Chrysalis

Enid enjoyed spending time with Eran Thouris, though the brathian negotiator was often busy, such as now. But the retired merchant was content merely to be present and soak up the energy of frenzied trading. It reminded her heavily of the old days, a young Enid fighting for every scrap of gold she could get her hands on.

The secret to the brathian conglomerate’s success seemed to be: they always brought that level of energy. No matter how much wealth they amassed, they were as hungry for the next sale as they were for their first.

“Have the table dressings arrived? I wanted to see the samples two hours ago!” Eran demanded.

“Not yet. There have been issues with the supplier….”

“Inform them we will be cutting their payment by twenty percent as per our contract. Timing of the delivery was stipulated very clearly.”

“They may not like that. What if they drag their feet even further?”

“That’s what the second, thirty percent delay penalty is for. Have the ants approved the proposed layout for the market?”

“They have.”

Eran made a humming noise of approval.

“It’s wonderful to work with people who understand the importance of a prompt response.”

Enid smiled. The Colony loved being organised. They were likely just as appreciative of the brathian obsession with logistics.

“You seem to be putting more attention into this stop than the others,” Enid observed.

Eran turned to her.

Silver City. As much as it pains me to admit it, this is the richest city in the world. Even a small slice of the market here will be as

the beating heart of the Atreum empire was an incredible sight to behold. Enid had sat and watched the gate network in action, a vast number of people coming and going constantly, even at night. The docks were just as

a remarkable place,” Enid sighed. “I

The brathian smirked.

can practically smell it. If all goes well, the Colony will see an influx of cores

misappropriated from Royal Road; report any

which would flow to the grubs, empowering the next generations of ants. It would be interesting to see what sort of difference this trade mission would make to the Colony. So far, they had subsided purely on what they could gain for themselves by harvesting the Dungeon. Enid believed they would be shocked

samples

“Finally! Let me see.”

his face. The Eran was not in a forgiving mood, stalking around the stalls with a critical eye. The lace

were legitimate, but only barely. To the Eran’s eye, even the the slightest issue was as glaring as an ink stain on

only begrudgingly. Had the contracts not already been signed, the formidable brathian would surely have demanded

you decided on a venue?” Enid asked when the inspection

was booked before we departed the Conglomerate,” Eran replied with

a

a prestigious and beloved venue here in the Silver City. Just being there will draw many eyes and increase our

seems things are

the vault,” Eran cautioned. “There is still much to be done. How is Anthony, by

isolation somewhat,” Enid replied after a moment of thought. “He doesn’t cope well when he can’t move around, in

Eran nodded.