Alden snorted
[she wanted to take the healing potion forcibly, but I intercepted her]
[she couldn't sense me doing so]
[it shows she is cautious enough and not that strong to risk it]
[judging by how she reacted, it means the Apothecary guild conveyed her to retrieve the potion at all cost]
[which means the healing potions price is more than just 3500 gold]
[but....there should be more to this story than it seems] Alden thought;
He searched his mind for why the Apothecary guild was agitated during their meeting. Ever since, he had received a letter from Sambor, describing his journey to the capital and establishing a connection with the Apothecary guild.
Alden had thoughts that perhaps it was too soon to tie his relations with the most prominent traders of the capital. With little information on the Apothecary guild, Alden felt it was strange.
But then his misconduct and title would not attract many unwanted pests, If he secretly made deals with them. Therefore Alden felt joy when they decided to visit him. He thought maybe if he had given them a hint that he was not the one that made the vial of kindred spirit. But he would promise them an endless supply could at least suffice.
Yet after meeting the Apothecary guild, Alden confirmed an inkling feeling that the Apothecary guild is not one to take him as someone worthy of a business deal. He had read too many novels to know where this would lead if he outright just did as they asked.
As the real mastermind behind the healing potion, they disregarded him completely and underestimated him. Alden decided to change his plans. He chose to have fun with them soon.
[haha gold or no gold]
[you people will help me in the upcoming choas] Alden smirked; he turned his eyes toward the frightened Lucas and winked at him.
Lucas, who starred at his lord for an answer to what to do in such an uncouth predicament, held the medium chest tightly. His expression revealed fear.
He was well aware of the hidden agenda of those guests from the capital. They are the Apothecary Guild, after all, and they would no doubt kill him for these potions on his hands. It was enough for them to tolerate his lord, who does not even seem to be ten years age. Yet to accept him for carrying such a precious healing potion is enough for them to risk it all and take it.
Lucas knew what his lord was doing was beyond his capabilities; his worries and stress had put him at an edge ever since he saw the elf woman. He knew the type of ranking the elves held within this kingdom, and he knew what desecration would come of it if his lord had done something impulsively or outrightly anger her.
To his hope, his lord had winked at him and assured him that he would not do something that would endanger them. Lucas sighed with relief and dared not move.
The young man stood up from his seat and walked close to Lucas while the rest were trying to bury the awkward silence; they continued to chat among themselves. neglecting on what had occurred was to be buried with the past
Bringing about Alden's curiosity to its peak. He was sure he missed some hidden meaning to this, yet a small smile escaped him.
[I'll find out sooner rather than later] He thought
"May I," The young man said, bringing Lucas's attention to the young man. He quickly handed the chest that his lord had tasked him to retrieve. Lucas bowed and walked beside Alden. Alden noticed Lucas shivering hands at his peripheral and became even more curious.
The young man who had held the medium chest on his spoke with delight,
"Thank you, young lord Alden."
"Caiden, if you don't mind," The young man spoke to one of the guests that arrived with him. Caiden was the old man beside Sambor; he retrieved another bag of holding and handed it to Sambor.
Sambor does not dare to cause unrest to his lord. As the middle man between the Apothecary guild and the lord of the city, his task was not all that difficult; he is clever after all. He watched what had transpired and feigned ignorance like the rest of them. He knew too well how his lord does not like to be looked down on by most noble. And he knew all too well who to take sides with.
And as such, the tradition is conducted; Sambor took the gold and handed it to Lucas. Lucas took the gold and offered it to Alden.
The elf woman had received the fine engraving medium chest and outrightly held it tight. She did not open it, nor did she inspect it. She merely held it in her arms tightly and stood up from her seat. She looked towards Alden and nodded at Alden; surprised by her action, Alden nodded back.
[She most be impatient to leave] Alden thought
"Young lord Alden thank you for the business conduct."
"Although we have traveled far from the capital, our venture was not in vain."
"On behalf of our guild, we would like to express our gratitude by attending towards our lodging in Summer city."
"As the lord of the city, with your permission, of course." the young man spoke.
'of course, you may stay in the city for as long as you see fit,' Alden replied
"Much gratitude" The young man smiled and thanked Alden. He then proceeds to tend to the elf women who had already started to walk towards the entrance. Now that she had gotten what she needed and had little regard for anyone, she strides with elegance and demeanor.
The rest of the guests from the capital did the same; they were in a disordered hurry to catch up towards the elf woman. Sambor and Lucas were puzzled; they too thought perhaps the people from the capital would like at least show a courtesy.
On the other hand, Alden suddenly whispered enough for Lucas to hear.
'Of course, think of this as the last batch.'
Lucas looked at his lord and could not understand why he would say such a thing. He stared at Alden for a while, trying to grasp the mean behind what he had spoken; after finding nothing, he just sighed with relief to at least the elf woman had left.