After hearing the distressing news, Emery swiftly concluded the meeting and made his way toward his apothecary shop in Golden City. The Merlin's Shop had been a cornerstone of his financial stability, generating an impressive average income of 50 million spirit stones per month. The orchestrated attempt to close it down was a clear strategy to cripple his ability to pay off the half-billion spirit stones debt owed by the Terra faction.
The reason for the closure, as cited by the council, was the expiration of the shop's five-year permit. Additionally, the ongoing land dispute involving the Terra faction served as a convenient pretext for the council to justify their actions. Despite the blatant unfairness, the council had the legal grounds to prevent Emery from operating any business in Golden City under the current circumstances.
