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.

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

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

truly is a remarkable place,” Enid sighed. “I certainly hope

The brathian smirked.

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

content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story

the Colony. So far, they had subsided purely on what they could gain for themselves by harvesting the Dungeon.

samples have

“Finally! Let me see.”

was not in a forgiving mood, stalking around the

barely. To the Eran’s eye, even the the slightest issue

begrudgingly. Had the contracts not already

you decided on a venue?” Enid asked when

was booked before we

presume that is a

great thing. It cost a fortune, but it’s well worth it. The Dome is a prestigious and

are going

to be done. How is Anthony, by the way? I

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

Eran nodded.