What is it, Akasha? Zeke asked. Did you find the Gemkar representatives?
[Notice.]
Negative. It is sothing else, but the host might still be interested. It involves a secondary objective.
Ohh? Where is it?
Akasha directed his attention toward the center of the hall. The inside of the circular hall was filled with tables. It was an area intended for the many representatives to chat and drink. At one of those tables, an old man was having a discussion with a party of three, a young man whom two guards accompanied.
Zeke got closer and sat at an empty spot. He picked his location carefully, with his back toward them and definitely too far to overhear them. However, with his sphere of perception, their words were as clear as day to him.
I think we gave you enough ti, sir Nair, the young man said sternly. It is ti you make a decision.
The old man remained silent, his back hunched and head lowered. However, Zeke didnt miss the anger in his eyes. Whatever they were discussing, it was apparent the old man was unwilling.
However, eventually, his body relaxed with a sigh. Very well. I will give you an answer by the end of today.
That is good then, the young man said, a smile finally appearing on his face. I knew you would see reason. Dont worry; both our families can only benefit from this union.
The old man nodded listlessly before getting up and leaving. Zeke waited for a brief mont before following behind him. He didnt know why he should be interested in the dealings between those two groups, but since Akasha had explicitly pointed them out, there had to be sothing he could gain.
He followed the old man to the other side of the hall. There, he saw the old man join a group that was sitting around one of the larger tables. Once again, Zeke positioned himself close by, intending to listen in.
How did it go, Grandpa? the girl beside the old man asked. She was a stunning woman with caral-colored skin and deep, dark eyes. Even though her face was contorted with worry, it wasnt enough to hide her enchanting appearance. The other people seed to share her anxiety as they also waited for the old mans explanation. Both nervousness and hope could be seen in their eyes.
The old man frowned bitterly before shaking his head. They wouldnt accept it. We will have to give them an answer by the end of the day.
The hope left the peoples eyes as they looked at the beautiful young woman with pity. She, who had called the old man Granpa, swore upon hearing his explanation. Curse those Firebrand bastards. They are more poisonous than sand vipers! We should never have traded with them!
Zeke perked up upon hearing that na. Firebrand was the na of the school the Lions Den opposed. However, he didnt think this was why Akasha had led him here. After all, he didnt care much about the rivalry between the schools. Furthermore, there was no significant benefit in his assisting either side.
The old man shook his head. Calm down, Aisha. There is no point in bemoaning what has already passed. Right now, our top priority should be to find a way to deal with this situation.
The young woman, apparently called Aisha, scoffed. What way? What can we even do besides giving in? If we dont find a way to pay them back in full, we will have no choice but to accept their offer unless we are willing to sell our ho.
The old man frowned but didnt seem to have a way to refute her statent. For a while, the entire group remained silent, and then, one after the other, the people started to devise alternative ways to raise the missing funds.
From their discussion, Zeke learned that this group belonged to the Nair family. They apparently had been a well-regarded and affluent household in the capital. They made their fortune in trade but had fallen on hard tis recently. The old man he had followed here was called Mohan Nair, and he was the current head of the house.
Their conflict with the Firebrand family apparently stemd from a missing delivery of enchanted weapons. They had requested the products multiple tis, but their caravan had continuously been robbed on the way here.
This point was already suspicious, but every other delivery has been intercepted since making this deal. They had beco entirely unable to conduct any trade at this point. It was no wonder the family had fallen on hard tis.
Not being fools, they naturally suspected the Firebrand family to be behind those mysterious robberies, but without any proof, they could do nothing. The strongest guards the family possessed had long since been killed in the repeated attacks. Even so, no evidence had been found.
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Zeke was rather impressed with the thods of the Firebrand school. They seed to have realized that the Chiroi could also be used to further their agenda outside the arena. Even if they were caught, they could claim to have sold the slaves beforehand, deflecting all bla.
Enough, Aisha said eventually. Her voice was quiet, yet full of resolve. All your plans will take ti to bear fruit, which is a luxury we no longer have. We have to accept their proposal.
No! Mohan interjected right away. I cant let you do that!
It is the only way, Granpa, the girl said as she gently held the old mans hands. That bastard has been courting for many years. He will not leave us alone until I agree.
Even so
Too many have already died, Granpa, Aisha said, cutting him off. More strength had entered her voice. I can not bear to see any more harm befall our family without doing anything. As your granddaughter, I can only bla myself for being too weak to find another way.
The old man remained silent for a long ti before shaking his head once more. Even if we agreed to the proposal, I doubt they would just let us be. Our na still carries weight in this city, and those snakes would never let go of prey already entering their mouth. Surrendering now would only hasten our downfall.
It was then that a mysterious figure approached the group. He was tall, with lean muscles and an athletic figure. His face was hidden behind a makeshift veil, but the golden eyes peaking out were sharp and calculating. It was Zeke who had finally decided that this was the ti to strike.
Do I have the pleasure of addressing the representatives of the honored Nair family? he asked courteously. At the sa ti, he swept his gaze over the group before stopping on the old man he knew to be the head of the house.
Every face turned toward him. After a mont, the old man replied. That is right, young man. I am Mohan Nair. What can I do for you?
Zeke bowed fractionally before addressing the old man. Greetings, sir Nair. The patriarch of my house has sent to extend an offer to your family.
Mohan imdiately grew alert when he heard that Zeke had co with an offer. Who is your patriarch, and what does he want?
Zeke showed his palms, signaling his peaceful intentions. Dont worry. Even though my Patriarch is well aware of your situation, he has no intention of taking advantage. He is a man who has no need for such petty sches.
Instead of relaxing, the old man grew even more wary upon hearing those words. Who is your Patriarch?
Zeke took a breath. This next part would be a bit of a gamble. I serve Ezekiel of Tradespire.
Hoh! The old man exclaid. The rising star? I didnt think his influence extended so far already.
Zeke smirked under his veil. As a rchant family with ties to Tradespire, it was no wonder Mohan knew about him. Still, it was a risk to reveal his na.
My Patriarch has more wealth than he can spend in several lifetis, Zeke bragged. It is only natural that he would look for ways to extend his influence.
The old man nodded in agreent. His vigil seed to have lessened after learning Zekes identity. After all, such a famous person had no reason to play petty tricks on foreign rchants. What is this offer you speak of?
Zeke inclined his head. Despite being known for its honest and upright character, your house has been driven to the brink of destruction. And now Miss Aisha Nair, one of the most famous beauties of Korrovan, is being pressured into accepting an engagent with a snake. When my Patriarch learned of this, he was deeply infuriated. Therefore, he has tasked with offering a way out of your predicant.
Could it be Mohan asked, looking between his granddaughter and Zeke, that your Patriarch is also after my lovely Aisha?
Zeke was dumbfounded. He had only ant to flatter the woman by complinting her. But judging from the blush now spreading across her face, it seed his intention had been misunderstood.
He cleared his throat awkwardly. You misunderstand, elder. Even though the miss is indeed a woman of boundless charm, my Patriarch has no such intentions. He often says that a happy marriage is only achievable between the willing. Therefore, he would not make such a demand.
I see. It seems this was my mistake then, Mohan said, not the least bit embarrassed about his assumption. Zeke even suspected that this might have been a test to gauge his character. If so, then the old man was quite sly, as expected of the head of a rchant family.
Zeke continued, The proposal pertains to sothing else. My Patriarch offers to pay off all the debt incurred by your family. This would free you from any and all responsibilities of your past contracts.
The old man stroked his beard in thought. That is not a small sum. What does your Patriarch want in return?
He wants your family to work for him in the future.
What!? The old man, who had been calm all along, finally lost his composure. Work for him?
That is right, Zeke confird calmly.
Haaa! Mohan exhaled deeply before glaring at Zeke. That is an even worse offer than those cursed Firebrand bastards made. Have you no sha?
That is not so. Instead, it is a golden opportunity for your family, Zeke said confidently.
Enlighten , then, the old man said. He grew slightly interested upon seeing Zeke's conviction.
As things stand, your family cannot survive. Even if the harassnt from the Firebrand school were to stop, you still couldnt resu operations with your remaining forces, isnt that right?
The old man nodded reluctantly. There was no use pretending at this point.
You must find a new path either way. And that is what the Patriarch offers a new path.
As lapdogs? Mohan questioned. I am sure we can do better.
When did I ever say such a thing? Zeke said, shaking his head slowly. What my Patriarch offers isnt sothing like that. Instead, he wishes for your family to represent his interests here in Korrovan. This role isnt only vital, but also quite lucrative.
The old mans gaze wavered for the first ti. It seed those words had finally managed to shake his stubborn resolve. What interests does your lord have in this country?
Zeke smiled. I am certain you know of how my lord rose to prominence in less than a year after arriving in Tradespire?
I am.
Zeke looked deeply into the old mans eyes before speaking with a deliberately heavy tone. He intends to do the sa thing here.
Mohans gaze wavered. It was no wonder. After all, if those words were the truth, then this might turn out to be the most promising chance of his life. He could quickly turn his familys luck around by managing Ezekiels dealings in this country.
Ahem what does the young lord intend to sell here? Mohan asked. I do not think that the Gondola would be a suitable product. The safety of this city isnt comparable to Tradespire.
Zeke nodded, a smile erging on his face. He hadnt missed the changes in Mohans way of speaking. The old rchant was already giving out suggestions now. The young lord is aware of that fact. He will introduce a new product suitable to the Korrovan market. However, I cant say more until weve co to an agreent.
He stared intently at the old man. Now, do we have a deal?
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