"Hakkar, I found more drapa plants over by the creek." Ulta said to me.
"Good job Ulta, now all we have to do is bring them over to the envoy." I responded.
Lying on the ground in front of us were 3 medium-sized pouches filled to the brim with herbs/plants. They contained 3 types of herbs/plants that the envoy considers useful.
"With this, I'll be able to bring home a good present for Mother." I said with a smile on my face.
"I thought you were gonna get food?" Ulta said.
"I still am, but I promised Mother I would get her a gift since she allowed me to leave early today."
"Awww, can I get a gift?"
"No. Now come on we're going to be late."
*****
When Ulta and I arrived, we were greeted with a bustling environment that seemed foreign to our tiny village. Tribesmen were haggling with stall owners, and some were already trading precious items for necessities.
'It still blows my mind that the Envoy has to learn every tribal language in the area, just to trade with everyone.'
As Ulta and I were walking around checking the stalls out, we ended up behind someone trading Uub antlers for a new bow and quiver.
When it was our turn we stepped up to the stall and looked at the goods on the table.
"What are you doing kid? Where are your parents?" The stall owner said.
"I have items to barter so I was just checking out your stock. Can I, not barter?" I responded.
"No no, I just wasn't expecting such young customers. Hahaha, you tribal kids sure do grow up fast."
I stopped listening toward the end and focused solely on the goods. As I scanned through the items, I saw nothing of interest and proceeded on to the next.
There were at least 15 stalls at the front of our small village, and each of them sold their own goods. I thought I'd be able to find an accessory for Mother, but none of them were selling any. I guess most of the women around here don't try to look pretty, so what's the point of putting out such a product?
As I was nearing the end of the stalls, a large man who would've towered over Father, stopped me.
"Hey kid, I remember you." He said.
'Is that the whole sentence? You're not gonna elaborate any more than that? Great, not only are you taller than Father, but you're also duller."
"Yes? Who might you be?" I responded.
"Oh, my name is Victor and I'm here for you."
"..."
"JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU NEED ALREADY!!" I screamed.
"Ah sorry, let me take you to the boss."
'Still no explanation? Whatever, if it's the manager of the envoy he's talking about then I'll gladly go.'
Ulta and I followed him until we stood in front of a large carriage. The large man proceeded to knock on the carriage door until a voice came out.
"Victor you dunce! All you have to do is knock on the door once." A strict voice said.
"Sorry boss."
"Whatever, let the kids in."
After the person spoke, Victor ushered us into the carriage. When we sat down I couldn't help but have a forced smile plastered across my face.
"I'm happy to see you again Mr. Auger, what might be the special occasion this time?." I asked.
The man that sat across from me is none other than the manager of the envoy, and somebody who I don't have a great relationship with. Last year, he was the one who found me digging through his food supplies. Although I don't like this man for what he made my parents do, I understand why he had to do it at the same time. All I have to do is not make a scene and force my parents into the same situation.
"Special? There most certainly wasn't anything special about last time, and there won't be anything special this time... well for me." He said while leaning back.
'Even just him sitting there gives me the creeps.'
Since he's a noble from the empire it makes him even more imposing. Not to mention that scar he's got.
Currently, he's wearing a beautifully made suit and tie that's been paired with a black button-up coat. His short slicked-back black hair also pairs nicely with the outfit. You'd think this is a dapper noble until you look at his face. On the right side of his face is a pure black eye, while on his left is a pure white one. On the left side of his face is a massive scar that encompasses more than 30% of his head, resulting in his blinded eye. This is... the man the Empire entrusted with being Manager of the envoy... Mr. Auger.
"What do you mean not special for yourself, Mr. Auger?"
"I guess a kid wouldn't understand, it means I have something that might interest you that I could care less about." He sat up while saying this.
He then proceeded to slide a tattered 'book' across the table while looking me in the eyes.
"What's this?" I questioned.
"It's what you're looking for the most right now... Magic!"
"What do you mean by that Mr. Auger?" I said in a lower tone.
"*Sigh* I hate explaining simple concepts to children. Remember when you went to every stall last year asking if they had magic items they could sell? Well, I heard about you, and started asking around. Eventually, I talked to the your Elder, and he told me all I needed to know. You my young man... possess little magic power." He said while smirking the whole time.
'That old geezer just had to run his mouth about me!'
"And what of it! Are you just here to make fun of me by flaunting this magical book in my face!?" I snapped back.
"Come now, I'm not that petty as to make fun of a pipsqueak for eating my private food supply."
I was starting to get seriously pissed. In my past life I was burdened by illness, and in this world, I'm burdened with little magical power. So for someone to make fun of the very thing I find sensitive... really pissed me off.
"Please get to the point Mr. Auger, or I'll have to report you to Father." Ulta spoke up.
"Tch, I guess it can't be helped. Well then boy, let me introduce you to... A World Gift."