'So far, I've spoken to more than fifteen people about the Flame Wreathed Serpent and Mystic Emporium. None of them seemed to have any direct dealings with either of the Merchant Groups; however, there is one consistent point that's partly concerning.'
Linkin discovered that the two Merchant Groups had a reputation for being ruthless and cunning in their business dealings. Many of the people he spoke to displayed signs of being wary of the Merchant Groups, but no one could provide any concrete information about them, let alone give away any possible hints about their intentions toward Lovell's smithy.
'Based on what I've been hearing about the reputation of both groups, even if someone could provide any useful information, it doesn't mean that they would be willing to do so. But there's still something that's bothering me. For having a known reputation of being ruthless, they sure are using a gentle hand in their approach. Unless the word ruthless has a different meaning in this world, there has to be a reason why they're behaving themselves.'
The Merchant's Guild had rules in place, sure, but there were always workarounds or loopholes when it came to things like that. As long as a Merchant Group had the slightest bit of competence, it would not be hard for them to find gray areas to work in.
'If they are showing signs of irregular behavior, it's probably something that they prefer to keep concealed. If it's to avoid the watchful gaze of the competition, the pieces start to fall in place. The question is, what's so valuable that a Junior Merchant Group like the Mystic Emporium wants to get their hands on it? Also, why go through the trouble of using a Class 3 Merchant Group like the Flame Wreathed Serpent?
"Exactly whose gaze are they trying to avoid..." Linkin muttered to himself with furrowed brows.
A few moments later, Linkin shook his head and sighed.
'It's no use. I still need more information. I have to talk to someone who knows more about the Mystic Emporium or Flame Wreathed Serpent. But who...'
Linkin abruptly halted his steps as a look of realization formed on his face.
"Ha, I'm a damned fool... If it's a Class 3 Merchant Group we're talking about, don't I already have a generous benefactor who I can extract some information from?" Linkin said to himself with a grin.
'I'll have to be a bit mindful not to speak too carelessly, though; it's well worth the potential risk.'
The person that popped into Linkin's mind was, of course, the leader of the Class 3 Merchant Group, Emerald Elephant, William.
'Since you've already handed me one gift, surely you won't be stingy the second time around, right? I won't even take any of your money this time, my generous benefactor.'
...
...
...
Around thirty minutes later...
"Welcome back to the Den of Everdreams, esteemed guest. We hope that enjoy your stay in our establishment this time as well." The young woman at the door, Asa, said with a polite bow.
Linkin arrived back at the Den of Everdreams. Of course, he made sure to return to his previous appearance before doing so.
'Let's hope he hasn't gone and run off somewhere.'
"Glad to be back," Linkin replied with a friendly smile as he casually strolled into the Den of Everdreams.
As Linkin walked into the establishment, his gaze immediately went over to where the Riza-Azir mats were located.
'Good, he's still here.'
"Riza." The Riza-Azir Dealer at the last mat called out the results of the game.
"Dammit, that's the third time in a row that I lost..! I wasn't able to get any closer to Sir Augustus; that strange guy scammed me out of 1 tousai, and now this...Today's just not my day." William grumbled while sitting at the tatami.
He released a heavy sigh and continued, "Well, I guess it isn't all bad. At least I managed to sell off that contract and get back the 1 tousai I lost to that guy. I don't know why the owner of the Den of Everdreams wanted to purchase the contract rights, but it's got nothing to do with me anymore. Alright, that settles it! I'll play a few more games and then go drink my fill into the night to cheer up!"
"If you're going to drink your fill, got room for one more?" A voice sounded from next to William.
"Hahaha, drinks are best enjoyed in the company of others. The more, the merrier-" William responded without thinking; however, he abruptly pause midway through his sentence.
"Wait, this voice—why does it sound familiar?" William thought to himself as he turned his head to his side.
William was greeted by the sight of a friendly smiling Linkin sitting beside him on the tatami mat.