Zonna's last day before the Academy began began with a visit to Etiene, who had returned from the mage tower. She managed to pass the ritual and now became one of them. In addition, Etiene was also taught simple mana control. Now that she has become a mage, she will have to divide her time between studying at the school and the tower. Only after receiving proper training from magus could someone call themselves a mage. The proof of this was a medallion in the shape of a circle. It was a magical item that, upon contact with the owner's mana, glowed blue. Other mana lit it up white.
Etiene, upon hearing of Zonna's day yesterday, demanded that she go to the forge. She wanted to see Sirius in person and listen to his apology. After going there, they found him there helping to clean up. Zonna introduced everyone.
"Etiene this is Hanes, the local blacksmith with whom I will be doing business. Sirius I don't think I need to introduce you. This is my friend Etiene, princess of Sangeria."
The older woman shyly nodded toward Hanes, who reciprocated the gesture, but at the sight of Sirius she scowled. She was reminded of the scene from a month ago and how he treated her and Zonna.
The young man, seeing Etiene's aggravated expression, did not hesitate but bowed his head and said:
"I apologize for my inappropriate behavior toward you in the arena and ask for your forgiveness." He quickly said the apology.
Etiene, seeing the sincerity in Sirius' behavior, cheered up. "Alright, I don't see any point in dragging this matter out. Just remember for the future that not every nobleman is as forgiving as me and Zonna. There will be those who want to get back at you or kill you." She accepted the apology while warning him.
"Well, now that we've got that behind us, I'd like to congratulate you on a beautiful punch, miss." Hanes began with a smile while looking at Sirius. "There are still stories circulating in the city how the greatest talent in swordsmanship received a blow from a woman right in the face." Finished, he started laughing loudly.
Etiene became embarrassed and reddened, and Sirius coolly looked at his benefactor. Seeing this scene made Zonna's heart warm. Despite being away from her family and her beloved, she is beginning to find Maji by whom she will not feel lonely being away from home.
Zonna and Etiene stayed at the forge for some time asking Hanes about his wares. Both princesses asked him to make weapons for them. The former wanted a sword and the latter a dagger. They then said their goodbyes and headed toward the restaurant where the meeting with the marquis was to take place.
When Hanes and Sirius alone remained in the forge, the experienced blacksmith said:
"You should keep in touch with them, even try to make friends with them. Many nobles, and in our country magnates, treat ordinary people like us down. They consider themselves superior."
"I know you've told me this many times, and you've also told me yourself." The younger Nord nodded.
"But not them. Relationship with these two young women will help fulfill your ambition to become the best sword master in Altea. They can open up resources hitherto unavailable to you, and being by their side can give you more experience than you could ever get in the Republic."
"What are you trying to say?" Sirius did not understand Hanes' intentions.
"What I mean is that if one of them offers you to go to her kingdom or become her warrior you should accept such an offer." He said with complete seriousness while looking deeply into the swordsman's eyes.
"Don't you think it's too early for that? It will be five years before the Academy ends. It's not clear if I'll still be in contact with them, besides, we've only just met." The young Nord noted.
"You never know what life will bring. Besides, this is your opportunity getting to know Maji like them and you must not waste it. I know you're a bright kid, but sometimes you don't see everything. I want you, in a fit of pride or under the influence of other emotions, not to miss your chance. Keep your head open to different circumstances and think about potential options. That's all I want." Hanes concluded, leaving Sirius alone to think over his words.
Zonna and Etiene sat at a table, sipping tea. They ordered it while waiting for Segge. The older of the princesses initially wanted to leave her friend alone so as not to barge in to meet the marquis, but the younger of the women convinced her to stay. Zonna wanted to introduce them to each other to show Segge that she would expand her family's influence through her contacts.
After a few minutes, the young marquis appeared, accompanied by a butler and, curiously enough, a mage who was clearly acting as a bodyguard. This sowed his standing in his homeland. The young man smiled and greeted the Nords.
"It is an honor for me to have two princesses waiting for me. Hello Zonna, and this must be Etiene Zerom correct?" He asked, clearly knowing who he might meet in her company.
"Yes it's my friend Etiene, Princess of Sangeria, but you already know that. You must have checked the information on me as I see marquis" Zonna asked, not surprised by the situation.
"For those who participate in the trade, information is very important. In addition, I have many friends in Raalo and it was not a problem to find out more about you. I like to be well informed about my interlocutors. That being said, I would still like to say hello to the three mages here."
He interrupted his speech to greet the magis then continued. "If I'm not mistaken princess Zonna, you were interested in the goods that my family sells throughout Altea. Am I correct?" Segga asked the younger woman. His family catches large quantities of fish. Lake Mocomacodu is very abundant in them, and they have never been seen to decrease in quantity. The workings of magic are even suspected. As a result, the Opinuer family was always looking for new customers.
"At our first meeting, you didn't seem so bright." Remarked Zonna, suspecting that she was only now seeing the young marquis' true face. "That's right I'm interested in buying fish from you. Moreover, looking at your current attitude, I would be happy to make a longer acquaintance with you. It is rare to find Maji who can get information so quickly."
"I also hope for a long-term relationship with you. I think someone as talented as you will achieve great things. I am willing to sit down with you to negotiate a contract for the purchase of fish. However, I warn you that I will not be swayed by your charms and give you a better offer." Segga smiled, but Zonna saw beneath the smile the face of a hungry wolf ready to pounce on its prey. She was sure he cared about this deal.
Watching from the sidelines, Etiene watched the negotiations unfold. She had to admit that they had more talent and experience in this matter than she did. Zonna had been settling the affairs of her subjects and negotiating various ventures with the nobility for some time. And Segga, despite his still young age, was a seasoned merchant.
The negotiations lasted more than two hours. They agreed on prices for all species of fish and the size of their supply. Zonna managed to sign a contract for both herself and Balmaszeglodia. She was very pleased with the terms she was able to achieve. In addition, Etiene offered support of Sangeria in transportation through Alliance territory in exchange for a price acceptable to both sides. The older woman may not have been heir to the throne, but her brother, Tomaz, empowered her to make deals she deemed beneficial to her country.
After the trade talks were over, they all had lunch and said their goodbyes. Zonna returned to her residence, where one of the maids said a letter had arrived for her. She was curious if it was from her parents or Enzo.