-House of Isotel-
-Chamber of Nobles-
"Sire Vulpenhart, how about this silk from the East? Do you find it appealing?
"It's not enough," Veralis answered disdainfully.
His alias was Vulpenhart, the name Akan always used for himself.
The merchant, Surem, smiled. He glanced around at the masked nobles dancing and chatting before leaning closer and whispering, "Then you might be interested in this rare flower I bought at great expense."
"Show me."
"We might have to move to a chamber, lest others covet it, Sire," the merchant winked.
"Fine. I'll follow you."
"Lovely! Then please allow me to escort you to one of the chambers."
These past few months, all Veralis had done was watch and observe the nobles. He had noticed a pattern whenever these merchants showed themselves.
It was always on the last Friday of the month.
During those days, there were heavy entertainments.
Just passing through the corridor, he could see two or three people lying naked and asleep on the floor, their masks still firmly in place.
Behind an open door, he could hear loud slaps and sounds of ecstasy.
The smell of smoke and liquor lingered in the air.
This place was full of debauchery.
Especially deep into the night.
"Say, Sire, have you not enjoyed yourself with one of those beautiful courtesans from the eastern lands?"
Veralis snorted. "It's not women that I like the most."
He leaned closer to the merchant, smiling. "Something more exotic and rare. Don't make me repeat myself."
Surem laughed. "Ah, but of course! Yes, you're right. My apologies. This way then."
They entered the most luxurious chamber.
"Men, open—give me the chest I entrusted to you both."
The merchant ordered his men, his eyes widening with excitement. It was clear how eager he was.
Even Veralis grew curious. Besides, he had his agenda.
"As you know, Sire, I treat you well, and you're the only one I've shown this to."
"I appreciate your sentiments, Merchant Surem. Now, let me see."
"How cold."
Merchant Surem smiled; he gestured to his men, who placed the chest on the table.
"Do open our very valuable surprise for you."
The moment Veralis opened the chest, he frowned.
"Leaves and powder? This is a leaf that can be made into a powder?
"Ohohoh! You were quite quick to reach an accurate conclusion. Yes, you are absolutely right. But it's not just any leaf!"
Surem was truly excited; he was breathing a bit too deeply, and that grin couldn't stop showing on his face. "This herb is far stronger than Han Herb. This is the Nan Powder that everyone is vying for."
"What does it do?"
"A medicine for the sick and a haven for those who cannot fall asleep. For minds riddled with bothersome creatures, it is an oasis for the mad."
Veralis studied the herb carefully.
So, this is what Akan was hunting so fervently?
He turned it over in his hands, noticing the faint smell of the herb, then glanced at the merchant.
A thought came to mind, something he was most curious about.
"Would you say these rivals are that fabled Thunder's teeth?"
He had been searching for it for so long, but somehow, he still knew so little about it. Adiand had no thunder, and it was rare during the rainy season. He had neither the time to visit the other empires for himself nor anyone he could ask about it, lest they think he was mad for searching for something so unbelievable.
There was no one to trust.
Ironically, the princess is sure it existed. And he believes her—a belief made of a hopeless deal.
Merchant Surem blinked. "Pardon, Sire Vulpenhart, what do you mean by Thunder's teeth?"
"Haven't you heard of it?"
"My sincerest apologies," the merchant said, bewildered. "I only knew it was a mere legend. Does such a thing truly exist? Does it offer tangible benefits?"
Veralis gave a noncommittal shrug, his voice casual. "A rumor, perhaps. Who's to say? Merely passing curiosity."
But inwardly, Veralis frowned. Had the Princess lied? Hah. The Adiand royals were proving themselves as untrustworthy as ever.
Still, this so-called Nan Herb, whatever leaf or powder it might be, could be the key to helping this sister.
"How many herbs do you currently possess?"
"Ten," Surem replied. "If Sire Vulpenhart agrees, I am willing to offer half—"
"No," Veralis interrupted. "If the goods are to be sold to the Adiand Empire, it shall be under an exclusive contract."
Surem hesitated, his merchant's smile faltering. "Exclusivity? That would be…quite impossible, Sire."
Veralis leaned back, his voice low and confident. "What if I were to tell you this is at the behest of the Palace?"
"…Eh?"
Surem's eyes widened. "Forgive me, but…" If the royals are involved, that's definitely something he needs to consider.
Veralis smiled coldly, sensing the shift in advantage. "Let's just say the palace is already aware of what you intend to present. Had you offered your proposal elsewhere, well…accidents tend to happen."
"I—His Majesty wouldn't dare. I am a citizen of the Jushen Empire."
"And yet, your name is tied, however subtly, to the slave trade on Beggar Street."
Surem paled. Sweat beaded on his brow. How? He had buried those connections months ago!
"Don't think too hard on it," Veralis said lightly. "Were it not for Adviser Akan's intervention, His Majesty might have pursued a less diplomatic route."
He paused, then offered a gentler smile, a dagger wrapped in silk.
"Still, the palace isn't without mercy. The agreement is simple: Adiand received full privilege of the Nan Herb. You may sell to other empires, and Adiand shall pay twice the prevailing expense. The contract will last 20 years. Do know that the price of the Nan Herb must be tripled if it is sold outside the Adiand Empire. We can forgive a few losses here and there, but not too big, or it will be on you. Do you understand?"
Surem's mouth opened, but Veralis wasn't finished.
"In addition, any prior allegations against you within our empire will be vetoed. You'll be recognized as a citizen of Adiand as long as your contract stands, with full privileges, equal taxation, and equal protection. A clean slate, Master Surem. Unless, of course, you intend to play around again after we clear your name after your past endeavors in our empire."
Veralis paused, wanting to create tension.
"You know this well. Few merchants ever receive such a deal."
Especially someone as gray as you.
Silence.
Then Veralis added with a cordial nod, "Of course, you are free to decline…but consider how many hands might want what you're holding, and how few of them will ask nicely."
Merchant Surem sat silently for a beat too long. His fingers twitched at his side, the telltale sign of a merchant calculating the risk against the rewards.
He bowed his head slightly, his voice still calm but no longer as confident.
"…Sire Vulpenhart speaks with conviction. I must admit, these arrangements are quite…heavy, yet not without merit."
Veralis tilted his head with a courteous smile, letting the silence pressure the man further.
Surem continued, trying to salvage a sliver of dignity. "A merchant must always weigh the winds, and I sense Sire has come from the palace itself. To ignore such a gale would be…unwise."
How many nefarious people does His Majesty keep in his palace? Surem couldn't fathom it.
"Indeed," Veralis replied, "and the palace respects a man who knows when to trim his toenails."
Surem let out a slow breath, the tension leaving his shoulders like a sigh of defeat hidden beneath formality.
"Then I shall accept the offer under the conditions stated: full privilege of the Nan Herb, compensation, and the revocation of my past mistakes." He glanced at Veralis, searching for any hint of deceit. "Will the agreement be put in writing immediately?"
"Of course," Veralis replied smoothly. "A royal contract will be drafted, and you'll receive it in three days."
"That would be excellent." Surem nodded, regaining some of his composure. "And…might I ask if there will be room for further communication?"
After all, the contract states that all of his past mistakes will be removed as long as it remains in effect. Although it's unreasonable, what can he do in the face of power? His reputation matters the most!
Veralis gave a low chuckle. "That depends entirely on how you handle your first dance with the crown. Prove yourself to be more than a famous peddler of secrets, and you might find Adiand a most generous patron."
Surem bowed more deeply this time, both appeased and intimidated.
"Then may this be the beginning of a profitable accord, Sire Vulpenhart."
"Indeed," Veralis said as he stood up.
Surem smiled as he stood up, placing the ten herbs into the chest as well.
"I am most grateful for that."
The moment Surem and his guards left, the smile beneath Veralis' mask faded.
"I really abhor acting like this."
He was becoming like a duke, yet he could weave through it differently from his straightforward father.
Garths like to show their intimidation through their fists. No matter how slick his tongue was or how nobly he communicated compared to other families in the Garth Duchy, he still had the Garths' blood flowing through his veins.
It seems that dealing with the royals, whoever was inside the palace, made him more of a snake than a fearsome bull.
"Tiring."
Just as he was about to leave, the closet behind him seemed to open.
"Forgive me—I could hardly endure it any longer. I was nearly breathless and had no choice but to take my leave."
Veralis frowned.
He sensed the other man even before they entered the room.
Despite the mask and despite the trained voice, Veralis recognized that statue instantly. Even his manner of speech and the way he walks are like that of some rebellious noble.
It was a familiar presence.
Cashim.
One of the Emperor's cunning soldiers during the war.
Cashim smiled, as if knowing the person across from him had recognized him.
"Might I have a word with you, Sire Vulpenhart?"
"…"