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.

were important, and we made some good deals, but they were just rehearsals for the 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 profitable as the rest of the

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 busy, an endless flow of ships unloading cargo and people, tourists, merchants, monster hunters, all coming to see the sights

sighed. “I certainly hope you

The brathian smirked.

money on the line I can practically smell it. If all goes well, the Colony will see an influx

from Royal Road; report

trade mission would make to the Colony. So far, they had subsided purely on what they could gain for themselves by harvesting the Dungeon.

samples

“Finally! Let me see.”

mood, stalking around the stalls with a

but only barely. To the Eran’s eye, even

the contracts not already been signed, the formidable

on a venue?” Enid asked when

was booked before we departed the Conglomerate,”

a good thing?” Enid

Dome is a prestigious and

are going well,

not count our gold before it’s in the vault,” Eran cautioned. “There is still much to be done. How

a moment of thought. “He doesn’t

Eran nodded.