Without hesitation, Kyzer took the mana storage box from Ritzy's hand. Examining furiously, his eyes lit up with joy every second he studied the item.
Kyzer,
"This is a wonderful mana item, from its intricate design and pristine state. It would be worth at least six platinum coins!".
Ritzy,
"I guessed the same price as well. Since we're trading, I leave the extra coins with you. But in return, can you fill the boat with supplies we need for travels. Also, can you recommend an experienced crew?".
Kyzer,
"Of course!".
Kyzer placed his fist on his chest and stood with his back straight.
"I'll have the crew in by tomorrow, I'll use the extra coins for the supplies and hire the crewmates for a month. That way you don't have to worry about hiring new ones on your return to the city".
Kyzer's thoughts,
'This is perfect! Using my own guild members will give me endless benefits. If Ritzy receives good workers, he'll become grateful! When they return, my guild members will quickly notify me that Ritzy arrived. Best of all, they can brag about me while they are with Ritzy!'.
Ritzy internally snickered, he knew Kyzer's plot but at the same time, it doesn't matter too much.
"That's good, now I won't have to go through the trouble of selling it... So will everything be ready for tomorrow?".
Kyzer,
"Yes, it'll be at the dock nearby that we own. Just say your name and the person will lead you to your ship. But please wait till noon, I need to notify the people joining your voyage and give them some time to prepare".
Ritzy,
"Since everything is in order, I think we'll part ways here".
Kyzer,
"It was a pleasure doing business with you, I bid you a good night's rest".
....
In the dark streets, Ritzy and Scarlett were walking side by side. Ritzy was carefree since he felt no dangerous presence nearby but Scarlet was very nervous. She looked at all directions and made sure to never be further than two steps from Ritzy.
Taking another step, Ritzy picked up a group of people inside a clothes shop up ahead. Ritzy and Scarlett were currently passing through the common district between the docks to the inn. The common district was an area were commoners were lines of shops that sold basic necessities to commoners. Sometimes there were stores for unique items and blacks smiths but they weren't overly expensive or renowned.
These kinds of stores are usually never open at night so this made Ritzy cautious. Not daring to be careless, Ritzy expanded his mana presence. He wasn't sure if they were the only dangerous variable.
Surely enough, expanding his mana presence picked up two other stores with a couple of people inside each. Almost each and every one of them was tightening their grip on their weapons, but the few who weren't are the ones Ritzy paid most attention to. A stable weapon is an experienced weapon.
Ritzy's mind,
'These people are planning to ambush somebody but who exactly?'
Not having enough answers, Ritzy decided to avoid the situation entirely. Not hesitating, Ritzy took a left turn into an alleyway. This confused Scarlett but currently Ritzy was her only protection so she followed.
Scarlett,
"Are we going somewhere else Ritzy?".
Ritzy,
"I feel like taking this detour".
Going through the alley, they entered into the coastal street. This street was located right on the beach with small stores on one side of the street for mostly food, renting beach apparel, or other trinkets.
Scarlett was instantly enthralled with the scenery. The clean sand, stone pathway, gentle waves, and moonlight being reflected by the ocean was mesmerizing to her. She was a controlled bred slave in the Pheonix kingdom and the merchant guild would mainly keep her on the mainland.
The few times she did come to the Phoenix Kingdom coast, she would be drastically busy and nowhere near the beachside. Scarlet has seen the ocean before, but only at a distance. Now that she had the beach in front of her, seeing the ocean again but in all its glory gave her a new feeling.
Scarlett's mind,
'Did he do this on purpose? No, it's been proven again, and again he doesn't care about being kind. Wait, maybe he's trying to woo me! Since Caroline made a deal with him and nobles are true to their word, Ritzy wouldn't force himself on me like normal slaves. Does this mean his sudden detour into this beautiful area signify he likes me!?'.
Scarlett looked at Ritzy while walking and noticed he wasn't looking around at all. More importantly, she noticed she was walking slower than usual and Ritzy was matching her speed.
Scarlett's mind,
'He does! It can't be a coincidence'.
Ritzy's mind,
'Which of my magic items is the cheapest one I have? Maybe I should go early in the morning and see if anyone is willing to buy one while looking for a cheaper version to give away. That way I at least keep some worth of the mana item'.
Walking down the coast, Scarlett brought herself closer to Ritzy. Now she was only inches away from him and the only thing keeping them apart was her hesitation to make the first move.
Scarlett's mind,
'I've never felt this before. Nobles were always disgusting and overbearing beings who only lusted for my body. Luckily my medical magic was too important to take my time away from the frontlines to do their horrible desires'.
'But now, the first time someone can do whatever they want with me. He doesn't take advantage of it and instead is nice, respectful, and caring'.
Looking at Ritzy, this time she noticed his lips. Her mind was flourished with romantic fantasies.