<CHAPTER 9>
“So, what is it that you want?”
“I thought you’d ask how to get back at the head of the Laos Merchant Guild first.”
Alosha had expected him to squeeze the information out of her and then shut her out without offering anything in return.
Instead, he unexpectedly asked what she wanted in exchange.
He’s… surprisingly reasonable.
For a brief moment, she felt a little guilty for judging him based solely on his appearance.
The moment that thought crossed her mind, the head of the Auclair Merchant Guild slapped his thigh and burst into hearty laughter.
“Haha! I have a good eye for people. Looking at how confident you are, my lady, I doubt you’d answer so easily even if I asked.”
“As expected of the head of the Auclair Merchant Guild! People have always said I’m someone who knows exactly what she’s doing.”
Alosha wasn’t someone who could be fooled easily.
She had successfully argued for refunds at notorious shopping districts back in her previous life, and she’d even walked away unharmed after being cornered by pyramid schemes and religious recruiters.
“Exactly! Besides, if you want to teach that Laos guild master a lesson, then he must’ve done something to make you angry as well. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
“Well… that rude— I mean, that guild master just irritates me with every little thing he does.”
Apparently, that was exactly the answer he wanted.
The Auclair guild master’s grin stretched nearly from ear to ear.
“So then, what do you desire? Tell me what you want, and I’ll do my best to accommodate you.”
“What do you mean? Shouldn’t the Auclair Merchant Guild be the one making the first offer?”
‘So… what’s your budget?’
In any negotiation, the one who holds the initiative controls the game.
Everyone comes to the table with different calculations.
Revealing what you want first was no different from playing poker with all your cards face-up.
The guild master looked momentarily caught off guard before instantly replacing it with the polished smile of a seasoned capitalist.
“Then… may I at least hear how valuable this information is before deciding?”
“The Laos Merchant Guild has spent years investing enormous amounts of money and time searching for a certain item.”
“…We already know that much. Surely you didn’t come all the way here to sell us such old information. Wait… don’t tell me…”
“That’s right. I know exactly what it is… and where it is.”
Strictly speaking, she already possessed it.
But Alosha simply smiled proudly at the merchant.
Like a villain plotting some grand scheme, she almost wanted to let out a dramatic Heh… heh… heh…
Seeing that the young lady had revealed something far more valuable than expected, the Auclair guild master swallowed hard.
If I can win this girl over, I’ll obtain the Phoenix Ring before that insufferable brat does.
Then I’ll be able to reopen trade with the desert kingdom of Hamusha.
And if my guild secures that deal… I’ll finally smash Emil where it hurts.
The mere thought made his excitement rise.
“In exchange for your information… how about our guild provides you with dresses and jewelry you’ll adore for the rest of your life?”
It sounded rather excessive.
But if it meant obtaining the symbol that would reopen trade with Hamusha after so many years, it was a bargain.
“Do you think I came here because I don’t have enough dresses or jewelry?”
“Of course not. But the items handled by the Auclair Merchant Guild are treasures worthy of supplying the imperial family and the highest-ranking nobles. They’re on an entirely different level from the ordinary things you already own. Every season, you’d be the first to wear the newest gowns and jewels. Surely that’s an offer any young lady would find irresistible?”
She had only come here to provoke the Laos Merchant Guild in the first place.
But being treated like an idiot this openly?
That she couldn’t tolerate.
“I came here because I heard your merchant guild was famous throughout the Empire… but you’re rather disappointing.”
“Disappointing? You’re still young, so perhaps you don’t understand. No other guild would make such a generous offer based solely on the word of a young lady they’ve just met. What do you think? It’s quite a remarkable deal.”
Whenever you treated some people kindly, they immediately mistook you for an easy mark.
Just as I thought. Physiognomy never lies.
Once again reaffirming her faith in utterly questionable pseudoscience, Alosha rose from her seat.
“It seems the Auclair Merchant Guild doesn’t understand the true value of my information. I’ll simply find another guild willing to pay its worth.”
The guild master, who had already been dreaming of becoming immensely wealthy through Hamusha trade, paled.
“W-What? Please, wait! If you leave like this… what am I supposed to do?”
Panicking, the burly merchant surprisingly darted across the room and blocked her path to the door.
“I already gave you one opportunity. You’re the ones who threw it away. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
“Wait! My lady! If dresses and jewelry aren’t enough… how about furniture? Or perhaps an excellent marriage prospect? My lady! Please!”
Ignoring his desperate pleas, Alosha walked straight out of the building.
She had already spent enough time here.
Now all that remained was to sit quietly at a nearby café…
…and wait for the prey she’d been baiting to come to her.
He’s definitely watching me from somewhere.
For a fleeting moment, she’d actually considered selling the ring to Auclair out of spite.
But just as Dain had somehow managed to deliver the bracelet to her, the Phoenix Ring would inevitably end up in the Laos Merchant Guild’s hands anyway.
There was no point complicating the story unnecessarily.
“Ah… I should’ve come to Auclair from the beginning. I wasted all that money going to Laos for nothing.”
To make it appear as though the negotiations had been a complete success, Alosha put on the most satisfied smile she could manage.
Perfect. That looked completely natural.
Whoever had been secretly observing her would surely report back:
“It appears Lady Nocturne has successfully concluded negotiations regarding the Phoenix Ring.”
Imagining Emil rushing over the moment he heard that report, Alosha happily settled beside the window of an elegant café overlooking the plaza and began to wait.
She finished one cup of tea.
Then another.
Still, no one came.
He should’ve been here by now…
If patience truly brought blessings…
Then Alosha deserved far more than anyone else.
“Should I really just hand it over to someone else?”
The instant she muttered that, footsteps echoed up the staircase.
There you are. I knew you wouldn’t stay away.
Taking a slow, calming breath to suppress her anxiety, Alosha turned toward the window and casually sipped her tea, pretending to know nothing.
“Good afternoon. Fancy meeting you here again.”
“Oh, hello. Guild Master Laos… did you come all the way here to enjoy tea… all by yourself?”
Her elegant phrasing translated to one simple question:
‘What is a man like you doing in a café full of ladies?’
Understanding the hidden jab, Emil smiled and approached her table.
“Not exactly. I wasn’t here for tea. I happened to notice Lady Nocturne sitting on the second floor as I passed by, so I thought I’d come say hello.”
One corner of Alosha’s lips curled upward.
Yeah, right.
Her seat was by the window…
But the terrace blocked most of the second floor from view.
It was such an obvious lie that it was almost shameless.
Still, she simply smiled as though she believed him.
“I see. Well, you’ve said hello now. Shouldn’t you be on your way?”
“Haha. Since fate has brought us together again, would you honor me with a cup of tea?”
His polite demeanor almost softened her anger.
Almost.
Not until she got what she wanted.
“I’m sorry, but I’m waiting for someone.”
She made sure the unspoken words were perfectly clear.
And that someone certainly isn’t you.
Yet despite the unmistakable rejection, Emil calmly took the seat across from her.
“…I don’t recall inviting you to sit.”
“I believe I’ve offended you somehow, my lady. I’d like the chance to speak with you.”
His sincerity erased every trace of expression from Alosha’s face.
“Really? I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“What must I do for you to forgive me? Name your terms, and I’ll do everything within my power.”
She briefly considered making him suffer a little longer.
After how furious he’d made her, watching him squirm had its appeal.
But dragging this battle of nerves out any further would only become tiresome.
She decided to let him off… a little.
“Go on.”
“I heard you offered to hand the Phoenix Ring over to the Auclair Merchant Guild simply to get back at me.”
“…You’ve had someone following me?”
“For your safety.”
She had only left the merchant guild a few hours ago.
Yet he already knew that much.
Figures.
Someone this capable had to be the source of Dain’s information… and his financial backing as well.
Satisfied that she’d judged him correctly, Alosha nodded to herself.
Emil spoke again.
“I also heard you left the Auclair Merchant Guild looking very pleased. It seems they offered you quite favorable terms.”
“Certainly better than a certain merchant guild that told me they weren’t interested and threw me out. At least they offered me something to drink.”
What she really meant was:
‘Weren’t you the one who claimed you had no interest in my information? You couldn’t even spare me a glass of water before kicking me out.’
The noble-style sarcasm landed perfectly.
Emil’s expression stiffened.
“You misunderstand. I desire that ring more than anyone.”
“Then why did you send me away?”
“Because I’m a merchant. Do you know how many strangers have walked through my doors claiming they possessed the Phoenix Ring and wanted to sell it? I believed you were a swindler.”
“A swindler? Have you ever seen a swindler this cute and beautiful?”
“Appearance has nothing to do with fraud. Though… the more beautiful or handsome someone is, the easier it is for people to lower their guard.”
His argument was frustratingly reasonable.
Alosha pressed her lips together, unable to think of a comeback.
