterday. She was very honest and smart. Maybe I should ask her for help.

Flynn watched him closely. Youre lying.

How do you know that?

Youd never start a conversation with anyone if you can help it. Much less with a kid.

You little thick-skinned rat.

Finding someone more reliable than you is a great motivation.

No one is as good as the greatest haggler.

Ill eat my losses.

We already have a deal.

I dont remember signing anything.

They were interrupted by three plates of food. Flynn let out a satisfied sigh at the smell of fried bread and scrambled eggs. Then he noticed there was no plate in front of Kai, just a fork. You didnt order anything. This is my food.

I paid for it. Kai pointed out, wielding his fork ready for a duel.

About an hour later, Kai was leaving town whistling a happy tune. He might have eaten slightly too much.

A two-day trip, then hed finally be able to enhance his race to Orange .